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Streaming deals anyone? The best Big Spring Sale deals on Paramount+, Spotify, Starz, and more.

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 05:00
The best Big Spring Sale streaming deals at a glance: Best streaming deal Paramount+ Premium $2.99/month for 2 months (save $22) Get Deal Best music streaming deal Spotify Premium free for 3 months (save $38.97) Get Deal Best streaming device deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $17.99 (save $22) Get Deal

With the now regularly recurring price hikes across the board, we could all benefit from some discounts on streaming services. While the best time of year to score a great streaming deal is hands down Black Friday season, any major sale or shopping holiday tends to offer at least a few discounts. And Amazon's Big Spring Sale (officially running March 25-31 in 2026) is holding true to that notion. While the overall number of streaming deals is no match for Black Friday, we'll certainly take any discounts we can get.

I'll be keeping an eye out throughout the Big Spring Sale for any new deals that pop up and will update this story with the latest. For now, here are the best streaming deals live during the sale. I've also included deals on streaming devices like Fire TV Sticks, as well as some evergreen streaming deals I think are worth grabbing.

Best streaming deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ Paramount+ Premium $2.99/month for 2 months (save $22) Get Deal Why we like it

On the surface, this is the same offer as the streamer's Black Friday deal. However, because Paramount Plus hiked its prices in January, this Big Spring Sale discount actually saves you more money. It now costs $13.99 per month for the ad-free Premium plan and $8.99 per month for the ad-supported Essential plan. Through March 31, you can lock in two months of either plan for only $2.99 per month. That saves you $22 if you choose the Premium plan (why wouldn't you?). Both new and ex-subscribers are eligible for this deal and its valid on Paramount+ as a standalone service or on the Prime Video add-on.

Psst. It's also worth mentioning that an extra discount code is floating around that could potentially knock the price down to just 99 cents per month for two months. However, it appears to work for some folks and not others. Try adding the additional promo code BG2L7M at checkout to see if you're one of the lucky ones.

Best music streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Spotify Spotify Premium free for 3 months (save $38.97) Get Deal Why we like it

If you've never tried Spotify Premium before, you can snag three free months of the music streaming service through March 31. Typically, it costs $12.99 per month, so you'll keep nearly $40 in your pocket with this deal. A Premium account unlocks ad-free listening, the ability to download music for offline listening and collaborate with friends in real time, 15 hours of audiobook time, and lossless audio. Plus, you'll get weekly listening stats and, should you choose to keep your subscription, access to the famous Wrapped stats.

Already tried Spotify Premium? Amazon Music Unlimited is also offering three free months of its streaming service through March 31. It regularly goes for $11.99/month for Prime members and $12.99/month for non-Prime members, so you can save up to $38.97 with this deal. Besides unlimited music streaming, you'll also get access to one audiobook per month.

Best streaming device deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $17.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $22.00   Get Deal Why we like it

The newest Fire TV Stick, the 4K Select, is the first streaming device in Amazon's lineup to shake things up in awhile. While it still offers the same plug-and-play design you know and love, it features a brand-new operating system called Vega. Given how laggy the previous operating system could be on Fire TV Sticks, we're pretty excited about this change. It also offers support for Alexa+, Amazon Kids+, Amazon Luna, Xbox Game Pass, and NordVPN, and delivers 4K quality with HDR10+ support. During the Big Spring Sale, it's already down to just $17.99 instead of $39.99. Although, it's worth noting that we saw this streaming stick drop to a surprisingly low $9.99 in the past.

More Amazon Big Spring Sale streaming dealsMore Amazon Big Spring Sale streaming device dealsEvergreen streaming deals worth grabbing

Amazon is clearing out last-gen tech for the Big Spring Sale: Save $300 on Apple Watch Ultra, Asus gaming laptops

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 05:00
Last-chance deals on last-gen tech: Best Apple deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $999 (save $200) Get Deal Best headphones deal Sony WH-1000XM5 $278 (save $121.99) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Eufy X10 Pro Omni $499.99 (save $200) Get Deal Best Fitness Tracker Deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 (49mm) $499 (save $300) Get Deal

Got spring cleaning on your mind? So does Amazon: The retail giant is putting last-gen tech on sale at deep discounts during the Big Spring Sale (March 25 to 31), its main seasonal savings event, to clear out its remaining inventory.

Older versions of some of our favorite gadgets are currently on sale there for record-low prices (or close to them). The zippy M4 MacBook Air? Up to $150 cheaper than the iterative M5 version Apple announced this month. The superb Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones? Only $278, or $120 less than the newer, also-on-sale WH-1000XM6s, which just add folding ear cups and marginally better sound quality.

We'll be updating this list of past-gen tech deals with more offers as Amazon's Big Spring Sale continues, so check back soon. In the meantime, this is your chance to clean up with last-chance deals on last-gen gadgets.

Smartwatch and fitness tracker dealsHeadphone and earbud dealsTablet dealsLaptop dealsRobot vacuum dealsRefurbished deals

Amazons Big Spring Sale is here — heres how to use a Visa gift card to shop

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 05:00

Have a Visa gift card that you keep forgetting to use? 'Tis the season to break that bad boy out. You'll be able to squeeze way more out of those free funds if you shop during Amazon's Big Spring Sale, which officially runs from March 25-31 in 2026. With major deals on everything from Amazon devices and Apple gadgets and TVs to laptops, you can stretch your Visa gift card and get more bang for your buck. But how do you actually use it to shop on Amazon?

Adding a Visa gift card on Amazon isn't the process that you'd expect. While it is technically a gift card, it can't be registered as a gift card like an official Amazon gift card would. Instead, you'll have to register the gift card like you would register a legit Visa debit or credit card to start using it as a payment method. If you're unsure how to go about it, we've got your back.

