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Sure, you can load up your Black Friday cart with big ticket items like laptops and TVs, but the small stuff is just as fun. For us bookworms always looking to expand our library, there's nothing like a new book. Especially when you're not paying full price. If you're a dedicated e-reader user, the good news is a plethora of Kindle books are all on sale ahead of Black Friday. You can stuff your Kindle to the brim with new books for cheap.
However, if you're dedicated to the physical page, there's even better news. You can find big early Black Friday deals on physical books. Whether you're buying for yourself or others, we've rounded up all the best deals on books.
Best Black Friday book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Walmart 'Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West' by Gregory Maguire $10.00 at WalmartIt's safe to say that the Wicked craze is in full swing. Whether you're holding space for all the memes the press tour is delivering or already ready for your second in-theater watch, have you considered reading the source material? And we're not talking about The Wizard of Oz.
The musical is based on Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, the novel by Gregory Maguire, and if you, or the biggest Wicked fan in your life, are eager to dive deeper into the world, now is a great time to pick up a copy. Ahead of Black Friday, Walmart is offering 50% off the novel, bringing it down to $10.
Wicked not your thing? Don't sweat because the Black Friday book deals are endless. Explore more deals on fiction, non-fiction, YA, and cookbooks below.
Best fiction dealsAmerican Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis — $5.88 $17.95 (save $12.07)
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi — $7.39 $19.99 (save $12.60)
Bel Canto by Ann Patchett — $8.09 $19 (save $10.91)
Beloved by Toni Morrison — $6.23 $17 (save $10.77)
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman — $6.60 $18 (save $11.40)
Final Girls by Riley Sager — $7.76 $19 (save $11.24)
Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah — $6.28 $17.99 (save $11.71)
The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai — $6.92 $19 (save $12.08)
The Guest List by Lucy Foley — $6.51 $16.99 (save $10.48)
Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo — $7.94 $19.99 (save $12.05)
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi — $6.60 $18.80 (save $12.20)
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien — $27.50 $75 (save $47.50)
The Iliad translated by Emily Wilson — $16.49 $39.95 (save $23.46)
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien — $40.37 $90 (save $49.63)
The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner — $7.99 $27.99 (save $20)
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia — $5.53 $17 (save $11.47)
The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley — $11 $30 (save $19)
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig — $8.99 $18 (save $9.01)
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro — $6.66 $17 (save $10.44)
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead — $6.01 $16 (save $9.99)
The Only One Left by Riley Sager — $7.83 $28 (save $20.17)
The Pairing by Casey McQuiston — $9.49 $20 (save $10.51)
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke — $6.33 $17.99 (save $11.66)
Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman — $6.99 $19 (save $12.01)
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman — $6.68 $18 (save $11.32)
Trust by Hernan Diaz — $5.87 $28 (save $22.13)
Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune — $6.67 $19.99 (save $13.32)
The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron — $6.14 $20 (save $13.86)
The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson — $10.81 $35 (save $24.19)
Sonny Boy by Al Pacino — $17.50 $35 (save $17.50)
Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek — $9.10 $31 (save $21.90)
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion — $6.61 $18 (save $11.39)
The Complete Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson — $83.33 $225 (save $141.67)
Magic Tree House Boxed Set by Mary Pope Osborne — $19.97 $39.96 (save $19.99)
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Box Set by Rick Riordan — $17.76 $44.95 (save $27.19)
The School for Good and Evil Box Set by Soman Chainani — $31.97 $71.94 (save $39.97)
Cook This Book: Techniques That Teach and Recipes to Repeat by Molly Baz — $19.29 $32.50 (save $13.21)
Dishoom by Shamil Thakrar, Kavi Thakrar, and Naved Nasir — $12.86 $35 (save $22.14)
The Essential New York Times Cookbook by Amanda Hesser — $19.26 $55 (save $35.74)
The Korean Vegan Cookbook by Joanne Lee Molinaro — $15.65 $35 (save $19.35)
Maangchi's Big Book Of Korean Cooking by Maangchi — $19.07 $40 (save $20.93)
Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child — $12.90 $45 (save $32.10)
Mi Cocina: Recipes and Rapture from My Kitchen in Mexico by Rick Martínez — $12.83 $35 (save $22.17)
More is More: Get Loose in the Kitchen by Molly Baz — $13.13 $35 (save $21.87)
Start Here: Instructions for Becoming a Better Cook by Sohla El-Waylly — $14.52 $45 (save $30.48)
SAVE OVER $75: As of Nov. 27, the PlayStation 5 Fortnite Cobalt Star bundle is on sale for $424 in Walmart's Black Friday sale. This saves you $75.99 off its original list price of $499.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: PlayStation PS5 'Fortnite Cobalt Star' Bundle $424.00 at WalmartWalmart's Black Friday sale features some wonderful deals for gamers. There have been quite a few bundle deals in particular that have caught our eye, including on the sleek PS5 Slim console. If you've been hoping to grab one of these, and are also a big Fortnite fan, we've got a fantastic P5 bundle deal just for you.
