When major shopping events like Black Friday roll around, you can bet that Amazon will be offering discounts on its most popular smart home devices. The good news? You don’t have to wait until November 27 to snag great deals on these gadgets.

Amazon is already knocking up to 60% off Ring Video Doorbells, Blink security cameras, Fire TV Sticks and more. If you're in the market for some extra home security, Ring's Video Doorbell is down to $44. You can also grab the Blink Mini 2k+ for just $16. Need a new tablet? The Fire HD 10 is now 53% off.

Whether you're looking to boost your home's security or take your entertainment setup to the next level, I've rounded up the best Amazon smart home devices on sale now. Best of all, you can shop these deals before Black Friday even arrives.

Quick Links

• shop all Amazon device deals
• Blink Mini 2K+: was $39 now $16
• Ring Solar Pathlight: was $34 now $24
• Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote Pro: was $34 now $24
• Ring Battery Doorbell: was $99 now $44
• Fire HD 10 (4GB version): was $154 now $72
• Battery Doorbell 2K + Indoor Cam Plus: was $159 now $104
• Amazon Ember 50" 4-Series Fire TV: was $399 now $309

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When Brooklyn Bedding's most affordable mattress, the Dreamfoam Essential, was discontinued, it was swiftly replaced by the CopperFlex Essential Mattress. While both models sport a navy-and-grey appearance, come in multiple height options, and are marketed as entry-level, affordable beds, there is one key difference: the addition of copper-infused gel.

With the addition of copper-infused memory foam, the CopperFlex Essential dovetails into Brooklyn Bedding's CopperFlex collection, a cooling line-up of beds that includes the CopperFlex Pro Hybrid Mattress (which rivals some of the year's best mattresses thanks to its luxurious comfort). The CopperFlex Essential is also a mid-range bed, but at the lower end of the spectrum, usually sold for under $600 in a queen.

But while the CopperFlex Essential, like the Dreamfoam, is billed as a budget-friendly, no-frills alternative to the brand's more premium beds, its price still isn't low enough to fit into the budget tier.

So, when compared with the best cheap mattresses out there, including the Siena Signature Mattress and the SweetNight CoolNest Mattress, does the CopperFlex Essential offer good value for money? And does its addition of cooling copper gel mean it's the right fit for hot sleepers?

To find out, we vigorously tested a full-sized 10" CopperFlex Essential Mattress in our sleep lab and slept on it at home for three weeks. Here are our honest thoughts...

Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Essential Mattress review 2026: Price

• A queen typically costs $524.25 thanks to a regular 25% discount
• Shipping is free, but there is a $99 returns fee
• Comes with a lifetime warranty and a 365-night sleep trial

It's easy to tell when you're getting a good deal at Brooklyn Bedding, as the Brooklyn Bedding mattress sales are split into two discounts: a regular 25% discount and a holiday-related 30% off sale. If you see a 25% discount on the CopperFlex Essential, then you're looking at the standard price (it's never sold at MSRP).

If there's a 30% off sale, however, then that means you're getting a fantastic discount. This 30% discount typically coincides with the biggest holidays and sale events, including the Black Friday mattress sales, the Cyber Monday mattress sales, and the Presidents' Day mattress sales. This is brand's biggest price drop, and the only time it's ever been topped was a 32% discount during the Labor Day mattress sales in fall 2025.

So, how much is the CopperFlex Essential when these discounts are applied? The price of the CopperFlex Essential varies depending on the height you choose. For the 10" model (which is the model I tested for this review), a queen size is $699 at MSRP and $524.25 with the regular 25% off deal. During 30% off sale, a queen-sized 10" CopperFlex Essential drops down to $489.30.

We define a "budget" or "cheap" mattress as one that's regularly under $400 in a queen, which means that the CopperFlex Essential isn't in the budget price tier (despite being marketed as a budget-friendly option). Instead, it sits in the lower mid-range price tier, along with mattresses such as the Nectar Classic and Bear Original.

The CopperFlex Essential is also a cheaper alternative to mattresses found at the more expensive end of the mid-range tier, such as the Nectar Premier and the Leesa Original (both typically $999 for a queen).

That said, there are plenty of mattresses out there with a similar, if not better, construction. The top-rated 10" Siena Signature Memory Foam Mattress, now $329 in a queen at Siena Sleep is a prime example, as is the cooling 12" CoolNest Memory Foam Mattress, which is regularly $399.99 in a queen at SweetNight.

However, one department where the CopperFlex Essential stands out is its generous benefits, including a free shipping, a 365-night sleep trial, and a lifetime warranty. The only downside is that returns come with a fee of $99.

Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Essential Mattress review 2026: Design

• Comes in 5 heights; the thickest models feature 4 layers
• The 10" model features 3 layers, all made from foam
• All models have a stain-resistant cover and a copper-infused foam layer

The design of the CopperFlex Essential varies (but not hugely) depending on the height option you choose, with the shortest height (6") containing only two layers with the thicker models (12" and 14") contain four layers.

While the 6" and 8" models are the cheapest, they are not thick enough for most adult sleepers and should only be used as a temporary bed (such as for guests, RVs, and growing children). That's why I opted to test the 10" model, as mattress thickness should be at least 10" to support most adults and sleep styles.

However, all height options have a fiberglass-free all-foam build that features a "Nano Stain Terminator Protector" cover (which safeguards against stains and spills) and a top layer of memory foam infused with antimicrobial copper.

The 10" model I tested features a 1" comfort layer of copper-infused memory foam on top and a durable 5" base layer for stabilizing support at the bottom. In between the comfort and base layer, a 4" transition layer acts as a buffer between the softer and firmer materials for balanced support.

Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Essential Mattress review 2026: Sleep comfort

For full context, I'm a side and back sleeper weighing under 130lbs, so I need a mattress that's supportive but has enough softness to soothe my side-sleeper pressure points (namely, my hips and shoulders).

