If you have a white elephant gift exchange at work this year or with friends and family, thereโs a good chance youโre scrambling right now to find a good gift โ or decipher what even makes a good white elephant gift. The possible origins of the term โwhite elephantโ provide one way of looking at it: According to legend, the King of Siam would give a white elephant to courtiers who had upset them. It was a far more devious punishment than simply having them executed. The recipient had no choice but to simply thank the king for such an opulent gift, knowing that they likely could not afford the upkeep for such an animal. It would inevitably lead them to financial ruin.
Whether or not that story is true, it gives us one way of looking at a white elephant gift: something just useful or amusing enough that it wonโt immediately get tossed into the trash, but is also somewhat of a burden. However, there are plenty of other ways of interpreting this strange yet delightful tradition. Some compete to get a gift that others will surely want to steal, while others scavenge for the most niche and targeted gag gifts. Almost all of them, though, typically have a price limit that keeps the burden of gift giving to a minimum โ usually $50 or less. So with all of that in mind, here are some white elephant gift ideas that will get you a few chuckles without requiring you to spend too much (or think too hard about it).
Best white elephant gift ideas
White elephant FAQs
What is white elephant?
A white elephant gift exchange is a party game typically played around the holidays in which people exchange funny, impractical gifts.
How does white elephant work?
A group of people each bring one wrapped gift to the white elephant gift exchange, and each gift is typically of a similar value. All gifts are then placed together and the group decides the order in which they will each claim a gift. The first person picks a white elephant gift from the pile, unwraps it and their turn ends. The following players can either decide to unwrap another gift and claim it as their own, or steal a gift from someone who has already taken a turn. The rules can vary from there, including the guidelines around how often a single item can be stolen โ some say twice, max. The game ends when every person has a white elephant gift.
Why is it called white elephant?
The term โwhite elephantโ is said to come from the legend of the King of Siam gifting white elephants to courtiers who upset him. While it seems like a lavish gift on its face, the belief is that the courtiers would be ruined by the animalโs upkeep costs.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-10-best-white-elephant-gifts-worth-fighting-over-for-2025-150516281.html?src=rss
Once upon a time, a "board game" meant Monopoly or Risk. Then several brave souls dared to ask the question: "What if this was fun?" Thirty years later, we're blessed with tabletop games that challenge our minds, immerse us in other worlds and conjure good times with those we love โ sometimes all three at once. For your gift-buying needs, we've put together a list of new favorites and returning classics that run the gamuts of genre and weight. If you're ready to push beyond Pictionary, read on.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-best-board-games-to-gift-for-the-2025-holiday-season-125529024.html?src=rss
Were you a Lego set kid or a giant-bucket-of-Legos kid? I was a sets kid all the way โ I loved, and still love, the zen feeling of building something incredible a little bit at a time. Also, every time I tried to build something from the giant bucket, it fell apart immediately, but let's not dwell on that. We've just finished trawling the net for the best Cyber Monday deals on Lego sets. While the day is over, the Lego sales aren't; some sets are still up to 50% off. We've gathered them all on the list below, so act while you've still got time.
It's a good idea to use a price tracker to see if you're getting the best Lego Cyber Monday deals. You'll find Lego bargains this holiday season at retailers like Amazon and Walmart, but don't overlook Lego's own site. If you join the free Lego Insiders program, you'll get special discounts and exclusive member gifts with each purchase, plus points you can redeem for your next set or bucket.
You can now officially backorder the hottest Lego gift of the season, the Star Trek USS Enterprise set, which was just announced. With a titanic 3,600 pieces and mini-figures of the whole Next Generation crew, it's a must-have for any Star Trek fans. The set is now available for $400.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/cyber-monday-lego-deals-you-can-still-shop-today-up-to-50-percent-off-star-wars-disney-harry-potter-and-more-toy-sets-193051994.html?src=rss
When it comes to holiday video game gifts, Nintendo gear is often at the top of the list for kids and adults like. This year likely more so than ever thanks to the launch of the Switch 2 back in the spring. But if you were hoping to save money on the console with Cyber Monday gaming deals still live, you may be disappointed. The Nintendo Cyber Monday sale was announced a few weeks ago, and unsurprisingly, there are a scant few real "deals" to be had. This is typical of Nintendo, though โ actual Nintendo Cyber Monday deals are few and far between. However, there are ways to at least get the best value for your money if you're going to pick up a Switch 2 before this year is over.
As has been the case for many years, the marquee Nintendo deals for the holidays come in the form of console bundles. When the Switch 2 launched earlier this year, it was available as just the console only for $449 or bundled with Mario Kart World for $499. Both options are still available now. Considering the games by themselves cost $70 each, you do save a bit by picking up a console bundle. you can pick up the console and its bundles at most retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy and others.
As of Cyber Monday, there is one actual deal on the Switch 2 that wasn't available for Black Friday. Walmart currently have the Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle for $50, bringing it down to $449. Note, though, that on Walmart, you'll have to be signed into a Walmart account, which is free to make, and add the item to your cart to see the discounted price. There's no telling how long this deal will last.
Nintendo Switch game deals
When it comes to deals on Nintendo Switch 2 games, the Nintendo eShop will have Cyber Deals starting on November 20, running through December 3. The shop will feature "holiday offers on select games," so it appears we'll all just have to go to the online store on November 20 to see the games on offer.
Switch 2 accessories were conspicuously absent from the announced deals, but there's always a chance they'll receive discounts from third-party retailers like Amazon, Walmart and Best Buy. A handful of official Nintendo accessories made it onto our best Switch 2 accessories list, but you can find plenty of good ones from other manufacturers as well. If you're keen on getting a first-party accessory, though, for yourself or as a gift for someone else, here's where you can find some of the most popular ones.
Even if you can't get huge discounts on Nintendo consoles or new games this year, that doesn't mean you can't find decent deals on other Nintendo gear. There are plenty of great ideas for gifts for the Nintendo fan in your life, and Engadget's Sam Rutherford got to see a bunch of them in person when he attended Nintendo's holiday showcase. From collectibles to clothing to plushies and holiday decor, there's really a ton to choose from โ but you may want to pace yourself if you're also a Nintendo fan finding things that you want to pick up for yourself in the process of looking for good gifts. Here are just some of the best Nintendo gift ideas that you can look out for during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/cyber-monday-nintendo-switch-2-deals-still-available-include-50-off-the-switch-2-mario-kart-bundle-plus-discounted-games-and-accessories-185511464.html?src=rss
Cyber Monday is almost over โ so if you didn't get a chance to get everything on your list during Black Friday (or were too tired from Thanksgiving to shop) now is likely your last chance to snag the better deals. If Anker gear is on your list, thereโs good news: every deal we found last week is still going strong. We think Anker makes some of the most reliable charging gear out there, which is why it keeps winning out in our tests and ending up in our guides to MagSafe power banks, wireless charging stations, iPhone accessories and more. So forget all that stuff about early birds, there are plenty of worms for the later birds, too. Just don't wait too long, our guess is that many of these deals will expire Monday night. Here are the best Cyber Monday Anker deals we could find.
Anker Cyber Monday deals: Power banks
Power banks revive dead phones, let you work longer while away from an outlet and allow you to play with your tablet/ereader/gamepad while it charges without being tethered to a wall. After testing out brands from a slew of different makers, our picks just keep coming back to Anker. The mix of value, capacity and clever features make Anker batteries just a little bit better than a lot of the brands out there.
We think Anker's Ultra-Slim MagSafe bank is a better deal than Apple's Air MagSafe battery. It's got a higher capacity and wattage rating and it looks just as sleek. Plus, in my humble opinion, $38 is a way better deal than $99.ย
Anker also makes our top MagSafe battery pick (the MagGo Qi2). Thanks to its clever stand, excellent charging speeds and generous capacity, it's one of the best ways to recharge an iPhone on the go..
I love this shiny little brick. The 3-in-1 portable charger has a built-in cable that's also a strap, plus wall prongs and a handy display.
Anker Cyber Monday deals: Wireless chargers
A rats nest of cables on your desk is not the loveliest look. Now that phones, earbuds, smartwatches and even ereaders can refill on a charging coil, wireless chargers are a tidy solution. There are options thatโll let you view your phone while it charges, as well as some that will charge three devices at once. Weโve tested units from dozens of brands for our buying guides and keep putting Anker on our lists of winners. The brand makes some of the top picks in both our wireless charger guide and our list of the best multi-device chargers. Now, thanks to Cyber Monday, you can keep your devices topped off with quality accessories that are an even better value than usual.