SEE ALSO: How to check or reload your Amazon gift card balance How to add a Visa gift card to make purchases on Amazon

The process might seem complicated, but follow these simple steps and you should have no issues:

  1. Go to Amazon on your phone, tablet, or computer and find your Account tab. On the mobile app, your Account lives in the little person icon at the bottom of the screen and in the three horizontal lines at the bottom right side of the screen. On a web browser, hover over Accounts & Lists at the top right corner of the webpage, then select Account from the dropdown menu that appears.

  2. Once there, scroll to find the Your Payments tab. This option will take you to your digital wallet where you can view your added payment methods.

  3. Click on Add a payment method. Because the gift card is a Visa, it functions like a regular debit or credit card, so scroll down to the credit or debit cards category to add the new card.

  4. You'll then be prompted to add the necessary card information like the card number and expiration date.

  5. Then, it'll ask for the Billing Address. Prepaid Visa gift cards aren't tied to a name or address, so you won't actually receive a billing statement. You can add your own address to be quick, or call the customer service number to get the card issuer's address.

SEE ALSO: Walmart vs. Amazon: Which retail giant has the best deals?

There are a few caveats to consider when using a Visa gift card on Amazon. First, not all Visa gift cards may work as debit or credit cards on Amazon. Some may require users to use a CVV to authorize a purchase. Since Amazon doesn't ask for this information while adding payment methods, these Visa gift cards might not go through.

Also, Amazon doesn't allow users to combine multiple cards for a single transaction. This means that you can't cover your total with two Visa gift cards, or use up the remaining gift card balance as a partial payment and cover the rest with another credit or debit card. Be sure to keep an eye on your cart total as you chip away at it during your Black Friday shopping. Your total order cost (including shipping and taxes) can't exceed the gift card balance.

There is, thankfully, a workaround for tracking that Visa gift card balance. You can use the Visa gift card to add or reload funds on an Amazon gift card, which you can then apply toward future Amazon purchases. Once you add a Visa gift card as an Amazon payment method to your account by following the steps above, you can purchase an Amazon gift card for the full amount of the Visa gift card balance (taking into account any fees the Visa card may deduct upon use), or follow these steps to access your existing Amazon gift card balance and reload funds.

Opens in a new window Credit: Visa Add a Visa gift card to your Amazon account   Learn More

The Kindle Colorsoft is under $170 in Amazons Big Spring Sale — score the best-ever price now

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 04:59

SAVE $80: As of March 25, the Kindle Colorsoft is on sale for $169.99 in the Amazon Spring Sale. That's a 32% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle Colorsoft $169.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $80   Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale has officially kicked off and there are deals aplenty to be found, including on Amazon's own devices. There are plenty of great Kindle deals live right now (like this one on the classic Paperwhite), but if you've been eyeing up the Colorsoft, you're in luck.

As of March 25, this Kindle has dropped in price from $249.99 to $169.99. That's a saving of $80 on list price, and the lowest price this model has ever been. This price is for the black, 16GB Kindle, and it comes without any ads.

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This Kindle features a 7-inch high-contrast display designed for reading in color (as the name might suggest), as opposed to black and white like other devices. It has a paper-like finish that makes book covers and pages look as close to real as possible, while still remaining easy on your eyes.

It supports color highlighting in multiple shades, allowing you to mark your favorite passages and quotes as you read. The display can also be adjusted from white to amber to make reading comfortable in both bright and low-light conditions. One charge can last up to eight weeks, and because it's waterproof, it is safe for use in the bath or by the pool.

Get this Kindle deal at Amazon now.

The 4 best iPads of 2026: Should you buy the 2026 iPad Air with M4 chip?

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 04:55

At this point, iPads can do (almost) anything your laptop can do thanks to iPadOS 26. Not to mention, the iPad Air with M4 just got a memory boost up to 12GB, putting it a tier above some laptops. Whether you want to stream, browse the internet, illustrate, or edit videos, you can do it on the iPad. Recent developments in the Pro and Air models also set them up as gaming devices.

The rapid pace of Apple's update schedule makes shopping for a tablet all the more difficult. So, we tested every model to help you find the best iPad for you.

Which iPad model should I buy?

The right iPad for you depends purely on your needs. Do you want something that has enough storage and speed for streaming? Do you want to use it to read? Do you want to use a tablet as your primary workstation? Your answers should factor into your decision.

To get you started, we believe the best iPad for most people is the new M4 iPad Air (2026). It has exceptional performance but is also in the middle range for both price and capability.

The M4 MacBook Air with 512GB of storage is $949 during Amazons spring sale

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 04:45

SAVE UP TO $250: During Amazon's Big Spring Sale, M4 MacBook Airs start at just $899 at Amazon. Our recommendation? Grab the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) while it's only $949, a 21% discount and a record-low price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $899 at Amazon
$999 Save $100   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $250   Get Deal

Apple's new M5 MacBook Air is here, and it's very good, but very iterative (shocker). All variants of it are $50 off at Amazon during its Big Spring Sale, live through March 31. But if you want to save way more on an effectively identical laptop, grab last year's MacBook Air with the M4 chip instead. Amazon still has some configurations in stock, and they're on sale for up to $300 off right now.

One of the cheapest options that's still available is a 13-inch M4 MacBook Air with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage (the same specs you get in the M5 base model, now $1,049). It usually retails for $1,199, but it's marked down to just $949, or $250 off. That's its lowest price on record; Amazon last offered the same deal in December, according to the price-tracking site camelcamelcamel.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Big Spring Sale is back: The best deals already live on Apple, robot vacuums, headphones, and more

Note that Amazon's $949 pricing only applies to the sky blue color (the others are sold out there), but Best Buy was price-matching it in silver at the time of writing. If you really want the midnight one, B&H Photo has it listed for $1,049 (or $150 off). You can also grab the version with 256GB of storage for $899 at Amazon, though that's not a record price.

So, what are you missing out on by choosing an M4 MacBook Air instead of the M5 version? Not much: In our testing, the newer model's chip was only seven percent faster than its predecessor in both single-and multi-core scenarios, a difference you won't notice IRL. (Single-core workloads involve basic tasks like web browsing, while multi-core workloads are heavier lifts like video editing.) The M5 MacBook Air also supports newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards, so it's a tad more future-proof.