The PS5 Slim Fortnite Cobalt Star bundle has dropped from its original price of $499.99 to $424. That saves you $75.99 on list price for Black Friday.
SEE ALSO: Get $300 off this impressive gaming laptop in Amazon's Black Friday saleAlongside the PS5 Slim Disc Edition console — which comes with a massive 1TB SSD to house all your favorite games and a DualSense wireless controller to get started playing them right away — the star of this bundle is the Fortnite inclusions. With your purchase you'll get a variety of cosmetics and an abundance of V-Bucks. Check out the full list of items below:
Cobalt Snowfoot Outfit (with LEGO Style)
Sapphire Star Back Bling
Indigo Inverter Pickaxe
Weathered Snow Stripes Wrap
Cobalt Crash Drums
Krackle Boost (Gold Painted Style)
Discotheque Wheels (Gold Painted Style)
Stella Trail (Gold Painted Style)
1,000 V-Bucks
This bundle deal is an excellent investment for the Fortnite fan you know who's been hoping to get a new PS5 console. Don't miss out on this Black Friday PS5 Slim Disc Edition Fortnite Cobalt Star bundle at Walmart.
There are plenty more gaming deals to check out this week as well. Alongside Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Amazon are all offering incredible Black Friday deals throughout this week in the lead-up to the big day. Have a look at our breakdowns for each to learn about some of the biggest offers available in their respective sale events.
SAVE $125: As of Nov. 27, the Braun IPL Skin i·expert is on sale for $474.93 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's a 21% discount off the list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Braun Braun IPL Skin i·expert $474.93 at AmazonBlack Friday sales cover just about everything, including tech, clothing, and even cosmetic items. And that stretches to a range of IPL devices, too.
IPL is one of the best long-term solutions for hair removal that can be done at home. It stands for Intense Pulsed Light and is a hair removal process that uses light pulses to target hair follicles, so it reduces hair growth over time. It's not a laser, but works similarly by focusing on the pigment in hair. It's a relatively painless, long-term solution for hair removal.
SEE ALSO: Get $300 off this impressive gaming laptop in Amazon's Black Friday saleLaser hair removal is different as it uses a concentrated single wavelength of light, making it more precise and powerful. IPL, on the other hand, uses a broad spectrum of light, covering a larger area but with less intensity. IPL is slightly less effective but is gentler on the skin and can be done from home. And it's much cheaper.
If you're thinking of investing in an IPL device, you'll find so many to choose from. But as of Nov. 27, the Braun IPL Skin i·expert is currently reduced for Black Friday at Amazon. Known for its hair removal devices, Braun is always a great choice, and this bundle is now priced at $474.93. The package includes the actual device, a Venus razor, four changeable smart heads, and a vanity travel case. It's also at its lowest-ever price at Amazon.
The Braun device benefits from skin tone sensors, a handy tool that optimizes the power of every flash to your skin tone. It's also sensitive on the skin, and for those awkward-to-reach places, there are different attachments to make sure you're getting the most out of the treatment.
Grab this Black Friday deal before it sells out.
The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.
With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.
So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableHere are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, November 27, 2024:
Across"This is only a ___"The answer is Test.
The answer is Shake.
The answer is Organ.
The answer is Nolte.
The answer is Sweet.
The answer is Throw.
The answer is Eagle.
The answer is Skate.
The answer is Tenet.