The CopperFlex Essential is not the first all-foam mattress I've tested, as I've also written full reviews for the EGOHOME Black 12" Memory Foam Mattress and the SweetNight CoolNest Memory Foam Mattress. Both impressed me with their body-contouring comfort and support, but the former did trap some body heat (which is far from atypical for all-foam beds).

So, on the one hand, I was looking forward to testing a memory foam bed, as I know they can make the best mattresses for side sleepers, but I also didn't want to put up with any heat build-up (the testing period coincided with an unseasonably warm fall).

While the CopperFlex Essential didn't deliver the cooling prowess of the SweetNight CoolNest or the universal support of the EGOHOME Black, it still kept this side sleeper comfortable.

Let's see why I recommend the CopperFlex Essential to side sleepers and how it scored in other areas...

Temperature control: 3.5 out of 5

Temperature regulation refers to how well a mattress maintains a comfortable sleep temperature and prevents body heat retention. It's a key testing area, as a mattress that doesn't regulate temperature well can lead to night sweats and 3 a.m. wake ups.

While the best cooling mattresses feature top-of-line cooling tech to regulate temperature, most conventional mattresses today feature some degree of thermal regulation.

The CopperFlex Essential is definitely not a dedicated cooling model (and it isn't marketed as one), and the only form of temperature regulation it has is the addition of heat-dispersing copper. That being said, the Siena Signature features very little cooling materials (just a breathable cover) and it performed incredibly well in our temperature tests.

To test how well the CopperFlex Essential regulates temperature, we used a thermal imaging camera to measure how much of my body heat the mattress absorbs and dissipates. To do this I laid on the CopperFlex mattress for 15 minutes while the temperature of the bed was recorded every minute using a thermal imaging camera.

At its hottest point, we observed a maximum temperature increase (MTI) of 11.1°F — that means it was over 11.1°F warmer than before I laid down on the mattress. We generally rate an MTI over 9°F as "poor" and a 1 out of 5. This result was unsurprising, as the CopperFlex Essential isn't a cooling mattress.

That said, the all-foam Siena Signature had an MTI of 9.8°F, despite possessing no specialist cooling materials. Meanwhile, the mid-range all-foam Nectar Premier had an MTI of 8.1 9°F.

I also know from testing the SweetNight CoolNest (which is a dedicated cooling model) that MTI isn't always the best indicator of cooling ability. Despite being a cooling mattress, the CoolNest actually had a much higher MTI of 15.2°F, but redeemed itself through an ultra-fast cooling rate (CR)

The CR refers to how well a mattress dissipates heat during the first five minutes after the MTI. In the CopperFlex's case, the bed shed my body heat at a rate of 1.32°F per minute, a rapid cooling rate considered to "best in class".

It wasn't the fastest cooling rate displayed by a memory foam mattress (that distinction goes to the SweetNight CoolNest and the Siena Signature, which had a rapid cooling rate of 1.52°F per minute), but it's still relatively fast when you consider that the Nectar Premier dissipated heat at 0.9°F per minute.

15 minutes after I left the mattress, the CopperFlex Essential still hadn't returned to its baseline temperature. However, I should point out that none of its all-foam rivals did either.

In fact, when comparing the way the CopperFlex regulates heat versus its rivals, I was struck by how similarly it performed to the Leesa Original Mattress (usually between $999 and $1,100 for a queen). Both had an MTI of just over 11°F and had an identical rapid cooling rate 1.32°F per minute, which was surprising as Leesa refers to the Original as a "cooling memory foam mattress".

Based on the thermal imaging camera tests alone, we awarded the CopperFlex Essential an objective temperature control score of 3.8 out of 5.

How the CopperFlex Essential Mattress regulates heat versus its rivals

How effectively the CopperFlex Essential absorbed, managed and dissipated heat compared to its closest rivals

Temperature change (°F)

minutes

CopperFlex EssentialNectar PremierSweetNight CoolNestSiena Memory FoamLeesa Original

Temperature change Data

Timestamp (minutes)	CopperFlex Essential (°F)	Nectar Premier (°F)	SweetNight CoolNest (°F)	Siena Memory Foam (°F)	Leesa Original (°F)
0	0	0	0	0	0
1	9.6	8	11.6	8.1	10.6
2	10.3	8.1	10	8	9.8
3	7.9	6.76	12.6	8.6	9.9
4	8.8	5.6	14.5	8.4	10.1
5	9.1	5.7	12.1	8.1	11.1
6	8.2	5.3	13.2	8.6	9.3
7	8.4	5	14	9.2	11.3
8	9.1	6.2	12.2	8	10.8
9	9.9	7.4	14.1	8.4	9.5
10	8.4	6.4	15.2	7.9	9.9
11	8.5	6.2	15.1	8.3	10.7
12	10.6	5.9	13.9	8.2	11.3
13	8.5	6.1	14.6	9	10.5
14	10.1	6.3	14.2	9	8.9
15	11.1	6.6	13.1	9.8	9.2
16	5.6	3.9	10.6	3.6	5.7
17	4.7	2.8	6.1	3.4	4.7
18	4.7	1.9	5.5	3.1	4.2
19	4.3	2.3	5	2.2	4.2
20	4.5	2.1	4.7	2.2	3.7
21	4.6	1.6	3.7	2.3	3.4
22	4.4	2	3.5	1.6	2.8
23	4	2.1	3.3	1.8	2.9
24	4.3	2.5	3	2	1.4
25	4.5	2.4	3	1.8	1.5
26	4	1.4	2.6	2.1	1.5
27	3.8	1.6	3.4	2.1	2.1
28	3.3	1	3.5	2.1	2.3
29	3.4	1.1	3.6	0.4	1.4
30	2.8	0.3	3.1	1.5	1.7

When compared to its rivals' cooling performances, the CopperFlex Essential displays a temperature regulation that's pretty typical for a mid-range memory foam bed. It absorbs quite a substantial amount of body heat, but its initial cooling rate is relatively quick. However, the CopperFlex didn't return to its original temperature 15 minutes after our tester (the heat source) left the mattress. Overall, its temperature control is remarkably similar to the Leesa Original, which is over $400 more in a queen than the CopperFlex.

