Mashable

TikTok will now let you share songs directly from Apple Music and Spotify to the platform.

Announced by the company on Thursday, the new "Share to TikTok" feature gives users of music streaming platforms the ability to share tracks, podcasts, or even audiobooks straight to TikTok.

The option to "Share to TikTok" will now appear when you go to share a song or album on Spotify or Apple Music. You can either post your selected track straight to the TikTok feed, using Photo Mode or the green screen feature to appear in the video steaming with hot takes. Or you can share straight to TikTok DMs to send it to your friends, where clicking on the song will open it in either Apple Music or Spotify.

SEE ALSO: What does WLW mean? The term is all over TikTok.

Amazon Music, Tidal, YouTube Music, and other music streaming platforms were not named in the announcement.

The feature is meant to be a complementary addition to TikTok's "Add to Music App" launched in November last year, which lets users tap the button next to the name of the song playing in a video and add it to their chosen music streamer.

Credit: TikTok

"Today's launch of 'Share to TikTok' is the latest example of our ongoing commitment to support music discovery and artist promotion in partnership with music streaming services," said Ole Obermann, global head of music business development, in a press statement.

"Since its launch, 'Add To Music App' has already been responsible for hundreds of millions of track saves and billions of streams on our partner music streaming services. 'Share to TikTok' takes the user experience full circle, and will be an amazing way of promoting artists and tracks to the TikTok community."

It won't be this straightforward with every share, however. Major labels have different licensing agreements in place with TikTok; for example, in May, TikTok and Universal Music Group (UMG) reached a "multi-dimensional" deal to put their artists back on the platform after the label pulled its whole catalogue. Warner Music Group (WMG) and Sony Music Entertainment have their own deals with TikTok.

Meanwhile, indie labels have their own deals. When TikTok's licensing deal with the National Music Publishers' Association (NMPA), which represents a number of indies, expired in April, the NMPA said it would not renew its license with TikTok. Indie nonprofit label licensing group Merlin is threatening to remove a large chunk of its catalogue from TikTok.

So, while sharing music to your TikTok DMs seems pretty safe as it's just a link, sharing to your feed might be more complicated.

The news also comes after TikTok said it would be pulling the plug on TikTok Music by November. The music streaming service never made it to the U.S., and had debuted in Brazil and Indonesia in July last year.

50% OFF: As of Nov. 8, The Criterion Collection is 50% off at Barnes and Noble. This sale runs until Dec. 2.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Criterion Collection The Criterion Collection 50% off at Barnes and Noble Get Deal

It's a fantastic time of year to be a movie fan. Not just for the Black Friday shopping event, which usually offers some great 4K and Blu-ray discounts, but also for the big Criterion Collection sale at Barnes and Noble. For those looking to get their hands on some incredible films from their collection, this is an excellent time to stock up.

The Criterion Collection is currently 50% off at Barnes and Noble. This sale features a wide variety of 4Ks, Blu-rays, and DVDs to build out your physical media collection, but also a variety of boxed sets are on sale, including the massive CC40 box set. This sale only runs until Dec. 2, so if you've had your eye on some films, now's a great time to pick them up.

SEE ALSO: Save over 80% on Audible audiobooks and dive into new stories this winter

The added bonus of purchasing from The Criterion Collection is that each cover has a unique design that'll stand out beautifully in your collection. They're physical editions that are worth every penny, and investing in high-quality 4Ks and Blu-rays is always a good idea. Though streaming is there with a touch of a button, there's nothing quite like watching a physical copy of your favorite films.

There are plenty more deals on physical media still to come as Black Friday approaches. Some retailers are jumping into the seasonal sale event early this month as well, so it's worth having a look at our breakdowns of Walmart, Best Buy, and Target's shopping events to see what they've got planned.

GET A FREE RED CUP: Starbucks has revealed its new holiday menu, meaning Red Cup Day is right around the corner. Here's how to get your free reusable red cup on that day.

Opens in a new window Credit: Starbucks Get Free Starbucks Red Cup on Red Cup Day Learn More

Starbucks has dropped their holiday menu with some festive new cup designs, and that means Red Cup Day is coming up soon. While we don't know the official day yet, it's usually not long after their new seasonal drinks drop.

If you're not familiar, Red Cup Day is when Starbucks gives out reusable red cups to shoppers. But how do you go about getting a free cup on this one-day-only event? Don't worry, we're here to help.

SEE ALSO: Score a free $20 Starbucks gift card when you buy a $300 Delta gift card

If you order any size seasonal beverage on Red Cup Day — doesn't matter if it's hot, iced, or blended — you'll get a free grande reusable red cup with your purchase. If you'd like to see what new drinks and food items are joining the Starbucks menu for the holiday season this year, have a look at their reveal here.

Below, we've listed the drinks included in the offer on Red Cup Day last year to give you a better idea. Unfortunately, the Christmas Blend brewed coffee and Christmas Starbucks Reserve weren't included at the time, but who knows what this year holds:

• Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato

• Caramel Brulée Latte

• Chestnut Praline Latte

• Gingerbread Latte

• Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai

• Hot Chocolate

• Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso

• Oleato Gingerbread Oatmilk Latte 

• Peppermint Hot Chocolate

• Peppermint Mocha

• Peppermint White Hot Chocolate

• Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte

• Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

• Pumpkin Spice Latte

• Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte

• White Hot Chocolate

These colorful reusable cups are a helpful item to keep year-round. Having a reusable cup is better for the environment, plus it features a cute design to always remind you of the holiday season. What's even better is bringing this reusable cup back to Starbucks will net you a $0.10 discount off your drink order, which is a nice bonus!

As we near the holidays, there are plenty more offers for shopper to check out, especially with Black Friday and Cyber Monday coming up. It's truly the season of savings, and plenty of retailers are jumping in on the seasonal sale event with some excellent deals, like Target, Best Buy, and Walmart.

Sorry, folks: You won't be able to share your Max login credentials much longer.

The Warner Bros. Discovery-owned streaming service announced it would start cracking down on accounts that are sharing their password back in March, but not much has really happened so far.

In the company's third quarter 2024 earnings call on Thursday, JB Perrett, CEO and president of global streaming and games for Warner Bros., said Max will start with "very soft messaging" around password sharing later this year.

SEE ALSO: The best Christmas movies now streaming on Netflix

"As we kick into '25 and into '26 you'll see more and more progress on that, which in effect is a form of a price rise as well, obviously asking members who have not signed up or multi-household members to pay a little bit more," he said. "And so you're going to see that as an additional kicker."

This probably means users can expect emails warning them about password sharing, followed by offers to start paying for extra members.

The company previously said it would fully roll out paid sharing in 2025.

There's potentially worse news, too. According to Perett, Max might also increase the prices of its streaming service as it deems there is a "fair amount of room" for higher prices due to the service's "premium nature."

"We think the premium nature of our product in particular lends us to have a fair amount of room to continue to push price," he said. "We've been judicious about it, but every price rise we've done so far the churn has actually been lower than we projected and expected and the retention continues to be strong."

The company increased the prices for its streaming service twice this year, most recently in June.

Max's move to curb password sharing is hardly surprising given that Netflix saw a big subscriber increase after it put an end to password sharing on its streaming service.

Jimmy Kimmel has responded to Elon Musk calling him a "propaganda puppet".

Instagrid's tiny power grid is bringing big changes to music festivals.

It would come as a surprise to more people than you think that "roomba" isn't the universal term for a robot vacuum. It is, in fact, a capital "R" that denotes Roomba as a proper noun rather than a generic trademark, though the Band-Aid level interchangeability really does exemplify just how iconic iRobot has become in the world of automated floor cleaners.

That can be attributed to the fact that iRobot has consistently delivered some of the most reliable robot vacuum models for two decades. More than 20 Roombas have come out since the first one hit homes in 2002, but tracking the best Roombas isn't so chaotic when you consider that only a handful of those models are actually relevant at the time of your shopping.