But processor and wireless connectivity aside, the M4 MacBook Air is the same laptop for less money. Here's a quick rundown of its components:

  • 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with a 2,560 x 1,664-pixel resolution, 500 nits of brightness, and a 60Hz refresh rate

  • Backlit Magic Keyboard with Touch ID

  • 12MP Center Stage webcam with Desk View support

  • Four-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos support

  • Three-mic array

  • Two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports plus a headphone jack

  • Up to 18 hours of video playback per charge

Want a bigger screen or more RAM and storage? Check out my full list of the best MacBook deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale to see some other options.

The DJI Mini 4K drone is down to a record-low price in the Amazon Spring Sale — save $90 right now

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 04:40

SAVE $90: As of March 25, the DJI Mini 4K drone is down to its lowest-ever price of $209 at Amazon. That's $90 off the list price of $299.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 4K Drone $209 at Amazon
$299 Save $90   Get Deal

A drone is one of those awesome tech items that everyone wants to try, but the prices usually fly too far out of reach. That’s exactly why we love sale events like the Amazon Big Spring Sale — it’s a chance to pick up those desirables while they’re at unusually low prices.

One drone deal that’s caught our eye today is on the DJI Mini 4K, a super choice for beginners and casual flyers while also equipped for 4K photography and video. As part of the Amazon Spring Sale, the DJI Mini 4K is priced at just $209. That’s a generous $90 off the list price of $299. According to camelcamelcamel, it's a record-low price.

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The DJI Mini 4K is little but mighty. It has a 4K Ultra HD camera that’s set on a 3-axis gimbal, allowing you to capture stunning, cinema quality imagery. It also boasts excellent wind resistance, plus a 10km transmission range. 

You get one-touch takeoff and editing, and a range of snappy QuickShot features for innovative, on-the-go footage. Everything’s controlled via the DJI Fly app and you’ll never have to worry about losing this drone — it has an automatic Return to Home function.

Don't miss your chance to land a great deal on the DJI Mini 4K.

The Pokémon TCG Mega Charizard X ex Ultra-Premium Collection is close to market value in Amazons Spring Sale

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 04:32

TL;DR: Amazon has the Pokémon TCG: Mega Charizard X ex Ultra-Premium Collection listed for $189.47, which is $60.52 off its $249.99 list price and just $2.42 above the current market value.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG: Mega Charizard X ex Ultra-Premium Collection $189.47 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $60.52   Get Deal

The Amazon Big Spring Sale has kicked off with tons of deals on Apple products, gaming, Samsung, and even Pokémon, with plenty of new TCG offers well underway — including one of its best recent collector boxes dropping to market price territory.

As of March 25, Amazon has the Pokémon TCG Mega Charizard X ex Ultra-Premium Collection marked down to $189.47. Against its $249.99 list price, that works out to a discount of $60.52. More importantly for serious Pokémon TCG shoppers, it lands only $2.42 above the current $187.05 market value on TCGplayer. 

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Inside, this is still very much a big-ticket Charizard-themed product, including 18 Pokémon TCG booster packs in the box, along with two foil promo trading cards featuring Mega Charizard X ex and Oricorio ex. You also get 65 Mega Charizard X card sleeves, a matching playmat, a deck box, a metal coin, six damage-counter dice, and a code card for Pokémon TCG Live.

The mixture of included booster packs is four Phantasmal Flames, four Mega Evolution, four Destined Rivals, four Journey Together, and two Surging Sparks. 

Individual booster packs for most of these expansions land between $12 and $15, so you’re not only saving up to $80.53 compared to buying these separately, but you’re getting all the promo cards and accessories included as a bonus. 

For other new Pokémon TCG deals, you can still preorder the Perfect Order Booster Bundle for under $60. What’s more, the Perfect Order Chikorita 3-Pack Blister is available to preorder for under $33. 

The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is on sale in the Amazon Big Spring Sale — save over $20 right now

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 04:28

SAVE $25: As of March 25, the Kindle Paperwhite is on sale for $134.99 in the Amazon Spring Sale. That's a saving of 16% on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle Paperwhite $134.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $25   Get Deal

How's your yearly reading challenge looking? If it's looking a little light, and you need a boost to kickstart your motivation, why not check out this latest deal on the Kindle Paperwhite? As of March 25, Amazon has kicked off its Big Spring Sale, with discounts appearing on everything from gaming tech to everyday essentials, and of course, Kindles.

Right now, the Kindle Paperwhite is down to $134.99 from $159.99, a saving of $25 and its best price in three months. This price is for the 16GB option, and it is available in three colors: black, jade, and raspberry.

SEE ALSO: The 7 best e-readers to buy: Comparing Kindles, Kobos, iPads, and more

The Kindle Paperwhite is truly a reader's best friend, designed solely for reading, so you won't find any social media apps or notifications. It comes with a 7-inch display with a higher contrast ratio and faster page turns, along with an ultra-thin design for portability. And if you're heading off on a sunny holiday, the glare-free screen makes sure you can read clearly in all different lighting environments. The display can also be adjusted from white to amber for comfortable reading.

For battery life, one charge via USB-C can last up to 12 weeks, and the device is waterproof, making it suitable for a pool vacation or relaxing in the bath.

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is live now, so don't miss out on this great Kindle deal.

The 7 best tablets of 2026: Comparing iPads, Samsung, and OnePlus

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 04:20

Whether you're looking for a kid-friendly tablet or a compact laptop replacement, there are plenty of excellent options out there. If you're not exactly sure which tablet you should buy, we've got one simple question to help narrow down your search: Are you an Apple person? We tested the entire iPad lineup, and though iPads are our preferred tablets in 2026, we also love some of the best tablets from Samsung, OnePlus, and Microsoft. So, whatever your preferences, we've got a tablet to recommend.

What's new in this guide?