In addition to the objective thermal imaging camera tests, we also conduct subjective tests to see how I (and the wider testing panel) perceive the mattress's sleep temperature.

Our subjective feedback was slightly lower than the objective results, with our testing panel awarding a score of 3 out of 5. This score means the mattress offers generally good thermal comfort, but felt mostly neutral with some heat build-up.

I slept on the CopperFlex Essential for three weeks during an unseasonably warm fall in a bedroom with no AC, and while I wouldn't say I overheated or experienced night sweats, I did feel some patches of heat build-up every now and again. I never experienced this while testing the SweetNight CoolNest during the sweltering summer months.

Pressure relief: 3.76 out of 5

When you're sleeping on a mattress, certain body parts will come into contact with its surface, creating pressure. These body parts are known as pressure points (for example, pressure points when side sleeping include the hips and shoulders), and the way a mattress cushions and supports these pressure points is known as pressure relief.

While each height option comes with a different feel — mattress thickness as a big impact on firmness — Brooklyn Bedding recommends the 10" version I tested to combination back, side, and stomach sleepers.

During our subjective tests, my fellow testers and I agreed that the CopperFlex suits side sleeping the most, as it cushions the hips and shoulders. We also think it could suit some back sleepers, too, even if it doesn't offer the best lumbar support.

I felt I was the ideal candidate to test the mattress, as I'm a combo side and back sleeper. From the first night, I felt ample cushioning when sleeping on my side, especially in the shoulder region. In fact, I found the CopperFlex to be one of the softest mattresses I've ever tested — and I've tested the ultra-plush Helix Sunset Luxe.

Do I think it's one of the best mattresses for back sleepers? No, but I still felt supported when sleeping on my back, and I didn't wake up with lower back pain. Overall, if you're a side sleeper, or predominantly a side sleeper who also sleeps on your back from time to time, then I recommend the CopperFlex Essential.

A mentioned above, Brooklyn Bedding also recommends the CopperFlex Essential to stomach sleepers. For stomach-sleeping tester Ruth Jones, the CopperFlex Essential did cause some lower back strain when lying on her front, and she warned that back sleepers could feel some lower back pressure.

"When back sleeping, I could feel strain on my core," Jones told me.

However, she agreed that its gentle contouring makes the CopperFlex Essential a top pick for side sleepers.

"Side sleeping was far and away the most comfortable position to lie in," she said. "I wasn’t expecting this as the mattress didn’t initially appear to have much contouring but it was soft at the shoulders and hips which meant no pressure build up."

Thanks to its comfort for side sleepers, we awarded the CopperFlex a subjective pressure relief score of 4 out of 5 ("Very Good").

We also performed objective pressure relief tests using a 25kg weight. We placed the weight at the hip and shoulder areas of the mattress, and then measured how deep the weight sank and how quickly the mattress bounced back when the weight was removed.

The CopperFlex had an average Indentation Depth (ID) of 3.6" and Recovery Time (RT), of 2.25 seconds, achieving an objective pressure relief score of 3.4 out of 5, which is a "Good" objective final rating. The weight test results indicate that the CopperFlex is a responsive bed (I agree, as I found it easy to move around on) but I was surprised that the weights didn't sink further on what I perceive as a cushioning bed.

Even more surprising is that Siena Memory Foam had a higher ID of 3.63", despite being a firm bed that is recommended to anyone but side sleepers. The CopperFlex's RT, on the other hand, was one of the quickest. A quick RT is especially important in a memory foam mattress, as they can be notorious for their "quicksand" sinkage.

Combining subjective and objective feedback, we awarded the CopperFlex Essential's pressure relief a score of 3.76 out of 5, indicating a "Strong Performance".

Firmness

We rate a mattress's firmness on a standardized scale of one to 10, with 10 being the firmest and 1 being the softest. We don't use any objective tests to measure firmness, as this key area is highly subjective and is dependent on body weight, sleep position, and personal preference.

To get a good idea of the CopperFlex's firmness level, I asked each member of our diverse testing panel to rank the firmness of the CoolNest on a scale of one to 10. I then created a collective rating based on everyone's feedback.

The Brooklyn Bedding calls the firmness of the CopperFlex Essential "medium-firm", which indicates a score of 6-7 out of 10 on the standardized scale. As a team, we mostly agreed with the brand's rating, and awarded the CopperFlex Essential a 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale.

Motion isolation: 3.5 out of 5

Motion isolation refers to a mattress's ability to prevent a co-sleeper's movements from traveling to your side of the bed and waking you up. Its especially important for couples, co-sleeping families, and anyone who shares a bed with their pets.

Memory foam mattresses tend to be better at absorbing motion than other mattress types, such as innerspring and hybrid mattresses, as they contain dense, slow-moving foams and no springs or coils.

To see how well the CopperFlex Essential isolates motion, we conducted an objective slam ball test and a subjective co-sleeper test.

In our subjective tests, my fellow testers and I evaluated the impact of each other's movements by manually performing motions classed as low, moderate and high force to replicate real-life co-sleeping scenarios.

Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Essential Mattress: motion isolation test results

The faster the decay rate, the better the mattress is at reducing motion transfer (which means you'll be disturbed less by a restless co-sleeper)

Initial impactDecay rate

CopperFlex Essential

14.569

SweetNight CoolNest

17.162

Nectar Premier

7.961

Siena Signature

5.527

Leesa Original

17.856

05101520

m/s2

Initial impact Data

Product	Value
CopperFlex Essential	14.569
SweetNight CoolNest	17.162
Nectar Premier	7.961
Siena Signature	5.527
Leesa Original	17.856

CopperFlex Essential

1.72

SweetNight CoolNest

1.442

Nectar Premier

2.546

Siena Signature

1.14

Leesa Original

1.116

0123

seconds

Decay rate Data

Product	Value
CopperFlex Essential	1.72
SweetNight CoolNest	1.442
Nectar Premier	2.546
Siena Signature	1.14
Leesa Original	1.116

While the SweetNight and Leesa did display a weaker initial impact absorption (IIA) than the CopperFlex, we still scored the CopperFlex's IIA a poor 1 out of 5. However, it's decay rate (MDS) score earned a 4 out of 5, indicating that while there is a high initial impact, the motion was dampened quickly.

During the subjective tests, I felt the high-force movements of my fellow tester, but I would not say the high-force movements were as disruptive as they've been on other mattresses I’ve tested.

My fellow testers were also impressed with the perceived motion isolation, with one panelist saying they could hardly feel the low-force movements. "There was some small motion transfer when the tester moved but I would have slept right through it and it wouldn’t have bothered me as I was falling asleep," they said.

Overall, the CopperFlex Essential earned a subjective score of 3.75 out of 5 for motion isolation.

For for our objective lab-based tests, we dropped a 5kg slam ball on one side of the CopperFlex Essential and measured its impact absorption via an accelerometer on the other. The initial impact average (IIA) was 14.569, which is relatively high when compared to Siena's IIA of 5.527 m/s2 and the Nectar Premier's IIA of 7.961.

However, the CopperFlex Essential redeemed itself with a short decay rate (MDS). So, while the IIA was sizeable, its motion transfer only lasted for 1.72 seconds on average. While not as quick as the Leesa Original's 1.116 second MDS, it still shows that the CopperFlex is adept at deadening the slam ball's motion.

Overall, we rate the CopperFlex's motion isolation as "Strong", with an overall motion isolation score of 3.5. This means that, while you'll feel more moderate and high-force movements, they won't last long enough to cause too much disruption.

Edge support: 4 out of 5

Edge support refers to how sturdy the edges of your mattress are, with strong edge support indicating that the sides and foot of the bed will make you feel supported when sitting, sleeping, or getting in and out of bed.

To test the CopperFlex's edge support, we placed a 25kg weight 3" away from the edge of the mattress and measured how far it sank.

After five minutes, the average indentation of the weight was 5.25", which we rate as "strong." The sinkage at the foot of the bed was a little deeper than at the sides of the bed, but we should point out that the edge support at the foot of the bed will only affect sitting rather than sleeping.

To measure the available sleep space, we also performed a roll-off test. For this, our reviewer lies near the edge of the bed and another tester records how close they get to the edge before they feel unstable and are going to roll off. The CopperFlex Essential has a roll-off distance (ROD) of 0.5", a measurement which gets a score of 5 out of 5 as it indicates that most of the mattress can be used for sleeping.

Combing the weight and roll-off test scores, the overall edge support score of the CopperFlex Essential is 4 out of 5, which we rate as "Very Good".

Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Essential Mattress: edge support test results

Less compression means better support for sleeping close to the edge or climbing in and out of bed

Compression at foot of bedCompression at side of bed

CopperFlex Essential

5

SweetNight CoolNest

4.625

Nectar Premier

4.625

Siena Signature

3.06

Leesa Original

3.75

012345

inches

Compression at foot of bed Data

Product	Value
CopperFlex Essential	5
SweetNight CoolNest	4.625
Nectar Premier	4.625
Siena Signature	3.06
Leesa Original	3.75

CopperFlex Essential

4.375

SweetNight CoolNest

4.625

Nectar Premier

4.25

Siena Signature

3.125

Leesa Original

3.875

012345

inches

Compression at side of bed Data

Product	Value
CopperFlex Essential	4.375
SweetNight CoolNest	4.625
Nectar Premier	4.25
Siena Signature	3.125
Leesa Original	3.875

The CopperFlex Essential displayed the deepest compression at the foot of the bed, but this is only likely to affect the support level when sitting (such as when you're putting on your shoes) and won't have any impact on sleep comfort. As for support at the sides, the SweetNight CoolNest was the only other all-foam mattress to display a deeper compression. While compression at the sides of the CopperFlex are relatively deep, the mattress performed well in subjective edge support tests.

Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Essential Mattress review 2026: User reviews

• Rated 4.6/5 stars from over 800 Brooklyn Bedding customers
• The brand has an "Excellent" rating on TrustPilot
• Users praise its comfort and resoanble price

On the brand's website, the CopperFlex Essential has an overall user score of 4.6 out of 5 from over 800 reviews, which is a pretty glowing score.

Five-star reviews praise how comfortable the mattress is, which many customers buying it for their RVs (it's one of the rare mattress that come in a range of RV sizes). As for negative reviews (which are in the minority) customers criticize the mattress for not being as firm as they expected.

In terms of Brooklyn Bedding's trustworthiness, you can look on review platform TrustPilot website for customer feedback. At the time of writing, the brand has an overall "Excellent" rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from a total of 210 reviews.

Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Essential Mattress review 2026: Should you buy it?

Let me start by saying that there are cheaper memory foam mattress out there that offer better value for money than the CopperFlex Essential. That being said, I would definitely recommend this body-contouring mattress to a certain group: side sleepers.

The CopperFlex Essential's pressure relief, is a standout feature that makes this all-foam bed a top pick for anyone who sleeps on their side.

I tend to perceive mattresses as being firmer than my fellow testers do, and I often require good mattress break-in period to feel comfortable. However, I felt well-cushioned from night one on the CopperFlex Essential, and felt zero pressure build up in my shoulders.

Edge support is good, too, and I always felt secure even when sleeping close to the edge. For couples, motion transfer from a restless partner shouldn't be an issue, and the sleep temperature should remain neutral enough for the average person.