Anker Cyber Monday deals: Power adapters
While wireless charging is faster than itโs ever been, cords are still the fastest way to charge your phone. Bigger devices like your laptop will reup faster on a high-wattage brick than on a dinky 20-watt adapter and if you want to keep your outlets more streamlined, go for a multi-port power adapter that will let you charge multiple devices at once. Again, after testing many brands, some of our most reliable picks continue to be from Anker. It shows up three times in our guide to the best fast chargers and we recommend the brand in a number of our accessoriesguides. Now that Cyber Monday is here, a number of Anker power adapters are on sale โ so we rounded them all up here.
Anker Cyber Monday deals: Soundcore audio
We mostly think of Anker as a charging accessory brand. But theyโve expanded their scope by getting into audio equipment โ and the effort was a success. You might not immediately pick up that these are Anker speakers โ Soundcore shows up on the products themselves, but itโs the same company. We recommend a couple Soundcore music makers in our guide to the best Bluetooth speakers. They also make our overall favorite pair of budget earbuds, the Space A40. With Cyber Monday deals in full effect, these are the best Anker Soundcore deals we could find.
Cyber Monday deals on Ugreen, Biolite, Nimble and more
Weโre fans of plenty of other brands aside from just Anker. Here are some of the other charging accessories that are also on sale for Cyber Monday. These come from our guide to MagSafe power banks, our standard power bank guide and our best fast charger roundup. If you want to read up on why these guys made the cut, check out those links. But if you just want to snag a few deals on electronics that Engadget has vetted, check out our picks below.
More Anker Cyber Monday deals
My personal favorite USB-C charging cable is made by Anker. Itโs rated at 240 watts, has a durable build, plus itโs six-feet long and has a handy right angled connector at one end. Anker of course also makes plenty of other gear, from webcams to mice โ that show up in our guides to the best accessories again and again. Here are the best Cyber Monday deals on Anker gear that doesnโt quite fit into the categories above.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/anker-cyber-monday-deals-offer-up-to-50-percent-off-power-banks-wireless-chargers-power-adapters-and-more-180023707.html?src=rss
ยฉ
ยฉ Anker/Engadget
A collection of anker charging gear and a speaker to highlight what's on sale from the brand for Cyber Monday
Cyber Monday is officially done, but many of its best gaming deals are still available. If youโve been looking to add more games to your backlog, grab a new console or pick up some accessories for your gaming PC, we've rounded up the best of what's left below. The highlights include a $50 drop for the Nintendo Switch 2, PS5 consoles for $100 off, all-time lows for various Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox and PC games and notable price drops on mice, keyboards and headsets we like.
Cyber Monday game console deals still available
Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World for $449 at Walmart ($50 off): This is the first widely available discount weโve seen for Nintendoโs latest hybrid console. If our experience is any indication, youโll need to be signed into a Walmart account to see the discount, but it should still be available when you add the device to your cart. For reference, Nintendo normally sells the console alone for $449 and this bundle with the kart racer Mario Kart Worldย for $499, so you're essentially getting the game at no extra cost.
Cyber Monday Nintendo Switch deals still available
Samsung P9 Express microSD Express Card (512GB) for $75 at Amazon ($25 off): If you need more storage for your Switch 2, this is a new low for the 512GB version of Samsungโs newest microSD Express card. Full disclosure: Samsung launched this card a couple of weeks ago, and we only just got it in for testing. But given the trend of similar Switch 2 performance weโve seen with other Express cards thus far, and the fact that this is easily the cheapest 512GB model we can find in stock as of this writing, we figure itโs worth noting.
Sony DualSense Edge controller for $169 at Amazon ($31 off): Sonyโs โproโ PS5 controller adds customizable back buttons, swappable thumbstick modules, trigger stops and the ability to set custom button mappings and sensitivities. We found it to have worse battery life than the standard DualSense, though, typically lasting just five to six hours. We saw it fall to $160 earlier this week, but this is still a noteworthy discount. Also at Best Buy, Target, PlayStation and others.
PlayStation Plus Premium (12-month) for $107 at PlayStation ($53 off): Sonyโs online service has only gotten pricier over the years, but this is still a rare chance to save on annual subscriptions. A Premium membership gets you cloud streaming support and an on-demand library of retro games on top of the perks included with the lower PS Plus Extra and PS Plus Essential tiers.
A 12-month Extra subscription is also on sale for $101, though at that price you might as well go all the way. Just remember that your subscription will be set to auto-renew by default. The offers apply to new and select existing customers; for the latter, the exact discount will depend on how much time you have left on your current membership. Sadly, there aren't any deals for the standard Essential tier.
Astro Bot for $40 at Best Buy ($20 off): Hereโs the largest widely available discount to date for this wonderfully inventive 3D platformer, which Engadgetโs Jess Conditt called โone of the best games Sony has ever madeโ in her review. Also at Target and Amazon.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach for $50 at Amazon ($20 off): The latest adventure from Metal Gear creator Hideo Kojima, Death Stranding 2 is both a fascinating delivery sim fixated on how we physically interact with the world and an indulgent melodrama youโll either find endearing or unbearable. Either way, there really isnโt another game like it. This discount matches the lowest price weโve seen. Also at Best Buy and Walmart.
Helldivers 2 for $30 at Best Buy ($10 off): This ties the best price weโve tracked for the PS5 copy of the raucous co-op shooter Helldivers 2, which straddles the line between Starship Troopers-esque satire and engaging strategic action. Also at Target and PlayStation.
God of War Ragnarรถk for $20 at Best Buy ($50 off): Ragnarรถk is another PlayStation โprestigeโ sequel thatโs more about upping the scope than truly reinventing itself, but its Norse world is beautifully detailed and smashing baddies with a magic axe always feels great. This matches the all-time low for the PS5 version. Also at Target and PlayStation.
Xbox Wireless Controller for $40 at Amazon ($25 off): To be candid, Xboxโs holiday deal selection is fairly weak: Neither the Xbox Series X nor Series S are on sale, and the brand doesnโt do exclusive games anymore. If you want to grab a spare controller, however, this is a nice chance to save after Microsoftโs price hike earlier this year. Several color options are discounted, though some are priced $5 to $10 higher. Also at Target, Xbox and others.
Doom: The Dark Ages for $35 at PlayStation ($35 off): The most recent installment in the celebrated FPS series, The Dark Ages takes a meatier and more grounded approach to combat than the frantic Doom Eternal. It also has you pilot an armor-coated dragon sometimes. Engadgetโs Jess Conditt called it โa well-rounded romp through the bowels of hellโ in her review. This is a new low for the PlayStation and Xbox editions. Also at Xbox and Humble.
Split Fiction for $40 at Walmart ($10 off): A pick from our guide to the best couch co-op games, Split Fiction overcomes some hacky writing with brisk action, a lighthearted tone and a Nintendo-like committing to presenting new level ideas. We saw it fall as low as $30 last week, but this is a useful $10 discount for the Switch 2, Xbox and PC versions all the same. Also at Nintendo, Steam and Xbox.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle for $49 at Xbox ($21 off): Few licensed games do a better job of capturing the spirit of their source material than Great Circle, a first-person adventure that wisely focuses on puzzle-solving and exploration over combat. A rollicking, well-paced story and tremendous voice acting round it out. This is a new low for Xbox version. Also at Humble, though itโs been slightly cheaper on PC before.
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition for $39 at Steam ($44 off): The moody Cyberpunk 2077 started as a technical disaster but now stands as a perfectly solid action-RPG, one bolstered by its pointed narrative and striking techno-future art style. This ties the best price weโve seen for the PC version of the Ultimate Edition, which includes the gameโs well-regardedPhantom Liberty DLC. Also at Xbox for $40.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection for $10 at Xbox ($30 off): Weโve seen this deal a bunch of times over the years, but it matches the lowest-ever price for The Master Chief Collection, which gathers six of the venerable FPS seriesโ games in one package.
Thank Goodness Youโre Here! for $12 at Steam ($8 off): Thank Goodness Youโre Here! is a delightfully clever and exceedingly British comedy game about a little yellow man who does everything requested of him to an increasingly surreal extent. Itโs three hours long and, as Engadgetโs Mat Smith wrote in his review, Actually Funny. The ending alone is worth this price, which ties the gameโs all-time low. Also at Nintendo.
Pentiment for $10 at Xbox ($10 off): One of the Xboxโs true gems, Pentiment is an unusually soulful 2D adventure/visual novel that does nothing less than scrutinize the nature of truth. Itโs also very pretty. This deal ties the gameโs all-time low. Also at PlayStation.
