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What does it take to run one of the internet's most wholesome animated empires? Apparently, a lot of spicy chips.

Jenine Pastores and Josh Jackson are the creators behind Tubby Nugget, the tiny animated character whose relentless optimism and goofy sense of humor have helped him amass more than 14 million followers online. What started as an inside joke between the couple has since expanded into plushies, music videos, live events, and an increasingly ambitious animation operation.

SEE ALSO: How Tubby Nugget grew from a doodle into a beloved internet brand

But when Mashable asked Pastores and Jackson what creator essentials they couldn't live without, Pastores had one immediate problem with the premise. "You know what's funny? We make it from home," she said. "So I'm like, what's in our bag?"

As it turns out, quite a bit. There's the iPad Jackson uses to draw Tubby, Pastores's increasingly chaotic system for capturing ideas, an emergency kit worthy of a grandma's purse, and enough glasses wipes to theoretically last Jackson years — if he could stop losing them.

And, most importantly, there are snacks.

Tubby Nugget's creators share the essentials behind their wholesome empire. Credit: Ian Moore/Mashable/Getty Images/Grupo Bimbo Takis (but only as many as Josh allows) Takis 18 pc / 1 oz Variety Pack, Assorted Flavored Mixed Rolled Tortilla Chips – (5) Fuego, (5) Blue Heat, (4) Nitro, (4) Crunchy Fajitas $9.47 at Amazon
$9.97 Save $0.50   See It at Amazon

"It's gonna sound very Tubby Nugget, but it's snacks," Pastores said. "I feel like we cannot work without snacks."

For Pastores, that generally means spicy chips. Specifically, Takis. Unfortunately, Jackson has appointed himself the household's unofficial Takis regulator. "She eats a lot of Takis, and I often have to ration it for her because it gives her a stomachache," Jackson said.

Pastores immediately objected. "You want to know what he does to me? He hides the Takis on the top shelf because I can't reach it."

"Even with a ladder, she can't reach it," Jackson added.

"You didn't have to hear that part," Pastores said. "It's really sad."

Jackson's system has become surprisingly sophisticated. He portions the Takis into a small bowl rather than giving Pastores access to the entire bag. "I'm like, 'You can eat this many Takis,'" he said.

"No!" Pastores replied.

"This whole segment is gonna be Josh roasting me about my Takis obsession," she said. "You guys heard it first. Honestly, any spicy chips. It's pretty bad, but I love it. It's delicious."

An iPad and Procreate Apple iPad 11" A16 128GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Silver, 2025) $427 at Amazon
$449 Save $22   See It at Amazon See It at Walmart

There is, thankfully, some actual creator tech on the list. Jackson uses an iPad and Procreate to draw Tubby Nugget, making the device one of the more obvious necessities in their creative workflow.

"Josh draws everything on Procreate," Pastores said.

"Yeah, it's pretty essential," Jackson added. "It's what we do."

For a character that now exists across social media, merchandise, music videos, and the real world, a major part of the Tubby Nugget operation still comes down to Jackson sitting down and drawing on an iPad.

A journal and some extremely chaotic Apple Notes Artfan Bullet Dotted Journal $11.86 at Amazon
  See It at Amazon

Pastores needs somewhere to capture an idea whenever inspiration hits. "My journal, in case I have ideas," she said. "That's really important. My journal is very important to me."

She still keeps a physical journal, but increasingly, her ideas end up somewhere considerably less organized: the Notes app on her phone.

"I did start transitioning to using my Apple Notes," she said. "But it's like the nonsensical Apple Notes where it's just like, 'fire in kitchen.'"

No further explanation of "fire in kitchen" was provided.

A grandma-level emergency kit

Pastores describes herself as "a grandma with my purse," and she has the supplies to prove it. "I have my favorite pill box, which has every single pill imaginable that I might need," she said, listing staples like Advil, Benadryl, and Allegra.

Jackson considered this a perfectly legitimate creator essential. "No, it is important. It is important," he said. "Most people are like, 'My camera,' and you're like, 'My pills.'"

Not every tool of the creator trade needs a charging cable.

So many glasses wipes Metene Lens Cleaner Wipes, Pre-Moistened Electronic Glasses Wipes, 300 Count $13.48 at Walmart
$25.99 Save $12.51   See It at Walmart

Jackson's essential is simple: glasses wipes. The problem is keeping track of them. "The man loses his glasses wipes constantly," Pastores said. "He has ordered the 12-pack maybe like 12 times."

Jackson disputed the frequency somewhat. "Two times a year, I order like a 12-pack of glasses wipes because every six months I lose all of them."

Pastores eventually finds them. "They're just all over our house," she said.

For now, Jackson's actual glasses remain decidedly low-tech. But when Mashable asked whether he'd ever try smart glasses, he was intrigued by one possibility.

"Maybe if we could do a Tubby AR and a real-life Tubby could be floating," Jackson said.

The pair already has a Tubby Nugget Snapchat filter, which got them thinking. "We have to work on this," Pastores said.

"Maybe Tubby AR," Jackson replied.

Add it to the bag.

The best early AirPods deals ahead of Prime Big Deal Days: Best overall deal Apple AirPods 4 $99 (save $30) Get Deal Best AirPods Pro deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $234 (save $15) Get Deal Best airpods max deal Apple AirPods Max 2 $479 (save $70) Get Deal

Don't be alarmed, but we're about a week away from October Prime Day.

The sale, officially dubbed Prime Big Deal Days, marks the start of the holiday shopping season, which is often a great time to grab tech like AirPods on sale.

The sale officially kicks off Oct. 6, but in the lead-up to the main event, our team will be tracking all the best AirPods deals. So far, we haven't seen any price drops on the newly announced AirPods 5 (more on that below), but we have seen some other promising price drops. As someone who tests and writes about headphones and earbuds year-round, I get why Apple users are willing to invest in AirPods. As a deals expert, I also much prefer to see folks grab AirPods on sale.

SEE ALSO: Early October Prime Day deals already live: Save on Apple, Beats, Fire TV, and Garmin

The key to shopping these sales smartly is grabbing deals at just the right time. That's why I've rounded up the three best AirPods deals live so far, plus the three that you can wait on for the time being. Check them out below, and be sure to follow more of Mashable's October Prime Day coverage.

Best AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $99 at Walmart
$129 Save $30   Get Deal Why we picked this

The humble AirPods 4. What they lack in active noise cancellation, they make up for in a more appealing price point of $99. With the release of the AirPods 5, these are the last AirPods available without ANC. Maybe that's ideal for you, or maybe you simply appreciate the lower price point. In either case, this is likely the last holiday shopping season you can grab these buds on sale. Just note, they are still far from their record low price of $69, but their availability may be limited as we get further into the shopping season — they've already sold out at Amazon.

More AirPods deals

• Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $234 $249 (save $15)

• Apple AirPods Max 2 — $479 $549 (save $70)

AirPods deals to wait for

• The AirPods 5 have only received one small deal — a $4 price drop — so far since their release on Sept. 18. Granted, they're still very new to the market, so even that price dip is notable. We're hoping that as we get further into holiday deal season, a slightly more substantial deal comes along.

• The AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case haven't dropped in price just yet, so we're not holding our breath that they will, especially since they're still brand new. That said, October Prime Day would be a very appropriate time for a surprise deal, so the chance that we see even a small dip isn't zero. At the very least, grabbing them at full price is still likely a better deal than grabbing the AirPods 4 with ANC on sale (more on that below).

• The AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation look like a good deal at $149 (down from $179), but there's a catch. Their newer analog, the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case, has a list price of $149 and comes with an improved feature set, including better active noise cancellation and sound quality, with the same battery life. In other words, the AirPods 4 with ANC would have to be cheaper than $149 for this to be a deal worth picking up.

A mukbang video can keep bringing in ad revenue long after the meal is over. For some Korean creators, those old uploads have become something to worry about.

Mukbang, a Korean portmanteau for "eating broadcast," took off in South Korea as a live format: A host would eat on camera and talk with viewers, turning a meal into something people could share from home. An enormous spread might catch someone's eye, but research on mukbang viewers suggests the conversation and sense of company help keep them watching.

On YouTube, those viewers can also bring in money. Creators in its Partner Program earn a share of ad revenue from eligible videos, even when the views come years after the upload. That makes a restriction on older videos a problem for a creator's income today.

SEE ALSO: YouTube just raised the bar for creators to earn ad revenue

Salppaejo, also known as DietJo, is dealing with exactly that uncertainty. The creator, whose channel has about 447,000 subscribers, said YouTube had suspended its monetization. "We have also stopped uploading videos because we do not know which ones might be penalized," she wrote in a community post, according to Seoul Economic Daily’s translation.

The concern isn't simply about eating a large amount of food on camera. YouTube's rules target eating-disorder content that depicts behaviors vulnerable viewers might imitate, including binge eating, hiding food, or tracking weight and weight loss. That distinction is becoming important for creators whose videos mix food with dieting or weight-loss content.

Miso, a diet and food YouTuber with about 100,000 subscribers, found herself sorting through four years of videos. In a Sept. 15 upload, she said YouTube first notified her of a guideline violation in mid-March and, later that month, told her that her channel's monetization would be temporarily suspended. She spent April contacting YouTube and appealing the decision before reviewing every video she had posted. "I reviewed all 667 videos on my channel and deleted 339 of them with tears in my eyes," she said.

Miso added that she had made some of those videos to share her own weight-loss experience. But since they included specific weight and diet figures, as well as descriptions of weight-loss routines, she said they could be risky for vulnerable viewers to imitate. What mattered in the YouTube review, as she understood it, was "not the creator’s intent, but rather how teenagers and viewers perceive the content." Mashable reached out to YouTube for more information about how it applies these rules but did not receive a response by press time.