That said, hot sleepers will need to look at a model with more cooling ability, such as the SweetNight CoolNest or the Siena Siena Signature, which are both cheaper than the lower mid-range CopperFlex Essential. I wouldn't recommend this soft mattress to stomach sleepers wither, as the lack of firmness won't keep their hips and lower back supported.

However, I do think this is a mid-range mattress worth considering if you're a side sleeper looking for a mid-market bed for your home, guest room, or even your RV.

Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Essential Mattress review 2026: Alternatives to consider

There are few things I enjoy more than settling in for a good soapy period drama, preferably one involving extravagant gowns, vicious social maneuvering, forbidden romances and people getting spectacularly worked up over who gets invited to dinner. So of course, I'm a big fan of “The Gilded Age.” Four seasons in, I'm still thoroughly invested. I've been looking forward to this new chapter for months, and I'm happy to report that HBO's lavish historical drama has delivered another delicious helping of everything I love about it.

The new season picks up several months after the events of season 3, with the usual assortment of New York's elite navigating romance, family squabbles, and the delicate business of maintaining their social standing. Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon) and George (Morgan Spector) are facing serious marital difficulties, while their daughter Gladys (Taissa Farmiga) is preparing for motherhood in England.

Across the street, Agnes van Rhijn (Christine Baranski) is adjusting to a household where she no longer calls all the shots; Peggy Scott (Denée Benton) is balancing her writing ambitions with her relationship with Dr. William Kirkland (Jordan Donica); and Marian (Louisa Jacobson) and Larry Russell (Harry Richardson) remain frustratingly complicated.

There's plenty happening across these interconnected households, and while some storylines are more compelling than others, season 4 finds the show giving its best characters fresh reasons to scheme, spar, and occasionally make me want to yell at the television. I've seen all eight episodes, but I promise not to reveal too much, as this is a show's plot turns are best enjoyed weekly.

Warning: Light spoilers ahead (not much beyond the trailer)

A power couple unravels and old money swoops in

One of the things I've always loved about “The Gilded Age” is its ability to make seemingly trivial matters feel enormously consequential. A dinner invitation can become a declaration of war.

Season 4 also introduces some genuinely compelling stakes, particularly for the Russell family. I've always enjoyed watching Bertha and George operate as an unstoppable power couple, with her social ambition and his business acumen making them practically invincible. So, seeing them at odds is painful. At the same time, I have to admit that their relationship was in danger of becoming a little too perfect. Now, with their marriage under strain, both have to reckon with what happens when their greatest ally becomes their biggest obstacle.

Coon remains an absolute force as Bertha, who is accustomed to getting what she wants and isn't particularly good at taking no for an answer. Spector gets some terrific material, too, as George grapples with the consequences of getting shot and mounting professional pressures. Their chemistry remains one of the show's biggest assets, and I desperately want these two crazy kids to work things out. But I'm also enjoying the fact that the show isn't making it easy for them.

Meanwhile, Agnes has her own ambitions to pursue, setting up a delicious clash of wills as she and Bertha vie for the opportunity to host President Grover Cleveland (guest star Jim Gaffigan). Baranski is always a treat, particularly when Agnes has a reason to be indignant and mouth off. Seeing these two formidable women competing for the same prize is exactly the sort of society skirmish I break out the popcorn for.

Marriage on everyone's minds

One of the best facets of “The Gilded Age” is its exploration of the world of upper-class Black Americans, and season 4 blessedly gives us more of that. Peggy's growing success as a writer brings new complications as she navigates her upcoming marriage to William and the expectations of his family, particularly his mother, Elizabeth Kirkland Phylicia Rashad), who would make everyone in the r/JustNoMIL subreddit quake. Rashad is simply divine in the role, and I relish seeing her face off against both Peggy and Peggy's mother, Dorothy (Audra McDonald).

Then there's Oscar van Rhijn (Blake Ritson) and Enid Winterton (Kelley Curran), whose unconventional partnership is quickly becoming a favorite storyline. The two make a formidable team, and I love watching them scheme their way toward greater influence in New York society. They're a bona fide power couple in the making; long may their unholy alliance reign.

The show also continues to get plenty of mileage out of the household dynamics between Agnes and Ada (Cynthia Nixon). Baranski and Nixon are such a wonderfully entertaining pairing that I could watch them bicker over curtains for an entire episode. Even the lighter storylines involving the servants and their increasingly complicated lives add to the show's rich ensemble feel. Not every subplot lands with equal force, but there's rarely a dull moment.

My biggest frustration remains Marian and Larry, whose romantic entanglement continues to test my patience. I understand that a TV romance needs obstacles, but at some point, the writers have to give these two a break. Their continued complications seem so contrived. Come on, already!

Verdict: 'The Gilded Age' season 4 is another sumptuous treat for period drama lovers

Still, I have few complaints about "The Gilded Age" season 4. The production design and costumes are a feast for the eyes. This is the kind of show where I want to pause every few minutes just to admire someone's dress or the sheer extravagance of a dinner table. The performances are equally strong, with Coon, Baranski, Benton and Rashad among the standouts.

What I appreciate most is that “The Gilded Age” knows exactly what it is. It can explore serious subjects like race and women's independence while also giving us extravagant parties, romantic scandals and enough high-society backstabbing to fill several lifetimes. Sometimes I want challenging prestige television; other times, I just want to watch Christine Baranski deliver a devastating put-down in a spectacular hat. There's room for both. So, take a glass of champagne and enjoy.

Every time an emergency agency pops up on the news suggesting households keep a 72-hour emergency kit on hand, I do the same thing: nod knowingly, assume they’re talking to someone far less organized than me, and scroll on.

In my head, I’m a reasonably capable adult. The fridge is full, there are batteries rattling around in a drawer somewhere, and I have a phone flashlight. Surely that counts as disaster preparedness.

Curiosity finally won out, so I decided to run an honest, room-by-room audit of what would actually happen if our power lines went dark for three straight days. The verdict was... humbling.