Metaphor: ReFantazio for $20 at Woot ($50 off): Itโs about as subtle as youโd expect a game named โMetaphorโ to be, but the latest title from the minds behind Persona 5 is a fantasy JRPG through and through: bombastic, stylish and earnest. (And long.) This deal from Amazon-owned Woot is the best price weโve tracked for the Xbox version. The PS5 copy is at an all-time low at several retailers, too, but that only brings it down to $33. Also at Steam for $35.
Grand Theft Auto IV for $7 at Xbox ($13 off): Perhaps the most underrated GTA game, the 17-year-old GTA IV is still worth revisiting today thanks to its grimy depiction of city living and empathetic (if vulgar) story about the cracks in the American dream. Maybe just ignore the incessant calls to go bowling. This deal matches the gameโs all-time low.
Cyber Monday gaming handheld deals still available
Retroid Pocket Flip 2ย for $194 at Retroid ($15 off): A recommendation from our guide to the best gaming handhelds, the Retroid Pocket Flip 2 is an Android device designed to emulate retro games. Getting those emulators set up takes some serious legwork, but this model can run games up to the PlayStation 2 and GameCube era without major issues, while its clamshell design and OLED display impress for a handheld in the $200 range. Use the code BFCM$15 to see this discount at checkout, but keep in mind that the price doesnโt include any extra shipping fees.
Retroid Pocket 5 for $184 at Retroid ($15 off): You can use the same code above to get this deal for the Retroid Pocket 5, which is essentially the Flip 2 in a Sony PSP-style shape. Itโs currently the top retro handheld pick in our guide and remains excellent for emulating up to the PS2 and GameCube, but itโs worth noting that Retroid recently released a new Pocket G2 model that puts a stronger chip in the same design. We havenโt tested that one yet, but it should be better if you want to emulate select PC or Switch 1 games. That one is now on sale for $204. Looming over both devices, however, is the Retroid Pocket 6, which will ship in January and looks to be a slightly more substantial upgrade.
Cyber Monday gaming keyboard deals still available
Lemokey P1 HE for $134 at Amazon ($36 off): The P1 HE is an honorable mention in our guide to the best gaming keyboards. It pairs a premium aluminum design with a fantastic typing feel and magnetic switches that let you customize the sensitivity of each press. The latter can be especially useful for competitive-style games. Its software is a pain, though. This deal marks the best price weโve seen.
ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless for $130 at Amazon ($80 off): If the Lemokey P1 HE runs out of stock, or if you want something closer to a full-size layout, the ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless is another wireless mechanical keyboard we like. It makes typing feel and sound lovely, though it canโt do any of the Hall effect customizations of the top picks in our guide. This deal ties an all-time low.ย
Cyber Monday gaming mouse deals still available
Razer Viper V3 Pro for $130 at Amazon ($30 off): The Viper V3 Pro is the top pick in our guide to the best gaming mice for those who prefer a symmetrical shape. Its sturdy design is comfortable for a wide range of hand sizes and grip types, it performs just about flawlessly in competitive-style games and itโs ultra-lightweight without having any debris-collecting holes in its outer shell. This is the lowest price weโve seen in several months.
Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed for $70 at Amazon ($30 off): The DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is a midrange option we recommend in our guide if you prefer a more ergonomic shape. Its contoured design is ideal for small- to medium-sized hands, it tracks reliably and at 55 grams itโs easy to flick around in fast-paced games. This deal marks a new low. Also at Walmart.
Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite for $50 at Corsair ($40 off): We consider the Scimitar RGB Elite to be the best value mouse for MMO and MOBA players, as it comes with 12 programmable side buttons that make it easier to pull off complex commands in games like Final Fantasy XIV or World of Warcraft. This deal matches the best price weโve tracked in the past year. Also at Corsair.
Cyber Monday gaming headset deals still available
Turtle Beach Atlas Air for $130 at Amazon ($50 off): The Atlas Air is the top pick in our guide to the best gaming headsets and one of the few wireless pairs with an open-back design. That gives it a far more spacious and immersive sound than most of its closed-back peers. Itโs highly comfortable too, though it canโt block much outside noise, nor can it connect to Xbox consoles wirelessly. While not an all-time low, this is the best price weโve seen since February.ย
HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 for $30 at Amazon ($20 off): The wired Cloud Stinger 2 is the budget pick in our gaming headset buying guide. Itโs comfy, with a solid mic and full-bodied bass. Just donโt expect the most accurate sound or highest-quality materials at this price. Also at Best Buy and Walmart.
Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed for $210 at Amazon ($70 off): We call the G Pro X 2 Lightspeed a quality alternative to the Audeze Maxwell โ our favorite closed-back wireless headset โ in our buying guide when itโs on sale for significantly less. Thatโs the case right now, as this discount drops the headset to its best price since July.ย
Sony PlayStation Pulse Elite for $129 at Amazon ($21 off): Itโs not a top pick in our guide, but the Pulse Elite is a decent wireless option for PS5 owners since it lets you adjust the EQ curve and access other settings directly from the consoleโs UI. It can also pair to a second device simultaneously over Bluetooth. The flimsy space-age design and poor noise isolation arenโt ideal, however. This deal comes within a dollar of the headsetโs all-time low. Also at Best Buy and Walmart.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-best-cyber-monday-gaming-deals-that-are-still-available-save-on-the-nintendo-switch-2-ps5-consoles-xbox-controllers-tons-of-games-and-more-172904125.html?src=rss
Cyber Monday has come and gone, but the deals are here to stay โ at least, some of them are for now. Itโs been a few years since Cyber Monday deals truly wrapped up at midnight, and this year weโre seeing a ton of great deals still available now that the official day has wrapped. Tech deals have been decent this year, with big discounts on headphones, earbuds, game consoles, laptops, kitchen gadgets and more. If youโre still hoping to save on some items for yourself or as gifts for the holidays, weโve got you covered. Here are the best Cyber Monday deals on tech that are still available today.
Best Cyber Monday deals still available
Apple AirTags (four pack) for $63 (36 percent off): iPhone users who frequently misplace things should invest in a few AirTags. Slip them into your wallet, bag, jacket and other belongings to keep track of their locations in the Find My app. Just make sure that, if you're going to attach one to your keys, you also pick up an AirTag holder to go along with it.
Apple AirPods 4 for $80 ($50 off): These are the most affordable AirPods you can get, and the latest model has been substantially improved over the previous. They have a better fit and noticeably better sound quality than their predecessor, plus some advanced features previously only found on pricer models.
Apple Watch SE 3 for $199 ($50 off): The SE has been our top pick for the best Apple Watch for those on a budget, and the latest model only solidifies that further. It has the same chipset found in the latest flagship Apple Watches, fast-charging capabilities, an always-on display and most of the same activity-tracking features you'll find in more expensive model.
Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle for $449 ($50 off): As of Cyber Monday, there is one actual deal on the Switch 2 that wasn't available for Black Friday. Walmart currently has the Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle for $50, bringing it down to $449. Note, though, that you must be signed into a Walmart account and add the item to your cart in order to see the discounted price. There's no telling how long this deal will last.
PlayStation 5 standard edition for $449 ($100 off): The PlayStation 5 is getting a major Cyber Monday discount, with $100 off consoles. That brings the PS5 Digital Edition down to $399, the standard PS5 to $449 and the new PS5 Pro to $649. If youโve been holding out for the right time to upgrade or buy your first console, these are the deals to beat. You'll find them direct at Sony and from other retailers including Amazon and Walmart. We're seeing some of the consoles, particularly the digital edition, go in and out of stock as of late. However, it has come back eventually at retailers like Amazon. If you see the model you want listed as out of stock, it's worth it to check back in an hour or two to see if that's changed.
Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones for $248 ($158 off): While the new XM6 headphones have replaced these as Sony's flagship cans, that doesn't mean the XM5 aren't worth buying. They were our top pick for the best wireless headphones for years before the XM6 came around, and they still have excellent ANC, great sound quality, long battery life, a comfortable fit and handy extra features like multipoint connectivity.
Aura 10.1-inch digital frame for $139 (22 percent off): Aura makes some of our favorite digital frames, and this one has a 10-inch HD display, Wi-Fi connectivity and an elegant mat design. Arguably the best thing about Aura frames in general is that you don't have to pay a subscription fee to add photos to it over time โ all photos are stored in the cloud, and multiple people can add photos to one frame.