With ever evolving technology, this guide is never done. We're continuing to test new tablets for inclusion in this guide. At the end of 2025, we added the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 and the Samsung Galaxy S11 Ultra to this guide.

As of March 2026, we've updated this guide to include the iPad Air with M4 chip, replacing the previous Air model. We also added the iPad Pro (M5) as the best iPad for professionals, as well as the OnePlus Pad Go 2 as the best budget Android tablet.

We have more tablets in the testing pipeline and will be updating this guide with any standouts.

I found 5 Dyson Supersonic dupes that are almost as good as the real thing

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 04:16

The often-imitated hair dryer has a lot of copycats that dupe Dyson's signature look but skimp on quality. A good rule of thumb: Avoid the $40 Amazon knockoffs that copy Dyson's signature fuchsia and nickel design. I promise they won't perform the same, and you'll be lucky if they last six months. However, in recent years, a handful of competitors have released Dyson Supersonic alternatives that truly offer similar results.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Supersonic hair dryer (with 3 attachments) $329.99 at Dyson
$449.99 Save $120   Get Deal So, what's the best Dyson Supersonic dupe?

To answer that question, I tested a bunch of hair dryers. Some look similar to the Supersonic, and some look nothing like it. I wanted to find the best alternatives to the Dyson Supersonic that replicate the experience: That is to say, they dry your hair in a way that feels quick, easy, and at least a little luxurious.

My top recommendation as of spring 2026? The Laifen Swift. Not only does it look like the real thing, but it utilizes ions to minimize damage and has a powerful 110,000 RPM high-speed motor. Plus, it's affordable, which is why it's held the top spot in this guide for more than a year.

SEE ALSO: I tested the best Dyson Airwrap dupes under $300: The Shark FlexStyle is no longer your only option What makes the Dyson Supersonic special? 

The Supersonic has stood the test of time because with it, Dyson reimagined the hair dryer. Instead of a bulky, loud dryer, the Supersonic is sleek and compact yet more powerful than other dryers on the market (and a little less loud, too).

Dyson is known for this futuristic aesthetic on its products, but the look of this dryer also has a function. The ring-shaped head ditches the vented and coiled model of the traditional hair dryer and houses the tiny V9 motor in the handle. The combination of the V9 motor and the Air Multiplier technology makes for a dryer that clocks in at only 1.8 pounds yet still delivers a powerful airflow that’s notably quieter than the roar of a traditional dryer. That extra strong airflow also makes this dryer less reliant on heat and keeps hair damage to a minimum.

SEE ALSO: All the best Dyson beauty dupes we've tested

To further mitigate any heat damage, the Supersonic also measures the air temperature up to 20 times per second and uses a built-in ionizer to minimize static and give hair a sleek finish, which brings us to a quick ionizer science lesson.

Ionizers are pretty common in higher-end air dryers. Why? They blow negative ions at wet hair to reduce static electricity by sealing the hair cuticle and taking down the power of that positive ionic charge (aka what's causing that annoying frizz). As negative ions make contact with hair, they're also dispersing the positive ions of water, therefore cutting down on your drying time and reducing damage in the process.

SEE ALSO: All the best skincare tech that we tested and loved, and some that we didn’t

Basically, it's one of the reasons the Dyson Supersonic provides such quick and excellent results and why hair dryers with ionizers cost more money — they do more than simply dry hair.

Magnetic attachments designed to easily snap onto the blow dryer round out the futuristic feel of the Supersonic. Five are included: a styling concentrator, a flyaway attachment, a diffuser, a gentle air attachment, and a wide-tooth comb. It's a nice array of included nozzles, even for high-end dryers, which might typically include three or four attachments at the most.

Why is the Dyson Supersonic so expensive?

At $519, the Supersonic is definitely an investment. However, you're paying for a high-end motor that's built to last, multiple heat settings to protect hair, an innovative design, and of course, the ionic tech. Other dryers from popular hot tool brands like T3, ghd, and Harry Josh boast some similar features and run you anywhere from $150 to $350, but none quite capture the magic of the Supersonic.

SEE ALSO: Honest review of Ruggable: Are the washable rugs worth the price?

When I tested the Supersonic, I found that it had a luxe feel that stands out from other hair dryers. But don't forget: the Dyson Supersonic is now almost 10 years old.

Last year, Dyson released the updated Supersonic Nural (which you can find more info on in the FAQ section of this article), but it's not a drastically different product, with the main upgrade coming in the form of smart features, including improved temperature regulation and attachment detection. I tested it for a few weeks and found the upgrades nice, but by no means game-changing, especially for a $549 hair dryer. I also tested it against other smart hair dryers and found that the T3 Aire IQ offered the best intelligent features for the price point (more on that below, too).

Even with the original Supersonic being an older model, there is something to be said about it standing the test of time, and for providing a luxurious (yet efficient) drying experience, especially for folks with thick hair. On the other hand, Dyson competitors have had plenty of time to develop alternatives, all at a fraction of the price.

Recent testing updates

I'm in the process of testing newer hair dryers from Dreame, including the Dreame Miracle Pro.

The newest addition is the Supersonic Nural dupe, the T3 Aire IQ dryer, which I added in April 2025. Prior to that, I added the Dreame Gleam hair dryer, the Dreame Pocket, and the Shark SpeedStyle Pro Flex in November 2024. In the same month, I removed the Shark HyperAIR from my recommendations as it's largely been phased out from store shelves after Shark discontinued it. If you're still especially keen to get it, a version with just one attachment is available at Walmart.

I also replaced the BaBylissPRO with the Dreame Gleam as the best pick under $100 — though the BaByliss is still a solid hair dryer, it felt more like a standard blow dryer than a Supersonic dupe. Plus, it's less widely available these days.