The concern has reached muckbang creators at large. Tzuyang, one of South Korea’s best-known mukbang stars with 13.5 million subscribers, told viewers during a visit to an Incheon market, "I heard eating a lot isn’t the trend these days." She added, "I’ll try to be a YouTuber who eats a reasonable amount from now on." Then she ate fried chicken, spicy rice cakes, donuts, and several other dishes. There’s no indication YouTube has penalized her channel, but her joke shows that she’s following the conversation.

So what changed? In 2023, YouTube expanded its rules to prohibit disordered eating content that featured what it calls "imitable behavior" or actions vulnerable viewers might copy. Later that year, it updated its ad guidelines, stating that videos focused on eating disorders that depict such behavior "will not receive ad revenue." Under YouTube's current guidelines, examples that can affect ad eligibility include references to binge eating or hiding food, showing a lowest weight or BMI, and tracking weight-loss progress. YouTube also considers a video's title, thumbnail, description, and tags. (The rules don't amount to a ban on mukbangs overall, and there's no evidence that simply eating a large meal on camera automatically leads to demonetization.)

There's a lot at stake for YouTube, too. The company said videos with "mukbang" in the title drew more than 30 billion views worldwide from January through July 2024. But it also faces questions about the eating disorder content it recommends to young viewers. In a July 2026 study, researchers created accounts posing as 13-year-old girls. After those accounts watched a video featuring disordered eating, researchers found that an average of one in nine "Up Next" recommendations featured harmful eating disorder content.

For the creators in this story, the consequences are already concrete. The next change to mukbang may happen before anyone takes a bite. Creators can still film a meal, but they may think more carefully about how they portray excessive eating, as well as the titles and thumbnails associated with it — at least if they want to keep getting the views and ad dollars they're used to.

The best early October Prime Day Amazon device deals: Best Echo Device Deal Amazon Echo Dot $39.99 (save $40) Get Deal Best tablet deal Amazon Fire HD 10 $72.99 (save $82) Get Deal Best Fire TV deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $17.99 (save $32) Get Deal best blink camera deal Blink Outdoor 2K+ with free Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ $34.99 (save $134.99) Get Deal Best eero deal Amazon eero Pro 7 $224.99 (save $75) Get Deal

Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days (aka October Prime Day) is coming in hot, and with it, a boatload of discounts on Amazon's own devices. It officially runs from Oct. 6 through Oct. 7 this year and presents the perfect opportunity to kickstart your holiday shopping.

It only makes sense that Amazon offers the biggest markdowns on its own devices. And since Amazon decided to swiftly jack up prices across its hardware range last month by as much as 60% (!), the October Prime Day sale couldn't come at a better time.

Now that we're a week out from October Prime Day, Amazon is really rolling out its deals. While there are still no savings on Kindles, Echo devices are finally on sale. Not only can you save up to 50% on the Echo Dot, but the new Echo Dot Max and Echo Studio are also on sale. Plus, we've rounded up savings on Fire tablets, Blink cameras, Fire TV streaming sticks and soundbars, and eero devices.

Aside from devices themselves, Amazon's typical subscription deals for newcomers (and returning users) are already live. You can score three free months of Kindle Unlimited, four months of Audible Standard for 99 cents per month, or four free months of Amazon Music Unlimited.

We'll be tracking all the best Amazon device deals below, leading up to and throughout the Prime Big Deal Days sale. You do need to be a Prime member to score the biggest discounts during the event, so be sure to sign up before it kicks off.

Best Echo device deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Dot $39.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $40.00   Get Deal Why we like it

Finally! Amazon's Echo devices are officially on sale ahead of Prime Big Deal Days. Right now, grab the Amazon Echo Dot for just $39.99. While that's not the lowest sale price we've ever spotted on the Echo Dot, it's the best price since Amazon increased prices on its devices.

The Echo Dot is a perfectly compact smart speaker. Plus, it's compatible with Alexa+, a smarter home assistant that helps you do everything from meal planning to booking dinner reservations.

More Echo device deals

• Amazon Echo Pop Kids — $21.99 $49.99 (save $28)

• Amazon Echo Dot Kids — $39.99 $89.99 (save $50)

• Amazon Echo Spot — $54.99 $109.99 (save $55)

• Amazon Echo Show 5 — $59.99 $99.99 (save $40)

• Amazon Echo Show 5 Kids — $59.99 $109.99 (save $50)

• Amazon Echo Dot Max — $79.99 $119.99 (save $40)

• Amazon Echo Show 11 — $149.99 $249.99 (save $100)

• Amazon Echo Studio — $179.99 $219.99 (save $40)

• Amazon Echo Show 21 — $349.99 $499.99 (save $150)

Best Fire tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet $72.99 at Amazon
$154.99 Save $82.00   Get Deal Why we like it

While it's hardly a new device, the Fire HD 10 tablet is still a solid pick for anyone who just wants a tablet to stream shows, check emails, and browse social media. Mashable's reviewer SaVanna Shoemaker called it "lighter and faster than its predecessors, with a long battery life and vivid picture that makes it great for on-the-go entertainment." Compared to other well-known tablets, she also adds that it's an "excellent value." It's not going to knock your socks off, but it'll get the job done and won't break the bank — especially now that it's on sale for only $72.99, a full 53% off its list price.

More Fire tablet deals

• Amazon Fire 7 Kids — $54.99 $99.99 (save $45)

• Amazon Fire HD 8 — $79.99 $129.99 (save $50)

• Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids — $94.99 $169.99 (save $75)

• Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro — $89.99 $169.99 (save $80)

• Limited Edition Harry Potter Amazon Fire HD 10 — $132.99 $189.99 (save $57)

Best Fire TV Stick deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $17.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $32   Get Deal Why we like it

The entire Fire TV Stick lineup was affected by the August price hike, so we're surprised that the discounts are still at pre-hike levels. Prime members can score the 4K Select for only $17.99, which is 64% in savings.

The 4K Select is Amazon's newest 4K Fire TV Stick with HDR10+ support and the first to feature its new Linux-based operating system. That means a few things: it's speedier and more streamlined than older Fire Sticks, but also more limited. If you like sideloading apps, this streaming stick won't let you (go with the 4K Plus instead). It also offers support for Alexa+, Amazon Kids+, Amazon Luna, Xbox Game Pass, and NordVPN.

More Fire TV deals

• Amazon Fire TV Stick HD — $15.99 $39.99 (save $24)

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $37.99 $69.99 (save $32)

• Amazon Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote Pro — $19.99 $34.99 (save $15)

• Amazon Fire TV Soundbar — $79.99 $119.99 (save $40)

• Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus — $144.99 $249.99 (save $105)

Best Blink camera deal Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Outdoor 2K+ with free Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ $34.99 at Amazon
$169.98 Save $134.99   Get Deal Why we like it

Who doesn't love free stuff? In this early October Prime Day deal, you can get the Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ for no extra cost when you purchase the Blink Outdoor 2K+ for $34.99. That's 65% off the camera itself and nearly 80% off the combined cost. If you're looking to enhance your home security but don't want to spend a fortune, this bundle is an excellent start. You'll get sharp 2K video, enhanced audio, and night vision with no installation hassle. Everything is battery-powered and lasts for months at a time.

More Blink camera deals

• Blink Mini 2K+ — $15.99 $39.99 (save $24)

• Blink Mini Pan-Tilt — $23.99 $39.99 (save $16)

• Blink Video Doorbell — $26.99 $69.99 (save $43)

• Blink Outdoor 4 — $27.99 $79.99 (save $52)

• Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ — $30.99 $69.99 (save $39)

• Blink Arc 2K+ — $31.99 $99.99 (save $68)

• Blink Outdoor XR+ and Wired Doorbell 2K+ — $41.99 $169.98 (save $127.99)

Best Eero deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon eero Pro 7 $224.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $75   Get Deal Why we like it

If your WiFi is laggy, it may be a good time to invest in an Amazon Eero system. Ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, the Eero Pro 7 Mesh WiFi router is down to $224.99, which is $75 cheaper than usual. It supports over 200 devices, internet plans up to 5 Gbps, and covers up to 2,000 square feet, helping to optimize your connection and eliminate dead spots. Even if you're not a tech guru, it's a breeze to set up thanks to Eero's step-by-step guide in the app.

More Eero deals

• Amazon eero 7 — $144.49 $169.99 (save $25.50)

• Amazon eero Max 7  — $419.99 $599.99 (save $180)

The best early Prime Day deals on fitness trackers: Best Fitbit deal Fitbit Sense 2 $199.95 (save $50) Get Deal Best Garmin deal Garmin vívoactive 5 $189.99 (Save $110) Get Deal Best Samsung deal Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 $185 (Save $64.99) Get Deal Best budget deal Fitbit Charge 6 $133.49 (Save $26.46) Get Deal

Amazon's next major shopping event is just around the corner: Prime Big Deal Days takes place on Oct. 6-7. The two-day sale will bring exclusive discounts for Prime members across thousands of products, but if you're hoping to grab some early bargains, you don't need to wait until October to start saving. Amazon has already started dropping early deals ahead of the event.

Fitness trackers are among the products already getting the early Prime Day treatment, with Garmin, Fitbit, and other popular brands seeing strong discounts. We've rounded up the best deals you can shop right now, so you can grab a new tracker before the main event officially begins.

Get a Garmin for under $200 Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin vívoactive 5 $189.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $110   Get Deal

The Garmin vívoactive 5 packs a bright AMOLED display and up to 11 days of battery life into a fitness-focused smartwatch that covers the essentials for both fitness and lifestyle tracking. You'll get advanced health and sleep tracking, built-in GPS, more than 30 sports apps, and useful training and recovery features that were missing from the previous vivoactive watch. I was a big fan of the vivoactive 4, and the 5 only made this all-rounder smartwatch even better.