Audible โ three months for $3: For literally $1 per month, you can get access to Audible's enormous library of published audiobooks, podcasts and Audible Originals (which can be anything from never-before-heard books to live performances). It's only three months, after which you'll have to cancel or renew at the regular price, but an audiobibliophile can cram a lot of listening into 90 days.
Paramount+ (2 months) for $6 ($20 off): Paramount+ is doing its Cyber Monday deal a little differently. Instead of a reasonably cheap long-term plan, you get an incredibly cheap short-term deal โ two months for less than a Starbucks run costs these days. That's more than enough time to binge Yellowjackets, Dexter: Resurrection or Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, along with weeks of NFL games through CBS Sports.
Starz โ one year for $12: Pay upfront for one year and you can get more than $50 off a Stars annual subscription. There's a month-to-month option too, which costs $3 per month for the first three months if you don't want to commit to the full year. Either option gives you access to the entire Starz TV and movie library with offline viewing and no ads.
MasterClass โ up to 50 percent off annual subscriptions: The MasterClass Cyber Monday deal discounts most subscription tiers by 50 percent when you pay for one year upfront. The Premium tier, the most expensive option, usually costs $20 per month but now only sets you back $10 per month for one year. That gives you access to the entire MasterClass content library, offline viewing and up to six simultaneous streams.
Proton VPN (24 months) for $59.76 (75 percent off):Proton VPN is our pick for the best VPN โ a secure, trustworthy app that doesn't sacrifice features, speed or usability. Although its free plan does come with unlimited data, we recommend upgrading to get the full set of servers and features. With this deal, you'll get servers in 117 countries; better yet, every one of those we've tested so far can unblock Netflix.
Philips fabric shaver for $13 (32 percent off): Consider this the Cyber Monday tech deal you didn't know you needed. If you have shirts, sweaters, pants, even blankets that have pilled over time, this handy little fabric shaver can get them looking more like new again. I bought this on a whim after wishing I could refresh some of my most-loved wardrobe staples without spending hours pulling pills off myself. Philips' fabric shaver has delivered and then some, and my clothes look much fresher than before.
Roku Streaming Stick Plus for $19 (52 percent off): This is one of the best Roku devices to get if you're on a budget and just want to make an aging TV set feel a little bit newer. This model supports 4K HDR content, has pretty accurate universal search and gives you access to a ton of free content to watch via Roku's streaming OS.
DJI Mic Mini wireless lav mic for $59 (50 percent off): Content creators or anyone who just needs higher quality audio in the videos they make will want a wireless microphone like the DJI Mic Mini. Its lightweight and easily attaches to almost anything via clips or magnets, and it pairs easily with smartphones and cameras via Bluetooth. You can also get a configuration that includes a charging case for $80.
Google Pixel 10 Pro for $749 (25 percent off): You can get much better than this when it comes to Android phones. Google's latest flagship has a brighter display, longer battery life, a camera that supports 100x Pro Res Zoom and Pixelsnap (i.e. Qi2) charging support.
Samsung P9 microSD Express card (512GB) for $75 (25 percent off): There are only a handful of microSD Express cards on the market right now, and they are the type you need if you want to expand the storage on your new Switch 2. After testing a bunch of these cards to find the best microSD Express card for Switch 2, our biggest takeaway was that most of the ones on the market right now work well and you should get the capacity you want at the cheapest price you can find. This is a great deal on a 512GB card, and there are other Cyber Monday deals on 256GB cards, too.
Hisense U65QF (55-inch) for $398 ($402 off MSRP): The U65QF is another entry-level LED TV with generallypositivereviews. Most feedback around the web suggests that it canโt match the QM6K in terms of contrast, gaming features and overall accuracy, so TCLโs model should be a better buy for most. This iteration also uses Amazonโs Fire TV platform instead of the cleaner Google TV. It can achieve a higher peak brightness, however, so itโs worth considering if you get particularly bad glare in your living room. This is the lowest price weโve seen for the 55-inch model, but the 65-inch ($548), 75-inch ($748) and 85-inch ($900) models are also at all-time lows. Also at Best Buy.
Ninja Creami ice cream maker for $180 (22 percent off): The Creami has been one of the most sought-after kitchen appliances of the past couple of years, and for good reason. It's one of our favorite pieces of kitchen gear because it makes it a breeze to prepare custom ice cream and many other frozen treats. It's definitely worthwhile investment if you're an ice cream lover and want to experiment with making your own flavors.
Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum for $400 ($600 off): This is one of the best robot vacuums you can get, period. It doesn't have a self-emptying base, but its superior suction power almost makes up for that. It's one of the strongest robot vacuums I've ever tested, and it has excellent obstacle avoidance. The latter means you will rarely, if ever, have to attend to it getting caught on the edge of a carpet or getting stuck under a piece of furniture.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/cyber-monday-deals-on-tech-for-2025-that-are-still-available-the-best-sales-up-to-75-percent-off-on-streaming-services-gaming-accessories-and-more-170028972.html?src=rss
If youโve been waiting to grab a PlayStation 5, these Cyber Monday deals are worth noting โ and still available. Sonyโs latest consoles have received a $100 discount across the board, dropping the PS5 Digital Edition to $399, the standard PS5 to $449 and the PS5 Pro to $649. Thatโs one of the best prices weโve seen on Sonyโs hardware this year. You'll find the deals direct at Sony and from other retailers including Amazon and Walmart.
Sonyโs flagship console remains one of the most popular gaming systems available, and this Cyber Monday discount makes it even easier to jump in if you havenโt already. The standard PS5 and the slimmer PS5 Digital Edition both offer fast load times, smooth frame rates and crisp visuals powered by the custom AMD Zen 2 processor and RDNA 2 GPU. The difference between them comes down to the disc drive โ the standard model includes one, while the Digital Edition relies entirely on digital downloads.
For those who want top-tier performance, the PS5 Pro is also getting a rare $100 discount. It features upgraded specs and enhanced ray tracing for sharper graphics, along with improved cooling to handle more demanding titles. Whether you play cinematic single-player hits or fast-paced competitive games, the PS5 lineup remains one of the strongest options on the market for next-gen gaming.
Each console supports 4K output, 3D audio and access to PlayStation Plus, which unlocks online multiplayer and a rotating library of free games. The DualSense controller remains a highlight, with adaptive triggers and haptic feedback that make everything from racing to combat feel more immersive.
If youโre already set with a console, there are also a few solid accessory deals to consider for Cyber Monday. The DualSense Wireless Controller is down to $60, a $25 discount available in multiple colors. The premium DualSense Edge controller, which adds customizable buttons and replaceable stick modules, drops to $169 during Cyber Monday. Meanwhile, the PlayStation Portal โ Sonyโs portable Remote Player that lets you stream games from your PS5 โ gets discounted to $179.
You can still find a number of PlayStation Cyber Monday deals across the web right now, and they include some game sales as well.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/cyber-monday-ps5-deals-are-still-available-get-100-off-consoles-plus-discounts-on-playstation-games-accessories-and-more-164015817.html?src=rss
Black Friday is technically over, but long gone are the days in which all of the deals dry up at midnight. Black Friday is very much a multi-day event now, with most of the best deals (as long as they donโt sell out) lasting through Cyber Monday. This year, weโve found some of the best prices of the year on tech like headphones, game consoles, robot vacuums, speakers and more.
Below, weโve collected the best Black Friday deals you can still get today. We expect many of these to run through Cyber Monday this year, but we'll keep this post updated as we account for possible sell-outs and any new deals we can find that are worth your money.
Black Friday deals: Engadget's top picks
Disney+ Hulu bundle โ $60 for one year: The Disney+ and Hulu (with ads) bundle is on sale for $5 per month for one year (for a total of $60) through December 1. New and eligible returning subscribers can take advantage of this deal, and considering the bundle typically costs $13 per month, this deal represents more than a 50 percent discount on the standard monthly price.
Apple AirPods Pro 3 for $220 ($29 off): Apple's latest flagship wireless earbuds are the ones to get if you have an iPhone and any other Apple gear. They have improved sound quality, impressive ANC improvements, extra features like Live Translation and even better battery life.
Apple iPad A16 for $274 (21 percent off): Apple's cheapest iPad makes a great first tablet for kids, or anyone who just wants a basic slab for watching videos, online shopping, sending emails and more. It's plenty fast thanks to the A16 chipset that powers it, plus it has a nice screen, 128GB of storage in the base model and good battery life.