In February 2025, I tested the L'Oréal Airlight Pro, which at $475 costs even more than the original Supersonic and almost as much as the Supersonic Nural. The Airlight Pro looked and functioned very similarly to the Zuvi Halo, which makes sense — the hair dryer was developed in partnership with Zuvi. At the time, I didn't include it as it wasn't that different than the Zuvi Halo, and cost significantly more. However, since then, the Zuvi Halo appears to be discontinued — it's been sold out for months on Zuvi's website after a drastic price hike to $634. I reached out to a representative from Zuvi to confirm the discontinuation, but didn't hear back. As a result, I've decided to remove the Zuvi Halo from our list of recommendations, and am reconsidering the inclusion of the Airlight Pro.

Finally, Dreame recently released the Dreame Pocket Ultra, an upgrade to one of our current recommendations, as well as the Dreame Miracle Pro, another Supersonic dupe contender. I'll be testing both for potential inclusion in this guide.

Fortnite developer Epic Games cuts 1,000 employees in mass layoffs

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 04:13

Fortnite developer Epic Games laid off over 1,000 employees on Wednesday, cutting a significant chunk of its workforce. In an open letter sent to employees, founder and CEO Tim Sweeney cited financial pressures on the popular multiplayer game as the reason for the layoffs. 

SEE ALSO: Inflation comes to Fortnite: V-Bucks prices increase

"The downturn in Fortnite engagement that started in 2025 means we're spending significantly more than we're making, and we have to make major cuts to keep the company funded," Sweeney wrote in Wednesday's open letter. "This layoff, together with over $500 million of identified cost savings in contracting, marketing, and closing some open roles puts us in a more stable place."

While Sweeney did not share Fortnite's exact engagement numbers, statistics trackers Fortnite.GG and ActivePlayer.io report that the game's player count has significantly slumped in recent months. For over two years Fortnite's average daily player count surpassed one million every month, reaching a peak of 3.1 million in December 2023. This number fell to approximately 835,000 last September, dropping its average below one million players per day for the first time since June 2023. Player numbers have remained lower than typical in the months since, now struggling to breach one million. 

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In his open letter, Sweeney stated that while the entire games industry is currently under strain, Epic Games is also facing specific challenges regarding Fortnite's return to mobile. Both Apple and Google removed Fortnite from their app stores in 2020 amidst antitrust disputes regarding in-game payments. In 2024, a new EU law forced Apple to reinstate Fortnite on iOS in Europe, with the app also eventually returning to U.S. iPhones in May 2025. Fortnite just made its global return to the Google Play store earlier this month, six years after initially being kicked off.

"Despite Fortnite remaining one of the most successful games in the world, we’ve had challenges delivering consistent Fortnite magic with every season; we're only in the early stages of returning to mobile and optimizing Fortnite for the world's billions of smartphones; and in being the industry's vanguard we have taken a lot of bullets in a battle which is only in the early days of paying off for ourselves and all developers," said Sweeney.

News of Epic Games' layoffs arrives just two weeks after the company raised prices for Fortnite's in-game currency V-Bucks, stating that the change was "to help pay the bills" after substantial increases in the costs of running the game. 

Epic Games previously laid off around 830 employees at the end of 2023, or 16 percent of its workforce. At the time, Sweeney stated that there would be no more layoffs following this, and that the cuts would "financially stabilize the business." Sadly, this no longer seems to be the case. 

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Sweeney specifically noted that Epic Games' most recent layoffs have nothing to do with AI, indicating that it isn't using the tech to replace employees. Developers and players alike have expressed concern about artificial intelligence in the video game industry, with a recent report finding that one in five new games on Steam use generative AI. In January, publisher Ubisoft announced it is making "accelerated investments behind player-facing Generative AI" amidst ongoing layoffs, while NVIDIA received severe backlash last week for an AI-powered rendering model which players labelled an "AI slop filter."

"Since it's a thing now, I should note that the layoffs aren't related to AI," said Sweeney. "To the extent it improves productivity, we want to have as many awesome developers developing great content and tech as we can."

Still, it's likely cold comfort for all the developers who have been suddenly put out of a job this week. Laid off Epic Games employees will receive at least four months' base pay, as well as extended healthcare coverage.

The video game industry has been plagued with layoffs in recent years, with big publishers such as Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, PlayStation, and Xbox all making significant cuts as well. Unfortunately, it seems as though the mass layoffs won't be easing off any time soon.

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The Apple Watch Series 9 has hit its best-ever price in the Amazon Spring Sale — save $400 today only

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 04:10

SAVE $400: As of March 25, the Apple Watch Series 9 is down to its lowest-ever price of $299 in the Amazon Spring Sale. That's $400 off the list price of $699.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 9 $299 at Amazon
$699 Save $400   Get Deal

If you’re looking for a tech upgrade — and let’s face it, who isn’t? — there’s no better time than the Amazon Spring Sale We’re scouring Amazon to help highlight the very best bargains. If it’s an upgraded smartwatch you’re after — specifically an Apple Watch — there’s a monster deal of the Apple Watch Series 9 right now.

The Apple Watch Series 9 is currently priced at just $299. That’s a massive $400 off the regular list price of $699. According to camelcamelcamel, that’s its lowest ever price by quite a way — more than $130 below its last record low price. But don't miss out: This Apple Watch Series 9 price is available for today only.

SEE ALSO: The best Apple Watch deals to shop ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale — save on Series 11 and SE 3 models

Though it's not the very latest generation of Apple Watch, the Series 9 isn’t far behind. For dedicated Apple users an Apple Watch is a no-brainer, of course, with seamless synchronicity and a fluid user experience across your Apple devices. 

The Series 9 is notable for introducing the brilliant Double Tap feature, giving you an all-new level of control over the watches many, many functions — which include on-board Siri and excellent health features — and boasts a souped-up S9 chip. The difference between this watch and its successor, the Series 10, generally rated as the best Apple Watch around, is marginal, so you can be sure that this Spring Sale discount really is a steal.

Don't miss out on this excellent deal at Amazon on the Apple Watch Series 9. For more Apple deals from the Amazon Spring Sale, check out our live hub.