Like the Apple Watch look? Save $50 on this alternative Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Sense 2 $199.95 at Amazon
$249.95 Save $50   Get Deal

The Fitbit Sense 2 comes with that stylish, squircle design, plus it's currently on sale for under $200. It tracks stress, sleep, and activity, with features 24/7 heart-rate monitoring, built-in GPS, and more than 40 exercise modes. If you want the Apple Watch look for less, this deal will save you some money.

Get the Samsung Galaxy 7 for more than $60 off Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 $185 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $64.99   Get Deal

With the release of newer models, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 has significantly dropped in price. It's packed with lots of clever features to assist you in training, including Galaxy AI which makes your fitness and health tracking feel more personal, from comparing your latest run or ride with previous performance to giving you an Energy Score for your day.

Save on a budget fitness tracker Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Charge 6 $133.49 at Amazon
$159.95 Save $26.46   Get Deal

For a compact, budget-friendly option, the Fitbit Charge 6 is a great choice. In fact, it even made it onto our guide of the best fitness trackers, excelling for those who want to "stay middle-of-the-road on budget without sacrificing a lot of features." With this watch, you'll get built-in GPS, 40+ exercise modes, and all-day activity and heart-rate tracking. It also keeps tabs on sleep, stress, and daily readiness.

Endurance athletes can save $300 on the fēnix 7X Pro Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin fēnix 7X Pro $674 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $325.99   Get Deal

This one is built for serious training and outdoor treks. This Garmin has a rugged 51mm design with solar charging for weeks of battery life. You'll get seriously advanced training and recovery insights, multi-band GPS, detailed navigation, and handy extras like a built-in LED flashlight. And a week before Prime Day gets underway, it's over $300 off at Amazon.

Get the Google Pixel Watch 4 for its best-ever price Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Watch 4 $329.95 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $120.04   Get Deal

Described as a "true runner's watch" by our reviewer, the Google Pixel Watch 4 is currently at its lowest-ever price on Amazon. This watch gives you 30 hours of battery life and Google's Gemini assistant built in. It also puts a strong focus on health and fitness, with tools for tracking workouts and running performance

Silva highlighted many runner-friendly tools in her review, but was particularly impressed by its advanced in-app form analysis, which can help runners looking to improve their technique.

Early October Prime Day Deals at a glance: Best headphone deal Bose QuietComfort (2nd Gen) Headphones $319 (save $40) Get Deal Best Apple deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $234 (save $15) Get Deal Best Amazon device deal Amazon Echo Dot $39.99 (save $40) Get Deal Best TV deal Hisense 65-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV $847.99 (Save $652) Get Deal Best power station deal Bluetti Elite 100 V2 $499 (Save $400) Get Deal Best Memory deal SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD $251.93 (Save $48.06) Get Deal Best smartwatch deal Garmin Vivoactive 5 $181.97 (save $118.02) Get Deal Best Lego Deal Lego Botanicals Flower Arrangement $62.04 (save $47.95) Get Deal Best for Prime members Audible $0.99 per month for 4 months + $20 Audible credit Get Deal

Amazon's next Prime Day is officially on the horizon. Its fall savings event, Prime Big Deal Days (aka "October Prime Day") is coming Oct. 6 and 7, with competing festivities at Target and Walmart.

The best Prime Day deals are your chance to get some relief from the RAMageddon price hikes impacting the tech industry this year. For its part, Amazon increased the prices of nearly two dozen Kindles, Fire TV Sticks, Echo smart speakers, and eero routers this summer because of rising component costs. Seasonal sales like Prime Big Deal Days and Black Friday should cancel out some of those markups.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime in time for the next Prime Day

As we gear up for fall, Amazon is already dropping early October Prime Day deals, and we've hunted down the best ones for you. Savings are fluctuating quickly; for example, Fire Sticks were heavily discounted last week and are now full price. We're still holding out for more deals, considering Amazon Echo devices and Kindle e-readers have yet to go on sale.

Finally, a word of warning: We do expect prices to drop even lower on select Apple products when the sale starts Oct. 6, so you might want to hold out until then. In the meantime, we'll be regularly updating our picks in the lead-up to Prime Big Deal Days. You can also check out our guide to the top October Prime Day tech deals for more savings.

Deals marked with a ✅ are Mashable editor favorites. Deals marked with a strikethrough are no longer available.

Best headphone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort (2nd Gen) Headphones $319 at Amazon
$359 Save $40   Get Deal Why we like it

Ahead of October Prime Day, we spotted the first deal on the second-generation Bose QuietComfort headphones. Mashable's audio expert Bethany Allard says that the Bose QuietComfort (2nd gen) are the best combination of comfort, noise cancellation, sound quality, and value. And right now, they're an even better value as they're 11% off. Get them for $319, and save $40 on the headphones that are usually $359.

More headphone deals

• JBL Tune 730BT headphones — $59.95 $89.95 (save $30)

• Beats Solo 4 wireless headphones — $149.95 $199.95 (save $50)

• Skullcandy Crusher 720 headphones — $139.99 $209.99 (save $70)

• Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 — $189.99 $229 (save $39.01) ✅

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) — $249.99 $299 (save $49.01) ✅

Best Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 ✅ $234 at Amazon
$249 Save $15   Get Deal Why we like it

The basic AirPods just got an upgrade with the new AirPods 5, and last year's Apple AirPods Pro 3 are back on sale. Ahead of October Prime Day, shop the Apple AirPods Pro 3 for $234, a $15 discount. The earbuds have ANC, a more comfortable fit, and bring live translation to the AirPods experience. They're perfect for commuters and even measure your heart rate, which is great for athletes who love a good workout playlist.

More early Prime Day Apple deals

AirPods

• Apple AirPods 4 — $99 $129.99 (save $30.99)

• Apple AirPods Max 2 — $479 $549 (save $70) ✅

iPads

• Apple iPad (A16, 128GB, WiFi) — $427 $449 (save $22)

• Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, 128GB, WiFi) — $729 $749 (save $20) ✅

MacBooks

• Apple MacBook Pro (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,839 $1,999 (save $160) ✅

• Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Max, 48GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $4,499 $4,999 (save $500)

Accessories

• Apple MagSafe Charger — $39.99 $49 (save $9.01) ✅

• Apple Pencil USB-C — $69.98 $79 (save $9.02)

• Apple AirTag 2 (4-pack) — $89 $99 (save $10) ✅

Best Amazon device deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Dot $39.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $40.00   Get Deal Why we like it

Finally! Amazon's Echo devices are officially on sale ahead of Prime Big Deal Days. Right now, grab the Amazon Echo Dot for just $39.99. While that's not the lowest sale price we've ever spotted on the Echo Dot, it's the best price since Amazon increased prices on its devices.

The Echo Dot is a perfectly compact smart speaker. Plus, it's compatible with Alexa+, a smarter home assistant that helps you do everything from meal planning to booking dinner reservations.

More Amazon device deals

Echo devices

• Amazon Echo Glow — $22.99 $29.99 (save $7)

• Amazon Echo Show 5 — $59.99 $99.99 (save $40)

• Amazon Echo Dot Max — $79.99 $119.99 (save $40)

• Amazon Echo Show 11 — $149.99 $249.99 (save $100)

• Amazon Echo Show 21 — $349.99 $499.99 (save $150)

Fire tablets

• Amazon Fire HD 10 (32GB) — $72.99 $154.99 (save $82)

• Amazon Fire HD 8 (64GB) — $79.99 $129.99 (save $50) ✅

• Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids (64GB) — $94.99 $169.99 (save $75)

Fire TVs

• Amazon Fire TV Stick HD — $15.99 $39.99 (save $24)

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

• Amazon Fire TV Stick Voice Remote Pro — $19.99 $34.99 (save $15)

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $37.99 $69.99 (save $32)

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max — $44.99 $84.99 (save $40)

• Amazon Fire TV Cube — $89.99 $199.99 (save $110)

Blink cameras

• Blink Mini Pan-Tilt Camera — $23.99 $39.99 (save $16)

• Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera — $39.99 $99.99 (save $60)

• Blink Outdoor 4 and Battery Doorbell — $104.99 $369.98 (save $264.99)

Smart home

• Amazon Smart Plug — $12.98 $24.99 (save $12.01)

• Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor — $46.99 $69.99 (save $23)

• Amazon Smart Thermostat — $56.99 $79.99 (save $23)

Best TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV ✅ $847.99 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $652   Get Deal Why we like it

"The Hisense U7 series delivers Mini-LED performance you'd expect on higher-priced models. It packs a 165Hz refresh rate, 2.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos audio, a Google TV with a Gemini interface, and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. Its backlighting features full-array local dimming as well, which means clusters of tiny LED bulbs precisely control brightness levels within specific sections of your screen for more accuracy and depth. The U7 is a step up from our favorite budget TV of 2026, but with this massive price drop, it's actually a much better deal. At $847.99, the 65-inch model is already $2 cheaper than it was on Prime Day proper back in June." — Christina Buff, Mashable Contributor

More TV deals

Under 50-inch TV deals

• Amazon Ember 40-inch 2-Series Fire TV — $179.99 $249.99 (save $70) ✅

• Roku 43-inch Select Series 4K TV — $179.99 $249.99 (save $70)

• Sony 48-inch Bravia 6 OLED 4K TV — $1,098 $1,299.99 (save $201.99)

50 to 55-inch TV deals

• Insignia 50-inch F50 4K TV — $159.99 $299.99 (save $140)

• Samsung 55-inch M70H Mini-LED 4K TV — $299.99 $347.99 (save $48)