The answer is Sons.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of GamesAre you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.
SAVE $300: As of Nov. 27, the ASUS ROG Strix G16 is on sale for $1,099.99 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's a 21% saving on list price, and the lowest it has ever been on Amazon.
Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS ROG Strix G16 $1,099.99 at AmazonIf a new gaming laptop has been on your wishlist for a while, Black Friday is your chance to pounce. With just under a week left of Amazon's discounts, you'll find surprising deals on laptops of all sorts, including impressive gaming rigs like the ASUS ROG Strix G16.
Released earlier this year, this powerful gaming laptop is currently at its lowest-ever price at Amazon. Reduced by $300, you can buy now from $1,099.99. This discount is exclusive to the newer 2024 model.
SEE ALSO: The Apple Watch 10 is at its lowest-ever price in the Amazon Black Friday saleThe ASUS ROG Strix is a solid gaming laptop, with a sleek design and strong performance. It's a great option if you're new to the world of gaming. It's built with impressively powerful hardware, including high-end graphics cards and processors. The Strix series also has great cooling features, customizable RGB lighting, and plenty of ports for additional gear. Not to mention, it looks cool. With a 17-inch screen and a 16:10 aspect ratio, you can enjoy high-quality and immersive gaming.
With this laptop, you also get a free Xbox Game Pass. The 90-day pass will give you access to over 100 games to try out.
Head to the Amazon website to grab this great deal.
Connections: Sports Edition is a new 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. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
Tweet may have been deletedEach puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
Tweet may have been deletedPlayers can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for November 27 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow - An important quality for competitors
Green - College towns
Blue - Gold-seeking athletes
Purple - Shared last name
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow - Determination
Green - Big Ten Cities
Blue - Winter Olympians
Purple - ____ Smith
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 #65 is...
What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition todayDetermination: DESIRE, INTENT, RESOLVE, WILL
Big Ten Cities: ANN ARBOR, LINCOLN, MADISON, PISCATAWAY
Winter Olympians: BLAIR, OHNO, STREET, VONN
____ Smith: EMMITT, JR, OZZIE, SOPHIA
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new 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.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.
SAVE $70: As of Nov. 27, the Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm) is on sale for $329 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's an 18% discount on the list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm) $329.00 at AmazonLooking for a new smartwatch upgrade? Amazon's Black Friday sale is the perfect place to search. With incredible deals across TVs, tablets, and more, you've got until Dec. 2 to make the most of the discounts. And the latest to catch out eye is the Apple Watch 10 (GPS, 42mm), currently reduced to its lowest-ever price. As of Nov. 27, you can buy it for $329 ($70 off list price)
The Apple Watch Series 10 is a great update on the 9. It comes with the same stats, metrics, and data but much better. In terms of health and fitness metrics, the Series 10 boasts advanced health tracking including ECG readings, heart rate notifications, and ovulation estimates.
SEE ALSO: Save 30% on the Fitbit Google Ace LTE kids smartwatch this Black FridayWhile slightly smaller than the 46mm model, the 42mm option still offers a vibrant, high-quality display and full functionality, making it perfect for those preferring a smaller, more nifty smartwatch.
In the Vitals app, you can find detailed overnight metrics such as heart and respiratory rates, and sleep tracking. It even includes alerts for possible sleep apnea. For fitness enthusiasts, the Workout app lets you track a whole load of activities, along with tools to monitor workout intensity and aquatic tracking with depth and water temperature sensors. And with 18 hours of normal use (and fast charging that gives you 80% in 30 minutes), the watch is perfect for all lengths of activity.
Style-wise, the Series 10 is the thinnest Apple Watch so far but it also has the biggest and most readable display. It also introduces Apple's first-ever wide-angle OLED display, meaning the watch remains clear and sharp when looking at it quickly or from different angles.
Head to the Amazon website to grab this deal.
SAVE $100: As of Nov. 27, the Oura Ring Gen3 Heritage is on sale at Amazon for $349. That's a 22% discount on the list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Oura Oura Ring Gen3 Heritage $349.00 at AmazonThe discounts are just getting started, but Amazon's Black Friday event has officially kicked off. Running from Nov. 21 through to Dec. 2, there are plenty of deals and savings to be had across TVs, headphones, tablets, and much more. And if health tracking is your thing, you'll love this discount on the Oura Ring Gen3 Heritage. As of Nov. 27, you'll find it reduced to its lowest-ever price at Amazon, just $349. This price is for the size seven, but there are discounts across all sizes.