The 11 best noise-cancelling headphones we use, love, and recommend buying during Amazons Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 03:47
What are the best noise-cancelling headphones of 2026?

Even the best value headphones will feel lacking if they don't come equipped with halfway decent noise cancellation. Besides, there are simply too many headphones on the market (our testing pool gets bigger by the month) for you to pay hundreds only to get subpar ANC. So, which brand comes out on top?

For most people, we think the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) offer the best overall value, with the ideal blend of comfort, sound quality, and ANC. However, if you're looking for the best active noise cancellation overall, we have to give it up to the Sony XM6 headphones. Fortunately, there are no bad choices here.

To help you wade through the top options from brands like Apple, Beats, Bose, Sony, and Sonos, Mashable editors and reviewers tested dozens of headphones and earbuds. From flagship models to budget buds, we picked out the best options at every price range.

SEE ALSO: How we test headphones and earbuds How do noise-cancelling headphones actually work?

Even cheap headphones can block some noise from the outside world. And you can always blast your music loud enough to drown out nearby conversations and street noise via passive noise cancellation. However, if you really want to turn the volume of the world down to the limit, then you need headphones with active noise cancellation.

Active noise-cancelling headphones electronically cover up the sounds coming from your surroundings. They use internal microphones to listen to the world around you, then invert the noise and send it to the speakers. The idea is that both the output and the input will cancel out, leaving you with near-silence. The best over-ear headphones also create a tight seal around your ears, providing an extra layer of passive sound blocking.

Testing the Apple AirPods Max headphones, which didn't make the final cut for this guide. Credit: Zlata Ivleva / Mashable Getting up close and personal with Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones. Credit: Molly Flores / Mashable

If you've tried a pair of noise-cancelling headphones before and haven't been impressed, don't be discouraged, as not all ANC performs equally. For instance, cheaper ANC headphones may have a more noticeable hissing sound that you'll hear when the noise cancellation is turned on, which can be distracting for some folks.

Other headphones may be great at blocking low tones, but more prone to letting in high-pitched tones. Typically, premium headphones will yield better results all around, but we have budget picks below that still do a solid job.

In the past, not many wireless earbuds featured active noise cancellation that was comparable to over-ear headphones, but newer iterations like the AirPods Pro and Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds hold their own in the ANC space. However, even these earbuds can't quite get the same seal (or fit as many mics) that headphones can, so if you're looking for maximum silence, stick with over-ear headphones.

Recent testing updates

  • March 2026: We removed the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds from this guide and added the Sony WF-1000XM6 as our new pick for the best noise-cancelling earbuds. The Bose QC Ultra 2 earbuds are now our most comfortable noise-cancelling earbuds pick.

  • December 2025: We removed the Dyson On-Trac headphones from this guide. While they had unbeatable battery life when they were first released, that's no longer the case.

  • December 2025: We added the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 as the best sports earbuds.

  • December 2025: We added the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 headphones as the best splurge.

  • September 2025: We replaced the original Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds with the updated second-gen model.

  • July 2025: We added the new Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones.

  • February 2025: We added the EarFun Air Pro 4 earbuds as our favorite earbuds pick under $100, replacing the Beats Studio Buds+.

  • August 2024: With a heavy heart, we said goodbye to the Bose 700 headphones as our recommendation for the best noise-cancelling headphones with adjustable ANC.

The best Apple deals to shop in the Amazon Big Spring Sale — save on AirPods, iPads, and MacBooks

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 03:37
The best Amazon Big Spring Sale Apple deals at a glance: Best AirPods deal AirPods Pro 3 $199.99 (save $49.01) Get Deal Best iPad deal Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $735.49 (save $63.51) Get Deal Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949 (save $250) Get Deal Best Apple Watch deal Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $299 (save $100) Get Deal Best AirTag deal Apple AirTag (1st Gen, 4-Pack) $59.99 (save $39.01) Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale has been confirmed for its third year, running from March 25-31. The retailer is set to roll out wide-ranging discounts across multiple categories, with prices dropping on items like robot vacuums, TVs, and even daily essentials. And while they didn't come right out and say it, if there's one thing we can all but guarantee, it's that the sale will feature plenty of discounts on top Apple products.

Apple has had a busy month, with the launch of its first-ever budget MacBook, upgraded MacBook Airs and MacBook Pros, a new iPad Air, the iPhone 17e, and even AirPods Max 2. This means we could not only see first-time discounts on the new slate of products, but also new record-low prices on the previous generations during the Big Spring Sale. We'll be tracking prices leading up to and throughout the official event, so keep an eye on this page for the latest and greatest deals.

We’ve rounded up the best Apple deals you can shop right now.

Best Amazon Big Spring Sale AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199.99 at Amazon
$249 Save $49.01   Get Deal Why we like it

We've always been fans of the AirPods Pro, but the third generation really takes them to new heights. Mashable's reviewer called them, "without a doubt, one of the best products of the year" in 2025. The latest premium buds feature outstanding noise cancellation (twice as good as the Pro 2s), a solid eight hours of battery life with ANC on, and new foam-infused tips that come in five sizes to find the perfect fit. Apple also brought the heart rate monitoring tech from the Powerbeats Pro 2 (our favorite earbuds for working out) and Fitness app compatibility to the Pro 3s, and introduced a live translation feature.

While we've seen the buds drop as low as $184 in the past, this discount is still worth grabbing.

More AirPods dealsBest Amazon Big Spring Sale iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $735.49 at Amazon
$799 Save $63.51   Get Deal Why we like it

Just launched earlier this month, the 13-inch M4 iPad Air is already on sale for $66 off. The base configuration with WiFi connectivity and 128GB of storage is now just $735.49 (normally $799). Mashable's tech editor took the M4 iPad Air for a spin and found it pretty impressive — too impressive for the average user, even. "It delivers iterative updates that improve an already stellar tablet," he writes in his review.