Apple TV+ โ 6 months for $36: Apple TV+ is offering six months of access for only $36 for Black Friday, which comes out to a discounted price of $6 per month for the six-month period. The deal is live now for new and eligible returning subscribers and runs through December 1, giving you a chance to stream shows like Silo, The Morning Show and For All Mankind for less. The biggest caveat to the deal is that you must subscribe directly through Apple and not through a third-party service.
HBO Max โ one year for $36: HBO Max's Black Friday deal gives subscribers one year streaming for $36 through December 1. This Black Friday streaming deal is on the ad-supported option, which normally goes for $11 per month. With this discount, you're getting it for $3 per month for one year. You can sign up via HBO Max's website or, if you're a Prime Video subscriber already, via that service as an add-on.
PlayStation 5 digital edition for $399 ($100 off): The PlayStation 5 is getting a major Black Friday discount, with $100 off consoles. That brings the PS5 Digital Edition down to $399, the standard PS5 to $449 and the new PS5 Pro to $649. If youโve been holding out for the right time to upgrade or buy your first console, these are the deals to beat. You'll find them direct at Sony and from other retailers including Amazon and Walmart.
Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle for $499: Black Friday Nintendo sales were announced recently and, unsurprisingly, there won't be many true deals out there this year. There are no straight discounts on the Switch 2 console, so your best bet is to pick up a bundle that saves you some cash on a Switch 2 game. One of the best is the Mario Kart Wold bundle, but Pokรฉmon fans should consider the Pokรฉmon Legends: Z-A bundle, too.
Meta Quest 3S VR headset for $250 ($50 off): We consider this to be the best VR headset for newbies or those on a budget. It's comfortable to wear for long sessions, has solid performance, comes with excellent controllers and you'll have access to a large app library with it.
DJI Neo drone for $159 (20 percent off, Prime exclusive): Yes, the Neo 2 just came out, but it's still unclear if that model will make its way to the US. For now, if you want an affordable drone to capture your next adventure, the original Neo remains an excellent option. It was our top pick for the best drone for those on a budget, and it's an even better buy at this sale price.
Samsung S95F (65-inch) for $2,298 ($700 off): The S95F is a premium model that's receivedalmostuniversallystellarreviews for being especially bright among OLED TVs while keeping the bold colors and contrast expected from a QD-OLED panel. That brightness, combined with the displayโs matte finish, means itโs uniquely adept at fending off glare. It also has four HDMI 2.1 ports and a native 165Hz refresh rate for gaming. That said, thereโs still no Dolby Vision HDR, and the matte coating means that black tones wonโt look as deep in a bright room. It's not cheap, but this is the lowest price weโve seen for the 65-inch model. Also at Samsung and Best Buy.
Google Pixel 10 Pro for $749 (25 percent off): You can get much better than this when it comes to Android phones. Google's latest flagship has a brighter display, longer battery life, a camera that supports 100x Pro Res Zoom and Pixelsnap (i.e. Qi2) charging support.
Black Friday streaming deals and subscription deals
Audible โ three months for $3 + $20 Audible credit: For literally $1 per month, you can get access to Audible's enormous library of published audiobooks, podcasts and Audible Originals (which can be anything from never-before-heard books to live performances). It's only three months, after which you'll have to cancel or renew at the regular price, but an audiobibliophile can cram a lot of listening into 90 days.
MasterClass โ up to 50 percent off annual subscriptions: The MasterClass Black Friday deal discounts most subscription tiers by 50 percent when you pay for one year upfront. The Premium tier, the most expensive option, usually costs $20 per month but now only sets you back $10 per month for one year. That gives you access to the entire MasterClass content library, offline viewing and up to six simultaneous streams.
Starz โ one year for $12: Pay upfront for one year and you can get more than $50 off a Stars annual subscription. There's a month-to-month option too, which costs $3 per month for the first three months if you don't want to commit to the full year. Either option gives you access to the entire Starz TV and movie library with offline viewing and no ads.
Paramount+ (2 months) for $6 ($20 off): Paramount+ is doing its Black Friday deal a little differently. Instead of a reasonably cheap long-term plan, you get an incredibly cheap short-term deal โ two months for less than a Starbucks run costs these days. That's more than enough time to binge Yellowjackets, Dexter: Resurrection or Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, along with weeks of NFL games through CBS Sports.
Plex (lifetime pass) for $150 (40 percent off): Plex offers personal media servers you can use to organize your digital collection โ imagine your own curated Netflix homepage that nothing ever vanishes from. It's also a streaming platform in its own right, with movies and TV from all genres and eras. Plex did just raise its prices, so now's your chance to get a lifetime pass for close to what it used to cost.
Proton VPN (24 months) for $59.76 (75 percent off):Proton VPN is our pick for the best VPN โ a secure, trustworthy app that doesn't sacrifice features, speed or usability. Although its free plan does come with unlimited data, we recommend upgrading to get the full set of servers and features. With this deal, you'll get servers in 117 countries; better yet, every one of those we've tested so far can unblock Netflix.
Monarch Money budgeting app (one year) for $50 (50 percent off with code MONARCHVIP): One of our favorite budgeting apps, Monarch Money gives you a lot of control over the organization of your funds. There's a helpful goals feature for when you're planning out big purchases or financial milestones you want to hit, and we found the month-in-review recap it provides to be more thorough than other budgeting apps we tried. There's even Zillow integration for folks looking to buy a home.
Black Friday Apple deals
Apple AirPods 4 for $69 (47 percent off): These are the most affordable AirPods you can get, and the latest model has been substantially improved over the previous. They have a better fit and noticeably better sound quality than their predecessor, plus some advanced features previously only found on pricer models.
Apple AirTags (four pack) for $63 (36 percent off): iPhone users who frequently misplace things should invest in a few AirTags. Slip them into your wallet, bag, jacket and other belongings to keep track of their locations in the Find My app. Just make sure that, if you're going to attach one to your keys, you also pick up an AirTag holder to go along with it.
Apple Watch SE 3 for $199 ($50 off): The SE has been our top pick for the best Apple Watch for those on a budget, and the latest model only solidifies that further. It has the same chipset found in the latest flagship Apple Watches, fast-charging capabilities, an always-on display and most of the same activity-tracking features you'll find in more expensive model.
Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, M4) for $749 ($250 off): Our top pick for the best laptop you can get, the M4 MacBook Air will be plenty of power for most people in a convenient, premium package. It's thin and light as ever, with an excellent keyboard and trackpad, plus enough battery life to get you through a whole day of work, video calls and more.
Apple Pencil Pro for $95 ($35 off) at Amazon: The Apple Pencil situation is a little messy, so youโll want to double check which model is compatible with your particular iPad. The Pencil Pro is the most fully featured in the lineup with haptic feedback, barrel roll and squeeze capabilities, and a hover preview feature. Itโll work with the two most recent models of the Air and Pro iPads, as well as the latest iPad mini. Also at Walmart and Best Buy.
Philips fabric shaver for $13 (32 percent off): Consider this the Black Friday tech deal you didn't know you needed. If you have shirts, sweaters, pants, even blankets that have pilled over time, this handy little fabric shaver can get them looking more like new again. I bought this on a whim after wishing I could refresh some of my most-loved wardrobe staples without spending hours pulling pills off myself. Philips' fabric shaver has delivered and then some, and my clothes look much fresher than before.
Amazon Smart Plug for $13 (48 percent off): Those who use Alexa often will get the most out of this smart plug. We like that it's super simple to set up and can turn almost anything with an on-off switch "smart," allowing you to control it via your phone or with Alexa voice commands.
Roku Streaming Stick Plus for $19 (52 percent off): This is one of the best Roku devices to get if you're on a budget and just want to make an aging TV set feel a little bit newer. This model supports 4K HDR content, has pretty accurate universal search and gives you access to a ton of free content to watch via Roku's streaming OS.
Govee Smart LED Light Bars for $30 ($20 off, Prime exclusive): Another of our stocking stuffer picks are these smart LED light bars from Govee. They can stand up or lie flat so they can go just about anywhere and are infinitely adjustable via the app. You can even set them to light up in sync with your music. Alexa and the Google Assistant will let you control them with just your voice (and a smart speaker).
Samsung Evo Select (512GB) for $33 ($14 off): We recommend the Evo Select in our microSD card buying guide for those on a tight budget. It has mediocre write speeds, so itโs not ideal for a camera, but it should be serviceable for most people just looking to add space to an Android tablet or original Nintendo Switch on the cheap. (Note that this is a standard UHS-I card, not a newer microSD Express model.) This deal matches the lowest price to date for the 512GB variant. Also at Samsung and B&H.