Smart rings are the latest tracking devices that allow us to monitor our health stats, and one of the biggest names in this field is the Oura Ring. A tracker that provides overall well-being and recovery stats, it allows users to access their data via an app. Similar to some of our favorite smartwatches, but hidden away in a sleek, normal-looking ring.
SEE ALSO: Save 30% on the Fitbit Google Ace LTE kids smartwatch this Black FridayThe Oura Ring 3 is perfect for sleep tracking, heart monitoring, and checking activity levels. It can even record your body temperature and heart rate variability (HRV). However, it's not a dedicated sports tracker. While it can monitor your heart rate during activities and assess recovery, it lacks GPS and advanced sports-specific features, so pairing it with a running app or smartwatch will give you a more comprehensive outlook on your health and well-being.
It's also worth noting that after a month of free access to an Oura Membership, a subscription fee of $5.99 per month is required.
Head to Amazon to grab this Black Friday deal.
SAVE 30%: As of Nov. 27, the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS OM-1 Camera is available for $1,399.99 as part of the Amazon Black Friday sale, down from the $2,009.51 list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Olympus OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS OM-1 Camera $1,399.99 at AmazonIf you’ve been waiting to upgrade your camera, the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS OM-1 is the deal you’ve been looking for. This pro-level Micro Four Thirds system camera is now just $1,399.99 on Amazon for Black Friday — a 30% discount from its usual $2,009.51 price. Whether you’re a wildlife photographer, videographer, or just someone who loves taking jaw-dropping pictures, this camera has the tools you need.
The OM-1 is built to deliver, regardless of your creative journey. Its weather-sealed body means you can confidently take it out in rain, snow, or dusty conditions without worrying about damage. Its 20MP Stacked BSI, Live MOS sensor offers top-tier image quality, capturing details with incredible sharpness and clarity.
SEE ALSO: Finally live: Amazon's official Black Friday sale, and a ton of new deals are hereFast action is no problem for the OM-1. With 120fps continuous shooting, it can keep up with sports, wildlife, or any high-speed subject. The 8 EV stops of image stabilization ensure your shots stay smooth and blur-free, even in low light. Suppose you want to push the resolution limits. In that case, the 80MP High-Res Shot Mode captures stunningly detailed photos that rival larger-format cameras.
The camera’s advanced metering system offers precision exposure, while its intuitive controls make it easy to handle in any scenario. It even supports MPEG-4 video recording for hybrid creators who want to transition seamlessly between stills and video.
With a solid 4.4-star rating on Amazon and glowing reviews for its durability and performance, the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS OM-1 is a smart investment for any serious photographer. Black Friday is the perfect time to score this premium camera at a more budget-friendly price, so don’t miss out.
SAVE 30%: As of Nov. 27, the Fitbit Google Ace LTE kids smartwatch is available for $160.97 in the Amazon Black Friday sale, down from $229.95. Includes built-in GPS, calling, messaging, and activity-based games.
Opens in a new window Credit: Google Fitbit Google Ace LTE $160.97 at AmazonKeeping kids active, safe, and entertained is a tall order. Still, the Fitbit Google Ace LTE smartwatch rises to the challenge. This kid-friendly wearable is currently 30% off for Black Friday at Amazon, dropping the price to $160.97 from $229.95.
This smartwatch is designed with both kids and parents in mind. It comes with built-in 4G LTE and GPS, making it easy for families to stay connected without needing a phone. Parents can send calls and messages to their child’s watch through the Family group chat feature. At the same time, kids can keep in touch with siblings and approved adults. For added peace of mind, its location-sharing capability ensures you always know where your little adventurer is.
SEE ALSO: All the best early Black Friday deals at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and WalmartBut the Ace LTE isn’t all about safety — it’s also packed with fun and fitness features. The Fitbit Arcade offers movement-based games to keep kids active. At the same time, “The Noodle” activity ring tracks their steps, jumps, and bounces, celebrating every Move Goal with colorful animations. School Time mode limits gameplay during class hours but still allows for essential communication, making it a practical tool for busy school days.