How to tell the difference between the Roomba models

The arbitrary numbers and letters of the Roomba family tree are confusing at face value, but nothing that can't be told apart after learning a few super general classification themes.

SEE ALSO: Why Eufy's X10 Pro Omni is the most surprising robot vacuum I've tested all year

When shopping for a Roomba, you'll really only be choosing from what I call iRobot's core lineup: the group of three to five Roomba series that are actively sold on iRobot's website. Any Roomba whose title includes a letter and a number (like j9+ or i5) or the word Max is more advanced than a Roomba with just numbers in the title (like 692) or just words (like Roomba Vac or Essential).

As of fall 2024, the five main Roomba collections up for grabs are as follows, from most advanced to least advanced: Max, j series, s series (though nearly obsolete), i series, and Essential series.

A plus sign (like j9+) denotes that the model comes with a self-emptying dock, and Roombas that mop will have "Combo" in the title. Note that there are several Roombas that can be purchased with or without mopping capabilities or self-emptying docks. "Max" is a new layer of Roomba typology that was introduced with the drop of the Roomba Combo 10 Max — it refers to the ability of a mopping Roomba to wash and dry its own mopping pad within the self-empty dock. On the other end of the spectrum, "Essential" means "most basic" in the Roomba family, and that means no smart mapping.

SEE ALSO: As a Dyson stan, I wouldn't tell anyone to buy the Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum Do Roombas go on sale for Prime Day?

Yep, most Roombas will be on sale for Black Friday. And most Black Friday Roomba deals won't wait until actual Black Friday on Nov. 29 — we all know that Black Friday is more of a season nowadays than a day or even a week, and solid robot vacuum deals will be popping up throughout November. For instance, the mopping, smart mapping, and phone charger-avoiding Roomba Combo j5+ is already on sale for $399.99 — 45% off — during the first week of November. My fingers are also crossed to see the new Roomba Combo 10 Max beat its October Prime Day price and drop below $900.

Not sure which Roomba to eye on Black Friday? I've composed an exhaustive comparison guide to all of the best iRobot options below, including my experience with any of the models I've tested hands-on at home. Not every single Roomba model in existence will be listed in this guide, and not every "main" Roomba on iRobot's website will be recommended as one of the best. Rather, I've pulled Roombas from multiple price points that I think offer the best value in various categories that people care about, whether that's mopping, smart mapping, small obstacle detection, the cheapest possible path to all of those features, or budget alone. Each Roomba's battery life and automatic emptying capabilities will be noted, along with my reasoning for choosing the highlighted model over other Roombas with similar prices.

Here's your easy breakdown of all of the best Roomba vacuums as of fall 2024:

The best early Black Friday laptop deals at a glance: Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,549.99 (save $49.01) Get Deal Best Windows laptop deal HP Spectre x360 14t-eu000 (Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD) $1,439.99 (save $500) Get Deal Best gaming laptop deal HP Victus 15-fb2063dx (AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS, AMD Radeon RX 6550M, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $429.99 (save $370) Get Deal Best Chromebook deal Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook (Intel Celeron N4500, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC) $129 (save $150.99) Get Deal

Black Friday is the absolute best time for finding good deals on laptops. (I would know: I've tracked them for Mashable since 2019.) And with retailers taking full advantage of the holiday's abnormally late timing this year, running sales that span most of November, steep discounts are expected to be plentiful all month long.

Case in point: Early Black Friday sales that are now live on HP, Lenovo, and LG's websites have ushered in deals across their lineups, including a $500 markdown on an excellent Windows convertible our staff has tested. Dell is also in the middle of an Early Holiday Savings event that features discounts as high as $600 on select PCs — most notably, some spiffy XPS series models.

Meanwhile, Best Buy just dropped an initial batch of early Black Friday deals alongside some other holiday doorbusters, one of which is an HP gaming laptop that's dipped well under $500. (It's the only major retailer besides Target that's already kicked off its Black Friday plans, but Walmart isn't far behind.)

SEE ALSO: When do Black Friday sales start? Be on the lookout for early holiday deals.

For their part, Apple Macbooks are in an awkward spot right now: Many M2 and M3 models are on sale, but they're sitting well above the previous record-low prices they hit in mid- to late October. Amazon and Best Buy are both running some preliminary discounts on the brand-new M4 models, which may be tempting if you're desperate to upgrade from an M1-or-older clunker. If you're patient, though, I think they'll get even cheaper closer to Black Friday proper. Keep in mind that Best Buy offers a holiday price match guarantee, but Amazon doesn't.

I would hold off on adding most MacBooks to your cart for now, especially since we don't know Amazon's formal Black Friday plans just yet: Last year, it ran a great deal on a MacBook Air x Apple Care+ bundle. The Apple Store itself is probably saving its usual Black Friday gift card offer for the day of on Nov. 29 — a practical option for those enmeshed in the Apple ecosystem.

Below, I'm keeping track of the best Black Friday laptop deals that are currently up for grabs. Bookmark this page and check back often, as I'll be updating the list continuously in the weeks leading up to the year's biggest shopping holiday.

Best early Black Friday MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,549.99 at Amazon
$1,599.00 Save $49.01 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro (M4).

In our all-new testing, Apple's latest starter MacBook Pro lasted almost 17 hours on a single charge and outperformed the M3 version by 27 percent. Mashable Tech Editor Kim Gedeon was impressed by its power efficiency, its stellar speakers, and its upgraded 12MP webcam, rating it a 4.2/5, but said that "at a starting price of $1,599, it’s an investment that’s not for the faint of heart." (On the plus side, it comes with 16GB of RAM.)

Amazon and Best Buy have both done their best to remedy that during the M4 MacBook series' launch week: Amazon has the base configuration marked down to $1,549.99 (or $49.01 off), while Best Buy has it on sale for a full $50 off — but only for paid My Best Buy members.

More MacBook deals

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $699.99 $999 (save $299.01 with on-page coupon)

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $1,049.99 $1,099 (save $49.01)

• Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $1,249.99 $1,299 (save $49.01)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,399 $1,699 (save $300)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M3 Pro, 18GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,899 $2,399 (save $500)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4 Pro, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,949 $1,999 (save $50) with paid My Best Buy membership

• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M4 Pro, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $2,449 $2,499 (save $50) with paid My Best Buy membership

• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M4 Max, 36GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $3,049 $3,199 (save $150) with paid My Best Buy membership

Best early Black Friday Windows laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP Spectre x360 14t-eu000 (Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD) $1,439.99 at HP.com
$1,939.99 Save $500.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the HP Spectre x360 14.

This year's Spectre x360 14 has an "addictive keyboard," a "vibrant" OLED touchscreen display, and a solid battery life of over 11 hours per charge, said Gedeon. (It also comes with its own stylus for drawing and note-taking in tablet mode, which is much appreciated.) She gave it a 4.5/5, which nabbed it a Mashable Choice Award.

The upgraded configuration that Gedeon tested features an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, 32GB of memory, and 2TB of storage. It usually retails for $1,939.99, but it's listed for $1,439.99 during HP's Black Friday Sale — a 26% savings. Note that lesser configurations with an Ultra 5 125H CPU, less RAM, and/or less storage are also on sale at HP (starting at $949.99), with some models price-matched at Best Buy.