Dyson AM09 Hot + Cool heater and fan for $300 ($200 off): I've had this heater and fan for over five years at this point and it remains one of my favorite pieces of tech. It's lightweight enough to carry from room to room and it's both a heater and a fan: it cuts the chill in my home office during the winter, and circulates the air to keep me cooler in the summer. You can control the whole thing using the included remote (and it includes a sleep timer), and it handily attaches magnetically to the top of the device so you don't misplace it.
Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones for $248 ($158 off): While the new XM6 headphones have replaced these as Sony's flagship cans, that doesn't mean the XM5 aren't worth buying. They were our top pick for the best wireless headphones for years before the XM6 came around, and they still have excellent ANC, great sound quality, long battery life, a comfortable fit and handy extra features like multipoint connectivity.
Hisense U65QF (55-inch) for $398 ($402 off MSRP): The U65QF is another entry-level LED TV with generallypositivereviews. Most feedback around the web suggests that it canโt match the QM6K in terms of contrast, gaming features and overall accuracy, so TCLโs model should be a better buy for most. This iteration also uses Amazonโs Fire TV platform instead of the cleaner Google TV. It can achieve a higher peak brightness, however, so itโs worth considering if you get particularly bad glare in your living room. This is the lowest price weโve seen for the 55-inch model, but the 65-inch ($548), 75-inch ($748) and 85-inch ($900) models are also at all-time lows. Also at Best Buy.
Amazon Kindle Colorsoft (16GB) for $170 ($80 off): The latest color ereader in Amazon's lineup includes a seven-inch, high-contrast display, USB-C charging and a battery life that can last up to eight weeks on a single charge. Its design is waterproof too, so you don't need to baby it if you take it by the pool or to the beach. If you prefer a black-and-white screen, the base Kindle is also on sale for $80.
Aura 10.1-inch digital frame for $139 (22 percent off): Aura makes some of our favorite digital frames, and this one has a 10-inch HD display, Wi-Fi connectivity and an elegant mat design. Arguably the best thing about Aura frames in general is that you don't have to pay a subscription fee to add photos to it over time โ all photos are stored in the cloud, and multiple people can add photos to one frame.
Ninja Creami ice cream maker for $180 (22 percent off): The Creami has been one of the most sought-after kitchen appliances of the past couple of years, and for good reason. It's one of our favorite pieces of kitchen gear because it makes it a breeze to prepare custom ice cream and many other frozen treats. It's definitely worthwhile investment if you're an ice cream lover and want to experiment with making your own flavors.
Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum for $400 ($600 off): This is one of the best robot vacuums you can get, period. It doesn't have a self-emptying base, but its superior suction power almost makes up for that. It's one of the strongest robot vacuums I've ever tested, and it has excellent obstacle avoidance. The latter means you will rarely, if ever, have to attend to it getting caught on the edge of a carpet or getting stuck under a piece of furniture.
Black Friday FAQs
When is Black Friday 2025?
Black Friday 2025 lands on November 28.
When do Black Friday sales start?
Gone are the times when Black Friday sales were one-day-only affairs. Now, Black Friday deals are often available starting on Thanksgiving, or even earlier. Last year, we saw Black Friday deals online begin the week before Black Friday proper.
When do Black Friday sales end?
Black Friday and Cyber Monday have blended a lot over the past few years. Now, you can expect to see a good portion of Black Friday deals extend through the weekend and into Cyber Monday. It's not uncommon for Black Friday deals to expire at the end of Cyber Monday.
Does Amazon have Black Friday sales?
Yes, Amazon has Black Friday sales. The online retailer's site will look similar to Prime Day on Black Friday, with discounts on all sorts of items from household essentials to fashion to tech.
Does Apple have Black Friday sales?
No, you will usually not find Black Friday sales at Apple stores or on Apple's website. However, you can find Black Friday deals on Apple devices elsewhere; we recommend checking Amazon, Best Buy and other big retailers for discounts on iPads, Apple Watches and more on Black Friday.
Which retailers have the best Black Friday tech deals?
The best Black Friday tech deals are typically available online at retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy and Target. It's also a good idea to check the store websites of the companies that make the products you want โ for example, if you're looking for a Sonos speaker, check the Sonos website on Black Friday. Most of the time, you'll find the best Black Friday tech deals are matched at multiple retailers.
Which stores have Black Friday deals?
Many physical retail stores have Black Friday deals including Walmart, Target, Best Buy and others. Even more retailers have online Black Friday deals, including Amazon, GameStop, Costco and others.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/black-friday-deals-on-tech-for-2025-are-still-live-up-to-50-percent-off-the-best-gear-from-apple-amazon-disney-lego-dyson-and-others-230008916.html?src=rss
It can be tough to find a good gift for tech obsessives. Since they keep up with the latest releases, they probably already have the new high-profile gadgets out there. Luckily, Engadget staffers keep their eyes peeled all year long for the truly unique stuff. We travel to CES, attend product launches, cover major and minor tech events โ we also canโt help but buy ourselves any zany, clever, addictive or productive tech we happen to stumble across. In short, weโve got some ideas about good gifts for tech nerds (which we are). Here are the best tech gifts and gadgets for 2025.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/the-best-tech-gifts-and-cool-gadgets-for-2025-140052697.html?src=rss
Secret Santa gift exchanges can be chaotic in the best way. One minute youโre drawing a name from a hat, the next youโre scrambling to figure out what theyโd actually like. The trick is finding something thatโs thoughtful, gets a laugh or feels useful without going over budget. Luckily there are plenty of gifts that do exactly that, whether youโre shopping for the office exchange, a family swap or a friend group tradition. From clever gadgets to playful desk toys and little luxuries, these ideas prove you can spend less than $50 and still land the perfect Secret Santa present.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-best-secret-santa-gifts-for-2025-affordable-gift-ideas-from-yeti-apple-lego-and-more-130014596.html?src=rss
If youโve been waiting to grab a PlayStation 5, this Black Friday gaming deal is worth noting. Sonyโs latest consoles are getting a $100 discount across the board, dropping the PS5 Digital Edition to $399, the standard PS5 to $449 and the PS5 Pro to $649. Thatโs one of the best prices weโve seen on Sonyโs hardware this year. You'll find the deals direct at Sony and from other retailers including Amazon and Walmart.
Sonyโs flagship console remains one of the most popular gaming systems available, and this Black Friday discount makes it even easier to jump in if you havenโt already. The standard PS5 and the slimmer PS5 Digital Edition both offer fast load times, smooth frame rates and crisp visuals powered by the custom AMD Zen 2 processor and RDNA 2 GPU. The difference between them comes down to the disc drive โ the standard model includes one, while the Digital Edition relies entirely on digital downloads.
For those who want top-tier performance, the PS5 Pro is also getting a rare $100 discount. It features upgraded specs and enhanced ray tracing for sharper graphics, along with improved cooling to handle more demanding titles. Whether you play cinematic single-player hits or fast-paced competitive games, the PS5 lineup remains one of the strongest options on the market for next-gen gaming.
Each console supports 4K output, 3D audio and access to PlayStation Plus, which unlocks online multiplayer and a rotating library of free games. The DualSense controller remains a highlight, with adaptive triggers and haptic feedback that make everything from racing to combat feel more immersive.
If youโre already set with a console, there are also a few solid accessory deals to consider for Black Friday. The DualSense Wireless Controller is down to $55, a $25 discount available in multiple colors. The premium DualSense Edge controller, which adds customizable buttons and replaceable stick modules, drops to $169 during Black Friday. Meanwhile, the PlayStation Portal โ Sonyโs portable Remote Player that lets you stream games from your PS5 โ gets discounted to $179.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/black-friday-playstation-deals-that-are-still-live-ps5-consoles-are-100-off-plus-discounts-on-games-accessories-and-more-145622627.html?src=rss
Black Friday deals mean good news for anyone who wants to stock up on tech accessories, a whole slew of Anker gear is on sale. If youโre already familiar with the brand, you know it makes some of the most reliable charging gear out there. If youโre new to Anker, youโre in for a treat. We think itโs some of best gear weโve tested, which is why youโll find it in our guides to MagSafe power banks, wireless charging stations and more. So if you want to (wisely) use Black Friday to get good deals on hardworking peripherals, check out the best Black Friday Anker deals right here.
Anker Black Friday deals: Power banks
Power banks revive dead phones, let you work longer while away from an outlet and allow you to play with your tablet/ereader/gamepad while it charges without being tethered to a wall. After testing out brands from a slew of different makers, our picks just keep coming back to Anker. The mix of value, capacity and clever features make Anker batteries just a little bit better than a lot of the brands out there.