Durability is another strong point. The Ace LTE is built with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and a protective bumper case, making it resistant to dust, scratches, and water (up to 50 meters). With a 16-hour battery life and a quick-charging feature that adds 11 hours of use in 30 minutes, this smartwatch is designed to keep up with even the most energetic kids.
With a 3.8-star rating and over 1,000 purchases in the past month, the Fitbit Google Ace LTE is an intelligent investment for families. Don’t wait — this Black Friday deal won’t last long.
SAVE 43%: As of Nov. 27, the Nelko Sticker Printer is available for $33.99 at Amazon, down from $59.99. Extra Black Friday discounts are available on thermal sticker paper bundles.
Opens in a new window Credit: Nelko Nelko Sticker Printer $33.99 at AmazonIf crafting and organization are your happy places, the Nelko Sticker Printer is the gadget you didn't know you needed. This Bluetooth-enabled mini printer transforms plain white sticker paper into custom creations, and it's a steal this Black Friday at just $33.99 (down from $59.99). Want to level up your sticker game? Amazon offers an additional 10% discount on PM230 thermal sticker paper bundles when you snag them together.
This portable sticker printer pairs easily with iOS or Android devices via Bluetooth. Download the Nelko app for its robust design features, including customizable templates, image printing, and text tools. The possibilities are endless, whether you're labeling jars, personalizing journals, or whipping up cute name tags. And since it uses inkless thermal printing technology, you'll never have to worry about messy cartridges.
SEE ALSO: All the best early Black Friday deals at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and WalmartAnother central selling point is the Nelko Sticker Printer's portability. It's perfect for on-the-go projects and small enough to slip into a bag. Its kid-friendly design and intuitive app make it a fun and practical gift for students or creative types. While it only prints in black and white, its sharp resolution (up to 300 dpi) ensures your designs look professional.
Need more reasons to click "add to cart"? This handy device includes three rolls of sticker paper, so you can start printing right out of the box. Whether you're making greeting cards, study aids, or work memos, this mini printer has your back.
With over 200 ratings and a solid 4.7-star average on Amazon, the Nelko Sticker Printer is a customer favorite — and for good reason. Deals this good don't last forever, so grab one before they're gone.
SAVE 50%: As of Nov. 27, the MORENTO space heater is on sale for $32.39 in the Amazon Black Friday sale, down from the $59.99 list price. Apply an extra 10% off coupon for the complete Black Friday deal.
Opens in a new window Credit: Morento Morento Space Heater $32.39 at AmazonThe MORENTO space heater is turning up the heat this Black Friday with a deal you won’t want to miss. Usually priced at $59.99, it’s now on sale at Amazon for just $35.99 — a 40% discount. What’s better? You can apply an additional 10% off coupon at checkout to bring the price down to $32.39. Winter warmth doesn’t have to break the bank.
With over 165 ratings and an impressive 4.9-star average, this heater has earned its Amazon’s Choice badge for a reason. Designed to be your go-to option for small spaces, it’s compact yet powerful, boasting a 1500W output for rapid heating. Its dual heating modes (1500W and 900W) and fan mode give it year-round versatility. Whether you’re battling a January cold snap or want to circulate air on a stuffy summer day, this device delivers.
SEE ALSO: Black Friday deals Amazon vs. Walmart: Comparing the best salesThe ECO mode takes the hassle out of staying comfortable. It automatically adjusts heating power based on the difference between your set temperature and the room’s ambient temperature. Translation? Cozy vibes with optimized energy use — a win for your comfort and wallet.
Safety features are just as impressive. The MORENTO heater has a built-in tip-over sensor and an automatic shutoff after 24 hours of continuous use, so you can leave it running with peace of mind. It’s also whisper-quiet, operating at under 35 decibels — perfect for working from home, binge-watching your favorite series, or getting a good night’s sleep.
A user-friendly LED display, a 70-degree oscillation mode, and an included remote control make it easy to manage your heating preferences anywhere in the room. It’s lightweight, sleek, and blends seamlessly into any space.