It turns out my master survival plan was heavily reliant on an active Wi-Fi connection, an electric stovetop, and blind optimism. Here's five glaring blind spots I completely overlooked, and what you should do so you don't make the same mistakes.

More from Tom's Guide

• 3 warning signs your home needs attention before a small fix becomes a big bill
• The 4 emergency phone tweaks that keep your battery alive in a power outage
• Winter storms are coming — drain your sprinkler system now before it freezes and cracks

Mattress mold is a problem that sneaks up on you. A slightly whiffy bed and small stains can quickly turn to itching, sneezing and watery eyes. And right now is primetime for moldy conditions.

A combination of cold, wet weather outside and warm heating inside increases moisture in the air. Your mattress soaks it up like a sponge and, trapped inside your warm bed, that damp helps mold spores to multiply.

Mattress mold doesn't have to spell the end of your bed, but you need to catch it early. We spoke to Dr Gareth Nye, Biomedical Sciences lecturer at the University of Salford working exclusively with M&S, about how to identify early signs of mold — and get rid of it.

3 signs of mold in your mattress

Mold can completely ruin a mattress, but before you rush off to browse our best mattress guide for a replacement bed, look out for these early indicators of mold.

1. A bad smell

You won't necessarily see early signs of mold in your mattress, but you might be able to smell the problem has taken hold.

Dr. Nye describes the smell of mold as "a persistent musty, damp, or earthy odor" and notes that it can linger "even after the bedding has been washed."

If this new smell is accompanied by an uptick in allergy symptoms when you go to bed (itching, sneezing or watery eyes, for example) mold is the likely culprit. Noticed a sweeter musty smell? It might be bed bugs.

2. Pinpoint stains

Big, dark stains are often a sign that your mattress is past saving. But before you get to that point, Dr. Nye recommends looking for "tiny, clustered pinpoint stains."

These small marks are the signs of an early mold infestation and they can be treated (we'll explore how below). And don't just look on the top surface of the mattress for stains. The underside of the bed as well as the sides can house mold as well.

3. Mold around the bed

Signs of mold aren't always visible on the mattress itself. Look in the surrounding area for indicators your bedroom is growing mold.

Dr. Nye describes "spaces up against a wall or behind units" as 'mold magnets' because they prevent airflow. So if your bed frame is pushed against the wall, move it forward when you clean and check for mold.

He also advices looking in any common sites for condensation, including anything pressed to the "external environment" (like radiators against a window).

"The space under the bed is also a prime spot for mold," says Dr. Nye. And if the mold is under the bed, it might not take long for it to move into the bed.

Why mattress mold is a health risk

Mold is more than just an unwanted stain. Left to grow, mold in your mattress can have serious negative repercussions on your health.

"Mold reproduces by releasing microscopic spores and mycotoxins into the air, which are easily inhaled during the 7 to 8 hours you spend asleep," explains Dr. Nye. "This triggers an immune response, leading to allergic rhinitis (sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and itchy eyes) and significantly exacerbating symptoms for those with asthma."

And the longer the problem is allowed to grow, the worse the impact it can have on your health.

"Prolonged exposure can result in chronic illnesses," says Dr. Nye. "Mold spores can also severely worsen conditions like eczema and trigger contact dermatitis."

How to get rid of mattress mold

We previously asked the experts how to get rid of mattress mold. They advised spot treating any stains with ingredients you probably have in your kitchen: white vinegar and baking soda.

Begin by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water. Spray the solution lightly on the stain and leave for 20 minutes. Blot dry, then apply a thin layer of baking soda. Leave to sit for several hours and then vacuum thoroughly.

Dr. Nye also has advice on preventing mattress mold from becoming a problem in the first place. He recommends:

• "Avoid making your bed straight away, allow the air flow and condensation to lift."
• "Avoid bed frames with solid bases, opt for slatted beds to improve air flow."
• "Protect mattresses with covers to stop body secretions entering the material."
• "Improve humidity in the bedrooms" — a dehumidifier is a good place to start.

If you're looking to gift outdoor apparel this holiday season, there are a number of brands who make gear that's not only functional and fashionable, but also use sustainable or recycled materials. After all, you won't be able to enjoy the outdoors if there's no more outdoors left. Here are 15 items that will make great gifts.

One of my favorite streaming traditions is checking out what each platform has added at the start of a new month. The very first day of the month is when the majority of the best streaming services refresh their libraries with major movie drops, and Prime Video is no exception.

In fact, Prime Video typically drops more movies on the first day of a new month than any of its streaming rivals, and on Sunday, November 1, 2026, Prime’s back catalog is getting a major boost with 103 movies arriving.

That’s an overwhelming amount of choice, which is why I’ve combed through the list to pick out the gems you should stream first. Because it’s now November, Prime Video’s latest movie drop is heavy on holidays, and I’ve picked a couple of Christmas classics to get you in the festive mood nice and early. However, I’ve also found some exciting thrillers for those who don’t start celebrating the holidays until December.

So, let’s get into my top picks; these are the five movies just added to Prime Video that should be at the top of your November 2026 watchlist.

5 Prime Video movies and shows to stream right now

‘Elf’ (2003)

Some of my fondest childhood memories of the festive season involve rewatching “Elf” so many times that the DVD was in danger of getting worn out. This 2000s holiday classic has it all: seasonal spirit, charming comedy, lovable characters and a message about the importance of family. Even now as a grown-up on the wrong side of 30, it’s still a holiday movie I watch every single year, and I’ve no plans to stop in 2026.

Will Ferrell plays Buddy, a human raised by Santa’s elves. Due to his human proportions and inability to make toys, he doesn’t quite fit in at the North Pole. So when Santa reveals to him that his father (James Caan), a New York City bigwig, is on the naughty list, Buddy travels to the Big Apple to meet his biological father and find his place in the world. Once in NYC, he discovers that humans are sorely lacking in holiday cheer.