More Windows laptop deals

• HP Laptop 15z-fc000 (AMD Athlon Silver 7120U, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) — $249.99 $499.99 (save $250)

• HP Laptop 17z-cp200 (AMD Athlon Gold 7220U, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) — $279.99 $659.99 (save $380)

• Dell Inspiron 15 3520 (Intel Core i5-1235U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $399.99 $549.99 (save $150)

• Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i (Intel Core 3 100U, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $449.99 $679.99 (save $230)

• HP Pavilion Laptop 16z-ag000 (AMD Ryzen 5 8540U, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $449.99 $799.99 (save $350)

• Dell Inspiron 16 5640 (Intel Core 7 150U, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $679.99 $999.99 (save $320)

• HP Pavilion Plus Laptop 16t-ab100 (Intel Core Ultra 5 125H, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $679.99 $1,099.99 (save $420)

• Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 (Intel Core 7 150U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $719.99 $1,004.99 (save $285)

• Dell Inspiron 16 7640 2-in-1 (Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $749.99 $1,149.99 (save $400)

• Lenovo Yoga 7 2-in-1 (AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $779.99 $1,114.99 (save $335)

• Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge, 14-inch (Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $849.99 $1,349.99 (save $500)

• HP Envy x360 15-fe1097nr (Intel Core Ultra 7 155U, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $899.99 $1,249.99 (save $350)

• Dell XPS 15 9530 (Intel Core i7-13620H, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $999 $1,299 (save $300)

• HP OmniBook Ultra 14-fd0013dx (AMD Ryzen AI 9 365, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $999.99 $1,499.99 (save $500)

• Dell XPS 14 9440 (Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,199.99 $1,499.99 (save $300)

• LG gram 17 (Intel Core i7-1360P, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,199.99 $1,999.99 (save $800)

• LG gram Style 16 (Intel Core i7-1360P, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,199.99 $1,999.99 (save $800)

• Dell XPS 13 9340 (Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,559 $2,059 (save $500)

• Dell XPS 16 9640 (Intel Core Ultra 9 185H, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,149.99 $2,749.99 (save $600)

• LG gram Pro 16 (Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,799.99 $2,399.99 (save $600) + free LG 32-inch MyView Smart Monitor

Best early Black Friday gaming laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP Victus 15-fb2063dx (AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS, AMD Radeon RX 6550M, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $429.99 at Best Buy
$799.99 Save $370.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Sub-$500 gaming laptop sightings are to Black Friday season as robins are to spring. This one is an entry-level HP Victus 15 with a 144Hz display and a backlit keyboard. It's equipped with an AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS CPU, AMD Radeon RX 6550M graphics, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage — nothing special, but perfectly suitable for a younger gamer or someone who sticks with undemanding games like Fortnite or CS2. (Consider putting your savings toward a RAM bump, if anything.)

Best Buy has it on sale for just $429.99 (normally $799.99) as one of its first holiday doorbusters of the season, which works out to a juicy 46% discount.

More gaming laptop deals

• HP Victus 15z-fb200 (AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $699.99 $999.99 (save $300)

• Lenovo LOQ (Intel Core i5-13450HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, 12GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $774.99 $1,079.99 (save $305)

• HP Omen Transcend 16t-u100 (Intel Core i7-14700HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,199.99 $1,599.99 (save $400)

• Lenovo Legion Slim 5 Gen 9 (AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,319.99 $1,769.99 (save $450)

• Lenovo Legion Pro 5i Gen 9 (Intel Core i7-14650HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,359.99 $1,829.99 (save $470)

• Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 9 (Intel Core i9-14900HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,799.99 $2,359.99 (save $560)

Best early Black Friday Chromebook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook (Intel Celeron N4500, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC) $129.00 at Best Buy
$279.99 Save $150.99 Get Deal Why we like it

Look, this 15-inch Chromebook isn't an impressive laptop by any means: It has a discontinued Intel Celeron N4500 processor from 2021 with 4GB of memory and 64GB of eMMC storage. But for those who just need a basic machine for everyday tasks like web browsing and email sending, it'll certainly get the job done.

You really can't argue with the price, either. Best Buy has it on sale for $129, which is actually a better deal than it's advertising: The Lenovo website sells the exact same configuration for $279.99. All in all, you're saving just under $151 (or a whopping 56%).

More Chromebook deals

• Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook (MediaTek Kompanio 520, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC) — $169 $319 (save $150)

• HP Chromebook Plus 14at-nf000 (Intel Core i3-N305, 8GB RAM, 128GB UFS) — $389.99 $599.99 (save $210)

TL;DR: Gain online privacy with a 3-year Surfshark VPN Starter Plan for $67.19 with the code HOLIDAY20.

Opens in a new window Credit: Surfshark Surfshark VPN Starter Plan: 3-Year Subscription $67.19
$430.00 Save $362.81 with code HOLIDAY20 Get Deal

Tired of geo-blocked websites, ads popping up, and limited access to content? With Surfshark VPN, you can enjoy a world of online content with the freedom to browse as you please.

For just $67.19, this 3-year plan offers military-grade encryption, IP address masking, multi-device protection, and plenty of features to make your browsing experience seamless and secure.

Surfshark is all about letting you enjoy the web on your terms. With over 3,200 servers in 65 countries, you have the freedom to explore any content anywhere. You can catch up on your favorite shows while traveling, unlocking exclusive content, or even securing the best online deals no matter where you are. Plus, Surfshark’s advanced CleanWeb feature blocks ads, trackers, and malicious links before they even load, so you get a cleaner, faster browsing experience that’s easy on the eyes.

With military-grade AES-256 encryption, Surfshark’s security features are as reliable as they come. Surfshark also includes MultiHop, which doubles your VPN connection through two different servers for an extra layer of privacy. And in case your VPN connection drops, Surfshark’s Kill Switch automatically disconnects your internet until the VPN is restored, preventing any unprotected data from being exposed.

Another big plus is that Surfshark’s subscription covers unlimited devices. With its Bypasser feature, you can even let specific apps or sites bypass the VPN, which is useful for services that need to know your actual location (like banking apps). Surfshark even takes care of that with its Cookie Pop-Up Blocker, which allows you to browse uninterrupted. 

It’s privacy, speed, and global browsing all in one. Get a 3-year Surfshark VPN Starter Plan for $67.19 with the code HOLIDAY20 through November 17.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Explore how AI can elevate your 9-to-5 — and energize your 5-to-9.

AI has taken the world by storm, but perhaps its best use case right now is in productivity. Where do you get most of your productivity done? Well, it depends on what your job is, but for most of us, our work happens best on our computers — especially if our computers are NPU-equipped, and AI ready. Over the past year or so, companies from Microsoft to Apple have been building AI-powered tools to supercharge productivity, baking these features into their latest and greatest laptops in an effort to help users get more out of their devices. 

Not only is AI super useful for productivity, but it can play a role in how you use your laptop to relax too. Here's a look at the best AI laptop features, for both work and play, out there right now.

AI assistants at the push of a button

Many laptops now feature AI assistants that can be prompted from the keyboard.

Microsoft, for instance, was relatively quick to the AI revolution with Copilot, which is available in full force on Copilot+ PCs, like the Microsoft Surface Laptop. Copilot works kind of like ChatGPT and allows you to chat about basically anything you can imagine, including researching or coming up with outlines for that presentation you haven't put together yet. Copilot+ PCs even have a dedicated Copilot button that you can press to easily bring up the AI assistant whenever you need it.

Improve your writing with the help of built-in AI

Laptops are the best tools around for writers, and having AI writing assistants built in seems like a no-brainer.

Apple, which may not have been quite as quick as Microsoft to bring AI features to its laptops, is making up for lost time now that macOS 15.1 Sequoia is available. All of Apple's top-of-the-line laptops, like the new M4 MacBook Pro, have access to some Apple intelligence features. Many of these features are slightly more subtle than Microsoft's, being easily accessible when you need them but not quite as in your face. A perfect example of this is Apple Intelligence's new Writing Tools feature. All you have to do is highlight some text, right-click on it, and head to the Writing Tools menu item. From there, you'll be able to have Apple Intelligence proofread text, rewrite it, or completely change the tone of it to be more friendly or more concise. It's pretty handy for day-to-day use, and it's great that it's easily accessible wherever you might type text. 

Create AI images quickly and easily

AI-generated images are becoming a familiar part of the online world, but tools built into the latest laptops are making it easier than ever to create them.

Looking for that perfect image to accompany the PowerPoint presentation you're putting together? Or simply want to create something for fun to send to a friend? The Microsoft Photos app can generate AI images for that exact purpose. Using Microsoft Photos, all you have to do is come up with a prompt that describes the image you're looking for, after which Photos will generate it and you can then refine it with additional instructions. It works quite well, and while you may have to spend a bit of time asking Photos to refine its creation, you'll spend a whole lot less time than you would if you were designing the image yourself. Microsoft Photos is available on all Windows computers, however the image creation feature works on Copilot+ PCs like the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i.