This deal won’t last long, and with over 4,000 units sold in the past month, it’s clear people are snapping it up fast. Don’t be left out in the cold — grab the MORENTO heater Black Friday and keep cozy all winter.
This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.
There's a universal truth about audio technology: Not all speakers are made equal. But that's also true of listeners. Some people are content with something cheap and cheerful for their audio consumption — as long as they can hear what's being the played, the speaker is perfectly acceptable. But audiophiles fall into a very different category. The speaker needs to deliver a rich body of sound that's full of nuances.
Thankfully, we understand the demands and expectations at either end of the speaker spectrum. Which is helpful for you guys, because shopping for a speaker isn't easy. In fact, if you've never bought a speaker before, it requires some research. There are a lot of different speakers on offer, with lots of features and specifications to consider.
SEE ALSO: The best tablets in 2024We're assuming you're here because you don't have time for all of that. Fear not, because we've done a lot of the hard work on your behalf and researched some of the very best speakers available on Amazon. Here's everything you need to know before buying yourself a new speaker, followed by our top choices.
Do you need speakers?Will you be using your speakers solely for music? Only for TV and films? Maybe a bit of both? You should decide on that now, because it will factor into what kind of speaker you end up getting. For instance, if you're only looking for something to pair with your TV, a soundbar will be a good choice, but if you want something more music-focused, consider a pair of bookshelf speakers or a portable Bluetooth option.
In addition, you'll want to note the kind of sound quality you're looking for — whether that's surround sound, Dolby Atmos, or just plain old stereo (which is also great, don't feel pressured to get something super fancy and expensive if you don't really need it). Not all speakers produce the same kind of sound quality, so it's important to know exactly the kind of listening experience you're looking to get out of it.
How much space do you have?Speakers can get pretty big, so take stock of how much useable space you want to dedicate to your audio setup both horizontally and vertically. Not everyone has the room for multiple floor standing speakers, so don't overwhelm yourself with something gigantic if it's going to get under your feet or end up scraping the ceiling. There are plenty of speakers that can be easily stored or concealed, some that can be affixed to your walls, and some that are so small that they can rest on a tabletop or shelf. Small speakers can be powerful, too.
What are passive and active speakers?The difference between passive and active (sometimes called "powered") is pretty simple, yet important to note. Passive speakers don't have any sort of built-in amplification, which means that they need to be connected to a stereo receiver to work. Active speakers have everything built-in from the start, including preamp, volume controls, and inputs. If convenience is one of your top priorities, go for active speakers, as they'll require a lot less setup and additional equipment to get them working.
How many speakers do you need?Having two amazing speakers is always going to get you better results than having five average speakers. Plus, having too many speakers around is just going to take up an unnecessary amount of space.
If you have the room, two speakers is the perfect number. It's especially ideal if you listen to a lot of music, which is normally recorded for a stereo setting — so having a left and right channel will do you wonders. If you have a smaller space, even one really good speaker should do you just fine.
Do you need a subwoofer?The short answer is no. You don't actually need one. Should you get one, though? Well, that's a different question, to which we would answer: Sure, why not?! Adding a sub will make pretty much any audio setup sound better (not all of them are compatible, though, so make sure you check before buying one first).
One common misconception about subwoofers is that many think they just add more bass, when that's not necessarily true. Subs actually help improve the dynamics of said bass, not only boosting its quality overall, but also adding more depth and space to your output. Sometimes adding a high-quality subwoofer to your speaker setup is more helpful than upgrading the speakers themselves.
What is a smart speaker?These are speakers that double up as smart devices, which may connect to Alexa or sync with other smart home devices. They’re great in their own right, but they aren't always the best way to listen to music (sorry, Alexa). If you can't live without a smart assistant within your speaker setup, we recommend something that's Bluetooth-enabled and connecting to your smartphone. That way, you get the perks of your phone's built-in smart assistant without having to downgrade the speaker itself.
What are the best speakers?We're glad you asked. We have picked out a favourite from each of the most popular speaker categories — from bookshelf to Bluetooth speakers and everything in between — and lined up the very best options for your consideration.
These are the best speakers in 2024.
TL;DR: Through 08 December, you can get the Koofr Cloud Storage 1TB plan for just £87.46 (reg. £644.22) — an 86% discount at the Mashable Shop.