Watch "Elf" on Prime Video now

‘Mean Girls’ (2004)

The perfect movie doesn’t exist. Absolute perfection is an impossible goal. Even my favorite films of all time have some minor flaws. However, when it comes to a movie nailing exactly what it's trying to achieve, it’s hard to argue that “Mean Girls” doesn’t get pretty darn close to perfection. This movie is the quintessential teen comedy, packed with quotable lines, iconic outfits and legendary scenes. And yes, we’re talking about the original here, not the musical remake. Though for the record, I’m a defender of that movie; I think it’s very underrated.

Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan) is a 16-year-old whose family has recently returned to the U.S. after spending 12 years in Africa. Now attending North Shore High School, Cady is introduced to a complex web of unspoken teenage rules and a strict social hierarchy. At the top of the food chain are The Plastics, a trio of ultra-cool mean girls led by queen bee, Regina George (Rachel McAdams). When Cady is invited into their inner circle, she hatches a plan to sabotage them from within.

Watch "Mean Girls" on Prime Video now

‘Scrooged’ (1988)

This year will see the release of yet another big-screen spin on Charles Dickens’ enduring classic, “A Christmas Carol,” in the form of Ti West’s “Ebenezer.” But why trek out to your local theater when you can already enjoy the best movie adaptation of the timeless tale on Prime Video? Okay, so “Scrooged” is the best adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” that doesn’t feature The Muppets. It's still a great watch even if it doesn't include Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the gang. Plus, it stars Bill Murray at his sarcastic best.

You probably know the basic setup, but if you’re somehow unfamiliar with Dickens’ fable, it follows a cynical and selfish TV executive (named Frank Cross here rather than Ebenezer Scrooge), who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve in an effort to convince him to change his self-centered ways. There’s a pleasant meta twist in “Scrooged.” Cross lives in a world where the “A Christmas Carol” story also exists, so when he starts living the tale for real, he’s not too happy about it.

Watch "Scrooged" on Prime Video now

‘The Manchurian Candidate’ (1962)

Moving away from holiday classics and teenage comedies, another movie that’s just arrived as part of Prime Video’s huge November 1 drop is “The Manchurian Candidate.” This 1962 political thriller is one that fans of classic cinema definitely shouldn’t skip. It stars Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey, and Janet Leigh, alongside Angela Lansbury, Henry Silva, and James Gregory. And it is perhaps one of the sharpest American movies of the Cold War era.

Raymond Shaw (Harvey) is a U.S. soldier fighting in the Korean War, captured by the enemy, but then released three days later. Returned home, he receives the Medal of Honor, and on the surface it looks like a feel-good homecoming story. But Shaw is hiding a dark secret, a shocking memory that even he can’t recall. “The Manchurian Candidate” is a thriller that hasn’t lost its edge over the last 60+ years and has even inspired modern media like Showtime's “Homeland.”

Watch "The Manchurian Candidate" on Prime Video now

‘Wargames’ (1983)

Staying on the theme of political thrillers, “WarGames” is an ‘80s techno ride that does feel a little outdated when watched in the 21st century. However, at the time of its release, it was a real cautionary tale about the dangers of technology and its potential uses in global conflict. Heavily influenced by the Cold War period in which it was released, it marked one of the first movie roles for Matthew Broderick, Ferris Bueller himself.

David Lightman (Broderick) is a smart but unmotivated high school slacker in Seattle. A computer whiz, he uses his aptitude for computers for teenage hijinks. But things get serious when he unknowingly accesses a military central computer with the ability to simulate and even launch a devastating nuclear attack against the USSR. He thinks he’s playing a game, but he might have just started World War III…

Watch "Wargames" on Prime Video now

Every movie just added to Prime Video

Here's the full list of all 103 movies that were added to Prime Video in the U.S. on November 1, 2026:

• A Belle For Christmas (2014)
• A Christmas Carol (1999)
• A Christmas Wedding Tail (2011)
• A Different Kind Of Christmas (1996)
• A Hobo's Christmas (1987)
• A Shot In The Dark (1964)
• A Very Barry Christmas (2008)
• A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas (2011)
• A Wonderful Christmas (2005)
• Agent Cody Banks (2003)
• Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London (2004)
• All Dogs Go To Heaven (1989)
• All Mine To Give (1957)
• American Made (2017)
• Annie Hall (1977)
• Bad Santa (2003)
• Bad Santa 2 (2016)
• Be Cool (2005)
• Blink Twice (2024)
• California Straight Ahead (1937)
• Chance Of Snow (2002)
• Christmas Classics: O' Christmas Tree (1999)
• Christmas In Connecticut (1945)
• Christmas In Paradise (2022)
• Darkest Hour (2017)
• Dear Santa (2024)
• Deck The Halls (2011)
• Duck Soup (1933)
• Elf (2003)
• Elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas (2014)
• Get Shorty (1995)
• Good Will Hunting (1998)
• Gretel & Hansel (2020)
• Hang 'Em High (1968)
• Holiday Affair (1949)
• Hot Tub Time Machine (2010)
• Hot Tub Time Machine 2 (2015)
• I Cover The War (1937)
• If You Believe (1999)
• I'll Be Home For Christmas (1998)
• Imitation Of Life (1959)
• In The Heat Of The Night (1967)
• It Happened On Fifth Avenue (1947)
• Jack Frost (1979)
• Jeepers Creepers (2001)
• Jeepers Creepers 2 (2003)
• Jesus Revolution (2023)
• Jet Pilot (1957)
• Jingle All The Way (1996)
• Last Holiday (2006)
• Last Tango In Paris (1973)
• Let's Have Kids (2026)
• Like A Boss (2020)
• Mean Girls (2004)
• Mermaids (1990)
• No Hard Feelings (2023)
• Nothing Like The Holidays (2008)
• Reap The Wild Wind (1942)
• Reindeer In Here (2022)
• Remember The Night (1940)
• Robin Hood (2010)
• Rudolph And Frosty's Christmas In July (2014)
• Rudolph's Shiny New Year (2013)
• Santa Who? (1997)
• Scooby-Doo! Haunted Holidays (2012)
• Scrooged (1988)
• Sea Spoilers (1936)
• Some Like It Hot (1959)
• Soul Plane (2004)
• Species (1995)
• Surviving Christmas (2004)
• Tank Girl (1995)
• The Addams Family (2019)
• The Addams Family 2 (2021)
• The Conqueror (1956)
• The Delta Force (1986)
• The Front Page (1974)
• The Happy Elf (2005)
• The Heiress (1949)
• The Internship (2026)
• The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
• The Nativity Story (2006)
• The Pink Panther (1964)
• The Pink Panther (2006)
• The Pink Panther 2 (2009)
• The Public Eye (1972)
• The Return Of The Living Dead (1985)
• The Rundown (2003)
• The Spoilers (1942)
• The Tangerine Bear (2000)
• The Wolf Of Snow Hollow (2020)
• Thomas Kinkade's Christmas Cottage (2008)
• Three Wise Guys (2005)
• Tower Heist (2011)
• Twins (1988)
• Tyler Perry's A Madea Christmas (2013)
• Ulzana's Raid (1972)
• Uncle Drew (2018)
• Valley Girl (2020)
• Wargames (1983)
• We Wish You A Merry Christmas (1999)
• Yoroï (2025)
• Zoot Suit (1982)