We think Anker's Ultra-Slim MagSafe bank is a better deal than Apple's Air MagSafe battery. It's got a higher capacity and wattage rating and it looks just as sleek. Plus, in my humble opinion, $38 is a way better deal than $99.ย
Anker also makes our top MagSafe battery pick (the MagGo Qi2). Thanks to its clever stand, excellent charging speeds and generous capacity, it's one of the best ways to recharge an iPhone on the go..
I love this shiny little brick. The 3-in-1 portable charger has a built-in cable that's also a strap, plus wall prongs and a handy display.
Anker Black Friday deals: Wireless chargers
A rats nest of cables on your desk is not the loveliest look. Now that phones, earbuds, smartwatches and even ereaders can refill on a charging coil, wireless chargers are a tidy solution. There are options thatโll let you view your phone while it charges, as well as some that will charge three devices at once. Weโve tested units from dozens of brands for our buying guides and keep putting Anker on our lists of winners. The brand makes some of the top picks in both our wireless charger guide and our list of the best multi-device chargers. Now, thanks to Black Friday, you can keep your devices topped off with quality accessories that are an even better value than usual.
Anker Black Friday deals: Power adapters
While wireless charging is faster than itโs ever been, cords are still the fastest way to charge your phone. Bigger devices like your laptop will reup faster on a high-wattage brick than on a dinky 20-watt adapter and if you want to keep your outlets more streamlined, go for a multi-port power adapter that will let you charge multiple devices at once. Again, after testing many brands, some of our most reliable picks continue to be from Anker. It shows up three times in our guide to the best fast chargers and we recommend the brand in a number of our accessoriesguides. Now that Black Friday is here, a number of Anker power adapters are on sale โ so we rounded them all up here.
Anker Black Friday deals: Soundcore audio
We mostly think of Anker as a charging accessory brand. But theyโve expanded their scope by getting into audio equipment โ and the effort was a success. You might not immediately pick up that these are Anker speakers โ Soundcore shows up on the products themselves, but itโs the same company. We recommend a couple Soundcore music makers in our guide to the best Bluetooth speakers. They also make our overall favorite pair of budget earbuds, the Space A40. With Black Friday deals in full effect, these are the best Anker Soundcore deals we could find.
Black Friday deals on Ugreen, Biolite, Nimble and more
Weโre fans of plenty of other brands aside from just Anker. Here are some of the other charging accessories that are also on sale for Black Friday. These come from our guide to MagSafe power banks, our standard power bank guide and our best fast charger roundup. If you want to read up on why these guys made the cut, check out those links. But if you just want to snag a few deals on electronics that Engadget has vetted, check out our picks below.
More Anker Black Friday deals
My personal favorite USB-C charging cable is made by Anker. Itโs rated at 240 watts, has a durable build, plus itโs six-feet long and has a handy right angled connector at one end. Anker of course also makes plenty of other gear, from webcams to mice โ that show up in our guides to the best accessories again and again. Here are the best Black Friday deals on Anker gear that doesnโt quite fit into the categories above.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/anker-black-friday-deals-still-offer-up-to-50-percent-power-banks-wireless-chargers-power-adapters-and-more-for-the-holiday-shopping-event-164907231.html?src=rss
ยฉ
ยฉ Engadget/Anker
A composite image of different charging accessories and speakers from Anker
Amazon Black Friday deals almost always include discounts on Fire TV devices and Fire TV sets. This year is no different, and some of the best discounts bring Fire TV streaming dongles down to near record-low prices. Case in point: the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is 41 percent off and down to only $35.
The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is one of Engadget's favorite streaming devices. The stick supports a solid mix of advanced technologies for its price: Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, 4K and HDR10+. As long as the rest of your entertainment setup can handle it, you'll get a high-quality picture and sound. It also supports Wi-Fi 6E, enabling better, faster connectivity with compatible routers.
The 4K Max has the fastest processor of any Amazon Fire TV Stick, so expect zippy navigation. It also supports Amazon's Ambient Experience. This mode displays art (like on Samsung's The Frame) while the device is in standby. It's also a solid choice for gaming: It supports Xbox cloud streaming and works well as a retro game emulator, too.
The UI is where Amazon appears to be subsidizing the device's low cost. Expect to see loads of Prime Video content promos, along with other ads. But for $35 (compared to its MSRP of $60), you may find it easier to justify that tradeoff.
Also on sale is Amazon's Fire TV Stick HD, our pick for the best budget streaming stick. This model doesn't support 4K; instead, it limits you to 1080p at 60 fps. At $18 for Black Friday, it's certainly cheap. But if you have a 4K TV (or plan to soon), you may want to consider the slightly more expensive model.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-fire-tv-stick-4k-max-is-on-sale-for-42-percent-off-in-amazons-black-friday-deals-132100743.html?src=rss
Nintendo gear is always sought after during the holiday shopping season, but this year likely more so than others. The Nintendo Switch 2 is the console launch of 2025 and it will undoubtedly be at the top of many wish lists for both kids and adults alike. If you were hoping to save a bit on the console during the Black Friday shopping season, you may be disappointed. The Nintendo Black Friday sale was announced earlier this month, and unsurprisingly, there aren't a lot of true "deals" to be had. This is typical of Nintendo โ legit Nintendo Black Friday deals are hard to come by even in the best Black Friday gaming deals โ but there are ways to at least get the best value for your money if you're going to pick up a Switch 2 before the year is out.
As has been the case for many years, the marquee Nintendo deals for the holidays come in the form of console bundles. When the Switch 2 launched earlier this year, it was available as just the console only for $449 or bundled with Mario Kart World for $499. Both options are still available now. Considering the games by themselves cost $70 each, you do save a bit by picking up a console bundle. you can pick up the console and its bundles at most retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy and others.
Nintendo Switch game deals
When it comes to deals on Nintendo Switch 2 games, the Nintendo eShop will have Cyber Deals starting on November 20, running through December 3. The shop will feature "holiday offers on select games," so it appears we'll all just have to go to the online store on November 20 to see the games on offer.
Switch 2 accessories were conspicuously absent from the announced deals, but there's always a chance they'll receive discounts from third-party retailers like Amazon, Walmart and Best Buy. A handful of official Nintendo accessories made it onto our best Switch 2 accessories list, but you can find plenty of good ones from other manufacturers as well. If you're keen on getting a first-party accessory, though, for yourself or as a gift for someone else, here's where you can find some of the most popular ones.
Even if you can't get huge discounts on Nintendo consoles or new games this year, that doesn't mean you can't find decent deals on other Nintendo gear. There are plenty of great ideas for gifts for the Nintendo fan in your life, and Engadget's Sam Rutherford got to see a bunch of them in person when he attended Nintendo's holiday showcase. From collectibles to clothing to plushies and holiday decor, there's really a ton to choose from โ but you may want to pace yourself if you're also a Nintendo fan finding things that you want to pick up for yourself in the process of looking for good gifts. Here are just some of the best Nintendo gift ideas that you can look out for during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/nintendo-switch-2-black-friday-deals-are-still-live-big-savings-on-switch-games-and-accessories-plus-the-best-switch-2-bundles-for-the-holiday-shopping-season-155223014.html?src=rss
This time of year has a lot of merry and bright things to be excited about, but it can be stressful if youโre stumped on what to get your mom, dad, best friend, coworker or kidsโ teacher as a holiday gift. Whether you enjoy or dread buying gifts for people, itโs safe to say we all want to give our loved ones things they will enjoy and appreciate. But thereโs a lot of noise, junk and bad deals disguised as good deals to sift through as we get closer and closer to the holidays.
Allow us at Engadget to help you through it. Here, youโll find all of our holiday gift guides collected in one place, so you can more easily find the best Christmas gifts you need this year. Are you looking for white elephant gift ideas? Are you struggling to come up with a good gift for the father figure in your life? Are you just looking for a good board game to pick up for your own family? Weโve got you covered with gift ideas for all of those scenarios and more.
Best white elephant gift ideas
According to legend, the King of Siam would give a white elephant to courtiers who had upset them. The recipient had no choice but to simply thank the king for such an opulent gift, knowing that they likely could not afford the upkeep for such an animal. It would inevitably lead them to financial ruin. This story is almost certainly untrue, but it has led to a modern holiday staple: the white elephant gift exchange. These gift ideas will not only get you a few chuckles, but will also make your recipient feel (slightly) burdened.