Opens in a new window Credit: Koofr Koofr Cloud Storage 1TB plan £87.46 at the Mashable ShopLosing your phone is painful enough, but if you tack on losing all your photos and videos, it’s tragic. The same goes for a fried hard drive on your computer or a busted tablet. Losing files is frustrating, but it’s a frustration that may be avoidable if you start using cloud storage for all the files you can’t afford to lose. Koofr Cloud Storage has a 1TB lifetime subscription for an unlimited number of devices, and it's a tidy way to prevent devastating file loss.
For a limited time, a lifetime subscription to Koofr Cloud Storage (1TB) is just £87.46 (reg. £644.22). Head to the Mashable Shop to take advantage of this deal for a limited time.
What can you do with 1TB of cloud storage?Running out of space for new apps on your phone is a frustration you can avoid if you keep all your photos and videos safely in the cloud. Upload a file of any size to Koofr from any of your devices.
Koofr also connects to other external cloud accounts like Dropbox, Google Drive, Amazon, and OneDrive, so you can transfer files directly from one platform to another. And if you’re worried about duplicates wasting space, just use Koofr’s duplicate finder — a feature that’s only available with the 1TB lifetime plan.
If you’re storing all your files online, they should be in a secure place. Koofr encrypts all files in rest and in transfer, so they’re only readable with your permission. You can still share files with other people, but it’s done by sharing links or by adding special access to folders or files.
Store your files somewhere safe and convenientKoofr offers a single file hub for you to use across an unlimited number of devices. For a limited time, get a lifetime subscription to a Koofr Cloud Storage 1TB plan for just £87.46. Sale ends 08 December at 11:59 pm PST.
Prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Live stream New Zealand vs. England for free on TVNZ+. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
England suffered a disappointing defeat against Pakistan in their last Test match series, but Bazball is all about taking positive decisions in attack and defence. So one defeat is not going to knock the confidence of this England side.
And that's a good thing too, because next they face a New Zealand team coming off a 3-0 win against India away from home. The Black Caps will be looking to secure another big win, this time in front of their own fans.
If you want to watch New Zealand vs. England (1st Test) for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is New Zealand vs. England (1st Test)?The 1st Test between New Zealand and England takes place from Nov. 28 to Dec. 2. This Test match takes place at the Hagley Oval.
The full schedule for England's three-Test tour of New Zealand (local time) is as follows:
New Zealand vs. England (1st Test) — Nov. 28 to Dec. 2
New Zealand vs. England (2nd Test) — Dec. 6 to Dec. 10
New Zealand vs. England (3rd Test) — Dec. 14 to Dec. 18
The good news for fans is that every Test match in this series is available to live stream for free.
How to watch New Zealand vs. England for freeNew Zealand vs. England (1st Test) is available to live stream for free on TVNZ+ in New Zealand.
If you're abroad for this Test series, you might need to use a VPN to unblock TVNZ+. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in New Zealand, meaning you can access free live streams of New Zealand vs. England from anywhere in the world.
Access free live streams of New Zealand vs. England by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in New Zealand
Visit TVNZ+
Stream New Zealand vs. England for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch New Zealand vs. England (1st Test) without committing with your cash. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream this Test series before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for TVNZ+?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live cricket on TVNZ+, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including New Zealand
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 eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream New Zealand vs. England (1st Test) for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Watch the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix for free on ORF or ServusTV. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Max Verstappen has finally secured his fourth F1 title. For a while there it looked like the championship was slipping out of his fingers, but he did enough in Las Vegas to seal the win.
So what now? There are two races left in the season. The title is no longer on the line, but we're still expecting a dramatic finish including the final Sprint race.
If you're interested in watching the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.
When is the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix?The 2024 Qatar Grand Prix takes place over 57 laps of the 5.419 kilometer Lusail International Circuit. The full schedule can be found here:
Practice 1 — 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. ET on Nov. 29
Sprint Qualifying — 12:30 to 1:14 p.m. ET on Nov. 29
Sprint — 9 to 10 a.m. ET on Nov. 30
Qualifying — 1 to 2 p.m. ET on Nov. 30
Race — 11 a.m. ET on Dec. 1
The good news for fans is that it's possible to live stream the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix without spending anything.