• Hisense 50-inch S7 Canvas Hi-QLED 4K TV — $797.99 $1,299.99 (save $502)

• LG 55-inch LX7B Gallery Mini LED 4K TV — $899.99 $1,299.99 (save $400)

65-inch TV deals

• Roku 65-inch Plus Series QLED 4K TV — $449.99 $649.99 (save $200)

• Hisense 65-inch E7 Mini-LED Hi-QLED 4K TV — $597.99 $999.99 (save $402)

• LG 65-inch LX7B Gallery Mini LED 4K TV — $1,099.99 $1,799.99 (save $700)

• Toshiba 65-inch G700 ArtVision QLED 4K TV — $1,097.99 $1,999.99 (save $902)

• Hisense 65-inch S7 Canvas Hi-QLED 4K TV — $1,197.99 $1,999.99 (save $802)

• Samsung 65-inch S85H OLED 4K TV — $1,397.99 $1,999.99 (save $602)

• TCL 65-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $1,697.99 $2,499.99 (save $802) ✅

• Samsung 65-inch S90H OLED 4K TV — $1,697.99 $2,699.99 (save $1,002) ✅

• Sony 65-inch Bravia 8 II QD QLED 4K TV — $2,498 $3,299.99 (save $801.99)

75-inch TV deals

• Samsung 75-inch M70H Mini-LED 4K TV — $547.99 $729.99 (save $182)

80 to 85-inch TV deals

• Hisense 85-inch U6 Pro Hi-QLED Mini-LED 4K TV — $1,297.99 $1,999.99 (save $702)

• Hisense 85-inch S7 Canvas Hi-QLED 4K TV — $1,998.99 $3,999.99 (save $2,001)

• TCL 85-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $2,797.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,202)

Over 85-inch TV deals

• Hisense 100-inch E7 Mini-LED Hi-QLED 4K TV — $1,996.96 $2,999.99 (save $1,003.03)

• Hisense 100-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV — $2,497.99 $2,999.99 (save $502)

• TCL 98-inch QM7L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $2,497.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,502)

Best power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Elite 100 V2 ✅ $499 at Amazon
$899 Save $400   Get Deal Why we like it

"Ahead of Prime Day, this Bluetti power unit has $400 off the list price. It comes with a 1,024Wh capacity and 1,800W output, with 11 ports so you can charge multiple devices at once. It can also fully recharge in about 70 minutes with TurboBoost AC charging, making it a great option for last-minute use.

The 10-millisecond UPS (uninterruptible power supply) means this is a great model for plugging into your workstation or the WiFi router at home when a storm threatens to take out grid power. A 10 UPS means the Ecoflow will take over providing power within 10 milliseconds of losing wall power." — Lois Mackenzie, Mashable Contributor

More power station deals

• Jackery Explorer 300 — $259 $289 (save $30) ✅

• Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 — $499.99 $599 (save $99.01) ✅

• Jackery HomePower 1000 v2 — $549 $649 (save $100) ✅

• Bluetti Elite 100 V2 with 200W Solar Panel — $698.98 $999 (save $300.02)

• Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 and 200W Solar Panel — $699 $879 (save $180)

• Anker Solix S2000 — $679.99 $1,199 (save $519.01)

• Bluetti FridgePower — $898.97 $1,499 (save $600.03)

• Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 — $898.99 $999 (save $100.01) ✅

• Bluetti Elite 200 V2 — $899 $1,199 (save $300) ✅

• Ecoflow Delta 2 Max — $1,029 $1,399 (save $370)

• Bluetti Elite 300 — $1,098.99 $1,499 (save $400.01)

• Jackery HomePower 3000 — $1,349 $1,499 (save $150)

• Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus — $1,709 $1,899 (save $190)

• Anker Solix F3800 — $2,499.98 $2,799.99 (save $300.01)

Best memory and SSD deals Opens in a new window Credit: SanDisk SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD ✅ $251.93 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $48.06   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: SanDisk SanDisk 512GB microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2 $159.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $40   Get Deal Why we like it

"SanDisk is a favorite of mine when buying memory products, and I use their Extreme portable SSDs to back up my own photo and video collection. (As a tech editor, I take a lot of photos and videos.) Thanks to RAMageddon, you have to take any opportunity you can find to save on portable SSDs, flash drives, microSD cards, and hard drives. Already, some of SanDisk's most popular memory products are on sale, like their microSD Express card for the Switch 2 and the new version of their popular Extreme drive." — Timothy Beck Werth, Mashable Tech Editor

More SSD and hard drive deals

MicroSDs

• SanDisk 32GB Ultra microSDHC — $20.95 $23 (save $2.05)

• SanDisk 128GB High Endurance Video microSDXC — $36.99 $60.99 (save $24)

Portable SSDs

• SanDisk 500GB Portable SSD — $119.99 $128.99 (save $9)

• Samsung T7 Portable SSD 1TB — $229.99 $274.99 (save $45)

• Samsung T9 Portable SSD 2TB — $936.93 $1,144.99 (save $208.06)

Portable HDDs

• UnionSine 500GB Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive — $37.46 $39.43 (save $1.97)

• Seagate 2TB Portable Hard Drive — $129.99 $149.99 (save $20)

• WD 5TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive — $214.99 $284.99 (save $70)

• Western Digital 5TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive — $236.70 $274.99 (save $38.29)

• WD 6TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive — $254 $319.99 (save $65.99)

Internal hard drives

• Western Digital 1TB WD Blue PC Internal Hard Drive — $94.99 $134.99 (save $40)

• Western Digital 1TB WD Blue Mobile Hard Drive — $127.82 $144.99 (save $17.17)

• Samsung SSD 990 PRO 2TB, PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 — $389.99 $639.99 (save $250) ✅

Best fitness tracker and smartwatch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Vivoactive 5 $181.97 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $118.02   Get Deal Why we like it

Many runners believe Garmin is the gold standard of smartwatches and fitness trackers. And ahead of Amazon Prime Big Deal Days, you can grab the Garmin Vivoactive 5 for just $181.97. That saves you over $118 off its retail price.

The Vivoactive 5 features an AMOLED display and up to 11 days of battery life, so you can wear it around the clock. It provides energy monitoring and a sleep score, so you get personalized tips to improve your sleep. Plus, it has 80 built-in types of sport tracking.

More fitness tracker and smartwatch deals

• Garmin Lily 2 — $222.99 $249.99 (save $27)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, 40mm — $259.99 $299.99 (save $40) ✅

• Google Pixel Watch 4, 41mm — $329.99 $449.99 (save $120)

Best Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Flower Arrangement $62.04 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $47.95   Get Deal Why we like it

"The Lego Botanicals Flower Arrangement is an absolute delight for adult builders, with its 1,161 pieces coming together to create a display of 14 flowers (including camellias, peonies, hydrangeas, baby’s breath, ranunculus, bouvardia, and lilies) in a white vase. If it's one you've had on your radar, Amazon has a sweet little early October Prime Day treat for you: it's currently at its lowest-ever price of $62.04. It's retiring soon, making now an excellent time to grab it for less.

It's not the only Botanicals deal we've spotted, either. You can see even more of our favorite floral sets on sale below." — Hannah Hoolihan, Mashable Contributor

More Lego deals

• Lego City Advent Calendar 2026 — $25 $34.99 (save $9.99)

• Lego Botanicals Flowering Cactus — $27.95 $34.99 (save $7.04)

• Lego Botanicals Succulents — $34.99 $49.99 (save $15)

• Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar 2026 — $35 $44.99 (save $9.99)

• Lego Marvel Advent Calendar 2026 — $35 $44.99 (save $9.99)

• Lego Super Mario: Mario Kart — Wario & King Boo — $35.99 $49.99 (save $14)

• Lego Star Wars Darth Vader Bust — $39.99 $49.99 (save $10)

• Lego Super Mario: Mario Kart — Interactive Mario & Standard Kart — $41.99 $54.99 (save $13)

• Lego Star Wars SMART Play: Yoda’s Hut and Jedi Training — $55.95 $69.99 (save $14.04)

• Lego Botanicals Hibiscus Flower — $55.95 $69.99 (save $14.04)

• Lego Star Wars SMART Play: Mos Eisley Cantina — $63.95 $79.99 (save $16.04)

• Lego Super Mario: Mario Kart Baby Peach & Grand Prix Set Home Circuit — $63.99 $79.99 (save $16)

• Lego Star Wars: Andor K-2SO Security Droid — $71.99 $89.99 (save $18)

• Lego Star Wars SMART Play: Millennium Falcon — $79.95 $99.99 (save $20.04)

• Lego Super Mario: Mario Kart — Bowser’s Castle — $89 $99.99 (save $10.99)

Best streaming and subscription deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Audible $0.99/month for four months Get Deal Why we like it

Right now, Prime members can save 80% on four months of Amazon's audiobook service, paying just $0.99 for their first four months. Your membership lets you download one title per month. including classics, new releases, and BookTok faves like the ACOTAR series. And if 99 cents feels a little high, you can also sign up for a 30-day free trial.

More Amazon subscription deals

• Kindle Unlimited — 3 months free

• Amazon Music Unlimited — 4 months free with Prime

• Save $20 on your next Grubhub+ order with Prime

• Buy or lease a new car, get a $1,500 gift card for free with Prime

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

The best early October Prime Day deals on power stations: Best Jackery deal Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 $499 (save $60) Get Deal Best Ecoflow deal Ecoflow Delta 3 Classic with 220W Solar Panel $699 (save $400) Get Deal Best Bluetti deal Bluetti Elite 100 V2 $499 (save $400) Get Deal Best Anker deal Anker Solix C1000 $449.98 (save $150.01) Get Deal Best DJI deal DJI Power 1000 v2 $419.99 (save $280) Get Deal Best camping deal Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra $1,079 (save $120) Get Deal Best refrigerator backup deal Anker Solix S2000 $679.99 (save $699.01) Get Deal

Portable power stations are useful for everything from camping trips to keeping your gadgets running when you're away from a plug socket. They come in a wide range of prices and styles, with some reaching the thousands of dollars. They're not exactly the kind of thing you look to buy every week. But when they're on sale, a discount can make a purchase much easier to justify.