More iPad dealsBest Amazon Big Spring Sale MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $250   Get Deal Why we like it

Apple released its new MacBook Air with the M5 chip this month, but honestly, they're not a whole lot different than the M4 Airs. The main differences are the upgraded processor and a new wireless chip. You can save some money by grabbing the M4 model with 16GB RAM and 512GB of storage, which is currently down to just $949 at Amazon. We're keeping our eyes on this laptop, as we expect to see it drop further as the sale nears. But make note that since it is now an older model, it could sell out fast.

More MacBook dealsBest Amazon Big Spring Sale Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $299 at Amazon
$399 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

The Apple Watch Series 11 offers significant battery improvements over its predecessor. For that reason alone, it's worth the upgrade. It also features a tougher build with durable glass that's twice as resistant to scratches, 5G capability for quicker connectivity, and a Sleep Score and hypertension tool that can flag chronic high blood pressure. It's not a major upgrade (is anything in 2026?), but as Mashable's reviewer put it: "Buy it for the battery life." Now $100 cheaper, it's an even better value.

More Apple Watch deals

Bridgerton Season 5 will focus on Francesca and Michaelas love story

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 03:32

Netflix has officially announced Bridgerton Season 5, and it looks like it's time for quiet pianist Francesca (Hannah Dodd) to get a second chance at love.

Based on When He Was Wicked, the sixth book in Julia Quinn's Regency romance series, Bridgerton's fifth season will focus on Lady Francesca Stirling (née Bridgerton). Francesca was tragically widowed during Season 4 after suddenly losing her beloved husband John (Victor Alli). Picking up two years later, pragmatic reasons have now pushed Francesca to search for a new spouse.

Meanwhile, John's cousin Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza) has just returned to London. Michaela fled the city in the Season 4 finale despite Francesca's request that she stay as they both grieved. Now she's finally back, bringing an opportunity for her relationship with Francesca to evolve in ways neither of them expected.

Named Michael in Quinn's original novels, Michaela's character was changed from male to female for Netflix's adaptation. Bridgerton Season 5 will be the series' first season centred on a LGBTQ romance, with the series promising copious amounts of sapphic yearning.

Get $30 off the Kobo Libra Colour e-reader during Amazons Big Spring Sale, a fantastic Kindle alternative

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 03:28

SAVE $30: Through April 2, save $30 on the Kobo Libra Colour. That brings the e-reader down to $199.99, saving 13% off its $229.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kobo Kobo Libra Colour $199.99 at Kobo
$229.99 Save $30   Get Deal

With Amazon's Big Spring Sale running from March 25 to 31, we're obviously on the hunt for great deals on the retailer's Kindles. But to only be looking at Kindles would be a mistake. There's a whole wide world of e-readers out there, including those that happen to also be on sale. While it's not technically part of Amazon's Big Spring Sale, Kobo is running a deal on its Kobo Libra Colour, marking it down $30.

Usually $229.99, the Kobo Libra Colour is our favorite color e-reader. With its under-$250 price tag, it's cheaper than Kindle's Colorsoft (16GB) and comes with twice the storage. On sale, the Kobo Libra Colour is down to $199.99, saving you $30 for 13% off.

Amazon already dropped the price on its Colorsoft ahead of the Big Spring Sale, down to $169.99, so while it's technically cheaper than the Kobo Libra Colour for a limited time, the Libra Colour is still the superior e-reader. It comes with 32GB of storage, adjustable warmth and brightness, and it's fully waterproof. Plus, it has writing capabilities and is compatible with the Kobo remote. But maybe the best feature of the Kobo Libra Colour is its page-turning buttons, a rare but sought-after feature in an e-reader.

Shop the Kobo Libra Colour for just $199.99 and save $30 while jumpstarting your spring reading.

Amazons Big Spring Sale is live: The best deals already live on Apple, robot vacuums, headphones, and more

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 03:27
The best Amazon Big Spring Sale deals at a glance: Best Apple deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199.99 (save $49.01) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Roborock Q10 S5+ $279.99 (save $270) Get Deal Best Amazon device deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $17.99 (save $22) Get Deal Best headphones deal Sony WH-CH720N $98 (save $81.99) Get Deal Best TV deal Hisense 75-inch U7 Mini LED QLED 4K TV $897.96 (save $1,102.03) Get Deal Best outdoor deal Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 portable power station $489.99 (save $309.01) Get Deal

The sun is shining past 6 p.m., flowers are beginning to bloom, and pollen is in the air. This all means spring is finally here, and Amazon is ready to celebrate in their customary fashion: with deals.

On March 16, the retailer officially announced the third annual Amazon Big Spring Sale. Deals will be live for an entire week, from March 25-31, keeping in line with the schedule from last year's sale.

Also, as in years past, the deals featured in this sale will reflect the spirit of the season: Camping and yard care supplies, cleaning items from disinfectant wipes to robot vacuums, spring fashion, and other household essentials will be the major featured deals. While that does mean less of an emphasis on tech than Amazon's other sales like Prime Day and Black Friday, we still anticipate a selection of worthwhile savings on devices. Last year's spring sale brought savings on Amazon's devices like Kindles, Apple deals on MacBooks and iPads, and markdowns on headphones and TVs.

SEE ALSO: When is Amazon's Spring Sale in 2026? Amazon just announced official dates.

Already, we're starting to see early savings roll out on those exact product categories, from Fire sticks and Sony headphones to Roborock vacuums and Ninja kitchen appliances. Most deals are available whether or not you have a Prime membership — a major benefit of the Big Spring Sale is that, unlike Amazon's other Prime member-focused sales, a majority of the deals are available for anyone to purchase. That said, those with a Prime membership will be able to "unlock exclusive savings with Prime-exclusive Best Deals featuring the 'Prime Spring Deal' badge," according to Amazon.