How to watch the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix for freeYou can find free live streams of F1 on these platforms:
ORF and ServusTV are geo-restricted to Austria, so you might need to use a VPN to access these free live streams from abroad. VPNs are tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can access free live streams of F1 from anywhere in the world.
Unblock free streaming services by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Austria
Watch the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix from anywhere in the world
Please be aware that Formula 1 take the view that the use of a VPN to watch content from another territory may be a breach of the relevant broadcasters’ terms of service and may constitute copyright infringement. It is your responsibility to ensure that your use of a VPN is legal and Mashable does not encourage any illegal use of a VPN.
Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get DealThe best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch F1 live streams without actually spending anything. This is clearly not a long-term solution, but it does mean you can stream the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming F1 live is on sale for a limited time.
What is the best VPN for F1?ExpressVPN is the top choice for live streaming F1 for free, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Austria
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is protected
Fast streaming speeds
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Watch the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Celtic vs. Club Brugge in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Celtic have made a decent start to this year's Champions League, but they need to continue to pick up points if they want to progress to the knockout rounds. Club Brugge are only a point behind Celtic, so this matchup could be crucial to both team's chances of moving on in the competition.
There is still time for both teams to turn things around. If you want to watch Celtic vs. Club Brugge in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Celtic vs. Club Brugge?Celtic vs. Club Brugge in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. GMT on Nov. 27. This fixture takes place at Celtic Park.
How to watch Celtic vs. Club Brugge for freeCeltic vs. Club Brugge is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player in Ireland.
If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to access Virgin Media Player. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Celtic vs. Club Brugge for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Ireland
Visit Virgin Media Player
Watch Celtic vs. Club Brugge for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Celtic vs. Club Brugge (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Virgin Media Player, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Ireland
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 eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Celtic vs. Club Brugge in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Red Star Belgrade vs. Stuttgart in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Red Star Belgrade have found it tough in this year's Champions League. They are currently sat near the bottom of the standings after four defeats from four games. Stuttgart haven't had it much easier, with only four points so far.
There is still time for both teams to turn things around. If you want to watch Red Star Belgrade vs. Stuttgart in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Red Star Belgrade vs. Stuttgart?Red Star Belgrade vs. Stuttgart in the Champions League kicks off at 5:45 p.m. GMT on Nov. 27. This fixture takes place at the Rajko Mitic Stadium.
How to watch Red Star Belgrade vs. Stuttgart for freeRed Star Belgrade vs. Stuttgart is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player in Ireland.
If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to access Virgin Media Player. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Red Star Belgrade vs. Stuttgart for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Ireland
Visit Virgin Media Player
Watch Red Star Belgrade vs. Stuttgart for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Red Star Belgrade vs. Stuttgart (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Virgin Media Player, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Ireland
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 eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Red Star Belgrade vs. Stuttgart in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Liverpool vs. Real Madrid in the Champions League for free on RTÉ Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The fifth round of Champions League fixtures has some really interesting matchups, but the biggest game is undoubtedly Liverpool vs. Real Madrid. Liverpool have won every game in this year's competition and sit on top of the standings. Real Madrid have been inconsistent, but they go into every game expecting to win.
If you want to watch Liverpool vs. Real Madrid in the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Liverpool vs. Real Madrid?Liverpool vs. Real Madrid in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. GMT on Nov. 27. This fixture takes place at Anfield.
How to watch Liverpool vs. Real Madrid for freeLiverpool vs. Real Madrid is available to live stream for free on RTÉ Player in Ireland.
If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock RTÉ Player. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Champions League from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Liverpool vs. Real Madrid on RTÉ Player by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Ireland
Sign in to RTÉ Player
Watch Liverpool vs. Real Madrid for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Liverpool vs. Real Madrid (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for RTÉ Player?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on RTÉ Player, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Ireland
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 eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Liverpool vs. Real Madrid in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.
If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.
Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableBy providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.
If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 27 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 27 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Come fly with meThese words are traveling.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedWords are companies used for flying.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.
NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is Airlines.
Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for November 27United
Southwest
Frontier
Delta
Spirit
Virgin
Airlines
Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!
Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.
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