Now that we're rolling into fall and winter storm season, it's an ideal time to snag a model that's on sale. Plenty of models will be excellent for serving as backup power for your refrigerator. Other models that are on sale are perfect for fall camping.

SEE ALSO: 20+ of the best early October Prime Day deals: We found live deals on Apple, Nintendo, and Garmin

With Prime Big Deal Days coming up on October 6-7, Amazon has already started cutting prices on some popular power stations, so now is a great time to pick one up at a lower-than-usual price. Below, we've rounded up the best early deals worth checking out.

A great beginner model from Jackery

For those new to portable power, Jackery makes some of the most beginner-friendly and uncomplicated models. The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 is a compact, portable power station with a 1,070Wh capacity and 1,500W output, making it suitable for powering devices such as fridges, electric pots, and other appliances. It can also go from empty to fully charged in an hour with emergency charging switched on, and the LFP battery is designed to retain more than 70% of its capacity after 4,000 charge cycles. Plus, it weighs under 24 pounds, so it's easy to carry around the house or the campground.

If you don't love the traditional black and orange look of Jackery portable power stations, the Explorer 1000 v2 comes in a modern cream color called dune white. That version is also on sale for $499 ahead of Prime Day, marked down from its list price of $589.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 $499 at Amazon
$559 Save $60   Get Deal A classic EcoFlow station with a solar panel

One of the major benefits of a portable power station is the ability to recharge using solar power. The EcoFlow Delta 3 Classic bundle with a 220W solar panel is a great choice ahead of Prime Day. You'll get the 1,024Wh portable power station, which has a 1,800W output that can handle even big appliances like fridges. It has X-Boost providing up to 2,600W for higher-power devices, and can charge to 80% in 45 minutes via AC.

With full sun, EcoFlow says the Delta 3 Classic can recharge in about 6 hours with the 220W solar panel. Of course, you can also recharge using standard wall power or a generator. When plugged into a wall outlet, the EcoFlow can reach 80% capacity in just 45 minutes.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ecoflow Ecoflow Delta 3 Classic with 220W Solar Panel $699 at Amazon
$1,099 Save $400   Get Deal A Bluetti power station with major solar recharging power

Ahead of Prime Day, this Bluetti Elite 100 v2 unit has $400 off the list price. It comes with a 1,024Wh capacity and 1,800W output, with 11 ports so you can charge multiple devices at once. It can also fully recharge in about 70 minutes with TurboBoost AC charging, making it a great option for last-minute use.

But one of the highlights of the Bluetti Elite 100 V2 is its ability to connect with up to 1,000W of solar power. That's a massive amount of solar compatibility for a portable power station in the 1kWh range. If you have access to both 1,000W of solar and full sun, the Elite 100 V2 will recharge in just 70 minutes.

The 10 millisecond UPS (uninterrupted power supply) also makes this is a great model for plugging into your workstation or the WiFi router at home when a storm is threatening to take out grid power. A 10 UPS means the Bluetti will take over providing power within 10 milliseconds of losing wall power.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Elite 100 V2 $499 at Amazon
$899 Save $400   Get Deal An Anker deal on one of Mashable's favorite models

This unit has a 1,056Wh capacity and 2,400W output, with 11 ports for powering multiple devices and appliances. It can reach 80% charge in 43 minutes with UltraFast charging enabled through the Anker app. It's built a LiFePO4 battery, so it's designed to last a long time, up to 10 years, which is around 3,000 battery cycles.

The original Anker Solix C1000 also has a few advantages over the new C1000 Gen 2. For starters, the older model has a built-in lightbar, which is incredibly useful when camping or carrying the power station around at home during a power outage. The original C1000 is also expandable to add an additional 1,056Wh of power, doubling capacity.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C1000 $449.98 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $150.01   Get Deal A portable power station that doesn't mind the rain

If you plan on heading out for fall camping, you might run into some rain or dewy mornings. The Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra isn't afraid of getting wet, so it's perfect for all-season camping. It carries an IP65 rating, which means it's both water- and dust-proof. Jackery also tested this model for drops, and it'll be just fine when it takes a tumble of about three feet or less.

Important stats include a 1,536Wh battery capacity, a metal cooling base, and protective covers for all ports. This is also a great model for using in a dusty workshop since the air intake is located toward the top of the unit rather than near the bottom, which tends to suck up dust or wood shavings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra $1,079 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $120   Get Deal Backup for your refrigerator

When the power goes out at home, a major worry is keeping food from going bad. Now that grocery prices have gone wild, the thought of having to toss it all out is worrying. Instead, plug the fridge into the Anker Solix S2000, which packs a massive 2,010Wh of battery capacity. Anker says this can keep a standard refrigerator on for up to 35 hours. Keep in mind that the exact number will depend on factors such as your fridge's capacity, the kitchen's ambient temperature, and how full the refrigerator is.

The Anker Solix S2000 has AC ports on both the front and the back of the station, so you can plug the fridge into the back and keep the front ports open for other kitchen appliances like the coffee maker.

During Prime Day in July, we saw this model drop to an incredible price of $599, which means it's possible it'll drop again next week when the sale officially kicks off on Oct. 6.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Solix Anker Solix S2000 $679.99 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $519.01   Get Deal Backup power designed for creators

We all know DJI as the brand that launched drones into our everyday lives, as well as the company that makes excellent creator cameras and mics. But DJI also makes a stellar lineup of portable power stations. Oftentimes, they're on sale for a price that's so competitive anyone should consider them as a front-runner for portable power, but they're especially great for those who have DJI drones.

Like the name suggests, the DJI Power 1000 v2 comes with a solid 1,024Wh battery capacity with peak output of 2,600W. It has your standard AC ports, USB-C, and USB-A, but it also features dual SDC ports that can fast-charge DJI drone batteries. This feature makes it incredibly friendly for content creators. Additionally, it's super quiet, operating as low as 26 decibels, making recording video or audio near the power station no big deal.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Power 1000 V2 $419.99
$699.99 Save $280   Get Deal An older Jackery model with a solar panel at a great price

These days, a huge number of Jackery portable power stations are on their second version, or v2. Most of them have improvements such as being lighter to carry, faster charging, and a USB-C port that can handle more power. But this doesn't mean you have to count out older models. The Jackery Explorer 300 still has plenty of great features for a 293Wh portable power station.

For starters, it weighs only about 7 pounds and has a 100W USB-C port. Jackery mentions that the battery can recharge a phone about 13 times. But one of the best parts about this deal is the inclusion of a 40W solar panel. The Jackery SolarSaga 40W air is a compact panel that measures about the size of a sheet of paper and weighs under two pounds.

On its own, the SolarSaga 40W Air solar panel costs $129 at full price, although it's on sale for $108.99. Given this pricing, snagging both the Jackery Explorer 300 and the 40W Air solar panel for $339 is a great option.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 300 with Jackery SolarSaga 40W Air $339 at Amazon
$379 Save $40   Get Deal Whole-home backup ahead of storm season

For those who live in an area prone to hurricanes or ice storms, the Anker Solix F3000 could be a lifesaver. Its massive 3,072Wh capacity means you can keep almost everything in your home powered up, from the refrigerator to lamps and the coffee maker. Plus, it has the capacity for major expansion to 24kWh.

Thanks to the 30amp plug, you could even do a load of laundry with the Solix F3000 or take it along in the RV. Plus, the Anker is capable of powering gadgets while recharging, and even better for storm situations, you can recharge via a generator in a bit over an hour.

Of course, Anker added durable wheels and a telescoping handle to this model since the 3kWh battery weighs about 91 pounds.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Solix Anker Solix F3000 $139.99 at Amazon
$1,699 Save $1,559.01   Get Deal A petite model for a weekend of camping

Not everyone needs or wants major power backup. For short trips to the campground for a few nights or for using at home during short outages, the Anker Solix C300 is packed with useful features. The 288Wh capacity will recharge small gadgets like cell phones and earbuds while camping, and the carrying strap makes it ideal for transporting at the campsite.

The Solix C300 comes with four USB-C ports, including two that support 140W, making it possible to recharge your MacBook Pro at the campsite. Plus, you can recharge the Solix power station in 2.5 hours via the car socket. The pop-up lantern adds to the campsite-friendliness of this model.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Solix Anker Solix C300 $199.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50   Get Deal A refurbished model at an incredible price

We already mentioned the benefits of buying the Jackery Explorer 300 with a 40W solar panel, but if you don't mind buying used and you don't want the solar panel, this deal is pretty awesome. A renewed version of the Jackery Explorer 300 is on sale at Amazon for only $156. It's certified by Amazon's renewal program to retain at least 80% of its original battery capacity.

This isn't the fanciest or newest model, but if you're looking for a more affordable way to get into the portable power station game, this could be your ticket.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Refurbished Jackery Explorer 300 $156 at Amazon
$259 Save $103   Get Deal A Bluetti that doesn't mind the cold

Most batteries don't perform well in deep chills, but the Bluetti Pioneer Na is designed specifically to be cold-proof. It can safely recharge your devices and tools at temperatures as low as -13 degrees and at temperatures as low as 5 degrees. That makes it ideal for ice fishing, working in an uninsulated shed or garage in the winter, or leaving for the cabin.