The sale will also feature daily deal drops on categories from spring cleaning to beauty. Mashable's shopping team will be keeping an eye on the best deals live in Amazon's Big Spring Sale. Check out the best finds below:

Best Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199.99 at Amazon
$249 Save $49.01   Get Deal Why we like it

According to our review, Apple's AirPods Pro 3 are an "easy buy" if you've been looking for a new pair of AirPods. It's easy to see why: They have excellent ANC, eight hours of listening time per charge, a built-in heart rate monitor, and live translation features. While they hit a lower price of $184 back in February, this markdown is still worth checking out.

Check out Mashable's full review of the Apple AirPods Pro 3.

MacBook dealsAirPods dealsiPad dealsApple Watch dealsAirTag dealsBest robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Q10 S5+ $279.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $270   Get Deal Why we like it

Mashable's robot vacuum expert, Leah Stodart, deemed the Roborock Q10 S5+ the best quiet robot vacuum on the market, and ahead of the Big Spring Sale, it's down to a record-low price.

One of the major pros of this vacuum is that it frequently drops down in price to $379.99, but this price drop to under $280 is especially impressive. Stodart points to the LiDAR smart mapping performance, effective sonic mopping, small obstacle avoidance, and five-digit suction power as the standouts of this vacuum. While the vacuum itself isn't slim and the edge mopping isn't the best, this remains a killer deal.

More robot vacuum dealsBest Amazon device deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $17.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $22.00   Get Deal Why we like it

The newest Fire TV Stick in Amazon's lineup, the 4K Select, was one of Mashable reader's (and team's) favorite deals from Black Friday. We saw it drop to a wildly low price of $9.99 during that sale. While this current discount doesn't quite measure up to those savings, it's still a pretty epic value. Not only is this the newest Fire TV Stick, but it's also the first one with the Linux-based Vega operating system. It offers support for Alexa+, HDR10+, Amazon Kids+, Amazon Luna, Xbox Game Pass, and NordVPN and it's already more than 50% off.

Fire TV dealsEcho device dealsKindle dealsBest outdoor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 portable power station $489.99 at Amazon
$799 Save $309.01   Get Deal Why we like it

Weighing in at just under 25 pounds, Anker's Solix C1000 Gen 2 portable power station makes an excellent camping companion. The power station can keep your devices juiced up and even has enough oomph to power up some cute fairy lights or whip up a quick meal in the air fryer. It also can recharge in under 50 minutes, which can really come in handy when you're off the grid. Mashable's reviewer called it "the perfect model for taking on a weekend camping trip or keeping around the house for occasional power outages."

More outdoor dealsBest TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 75-inch U7 Mini LED QLED 4K TV $897.96 at Amazon
$1,999.99 Save $1,102.03   Get Deal Why we like it

Hisense's 2025 U7 TV combines mini LED backlighting with a 165Hz refresh rate and Dolby Atmos to pack a major punch with a not-so-major price tag. At least, now that it's considered a last-generation model. The 2026 version of the same TV (just unveiled on March 6) will run you $1,999.99 for the 75-inch model. If you opt for last year's version instead, it'll only cost you $897.96. Not only is that over 50% off, but it's about $100 cheaper than it was just last month for President's Day.

More TV deals

43-inch TVs and under

50- to 55-inch TVs

65-inch TVs

75-inch TVs and up

Amazon Big Spring Sale 2026: Live updates on the latest deals on Apple, Samsung, DJI, Lego, and more

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 03:26

Amazon is running a huge sale from March 25-31. No, we're not talking about another Prime Day. We're talking about the Amazon Big Spring Sale.

This event might not carry quite the same weight as Prime Day, but it's still one of the biggest sales events on the shopping calendar. This spring-themed event is likely to go hard on outdoor equipment like drones and power stations, fitness gear, robot vacuums, and everything else that shoppers are looking to buy at this time of the year. That being said, you can still find record-low prices on Apple, TVs, Kindles, and all the other tech that dominates Prime Day and Black Friday.

We've lined up all the best deals already live in the Amazon Big Spring Sale. Keep scrolling for the full schedule of events and the latest live updates and news from the Mashable shopping team.

Sonys latest earbuds rock — and theyre at their lowest price ever for Amazons Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 03:20

Save $31.99: Get the new Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds for just $298 at Amazon, down $31.99 from their $329.99 list price. This deal, which is live as of March 25, saves you 10% total on the noise-cancelling earbuds.

Sony WF-1000XM6 $298 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $31.99   Get Deal at Amazon

As a professional headphones reviewer, I make sure to keep a sharp eye out for any audio deals during events like Amazon's Big Spring Sale, especially for (ever-increasingly) expensive flagship models.

The sale runs from March 25 to 31, and while that may bring some temptation to wait for the best possible deals, Amazon's already dropped what I anticipate will be one of the best earbuds deals of the sale: the discount on the Sony WF-1000XM6 that brings them down to $298.

If you just rolled your eyes, I get it. Yes, it's only a $31.99 markdown, but it's worth zooming out. These earbuds dropped just last month on Feb. 12, and though the upgrades weren't revolutionary, they improved on what was already a really solid product in the XM5 earbuds. Honestly, it's not a given that a product this new gets any discount at all, so it's notable that the XM6 buds have dropped to their lowest price ever, and dipped under $300 for the first time.

SEE ALSO: The best Apple deals to shop from the Amazon Big Spring Sale — save on AirPods, iPads, and MacBooks

In my review of the earbuds, I determined that, as expensive as they are, Sony justifies the price point by bringing to the table the most well-rounded earbuds on the market. The noise cancellation is on par with that of Bose (the usual leader in the ANC space), the sound is the best I've personally heard on a pair of earbuds (and is only improved with the app's equalizer features), and the battery life runs for an impressive eight hours. And I say this as an ardent budget earbuds defender.

The only real feature of these earbuds that felt incongruent with their price point was that the touch controls took some getting used to — there's a smaller surface area for activating them, so there was somewhat of a learning curve to using them. That said, they felt less obviously flawed than the $299 Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 earbuds, and emerged as the clear winner for anyone looking for the best premium earbuds available.

If you're not quite sold on them, you can also check out more discounted noise-cancelling and wireless earbuds available during Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

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