Access and analyze your documents and files

If AI software is going to act as your "assistant" it's going to need access to the documents you use to do business. This is part of the full service AI-powered laptop of the future.

Perhaps the most powerful thing about Google's Gemini, for instance, is its ability to integrate with the rest of your Google services. So, you can ask it for information about documents you've written and to summarize those documents directly in the Gemini interface. Gemini even integrates with Gmail, so you can have the assistant summarize emails in a pinch without having to go through them all individually. Gemini features work best on so-called "Chromebook Plus" laptops, like the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714. These laptops come with a free year of Google’s Gemini Advanced subscription.

Avoid digging through settings

Who wants to dig through the settings menu on their computer to find every little setting? Both Copilot and Siri, powered by Apple Intelligence, can change settings for you – all you have to do is ask. Some advanced settings may not quite work just yet, but you can easily ask these assistants to do things like toggle Wi-Fi on and off, manage Bluetooth connections, and more. It works pretty well, and is available on both Apple Intelligence-powered computers, like the MacBook Pro, and even cheaper Copilot+ PCs, like the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus.

TL;DR: Perfect for your bedside, desk, or travel, the Speedy Mag Wireless Charger is on sale for just $34.97 (reg. $119) for a limited time.

Opens in a new window Credit: VistaShops Speedy Mag Wireless Charger for iPhone $34.97
$119.95 Save $84.98 Get Deal

If you're tired of dealing with tangled cords and slow charging, the Speedy Mag Wireless Charger might just be your new favorite charging solution.

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The Speedy Mag is ideal for bedside use, thanks to its magnetic design that holds your phone securely in place all night. Plus, with built-in safeguards against overcharging and overheating, you can rest easy, knowing your device is in good hands. 

And if you need a desk upgrade, this wireless charger eliminates messy cables, giving you a cleaner-looking workspace. It’s designed with fast-charging capabilities, so you can get back to using your phone quickly (within about 30 minutes) and keep the productivity flowing.

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With MagSafe compatibility and Qi-enabled support for other devices, the Speedy Mag offers rapid, versatile power for iPhone 12 and newer models. It can power up your iPhone 1.5 times on a single charge. 

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TL;DR: This refurbished 2017 MacBook Air is just $249.97 (reg. $299.97) with free shipping through November 21.

Looking for a dependable Mac at a fraction of the price? This grade-A refurbished 2017 MacBook Air offers just that. Priced at $249.97 (reg. $299.97) with free shipping through November 21, this model brings you the quality and design of an Apple MacBook without the high cost, making it ideal for everyday users.

The 2017 MacBook Air is powerful enough to handle your daily tasks, from web browsing and video streaming to document editing and light photo work. With a 1.8GHz Intel Core i5 processor, you can expect smooth, responsive performance for the essentials, while its 128GB SSD offers the right balance of speed and storage space to keep important files, photos, and more at your fingertips.

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Its 13.3" widescreen display, equipped with a 1440x900 native resolution, offers bright, clear visuals for watching videos, browsing photos, or getting through work with minimal eye strain. The compact form factor doesn’t compromise connectivity either, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built-in, allowing you to stay connected.

Purchasing this refurbished MacBook Air also contributes to environmental sustainability. By choosing refurbished tech, you’re helping to reduce e-waste, which is better for the planet. With its grade-A condition rating, this MacBook is in near-mint shape, giving you the feel and experience of a new laptop at a lower price.

Get the trusted performance of an Apple laptop without the hefty price tag.

This refurbished 2017 MacBook Air is just $249.97 (reg. $299.97) with free shipping through November 21.

Apple MacBook Air 13.3" (2017) 1.8GHz i5 8GB RAM 128GB SSD Silver (Refurbished) - $249.97

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Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air 13.3" (2017) 1.8GHz i5 8GB RAM 128GB SSD Silver (Refurbished) $249.97
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TL;DR: You can get a refurbished MacBook Air bundled with Microsoft Office 2019 on sale for $269.97 (a $1,288 value) while supplies last.

Refurbished MacBook Air

• It’s a great laptop for everyday tasks with an Intel Core i5 and 8GB of RAM, though it won’t hold up well for intense multitasking or gaming

• A grade “A” refurbished rating means the device is in near-mint condition and it comes with a 90-day parts and labor warranty

• Enjoy a 13.3-inch display with Intel HD Graphics 6000

• Equipped with 128GB of onboard storage

• Being a 2017 model year, it cannot upgrade past macOS Monterey 12

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We only have 50 of these MacBook Air and Microsoft Office for Mac bundles in stock. Order yours for $269.97 (a $1,228 value) before they’re sold out.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: LIMITLESS USA INC. Apple MacBook Air 13.3" MQDR2LL/A 128GB Silver (Refurbished) + Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac Bundle $269.97
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What would happen if any of Hugh Grant's famed rom-com characters — think William from Notting Hill or the prime minister from Love Actually — trapped you in a house of horrors? That's not too far off from what you'll get in Heretic, the latest horror offering from writer-director duo Scott Beck and Bryan Woods (A Quiet Place, 65).

Yes, Grant has leaned further into villain archetypes in the past few years, from Paddington 2's egotistical Phoenix Buchanan to Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves' roguish Forge. But no film has weaponized his talents to as frightening an extent as Heretic. Here, you'll witness Grant both as you've never seen him before (downright terrifying!) and exactly as you've seen him before (charming with a side of self-deprecation). The combination is downright bone-chilling, with Grant's performance providing nonstop terror even as Heretic's theological frights remain fairly surface level.

SEE ALSO: Hugh Grant will scare your socks off in exclusive 'Heretic' clip What's Heretic about? Hugh Grant in "Heretic." Credit: A24

Grant plays Mr. Reed, a seemingly friendly man who opens his door to Mormon missionaries Sister Paxton (The Fabelmans' Chloe East) and Sister Barnes (Yellowjackets' Sophie Thatcher). The pair have already had a rough day of lugging their bikes up and down steep stairs, getting made fun of by local teenage girls, and weathering the beginnings of a gnarly rainstorm. After all that, Mr. Reed's genuine interest in the Mormon Church is just the pick-me-up they need. And while mission rules forbid them from being alone with him without a woman present, he insists that his shy wife is just in the kitchen whipping up a marvelous blueberry pie. That's all the confirmation Paxton and Barnes need to enter his home and start teaching him about their faith.

Once inside, though, the red flags start piling up. Turns out Mr. Reed knows quite a bit about Mormonism. Look no further than his heavily marked-up copy of the Book of Mormon. ("More like Mr. Read," Paxton jokes, desperate to land her first baptism.) Then there are his pointed probes about Mormon founder Joseph Smith and polygamy. At first glance, these could just be mistaken for run-of-the-mill religious skepticism. But when coupled with personal questions about the death of Barnes' father, it's clear something more sinister is afoot. From here, all Heretic needs is one push — in this case, the reveal that "Mrs. Reed" is nothing more than a blueberry-scented lie — to send Paxton and Barnes hurtling into hell.

SEE ALSO: 25 of the best Christmas horror movies to haunt your holiday

"Hell" of course being the back section of Mr. Reed's house, which includes a chapel he built himself, as well as two staircases — one marked "belief," the other "disbelief" — leading down into the darkness. These staircases become the focal point for a religious battle of wits, as Mr. Reed tests the Sisters' faith to its limit.

Heretic's religious horror is not the scariest thing about it. Chloe East and Sophie Thatcher in "Heretic." Credit: A24

Most of this battle of wits plays out in conversation, with Heretic quickly cementing itself as the chattiest horror movie of the year. (While introducing Heretic at this year's Fantastic Fest, Beck and Woods said they created it as the inverse to A Quiet Place, which created scares without any dialogue.) As Mr. Reed lures Paxton and Barnes deeper into his web, each conversational turn and cutting question become cause for more and more dread. Yet that's less due to the actual content of the conversations, and more about Beck and Woods' claustrophobic direction of this three-hander. Tight close-ups on Mr. Reed, Paxton, and Barnes' faces keep us locked into their discussion, while the single-location setting reminds us that there is no escape.