Instead of using lithium-ion battery cells, the Bluetti Pioneer Na uses sodium-ion which is not only better to use in deeply cold weather, it avoids using rarer metals like lithium and cobalt.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Pioneer Na $799 at Bluetti
$899 Save $100   Get Deal

Early October Prime Day iPad deals at a glance: Best budget iPad deal Apple iPad (A16, WiFi, 128GB) $427 (save $22) Get Deal Best iPad mini deal Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, WiFi, 128GB) $569 (save $30) Get Deal Best iPad Air deal Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M4, WiFi + cellular, 128GB) $999 (save $100) Get Deal Best iPad Pro deal Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 512GB) $1,299 (save $200) Get Deal

Fall has just begun, but the holiday shopping season is already heating up. No longer do things kick off on Black Friday: Amazon's annual Prime Big Deal Days on Oct. 6 and 7 will be your first chance to start scoring year-end deals.

In the lead-up to this "October Prime Day," as it's often called, Mashable's team of shopping experts is tracking all the best early deals on the biggest brands, including Apple. When it comes to iPad deals, they're a real grab bag so far. Most configurations of the latest iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro are just $30 off — nowhere close to the prices we expect them to hit once Prime Big Deal Days starts. However, a few models are cheap enough to think about adding to your cart already.

SEE ALSO: October Prime Day Apple deals guide: Buy now or wait?

Below, we've rounded up the best early October Prime Day iPad deals we could find. We've also made some predictions for the iPad deals we're likely to see next week based on our experience covering Prime Big Deal Days in the past. Decide for yourself if you're willing to wait for them; even the meager savings now are still something to celebrate, considering all iPads got price hikes this summer.

Save up to $30 on the regular iPad

The standard iPad with the A16 chip is our favorite Apple tablet for budget shoppers. "Even though its tech is basic compared to the advanced iPad Air and Pro," writes Mashable's Samantha Mangino, "it's great for someone who wants a portable screen for streaming, playing games, and reading." It's rated for up to six hours of battery life.

Ahead of Amazon's sale, the base iPad with 128GB of storage is $30 off with or without cellular connectivity. It was $70 off last Prime Big Deal Days, so it could dip further to $379 next week (normally $449).

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad (A16, WiFi, 128GB) $427 at Amazon
$449 Save $22   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad (A16, WiFi + cellular, 128GB) $569 at Amazon
$599 Save $30   Get Deal Take up to $30 off the iPad mini

If you wish e-readers were more powerful, more versatile, and equipped with way more storage, get Apple's smallest iPad instead. The iPad mini's compact size and anti-reflective display make it our favorite tablet for reading.

The iPad mini also saw a $70 discount during Prime Big Deal Days 2025, so we think it will drop to $529 when this year's sale begins on Oct. 6 (typically $599). Right now, the base model is up to $30 off, depending on whether you'd like cellular connectivity.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, WiFi, 128GB) $569 at Amazon
$599 Save $30   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, WiFi + cellular, 128GB) $729 at Amazon
$749 Save $20   Get Deal Score $100 off an iPad Air with cellular

The iPad Air is our favorite iPad for most people. It has a 10-hour battery life, a beautiful, crisp display, and an M4 processor that makes it as powerful as many laptops. In his iPad Air review, Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth deemed it "a premium device for creators, artists, and college students."

Most configurations of the M4 iPad Air are just $20 to $30 off right now, save for the 13-inch base model with cellular connectivity. It's already enjoying a $100 discount that brings it down from $1,099 to $999. It could get $50 cheaper once Prime Big Deal Days starts — the M3 model was $150 off during last year's sale — but this is one of the more solid early deals we've spotted.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M4, WiFi + cellular, 128GB) $999 at Amazon
$1,099 Save $100   Get Deal More iPad Air deals

• Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) — $729 $749 (save $20)

• Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi + cellular, 128GB) — $870.08 $899 (save $28.92)

• Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) — $929 $949 (save $20)

Save $200 on select M4 iPad Pros

If you're a professional creative in the market for an iPad Pro, consider buying last year's M4 model instead of the freshest M5 version, which just has a newer chip and newer wireless connectivity tech (WiFi and Bluetooth). The best early October Prime Day iPad deals we've seen feature $200 discounts on two upgraded M4 iPad Pros: One is a 13-inch model with 512GB of storage; the other is an 11-incher with 2TB of storage and a nano-texture display. Both of them are sitting at some of their lowest prices of the year so far. If anything, they might get $50 cheaper during Prime Big Day Deals... if they don't sell out first.

Prefer an M5 iPad Pro for future-proofing's sake? Amazon's deals on both sizes max out at $100 off right now. Come Prime Big Deal Days, they could be up to $200 off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 512GB) $1,299 at Amazon
$1,499 Save $200   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 2TB, nano-texture glass) $1,899 at Amazon
$2,099 Save $200   Get Deal More iPad Pro deals

• Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) — $1,139 $1,199 (save $60)

• Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5, WiFi + cellular, 256GB) — $1,345.99 $1,399 (save $53.01)

• Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) — $1,399 $1,499 (save $100)

• Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M5, WiFi + cellular, 256GB) — $1,616 $1,699 (save $83)

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to a Matt’s Flights Premium Plan for $39.99 (reg. $197) for a limited time and start watching for holiday flight deals early.

Opens in a new window Credit: Matt's Flights Matt's Flights Premium Plan Lifetime Subscription: Save up to 90% on Domestic & International flights $39.99
$197 Save $157.01   Get Deal

It’s never too early to think about Christmas travel, especially once you start pricing flights home. Instead of refreshing search tabs every night, you can have someone else watch the fares for you.

That’s the idea behind Matt’s Flights. There’s a real person behind it: Matt scans airlines for sales and mistake fares, then emails the deals to members. Premium members get five times as many deals as free users on both domestic and international routes and can save up to 90% on airfare.

SEE ALSO: I hunted down the top early October Prime Day MacBook deals: Save $600 on on the M5 Pro

The direct line to Matt is especially handy for the holidays. You can email him for 1-on-1 flight and travel planning support, and send custom search requests for a specific route, such as getting home for Christmas. There’s no cap on how many requests you can submit.

The Premium Plan includes:

• 3+ flight deals per week, domestic and international

• Mistake fare notifications

• 1-on-1 flight and travel planning support via email

• Unlimited custom search requests

There are a couple of things to know before you buy. Deals are based on departures from 60 U.S. airports and six Canadian airports, so check that your home airport is on the list first. The plan is also only available to new users, and you’ll need to redeem your code within 30 days of purchase.

At $39.99 for lifetime access, one well-timed booking could more than cover the cost. Get a lifetime Matt’s Flights Premium Plan for $39.99 (reg. $197) for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: The Financial Freedom Bundle pairs lifetime access to Sterling Stock Picker with the PRO$PER financial education platform for $69.99 (reg. $598).

Opens in a new window Credit: StackCommerce The Financial Freedom Bundle ft. Sterling Stock Picker $69.99
$598 Save $528.01   Get Deal

Learning to invest usually means picking up a tool, a course, or both, separately. This bundle covers both sides at once: a stock research app and a financial education platform, for $69.99 together instead of $598.

Sterling Stock Picker runs financial, technical, and risk analysis on individual stocks and returns a buy, sell, hold, or avoid call, so you’re not stuck parsing an earnings report yourself. A five-minute risk-tolerance quiz feeds a portfolio builder that can assemble a diversified mix based on your goals, and an AI assistant named Finley answers portfolio questions in plain language with real-time market data. It works through a browser or the iOS and Android apps, with no recurring fees once you’ve bought in.

SEE ALSO: 15 early October Prime Day tech deals, hand-picked by our gadget experts

The second half of the bundle, PRO$PER, focuses on education: more than 12 courses and 150 lessons on budgeting, debt, investing, and retirement planning, taught by financial educator Jaden Sterling. It includes its own dashboard for tracking goals and progress, plus the same Finley AI coach for questions as they come up.

Together, the idea is to give new and experienced investors both the research tool and the background to understand what it’s telling them, rather than one without the other. Both pieces come with lifetime access and unlimited future updates, and the bundle is open to new users only, with codes redeemable within 30 days of purchase.

Get the Financial Freedom Bundle for $69.99, an 88% savings off the $598 list price.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

You're scrolling through your TikTok For You page, watching videos, when suddenly a pop-up appears on your smartphone screen.

"Congratulations! You have been selected for our Screentime To Cash program," reads the prompt, which looks a lot like a TikTok notification.

These types of ads suggest that TikTok users can get paid to watch videos; however, even though it looks like an official TikTok message, it's not.

There is no legitimate TikTok program called "Screentime to Cash" — or anything similar — the company confirmed in a statement to Mashable. TikTok does have an official monetization program for eligible creators who upload content and meet certain requirements. But TikTok definitely does not have a program that pays viewers to watch videos or scroll through the app.

Screentime to Cash pop-up Credit: Mashable screenshot

A TikTok spokesperson also told Mashable that they have since removed the ads and connected accounts.

"We've removed content and accounts for violating our policies against deceptive practices and misleading content," TikTok told us. "TikTok prohibits fraudulent activity in both advertising and user-generated content, and we continuously remove such content and accounts as they're detected or reported."

So, why is this message on your screen then?

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Behind the TikTok "Screentime to Cash" pop-up messages

Third-party entities are running ads on TikTok that are designed to look like official messaging from the platform, according to a Mashable investigation. Typically, these ads promote Get-Paid-To apps, or GPT apps.

These apps advertise themselves as ways that users can make money by playing games, watching videos, or filling out forms and surveys. The Get-Paid-To app-makers may act as affiliates for other third-party companies, which pay the app maker for signups or downloads of their product. In turn, these GPT app companies share their affiliate earnings with their users as they complete qualifying tasks. These types of apps may also share user data with third parties, a common app monetization strategy. When a user completes a certain number of tasks, such as taking surveys or downloading games, and reaches a payment threshold, they can request their payout.