Secret Santa gift exchanges are supposed to be fun, but itโs easy to overthink it. You want a gift that feels thoughtful without being awkward, useful without being boring, and most importantly, affordable. The sweet spot is under $50, which is plenty to find something that fits your recipientโs personality. Whether youโre buying for a co-worker you only chat with at the coffee machine, a friend who already has everything or a cousin who never gives you ideas, there are clever options that will make them smile.
Trying to find the right gift for an unabashed gadget lover during the holidays can be difficult, especially if you donโt keep up with tech industry news yourself. Fortunately, youโre reading Engadget.com, a site entirely staffed by people who spend all day figuring out what new stuff is and isnโt actually good. So allow us to help. Weโve rounded up some of our favorite gadgets and gear that just might satisfy the avid geek in your life.
We could all use more time away from screens of all types and sizes, and board games are a fun way to do that and bond with friends and family. You can find plenty of unique sets out there now, from word puzzles to whodunnits to calming playthroughs that showcase the beauty of the little things in life. From games with giant monsters to those with haunted mansions, weโre sure at least one of our suggestions will be a hit with you and your loved ones.
So you want to give someone a gift but you donโt have a ton of cash to spare. Donโt fret because first, youโre not alone, and second, there are tons of options to choose from. Especially if youโre looking in the tech space, it can feel especially daunting to find a gadget thatโs affordable but also worth gifting โ in other words, not a piece of junk that will eventually take up residence at the bottom of a drawer. But you donโt have to drain your wallet to get someone a cool gadget that will both be useful and make their lives easier. Weโve collected our favorite pieces of tech under $25 that make great gifts and help you to stick to a budget.
We wouldnโt blame you if you try to do all of your tech shopping around the holidays. Thatโs when you can typically get the best sales, both on relatively affordable gear and (more importantly) on big-ticket items. But it would be wrong to think that only the most expensive tech is worth gifting. Since we at Engadget test a plethora of gadgets every year, we know that there are some hidden (and not so hidden) tech gems at lower price ranges โ you just have to know where to find them.
Finding a gift for the tech nerd on your list can be tough. They likely have all the tech they need and then some, but you can add to their kit with the right accessories. Apple, Samsung, Sony and other big tech companies all have affordable gear that comes in at $100 or less, you just have to know where to look. We've collected some of our favorites, but remember: you can often find alternatives that are just as good (and sometimes better) than these. However, for the people in your life for which brand names really do matter, these gifts will speak to them.
We know itโs been a pretty crazy year thatโs got you wondering how exactly youโre going to make the holiday season extra special, especially for the kids in your life. The good news is that the toy industry is just as creative as ever, and this yearโs crop of hot tech toys is filled with plenty of surprise and delight, all at affordable prices. Weโve picked some of our favorites under $100, ones that will not only thrill right out of the box, but keep the kids entertained for months to come.
There's a pretty good chance you know at least one person who works remotely in some fashion. While the WFH life has its perks โ nobody likes a long commute โ it comes with its own set of challenges, from lacking pro-level equipment to dealing with household disturbances. If youโre looking to give a gift to someone who spends much of their time in their home office, weโve rounded up a few techy gift ideas that should make their days a little more delightful, or at least easier to manage.
For as long as humans have traveled, they've carried gear with them to make long journeys easier. Airplanes may have made travel faster, but crossing states and countries can still be exhausting. If you have a friend or family member who loves exploring the world, they'll appreciate things that will save them stress when they're far from home. So let Engadget help you find the perfect gift for the person in your life with wanderlust.
If you're like us, Nintendo holds a special place in your heart thanks to iconic characters like Mario, Peach and Donkey Kong and multiple generations of best-selling consoles. But little did we know that outside of gaming hardware and accessories, there's an ever-growing assortment of Nintendo-themed toys, clothes and decor. And it's kind of a problem because we want all of it. So to help you figure out the best gifts for the Nintendo fan in your life, we've put together a big list of our favorite products that will give anyone a power-up this holiday season. Of course, if none of the ones on our list quite fit the bill, you can also head over to our full list of the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories for even more ideas.
The stream of new video games never ends, but for some of us, nothing beats the classics. If you donโt feel like hunting through eBay and local game shops for old cartridges to add to your loved oneโs collection, weโve picked out a few other gift ideas for the nostalgic gamer in your life โ from video upscalers for old consoles to retro-themed books and artwork.
The year may not be over, but 2025 is all but guaranteed to go down as one of the best 12 months in gaming history. Between releases like Hades 2, Hollow Knight: Silksong and Ghost of Yotei, to name just a few, there was truly something for everyone in 2025. Of course, that abundance also means it can be tricky to find a gift for the gamers in your life, especially if you're not one yourself. Worry not โ Engadget is here to help. We guarantee our guide will help you find the perfect gift for your friend or loved one.
Some moms really do mean it when they say they donโt need any gifts. But those same moms will probably appreciate getting something thoughtful and personal โ a gift that shows you put in a bit of consideration. Itโs tough to pin-point what that ideal gift is for any given mom, but weโve got ideas to get you started. Since we spend our days testing and otherwise thinking about tech, most of the presents here have a gadget spin, but all of them are a heck of a lot more unique than a candle and a bath bomb.
It's not always easy to find gifts for dads, especially for those who are often quick to snap up whatever they need on their own. But even the geekiest and most well-informed dads have blind spots โ the trick is to find something they've never heard of, but could actually make their lives useful. We've collected some of our favorite dadcore gift ideas, which would suit everyone from a complete gadgetphobe to a total techie.
Subscription boxes are the rare gift that keeps its charm long after the wrapping paper is gone. You make the choice once, but the surprises keep landing on their doorstep for months after that. For anyone who loves the buzz of a delivery, these are gifts that extend the season well past December. Each box on this list combines a bit of discovery with something tangible, such as gadgets, books, collectibles, snacks or clever projects. Some appeal to hardcore hobbyists, others to the curious or the comfort seekers, but all offer that same spark of delight that comes from unboxing something unexpected.
For home cooks, kitchen tools are the equipment that make all your favorite dishes and meals possible. And while having the fanciest gear certainly isn't a requirement, it is really nice, which makes products like the ones here such great gifts. These are the kind of things that people want but might not be able to justify buying for themselves, or essential pieces that would be handy additions to any kitchen or pantry. So if you're looking for present ideas for the chef in your life, check out our guide of tried and tested cooking tools and gadgets.
When it comes to making coffee at home, us coffee nerds are constantly evolving. Whether the person youโre shopping for is newly indoctrinated into the world of small-batch roasters or obsessive over every possible aspect of every brewing process, weโve compiled a list of the best coffee gear for any coffee geek this holiday season. For brewing, grinding and drinking, weโve got multiple options at a range of prices to help expand any java geekโs horizons. And if you think the coffee aficionado on your list already has everything they need, weโve got a recommendation for them too.
We're a pet-loving staff here at Engadget, with diverse distribution of cat people, dog people, other-small-fuzzy-creature people, bird feeder enjoyers and so on (at press time, I'm unsure if we have a rat person, but I'd be surprised if we didn't). And, of course, we love getting new gadgets of all sorts for our pets as much as for ourselves. Our list, with gifts as low-tech as a blanket and as high-tech as the best $30 two-way camera you'll ever use, is for the pet lover in your life โ whether that's you or another favorite human.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-best-christmas-gifts-to-give-everyone-on-your-2025-holiday-shopping-list-170018456.html?src=rss
Were you a Lego set kid or a giant-bucket-of-Legos kid? I was a sets kid all the way โ I loved, and still love, the zen feeling of building something incredible a little bit at a time. Also, every time I tried to build something from the giant bucket, it fell apart immediately, but let's not dwell on that. For this year's Black Friday and Cyber Monday, we're trawling the net for the best deals on Lego sets, from family-friendly tie-ins to architectural behemoths. If you've had your eye on a set but demurred due to the price, this list is for you.
It's a good idea to use a price tracker to see if you're getting the best Lego Black Friday deals. You'll find Lego bargains this holiday season at retailers like Amazon and Walmart, but don't overlook Lego's own site. If you join the free Lego Insiders program, you'll get special discounts and exclusive member gifts with each purchase, plus points you can redeem for your next set or bucket.
You can now officially backorder the hottest Lego gift of the season, the Star Trek USS Enterprise set, which was just announced. With a titanic 3,600 pieces and mini-figures of the whole Next Generation crew, it's a must-have for any Star Trek fans. The set is available for $400 starting today.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/lego-black-friday-deals-are-still-live-up-to-50-percent-off-on-star-wars-disney-harry-potter-and-more-toy-sets-for-the-biggest-holiday-sale-155007472.html?src=rss
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