Ostensibly, the theological debate that this trio engages in is meant to be the meat of Heretic's horror, as Paxton and Barnes reckon with their relationship to God in a time of crisis. But the film's religious discourse is mostly skin-deep — albeit fun.

SEE ALSO: 10 terrifying religious horror movies you can stream right now

Take, for example, a show-stopping monologue from Grant, delivered like a sermon from his own pulpit, about the iterative connections between everything from religion to Monopoly to Lana Del Rey. (A Jar Jar Binks impression makes its way in there too, and Grant makes a delightful meal of it, as he does with everything else in the film.) The actual messaging about religion being nothing more than an elaborate marketing farce isn't particularly groundbreaking — you could just as easily find these ideas on any atheist message board. It's the way Grant delivers it, with all the panache of a smarmy debate bro, that really sets your teeth on edge.

That's because Heretic mines its greatest scares not from its questions about religion, but from the age-old truth that it's just really terrifying to be a woman alone with a strange man. Especially when that strange man combines the mannerisms of rom-com Hugh Grant with the trap-loving sensibilities of Saw's John Kramer.

Hugh Grant in Heretic is some of the best horror casting in recent memory. Hugh Grant in "Heretic." Credit: A24

The root of Heretic's true horror begins with Grant's performance. Here, the actor is fully in what'd we consider to be his rom-com mode, employing the tricks he uses in his romantic roles. Mr. Reed is all affable grins and shrugs, politely tripping over his words, then mugging apologetically when he mixes up names or asks an uncomfortable question. He seems almost sorry to be asking Barnes and Paxton to head into his creepy basement, when in reality he's in total control.

That knowing lack of acknowledgment of his control carries over into Beck and Woods' script. While some of Heretic's religious musings can feel overwritten, Mr. Reed's social manipulation of the Sisters is spot-on. He claims, time and time again, that he isn't pressuring them — never mind the fact that he's locked them in his house. He accuses Barnes and Paxton of getting too worked-up, discounting their very valid fears about him. Who can stay calm when a man is, once again, coercing them into his basement?

East and Thatcher play Paxton and Barnes' reactions perfectly, with the pair attempting to defuse the situation without upsetting Mr. Reed. Their discomfort comes through at first in small ways. Thatcher's firmer Barnes refuses a drink from Mr. Reed, while East's sweet, more unsure Paxton responds to most of his questions through awkward giggles. But as the cracks in Mr. Reed's façade begin to show, the panic becomes ever clearer on the Sisters' faces, even as they try to remain polite. Repeated questions to meet Mrs. Reed become shorthand for terror. Paxton and Barnes invent excuses to try to extricate themselves. Later, they dull down their intelligence and beliefs in an attempt to appeal to what they think Mr. Reed wants from them — Paxton even thanks him as she begins her descent downstairs. It's a stomach-churning, yet all-too relatable moment of panicked nicety in a film full of them. How do you push away a man who won't allow you to remove yourself from his vicinity? A man who wants to use his religious beliefs to control and mold you to his will — again, sound familiar?

These scenes of Paxton and Barnes diminishing themselves make the moments when they fight back all the sweeter. They choose to meet Mr. Reed on his own intellectual turf, challenging him on his clearly well-rehearsed points. And whether or not you agree with Mr. Reed's religious beliefs or the Sisters', each rebuttal of theirs hits hard by virtue of them facing down their captor.

Heretic's dialogue — no matter how high school debate-y it threatens to get — is delivered with such malevolent fun by Grant and such ferocity by East and Thatcher that by the time the film falls into more traditional slasher mode, it's a shame to part with these conversations. Frightening reveals and boatloads of religious and occult iconography (much of it delivered in impressively crafted statues and images throughout Mr. Reed's house) certainly get the blood pumping. But they're something you could see in any religious horror movie. What really sets Heretic apart is Grant, the absolute monster of a man he plays, and just how awfully familiar that man is.

Heretic is now in theaters.

Explore how AI can elevate your 9-to-5 — and energize your 5-to-9.

TL;DR: A wide range of AI courses are available to take for free on Udemy.

There has been a lot of conversation about AI in recent times, but we're still not clear on whether or not this technology is going to take over the world. Artificial intelligence may eventually decide to destroy everything we love, but in the meantime, we could all benefit from gaining a better understanding of this new tech.

Fortunately, you can learn how to harness the power of this technology without spending anything. A wide range of AI courses can be found on Udemy. And better yet, some of the best examples can be taken for free.

We've checked out everything on offer and lined up a selection of standout courses to get you started. These are the best online AI courses you can take for free this month:

• AI-900: Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals

• AI Art Generation Guide: Create AI Images For Free

• AI Filmmaking

• AI for Beginners: Learn The Basics of ChatGPT

• AI for Everyone

• AI-Powered Chatbot: Build Your Own with No Code

• AI Product Strategy

• Artificial Intelligence for Accountants

• Artificial Intelligence for Humans: AI Explained

• Artificial Intelligence: Preparing Your Career for AI

• Become an AI Accelerated Engineer Using ChatGPT

• Become an AI-Powered Engineer: ChatGPT, Github Copilot

• Business Analyst: Digital Director for AI and Data Science

• Canva AI: Master Canva AI Tools and Apps 2024

• ChatGPT 101: The Complete Beginner's Guide and Masterclass

• ChatGPT in 30 Minutes: New Prompt Engineering and AI Skills

• ChatGPT, Midjourney, Firefly, Bard, DALL-E, AI Crash Course

• ChatGPT Security: Privacy Risks and Data Protection Basics

• Create Faceless YouTube Videos Using Free AI Tools Only

• Deep Learning and AI with Python for Beginners

• Digital, Virtual and AI Photography

• Gemini AI Course for Beginners

• Generative AI and Prompt Engineering

• Generative AI For Leaders

• Google Gemini AI with Python API

• How To Make YouTube Automation Videos in 20 Minutes Using AI

• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

• Learn Basics About AI

• Master Gemini AI

• Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals: Get Started with AI

• Midjourney and ChatGPT: Unleash AI for Unique Image Generation

• Prompt Engineering+: Master Speaking To AI

• Unleash your Creativity with Stable Diffusion AI

The catch with these free online courses is that you don't get certificates of completion or direct instructor messaging. But you still get unrestricted access to all the video content, so you can learn at a pace that suits you.

Find the best free AI and ChatGPT courses on Udemy.

Opens in a new window Credit: Udemy AI and ChatGPT Courses Free at Udemy Get Deal

Do you need a little Christmas? Right this very minute? Well, then we recommend you head to Netflix, where an array of holiday movies are present and ready to be unwrapped.

This winter, the streaming service has a festive lineup perfect for whiling away the chilly days and nights at home or picking up your mood if it needs a lift! Whether you're cuing up a special episode of your favorite TV show or just letting that Fireplace for Your Home crackle away in the background, every Netflix holiday title has its time and place in the Christmas streaming-scape.

But, of course, if you're looking for specific recommendations of excellence, we've made a list and checked it twice. Here are some of the best Christmas movies streaming on Netflix this winter season.

20. A Bad Moms Christmas Credit: STXfilms

This oft-maligned Christmas rager from co-writers/co-directors Scott Moore and Jon Lucas doesn't entirely work as a movie, but it is a delightful companion for multitasking. The 2017 sequel to 2016's Bad Moms features spectacular performances from stars Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, and Kathryn Hahn, as well as Christine Baranski, Cheryl Hines, and Susan Sarandon as those bad moms' bad moms. Come for the promise of Baranski and a gospel choir; stay for Hahn's killer tank tops. — Alison Foreman, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: A Bad Moms Christmas is now streaming on Netflix.

19. Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square Credit: Netflix

True Dolly Parton fans understand the country star to be more than the celebrity, hero, legend, and icon popular cultural has whittled her down to be. Dolly, you see, is a lifestyle — a way of being, an all-encompassing perspective on personhood. In Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square, that high-level plane of existence gets the sparkly holiday treatment in a musical romp as shining as Dolly herself. Sure, the whole thing is ridiculously old-fashioned and not surprising in any way. But it's also got exquisite pageantry with Christmas spirit to spare. And of course, the songs are fantastic. — A.F.

How to watch: Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square is now streaming on Netflix.

18. The Christmas Chronicles Credit: Netflix

If you want to see Kurt Russell slap his butt as Santa, then you've come to the right place. Writer Matt Lieberman (Free Guy) and director Clay Kaytis reimagine the traditional "Someone's gotta save Christmas!" narrative in this familiar but still fun holiday outing with Russell as Old Saint Nick. Judah Lewis and Darby Camp star as a brother and sister who, in trying to catch proof of Santa, get more than they bargained for. Should you fall in love with this over-the-top universe, definitely check out The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two, which features Russell's life partner Goldie Hawn as Mrs. Claus. — A.F.

How to watch: The Christmas Chronicles is now streaming on Netflix.

17. Alien Xmas Credit: Netflix

Impress and entertain anyone you're with this holiday season by cuing up Netflix's hidden gem Alien Xmas. This sci-fi adventure from the team behind Elf's iconic stop-motion scenes delivers a charming tale of intergalactic thieves descending upon Earth to steal everything — including Christmas. Part How the Grinch Stole Christmas, part WALL-E, Alien Xmas is an adorable animated adventure that's great for kids and adults alike, with a timeless message. — A.F.

How to watch: Alien Xmas is now streaming on Netflix.

16. A Christmas Prince Credit: Netflix

Is A Christmas Prince a movie? Nay, it is a journey. Join our heroine, American journalist Amber Moore (Rose McIver) as she takes on an undercover assignment in the far-off country of Aldovia in this schmaltzy rom-com opposite Ben Lamb as the titular Christmas Prince. This movie is exactly what you think it is, and if that's what you're the mood for? Excellent news: Its even more outrageous sequels, A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding and A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby, are streaming now too. God save King Richard Bevan Charlton. Long may he reign. — A.F.

How to watch: A Christmas Prince is now streaming on Netflix.

15. A Very Murray Christmas Credit: Netflix

Remember simpler times with Netflix's 2015 Christmas spectacular A Very Murray Christmas. Directed by Sofia Coppola, this magical presentation featuring Bill Murray has a very loose plot that primarily serves as a revolving door for guest appearances and musical numbers. With a runtime of just 56 minutes, the infectious levity of the project and its supporting cast (including Miley Cyrus, Amy Poehler, George Clooney, Chris Rock, and more) is sure to have you smiling fast. — A.F.

How to watch: A Very Murray Christmas is now streaming on Netflix.

14. Let It Snow Credit: Netflix

Director Luke Snellin's feature-length debut is without question the right pick for anyone on a YA kick come the holidays. With a stellar cast including Shameik Moore, Kiernan Shipka, Isabela Merced, Joan Cusack, and more, Let It Snow adapts the popular novel of the same name — telling three stories of love, friendship, and magic on Christmas Eve in a single small town. Sure, this movie is another offshoot of Love Actually's tremendous influence over the holiday genre catalog. But it's a good one. — A.F.

How to watch: Let It Snow is now streaming on Netflix.

13. Klaus Credit: Netflix

Want a different spin on Santa Klaus? Then check out director Sergio Pablos' utterly enchanting — and sharply funny — Klaus, which was nominated for Best Animated Film at the 2020 Academy Awards. Playing like a festive spin on The Emperor's New Groove, this inventive animated adventure centers on a self-centered rich boy named Jesper Johansson (voiced by a pitch-perfect Jason Schwartzman), who is pitched out of his life of privilege into a remote village that's divided by an intense feud. He's there to deliver the mail, and — in a convoluted but charming way — concocts a plan that involves a reclusive woodworker (J.K. Simmons) with a treasure trove of carved toys and a giddy group of kiddies eager to write letters for gift-getting wishes. How will all of that turn to holiday cheer? Discovering that is just a part of the whimsical magic of Klaus. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

SEE ALSO: 'Klaus' director Sergio Pablos discusses the challenges of traditional 2D animation

How to watch: Klaus is now streaming on Netflix.

12. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey Credit: Gareth Gatrell / Netflix

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is absurd in all the ways you actually want. As Mashable's Angie Han wrote in her official review of the steampunk musical extravaganza, "It's all entirely too much, in a way that feels just right — like a Christmas stocking bursting at the seams with too many goodies." Surprisingly sweet and an important step for Black representation in Christmas films, Jingle Jangle will make you happy this holiday. Pinky promise. — A.F.

SEE ALSO: 'Jingle Jangle' stars discuss representation in holiday films

How to watch: Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is now streaming on Netflix.

11. A Boy Called Christmas Credit: Netflix

Sure, Christmas technically already has an origin story, but some of us are looking for a more epic, secular, fantastical tale to sink our teeth into. Enter: A Boy Called Christmas, adapted from the 2015 Matt Haig novel of the same name.

Featuring Henry Lawfull, Sally Hawkins, Kristen Wiig, Stephen Merchant, Jim Broadbent, Toby Jones, and Dame Maggie Smith, A Boy Called Christmas follows a young boy who embarks on an incredible adventure through the ice and snow to find the land of the elves and bring hope to his people. He's got a trusty mouse sidekick at his side and a can-do attitude. Hold on to your cocoa, folks; this movie is positively radiating with holiday spirit! — Kristina Grosspietsch, Freelance Contributing Writer

How to watch: A Boy Called Christmas is now streaming on Netflix.

10. Single All the Way Credit: Philippe Bosse / Netflix

After a bad breakup, Peter (Michael Urie) heads home to New Hampshire for the holidays with his best friend Nick (Philemon Chambers) in tow, hatching a foolproof plan to pretend to date Nick so his family won't harp on his recent heartbreak. As soon as he arrives, however, Peter's family sets him up with a hunky local spin instructor. And when things go well, Peter begins to wonder if maybe it’s time to move back to New Hampshire for good. Will Nick agree?

Written by Chad Hodge and directed by Michael Mayer — Broadway veterans, both! — 2021's Single All the Way is an excellent romantic comedy for the holidays. It's funny, it's charming, and it's got the right amount of true human emotion to make this a new feel-good Christmas classic. Oh, and the absolutely stacked cast (which includes Jennifer Coolidge, Kathy Najimy, and Luke Macfarlane) doesn’t hurt! — K.G.

How to watch: Single All the Way is now streaming on Netflix.

9. Falling for Christmas Credit: Scott Everett White / Netflix

What is a "good movie," really? Does it need a coherent plot, believable stakes, and characters that act like human beings? Sure. So, by that metric, Falling for Christmas is not a good movie. And yet, it is the movie that ushered in the Lindsay Lohan renaissance of the 2020s, and for that, we are extremely grateful! Yes, it's silly — but it's the best kind of silly, mindless fluff. 

Lohan is wooden but charming as Sierra Belmont, a wealthy, disconnected heiress about to get engaged to her flighty, absurd influencer BF Tad (George Young). But then she falls off a mountain (seriously) and wakes up in the care of down-to-earth widowed dad Jake (Chord Overstreet), with no memory of what happened! You heard that correctly; this is not a drill! It's a Christmas-amnesia-rom-com, people!!!! — K.G.

How to watch: Falling for Christmas is now streaming on Netflix.

8. The Princess Switch Credit: Netflix

In the same fictional Christmas-verse as Netflix's A Christmas Prince, Stacy (Vanessa Hudgens) is an American chef on her way to the made-up European country of Belgravia for a baking competition. There she runs into Lady Margaret Delacourt (also Hudgens), future wife of Belgravia's crown prince, who is looking for a break from the country's rabid media. Her solution? That she and Stacy switch places, of course! What could go wrong? Surely, no one will notice an American nobody pretending to be a duchess! Surely, these two women won't definitely fall in love with the men in each other's lives... right? Right?! 