Mashable found numerous TikTok users posting screenshots of the "Screentime to Cash" advertisements on social media platforms like Reddit; users said those ads directed them to third-party apps such as Playful Rewards or QuickRewardz.

Mashable reached out to both Playful Rewards and QuickRewardz, and a Playful Rewards spokesperson told Mashable that the ads "are not being run directly by Playful Rewards and may be coming from a third-party advertising source."

As for QuickRewardz, it appears the app has since been removed from the Google Play store, although it's unclear when the app was taken down. It's also unclear if the app was pulled by Google or the developer. Mashable reached out to the company behind the app, Team Rewardz, and we'll update this piece if we hear back.

These types of apps and advertisements make up a vast web of affiliate networks and third parties. This can make it difficult for social media platforms to crack down on misleading ads, leaving them playing whack-a-mole as new accounts and ads pop up, literally, as detailed in a 2024 Forrester research report.

Do get-paid-to apps actually pay?

There are some legitimate companies that pay small amounts of money for completing marketing surveys or other tasks. However, on sites such as Trustpilot, some frustrated reviewers describe GPT apps as scams. Many of these users report that after qualifying for a cash payout, their account was mysteriously suspended, typically for some type of alleged policy violation, and so they were never able to claim the promised rewards.

On the TrustPilot page for Playful Rewards, one reviewer wrote: "They're a scam. I recently accumulated enough coins to cash out $60, and then promptly got my account permanently locked. When I asked their customer support, they claimed it was because I progressed too fast on a game."

Always remember the golden rule when evaluating programs like this: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Likewise, just because you see an ad on a social media site like TikTok, YouTube, or Facebook, that does not mean the company behind the ad is legit. Internal Meta documents reviewed by Reuters stated that Facebook showed users 15 billion scam ads every day, and Mashable has reported on sketchy YouTube ads using AI and celebrity deepfakes.

TikTok users should also be skeptical of apps that use misleading advertisements that imply they have a formal relationship with TikTok or other companies. Always proceed with caution when you are asked to hand over any private personal information during the signup process. You should also check the fine print, as these app-based rewards programs may contain terms that allow the company to resell your information or place you on robocall lists, according to a 2023 suit by the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission.

The bottom line: TikTok says these "screentime to cash" programs are in no way endorsed by TikTok.

Want more science and tech news delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for Mashable's Light Speed newsletter today.

SAVE $402: As of Sept. 29, the Hisense 65-inch E7 Cinema Series is on sale for $597.97 at Amazon. That's a 40% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65-inch E7 Cinema Series $597.97 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $402.02   Get Deal

Amazon's next installment of Prime Day officially kicks off next week, but we've been tracking early deals popping up throughout September. There are deals of all kinds to be found, from robot vacuums to our tech favorites.

If it's a new TV you've been looking to buy, there are many impressive deals already live, including this latest discount on the Hisense 65-inch E7 Cinema Series. Normally $999.99, this TV is now $597.99, saving you over $400.

As the name suggests, this TV delivers cinema-quality viewing in the comfort of your home. It benefits from Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, which deliver HDR picture quality and immersive sound, and supports Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+ Adaptive, HDR10, and HLG.

It also offers various AI features to enhance your viewing experience. These include picture processing, which helps adjust settings like brightness, contrast, and color based on the content you're watching. An AI light sensor can even adapt the backlight to the room's ambient lighting. Plus, there's also an AI Sports Mode that automatically adjusts the picture and sound for live sports.

And if you're a movie fanatic, you'll love Filmmaker Mode. This feature preserves the original picture and sound settings of compatible films, so you can watch them the way directors intended.

You can find this early Prime Day TV deal at Amazon right now.

We're now a few days past the Harvest Moon, this month's Full Moon, so it'll now begin to wane each night until we reach the New Moon. This process is called the lunar cycle, and takes around 29.5 days in total.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Tuesday, Sept. 29, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon is in the Waning Gibbous phase, with 92% of its surface visible.

While the Moon's visibility is decreasing, there is still so much to see tonight, including the Mare Imbrium, Mare Serenitatis, and the Tycho Crater which can be spotted without the use of any visual aids. If you have binoculars, they'll also help you see the Clavius Crater, the Alphonsus Crater, and the Alps Mountains. Finally, if you have access to a telescope, you'll see the Apollo 11 and 17 landing spots, plus the Fra Mauro Highlands.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on October 25 or 26, depending on your timezone.

What are Moon phases?

The Moon takes around 29.5 days to orbit Earth, and as it moves through this cycle, we see different amounts of its sunlit side from here. That's what creates the Moon's different phases, from a thin crescent through to a half Moon and, eventually, the Full Moon. Once it reaches the Full Moon, the cycle starts over again. NASA explains that the phase we see depends on the Moon's position in relation to Earth and the Sun.

The eight phases are:

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it's not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

SAVE $50: As of Sept. 29, the Ninja Creami is on sale for $169.99 at Amazon. That's a 23% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Creami $169.99 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $50   Get Deal

If you've spent any time scrolling TikTok, you've more than likely seen the Ninja Creami in action. The viral ice cream maker has become a firm favorite online for making homemade frozen treats of all kinds. We're talking everything from coffee ice cream to protein powder ice cream. And if you've been hoping to make your own creations, it's currently on sale at Amazon.

Prime Big Deal Days (also known as October Prime Day) kicks off next week, but early discounts have already started trickling in. For example, the Ninja Creami is now down to $169.99. According to camelcamelcamel, this is the best price in six months.

So, what exactly does it do? The Ninja Creami essentially lets you make seven different types of frozen treats at the touch of a button. These include ice cream, gelato, sorbet, milkshakes, smoothie bowls, Lite Ice Cream, and Mix-In. Its Creamify Technology finely shaves through a frozen pint to create smooth, creamy desserts in minutes, and the Re-spin function lets you process it again for an even softer texture.

And the world is your oyster when it comes to creations. You can make treats with the ingredients you choose. Plus, the Mix-In program also lets you add chocolate chips, nuts, fruit, cookies, etc., distributing them throughout your dessert.

Head to Amazon now to grab this Ninja deal.

The TikTok Creators Summit, held on Thursday in Hollywood, had the feel of an intimate awards show mashed with a retro-style work convention, complete with lanyards and name tags.

Platform creators sipped coffee and snapped photos before being led into a cavernous room with hundreds of seats and a brightly lit stage. Hosts Eric Sedeño (@ricotaquito) and Yasmine Sahid (@ladyyasmina1) admirably kept the energy up throughout the 90-minute-long proceedings, even with some cringey jokes piped into their teleprompter.

No trophies were handed out at the summit; instead, TikTok leadership, along with creators and advertisers, cheerfully shared guidance on how TikTok talent could turn their passion for videos into a legitimate career that pays the rent (and everything else). With approximately 2 billion monthly active users, there is a lot of money on the table.

TikTok bosses like Keiko Mori, head of Creative Product Marketing and Commercial Partnerships - North America, emphasized to the young, rapt assemblage that advertisers seek creators with a clear niche and those who consistently post, engage with their audience, and have a track record of successful brand partnerships.

Selling TikTok One to creators

Part of TikTok's strategy to enrich its creators is to get them on TikTok One, a platform that directly connects creators with advertisers. Any creator with 10,000 followers can join One, which allows them to create ads for brands to push as they please, rather than post sponsored content on their profiles, and to monetize existing (and applicable) videos by letting TikTok promote them as ads.

While TikTok One has been around for a while, TikTok announced new perks at the summit. These included One Pay, a feature which allows creators to get paid from brand deals directly through the app, rather than through the advertisers. While this sounds like adding a middleman and giving him a cut of the profits (akin to Airbnb’s model), TikTok says it collects no fees or commissions on its end of the transaction. It also addresses a big issue for many creators: chasing down payments from brand deals.

SEE ALSO: This TikTok trend has users 'blockin' the street'

"Payment lands in under 30 days after a video posts, which is quicker than the traditional terms common in the industry," according to a statement from TikTok.

Another new One perk is TikTok One Plus, an invite-only opportunity for adult U.S. and Mexican creators with at least 100,000 followers. "High-quality content creators" are chosen for Plus, according to TikTok, opening up new exclusive brand opportunities for them. Companies that advertise on TikTok can easily find OnePlus creators via AI or analog searches, quickly identifying an account that aligns with their marketing campaign.

"When I first started and got my first big brand deal. I was so excited," Vanessa Louise Miller, aka DeliciousNess Bakery, told Mashable. "They did reach out to me directly. But looking back now, I feel like I waited way too long for that moment. You don’t need to have millions of followers to have a great brand deal. You can reach out to companies directly. TikTok One has been incredible for that, it connects me with a brand in the same ecosphere — and you never know what brand you’ll find on there."

8 ways to get paid on TikTok

TikTok execs at the summit emphasized the myriad revenue streams available to creators — specifically, eight of them:

• Creator Rewards Program: A performance-based model that pays creators according to individual video performance. The program rewards users for their creativity, according to TikTok, which usually means longer videos with more production value (effective lighting, professional-looking editing, etc.).

• Specialized Rewards Program: This invite-only monetization program sounds like the aforementioned TikTok One Plus, but it isn't directly connected to advertising or brand marketing. Eligible creators can produce "high-quality content within specialized categories like film/TV, sports and learning" to unlock more bucks. Creators must be in the site's Creator Rewards Program to join.

• Brand Deals: Sponsored content and brand partnerships are the bread and butter of making money on TikTok.

• LIVE: At the summit, TikTok execs were encouraging live sessions for users, especially since their followers can gift them cash rewards during the vids.

• TikTok Shop: TikTok's e-commerce platform lets shoppers buy products featured in videos and live streams, with users (and TikTok) taking a cut of the proceeds.

• TikTok GO: Similar to TikTok Shop, creators can promote hotels, attractions, and local services to their followers and get a cut of the bookings.

• Post Contests: Again, TikTok wants "high-quality content" for this opportunity, which seeks videos about specific subjects or those related to a campaign hashtag. The nice thing about these contests: no minimum follower count required.

• Subscriptions: Unknown to many is the ability to charge followers a subscription, ostensibly for exclusive content like special videos or behind-the-scenes clips.

Best early Prime Day iPhone deals: Best iPhone deal overall iPhone 18 Pro (256 GB) $0 (save $1,199.99) Get Deal Best iPhone 17 Pro deal iPhone 17 Pro (256 GB) $0 (save $1,299.99) Get Deal Best unlocked iPhone deal iPhone 16e (128GB) $539.99 (save $60) Get Deal Best refurbished iPhone deal Refurbished iPhone 14 (128 GB) $419.99 (save $110.99) Get Deal

Amazon hasn't released its latest early Prime Day iPhone deals page yet. (Right now, it's just filled with iPhone 16s that aren't on sale.) We don't usually see iPhone deals worth buying on Amazon unless they're "renewed," so if you're hoping to find a discount on a brand-new, unlocked iPhone from Bezos, you probably won't.

But that doesn't mean you can't find a good deal during the sale — it just won't be on Amazon. Right now, T-Mobile is offering new and existing customers a chance to get the iPhone 18 Pro for free (if you don't mind signing a contract). If you'd rather not be tied to a carrier, Best Buy and Amazon offer discounts on unlocked "refurbished" and "renewed" models.

SEE ALSO: The best iPhones to buy in 2026: Our top pick might surprise you

Now that you've heard my spiel, here are the best early Prime Day iPhone deals you can shop right now, and you can check out our Apple guide for discounts on AirPods and MacBooks.

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

Getting a $1,200 phone for nothing is a hard deal to pass up. Right now, T-Mobile is covering the full cost of the iPhone 18 Pro through 36 monthly bill credits. To get this deal, you'll need to either switch to an Experience Beyond 2.0 plan or trade in a relatively recent device, like an iPhone 16 or 15 Pro, on an eligible plan.

While T-Mobile says it accepts trade-ins in any condition, older phones like the iPhone 14 or 13 will bump you down to the $930 or $500 credit tiers. You'll also still have to pay the local sales tax on the full pre-credit retail price upfront, along with a $35 device connection fee. But if you're already planning to stick with T-Mobile for the next three years, it's an easy way to upgrade without paying full price.

Read our review of the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

Best iPhone 17 Pro deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 17 Pro (256 GB) $0 at T-Mobile
$1,299.99 Save $1,299.99   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're not worried about having the latest and greatest, T-Mobile is giving away the iPhone 17 Pro using that exact same 36-month bill credit promo. You just need to switch to an Experience Beyond 2.0 plan or trade in an older phone.

The best part? Since last year's Pro model costs less upfront, trading in an older device like an iPhone 14 or 15 nearly covers the entire cost.

Read our review of the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Best unlocked iPhone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 16e (128GB) $539.99 at Best Buy
$599.99 Save $60   Get Deal Why we like it

Best Buy has the unlocked iPhone 16e marked down to $539.99 — a $60 discount. It comes with 128GB of storage and Apple Intelligence built right in. It's not a flagship Pro model, but it is one of the only brand-new, unlocked iPhones seeing an outright cash discount ahead of October's sale events.

Best refurbished iPhone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Refurbished iPhone 14 (128 GB) $309 at Best Buy
$419.99 Save $110.99   Get Deal Why we like it

If you just want a reliable smartphone on a budget, go with a refurbished model. Best Buy has the unlocked 128GB iPhone 14 in "Refurbished Excellent" condition marked down to $309. That's a $110 price cut.

TL;DR: Watch Spain vs. Croatia in the Nations League for free on RTVE. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Spain kicked off their UEFA Nations League campaign with a victory over England. The World Cup winners now face Croatia at home. It's going to be another challenging fixture for Luis de la Fuente's side.

If you're interested in watching Spain vs. Croatia in the Nations League from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Spain vs. Croatia?

Spain vs. Croatia in the Nations League kicks off at 2.45 p.m. ET on Sept. 29. This fixture takes place at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán.

How to watch Spain vs. Croatia for free

Spain vs. Croatia in the Nations League is available to live stream for free on RTVE.

RTVE is geo-restricted to Spain, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Spain, meaning you can live stream Spain vs. Croatia for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Spain vs. Croatia for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Spain

4. Visit RTVE

5. Watch Spain vs. Croatia for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Spain vs. Croatia without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RTVE?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on RTVE, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries, including Spain

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices, including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Spain vs. Croatia for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Another Amazon sale is upon us. ICYMI: Prime Big Deal Days, aka October Prime Day, returns Oct. 6 through Oct. 7 for 2026.

With deals dropping constantly throughout the event, shopping can get pretty overwhelming. We know all too well that it's easy to get caught up in the sales, indulge in some impulse purchasing, and experience a little buyer's remorse. No judgment.

As with every major Amazon sale, deals started popping off ahead of the official event kickoff, and there are lots more to come. If you run into some questions or concerns during your shopping journey — from classic cases of buyer's remorse to damaged packages to Prime membership questions — just know that you can always reach out to customer service.

SEE ALSO: How to cancel your Amazon Prime membership

Since contacting Amazon can be tricky at times, here are all the ways you can get in touch with customer service for a smoother online shopping experience before, during, and after the October Prime Day event. And yes, you can actually talk to a real person.

Amazon customer service help page

This is probably the most common and easiest way to find answers to common queries, such as Amazon’s return policies or international shipping information. The page contains a whole library of questions that users can get answers to, including how to track packages, cancel orders, or start a return. Your most recent purchases will pop up at the top of the page for easy navigation.

To access Amazon’s Customer Service Help Page, go to the website landing page and click on "Customer Service" in the top left of the screen. 

Amazon customer service email

Sometimes customer queries need to be addressed on a case-by-case basis, and the answers on the official website need to be more specific to better help shoppers. In these cases, users can email cs-reply@amazon.com and explain their issues. Remember that contacting Amazon’s customer service via email might not be the best option if you have an urgent question about your purchases, since customers are unlikely to receive a prompt response.

Amazon customer service phone number

Need a quicker reply? Call Amazon at 1-888-280-4331. When customers call this number, a bot answers and eventually connects them to Amazon staff, depending on the type of query. It’s important to note that customers should have a cell phone number connected to their Amazon account. Customers must enter verification codes sent to their linked contact information before using this service. In other words, things can get a bit tricky if you're sharing an account with someone else.

Amazon online chat service

Real-time chatting with Amazon representatives is the most convenient way to get all your questions answered. To use the live chat feature, return to the Customer Service help page and click on "Help with something else." When the list pops up underneath, choose "something else" once again. Another page opens with a list of more help options. Select "I need help with something else."

Now you've officially entered the chat. Type "Talk to associate" in the chat box. Amazon's messaging assistant might prompt you to give more info on your issue, which you can, but if you'd rather get to a real person ASAP, you can select "I need more help" from the pre-written responses.

From there, you can choose if you’d prefer to talk via chat or call. If you're looking for immediate help with a Prime Day purchase — be it due to buyer's remorse, a damaged package, an address change, etc. — this is your best bet to get your needs met.

For simple questions, Amazon's AI chat feature (launched in 2024) called "Rufus" can help customers solve some problems and make more informed purchase decisions.

Contact Amazon via social media

If your questions aren’t that urgent, you can contact Amazon Customer Service at @amazonhelp on X, @amazon on Instagram, and www.facebook.com/Amazon on Facebook.

TL;DR: Watch Czechia vs. England in the Nations League for free on ITVX. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The UEFA Nations League continues this week with the second round of fixtures, including Czechia vs. England. Both sides are looking to bounce back after losing their opening fixtures. England will be the favorites to win this matchup, but there are no easy fixtures in this competition.

If you're interested in watching Czechia vs. England in the Nations League from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Czechia vs. England?

Czechia vs. England in the Nations League kicks off at 2.45 p.m. ET on Sept. 29. This fixture takes place at the Fortuna Arena.

How to watch Czechia vs. England for free

Czechia vs. England in the Nations League is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can live stream Czechia vs. England for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Czechia vs. England for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit ITVX

5. Watch Czechia vs. England for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Czechia vs. England without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ITVX, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries, including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices, including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Czechia vs. England for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier for people who like baseball.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, 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 the latest 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: Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. The sports 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 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 before the game ends.

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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: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Baseball's first GOAT

• Green: Winter sports stars

• Blue: Movies

• Purple: Midwest rivalries

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Babe Ruth Nicknames

• Green: Famous Winter Olympians

• Blue: Kevin Costner Sports Films

• Purple: Big Ten Rivalry Trophies

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

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: Sports Edition #736 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Babe Ruth Nicknames: BABE, BAMBINO, COLOSSUS OF CLOUT, SULTAN OF SWAT

• Famous Winter Olympians: ALYSA LIU, APOLO OHNO, MARIT BJØRGEN, PICABO STREET

• Kevin Costner Sports Films: BULL DURHAM, DRAFT DAY, FIELD OF DREAMS, TIN CUP

• Big Ten Rivalry Trophies: FLOYD OF ROSEDALE, OLD OAKEN BUCKET, PAUL BUNYAN'S AXE, VICTORY BELL

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports Connections 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.

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