Zany, bubbly, and the opposite of subtle, The Princess Switch — along with sequels The Princess Switch: Switched Again and The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star — is a perfect watch for when you're in the mood for some sugary-sweet nonsense. — K.G.

How to watch: The Princess Switch is now streaming on Netflix.

7. A Castle for Christmas Credit: Netflix

Brooke Shields is Sophie, an American novelist looking to escape the PR frenzy around her newest book. She absconds to a small town in Scotland where her grandfather once lived, and after feeling a connection to the place, promptly tries to buy the rundown castle. (Sure!) The catch? Current owner Myles (Cary Elwes) refuses to sell unless Sophie can survive both of them living there together for 90 days. It's like an only-one-bed situation, but with an entire castle. Myles hopes he can scare Sophie off… but as time goes on, does he still want her to go?

So many Christmas romantic comedies feature stiff acting, but Shields and Elwes both abound with energy and charisma. A Castle for Christmas is a no-brainer holiday watch: It's cheerful, it's charming, and you're genuinely rooting for these two to get together! — K.G.

How to watch: A Castle for Christmas is now streaming on Netflix.

6. The Knight Before Christmas Credit: Brooke Palmer / Netflix

The Knight Before Christmas has all your favorite holiday movie tropes: a precocious little girl, a woman who no longer believes in love, and the man who is going to change her mind. Except the man in question here is Sir Cole (Josh Whitehouse), a medieval knight who has been transported to the present and doesn't understand a thing about this new world. Good thing the woman, Brooke (Vanessa Hudgens, Netflix Christmas queen!), is there to help him figure it all out. The Knight Before Christmas is just as cheesy as you think it is, but that doesn't mean it's not a fun watch! It’s like a Christmas-y Kate & Leopold, but with less gravitas and more hijinks. — K.G.

How to watch: The Knight Before Christmas is now streaming on Netflix.

5. Our Little Secret Credit: Bob Mahoney / Netflix

Lindsay Lohan is back! The Mean Girls star brings her winsome energy to Our Little Secret, a cute comedy about past loves, big secrets, and the absolute awkwardness of meeting your partner's family for the first time. Once childhood sweethearts, Avery (Lohan) and Logan (Ian Harding) were everything to each other. After a surprise holiday wedding proposal goes off badly, they lose touch for 10 years, only to turn up at the same family gathering — because they're dating siblings! With shades of Anyone but You, Our Little Secret has the pair hiding their past relationship to keep things chill and avoid the ire of an intense mother hen (Kristin Chenoweth). Amid holiday hijinks and incredible social pressure, will these old flames re-ignite like a Yule log? — K.P.

How to watch: Our Little Secret begins streaming on Netflix on Nov. 27.

4. The Merry Gentlemen Credit: Katrina Marcinowski / Netflix

The Full Monty meets holiday rom-com in The Merry Gentleman. When her big-city dreams take a big hit, professional dancer Ashley (Britt Robertson) finds fresh purpose in her small hometown. There, her parents' performance venue, The Rhythm Room, is at risk of closing. But perhaps one hit show could save the theater? More specifically, an all-male dance review combining Christmas music and strapping hunks ready to strip down from their gay apparel for a whooping audience. While counting down to a Christmas that'll make or break her family, Ashley gets her groove back, not only by throwing herself into this creative Christmas production but also by falling for a buff — and a bit gruff — handyman (Chad Michael Murray). Heads up: The Merry Gentleman is nowhere near as flashy or smoking hot as Magic Mike. But if you're seeking to get a bit heated in these chilly months, it'll go down like a cup of cocoa. — K.P.

How to watch: The Merry Gentlemen begins streaming on Netflix on Nov. 20.

3. That Christmas Credit: Netflix

There are plenty of Santa stories to choose from each winter. (Heck, there are several on this list!) But only one has a script co-written by Love, Actually's Richard Curtis — and a Father Christmas voiced by Succession's Brian Cox! Based on Curtis' adorable children's book trilogy, That Christmas is an animated adventure that features a debonair Santa Claus and a wise-cracking reindeer sidekick, as well as a mighty blizzard that pitches parents into peril, leaving their kids to band together to save the holiday. And hey, maybe they'll get a little help from a certain icon of gift-giving and goodwill. — K.P.

How to watch: That Christmas begins streaming on Netflix on Dec. 4.

2. Hot Frosty Credit: Petr Maur / Netflix

What if Frosty was a hunk? That's the premise of this cheeky holiday rom-com that's a mix of festive, funny, and mildly horny. Mean Girls Lacey Chabert and Schitt's Creek's Dustin Milligan star in this tale of Girl Meets Snowman. She's a small-town diner owner whose heartbreak doesn't stop her from giving plenty of warmth and joy to others. He is a buff snowman, carved — complete with nipples and rippling abs! — for a winter festival display. But a holiday wish brings him to life, turning him into a flesh-and-blood himbo/Golden Retriever boyfriend... who melts if he gets too hot. (Hm. Well, that's less than ideal.) Will love find a way? And did screenwriter Russell Hainline mean to reference Terminator with a nude intro that leads into a festive crime spree?

If you're intrigued, you'll treasure Hot Frosty. — K.P.

How to watch: Hot Frosty begins streaming on Netflix on Nov. 13.

1. Meet Me Next Christmas Credit: Marni Grossman / Netflix

A festive tale of fate, love, and music frolics forth in Meet Me Next Christmas. Christina Milian stars as Layla, a gorgeous and generous "miracle worker" whose not-for-profit work secures scholarships for students to attend HBCUs. She deserves a holiday that's out of the movies... And it will be.

Screenwriters Molly Haldeman and Camilla Rubis cleverly pluck elements from The Holiday, Serendipity, and Sleepless in Seattle to create an NYC-set fairy tale about taking a chance on a new romance. After a meet-cute with a dashing man (Kofi Siriboe) in an airport lounge, lovelorn Layla becomes convinced that tickets to see Pentatonix at a sold-out Christmas Eve show will be all she needs to make a love connection that will last. To get this hot ticket, she'll need the help of a committed (and cute) broker (Devale Ellis), who will be her guide through the decadent halls, quirky characters, and oddball antics that is Christmas in New York City. — K.P.

How to watch: Meet Me Next Christmas is now streaming on Netflix.

Honorable Mention: Home for Christmas

Not a movie but a two-season series out of Norway, Home for Christmas is a must-watch for the holiday season. The wildly charming Ida Elise Broch stars as Johanne, a 30-year-old single nurse who is tired of being chucked to the kids' table for the holidays. So, she tells a little lie, claiming she'll be bringing a beau to her parents' Christmas Eve dinner. Now, she just needs to find someone before the holiday is upon her!

With episodes under thirty minutes, Home for Christmas is a short-and-sweet treat that explores love and sex while also confronting the frustrating social standards put on women to mate up. While there are doses of sobering drama as Johanne confronts loneliness, family discord, and loss, the series is overwhelmingly warm and funny. And if you're not into subtitles, the overdub is perfect for watching while gift-wrapping! — K.P.

How to watch: Home for Christmas Seasons 1 and 2 are now streaming on Netflix.

UPDATE: Nov. 6, 2024, 1:39 p.m. EST This list was originally published on Dec. 21, 2020. It has been updated by Kristy Puchko and Kristina Grosspietsch to reflect current Netflix offerings.

SAVE $700: As part of Best Buy’s early Black Friday doorbuster deals, the LG UltraGear 45-inch OLED Gaming Monitor is now $999.99, down from $1,699.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG UltraGear 45-Inch OLED Gaming Monitor $999.99 at Best Buy
$1,699.99 Save $700.00 Get Deal

Ready to level up your gaming setup with a screen that’ll make you feel like you are in the game? Best Buy’s early Black Friday doorbuster deals have you covered with the LG UltraGear 45-inch OLED gaming monitor, now priced at $999.99. That’s a $700 discount on one of the most drool-worthy monitors out there — this deal is practically begging you to ditch your old screen and dive into the OLED world.

Let’s talk specs. This 45-inch curved OLED screen doesn’t just look impressive; it’s packed with features to maximize your gaming experience. Its 21:9 aspect ratio offers more screen area than many standard 49-inch monitors, creating a fully immersive experience thanks to its steep 800R curve. Combine that with a blazing 240Hz refresh rate and a nearly instant 0.03ms response time, and you’ve got yourself a monitor that’s all about speed and precision — perfect for those high-stakes, blink-and-you-miss-it moments in your favorite FPS or racing game.

SEE ALSO: Best Buy is treating most of November like Black Friday

But it’s not just about size and speed — the UltraGear’s OLED panel is VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 certified, giving you deep, inky blacks and brilliant contrast for an immersive viewing experience, even in the darkest scenes. Gamers who crave silky-smooth visuals will appreciate the built-in NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, ensuring buttery-smooth gameplay with minimal screen tearing or stutter.

And LG didn’t skimp on connectivity options either. The UltraGear comes loaded with HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and USB Type-C ports, so you’re set for 4K consoles, high-powered gaming PCs, and more. You’ll also find built-in speakers and DTS Headphone support for that crisp 3D audio, whether gaming out loud or immersing yourself with headphones.

If you’re looking for a screen to match your setup’s ambition, this LG UltraGear deal is a no-brainer. This early Black Friday Doorbuster won’t last forever, so if you’ve been dreaming of an OLED upgrade, now’s the time to act.

Best Buy is dropping new doorbusters on select tech every Friday — starting Nov. 8 through Dec. 20. We'll keep an eye out for the best deals in the run up to Black Friday.

SAVE $370: As of Nov. 8, the HP Victus 15.6-inch Gaming Laptop is on sale for $429.99 at Best Buy, down from its regular price of $799.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP Victus 15.6” Gaming Laptop $429.99 at Best Buy
$799.99 Save $370.00 Get Deal

Gaming laptops don’t usually come cheap, but Best Buy’s early Black Friday doorbuster deals are shaking things up. Now, you can score the HP Victus 15.6-inch Gaming Laptop for $429.99 (originally $799.99), meaning you’ll save a whopping $370 while still getting a rig that’s more than capable of keeping up with the latest games. This is the kind of deal that’ll have you flexing on your friends — because who doesn’t love a good budget-friendly flex?

The HP Victus packs a punch, featuring an AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS processor paired with an AMD Radeon RX 6550M graphics card. Translation? Smooth 1080p gameplay without any juddering frames to ruin your flow. With its 144Hz Full HD screen, say goodbye to image ghosting and lag; this display has your back, especially if you’re into high-paced, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it action. And thanks to AMD FreeSync Premium technology, you get that sweet, stutter-free gameplay every time.

SEE ALSO: 5 reasons to switch to a refurbished HP EliteDesk desktop computer for less than $300

Storage won’t be an issue here either. The 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD not only gives you room for your games but loads them faster than you can say “spawn point.” Plus, with 8GB of DDR5 memory, this machine is as ready for multitasking as it is for marathon gaming sessions. And if you’re running low on juice mid-battle, HP Fast Charge will get you back to 50% in around 30 minutes — enough time for a quick snack and back to the grind.

Oh, and you’re also getting three months of PC Game Pass for free, so you can dive right into hundreds of games and put your new rig through its paces. With features like a backlit keyboard for late-night gaming, Wi-Fi 6 for smoother connections, and a sleek, portable design, this HP Victus isn’t just a gaming laptop — it’s a steal.

If you’re ready to level up your setup without feeling the squeeze, this early Black Friday doorbuster deal at Best Buy is an opportunity to snag some power on a budget.

Best Buy is dropping new doorbusters on select tech every Friday — starting Nov. 8 through Dec. 20. We'll keep an eye out for the best deals in the run up to Black Friday.

SAVE $200: As part of Best Buy’s early Black Friday doorbuster deals, the Samsung 75-inch DU6950 Series 4K Smart TV is on sale for $549.99, down from $749.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 75-inch DU6950 Series 4K Smart TV $549.99 at Best Buy
$749.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal

Black Friday isn’t here yet, but Best Buy’s early doorbuster deals have already arrived — and the Samsung 75-inch DU6950 4K Smart TV is a standout offer. Currently discounted to $549.99 (27% off its regular $749.99 price), this mega-screen delivers Samsung’s high-quality picture technology, smart features, and all-around entertainment value. If you want to upgrade your home theater ahead of Black Friday, now’s a prime time to snag a big screen at a fraction of the usual price.

With PurColor technology, the DU6950 provides an extended color range that enhances the detail and vibrancy of each scene, whether it’s a Hollywood blockbuster or a nature documentary. Samsung’s 4K upscaling also sharpens older content, giving everything from classic films to last season’s binge-watching hits a fresh look in Ultra HD resolution. For sports fans, the Motion Xcelerator feature reduces lag and blur, ensuring that fast-moving scenes stay smooth and clear — no frustrating pixelation during those critical plays.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Ring vs. Oura Ring: What are the differences?

In addition to visual upgrades, Samsung has equipped this model with Object Tracking Sound Lite, which delivers 3D surround sound that moves with on-screen action. Pairing it with a Samsung Q or S series soundbar unlocks Q Symphony mode, which combines sound from both the TV and soundbar for a richer audio experience.

The Samsung DU6950 also comes with Samsung’s Tizen OS for easy access to streaming services, apps, and workouts, plus Samsung TV Plus, which offers live TV channels over WiFi for free. As one of Best Buy’s early Black Friday Doorbuster deals, this $200 discount brings a high-end, smart 4K experience to your living room without the packed Black Friday crowds.

Best Buy is dropping new doorbusters on select tech every Friday — starting Nov. 8 through Dec. 20. We'll keep an eye out for the best deals in the run up to Black Friday.

SAVE $270: As of Nov. 8, the Dyson Digital Slim Cordless Vacuum is on sale for $229.99 at Best Buy, down from its original $499.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Digital Slim Cordless Vacuum $229.99 at Best Buy
$499.99 Save $270.00 Get Deal

Dyson’s Digital Slim Cordless Vacuum may be a game-changer for anyone tired of dragging heavy vacuums through tight spaces. It’s 33% lighter than the Dyson V11 yet packs serious suction power, making it a lightweight hero for your floors. And with Best Buy’s deal dropping the price to $229.99 (54% off its regular $499.99), now’s a solid time to snag one if you’re looking to save without skimping on quality.

The Dyson Digital Slim’s standout feature is its versatility: not only does it tackle all types of flooring with its Motorbar cleaner head, but it also de-tangles hair as you go. This is especially handy if you have pets or long hair that tend to get wrapped up in vacuums. And, unlike some models that spit air back out, Dyson’s whole-machine filtration captures 99.99% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, expelling cleaner air — a big plus if allergies are a concern.

SEE ALSO: Stay cozy (or cool) with the heavily discounted Dyson Hot+Cool

If you’ve got different cleaning needs throughout the house, you’ll appreciate its three cleaning modes: Eco for longer runtime, Auto for everyday cleaning, and Boost for those tougher messes. In Eco mode, you get up to 40 minutes of fade-free cleaning, perfect for getting through the whole house on a single charge. Plus, the vacuum quickly converts to a handheld for tackling upholstery, car interiors, or tricky spots you usually ignore.

The icing on the cake? An LCD screen displays battery life, cleaning mode, and maintenance alerts in real-time, giving you all the details at a glance. And with a two-year warranty and Dyson’s lifetime support, you’re covered for the long haul. This $270 discount at Best Buy is the perfect time to grab a Dyson if you’ve been holding out.

Best Buy is dropping new doorbusters on select tech every Friday — starting Nov. 8 through Dec. 20. We'll keep an eye out for the best deals in the run up to Black Friday.