More from Tom's Guide

• New on Prime Video in November 2026
• 3 new to Prime Video thriller movies to watch this week
• The best streaming services in 2026 to subscribe to right now

Why is it that you seem to run out of iPhone storage at the worst possible moment? The knee-jerk reaction is to start frantically trashing holiday pictures or deleting apps you actually use. But you do not need to butcher your camera roll or pay for more just to claw back a few precious gigabytes.

A couple of clever, built-in settings reclaim space without touching the things you care about. To keep things simple, here are the two best ways to clear that storage warning for good.

More from Tom's Guide

• Is your iPhone listening to you? The 'live listen' setting you should check right now
• I used my iPhone to photograph the stars — here are the subtle tweaks that produced stunning results
• 83% of phone storage issues come down to just two culprits — here’s how to fix both

Earlier this week, my colleague Dan walked 6,000 steps with the new Fitbit Edge and the Apple Watch Series 12 to test which was more accurate when it comes to one of the most basic smartwatch requirements: step counting. Dan found that the $179 Fitbit Edge came out on top of the $399 Apple Watch Series 12. Keen to find out more, I strapped both to my wrist and repeated the test.

Sure, both of these trackers will do a lot more than just count your steps. The Apple Watch Series 12 is like having an extension of your iPhone on your wrist, and is the best smartwatch on the market for most people. The Fitbit Edge seems to toe the line between the $99 screenless Fitbit Air and the Google Pixel Watch 5 — a bright screen, built-in GPS, and a continuous heart rate monitor.

Like all these walk tests, I strapped one watch to each wrist and used a $5 clicker tool from Amazon to count my steps as I walked manually. Both trackers count steps using an internal accelerometer, which measures the swing of your arms. Each swing counts for two steps, and it doesn’t matter whether you wear your watch on your dominant or non-dominant hand. It doesn’t matter if you walk with your hands in your pockets or holding a cup of coffee; the accelerometer should still measure your body’s movement.

Read on to find out which came out on top. You can also read our Apple Watch Series 12 review and our Fitbit Edge review here on Tom’s Guide.

I walked another 8,000 steps with the Apple Watch 12 and Fitbit Edge: Here’s which came out on top

As with all of the best Apple Watches, the Apple Watch Series 12 still doesn’t tell you the number of steps you’ve taken during a specific workout; instead, you see an overall number of steps throughout the day, which you can now pin to your home screen. This is probably because steps aren’t actually that useful a metric beyond a certain point, but annoying for me when writing these articles. For this comparison, I downloaded a third-party Pedometer+ app onto my Apple Watch.

I split this walk up into three different walks, manually clicking each time I took a step. When I got home, I downloaded my data.

Walk one

Walk two

Walk three

Results

As you can see from the results, this one is incredibly close. The Apple Watch Series 12 overcounted by 23 steps; the Fitbit Edge missed 71 steps. With only 50 steps between them, it’s a tough one to call, but unlike Dan, I can say the Apple Watch Series 12 was slightly ahead here.

It’s worth noting that 50-70 steps is pretty much spot on. The average person takes 2,000 steps a mile, so an extra 23 steps is nothing.

To really compare these two watches head-to-head, you’d need to look at more than just how well they count steps. Both are designed to be worn 24/7 and help you track more than just walking workouts.

However, there are some big differences: as mentioned above, the Apple Watch Series 12 is designed to be an extension of your iPhone on your wrist, with plenty of apps at your disposal. The Fitbit Edge, on the other hand, is definitely more of a basic fitness tracker than a smartwatch.

We’ll continue to test and compare the two watches, but which would you buy?

More from Tom's Guide

• I walked 5,500 steps with the Apple Watch 12 vs Garmin Venu 4 — here's the winner
• Apple Watch Series 12 vs Apple Watch Ultra 4: Which new Apple Watch should you buy?
• I’ve tested over 100 fitness trackers head-to-head — 3 workout stats I trust the least

If you're struggling with your pots and plants heading into fall, or, specifically, you keep finding yourself staring at your once-gorgeous chrysanthemum and wondering where its luscious blooms went, I can help.

Mums are wonderful fall flowers, giving us one last burst of color before the grays of winter set in. As with any plant, mums require some care, and there are steps that you can take right now to help your plant before it's too late.

Here’s three things you can do to salvage what you have left of this gorgeous autumnal plant.

3 steps to save your chrysanthemum plant

1. Brown bits, be gone

Yes, I'm talking about wilted stems, dried-out ones, and even browning blooms. They all need chopping off! Grab some pruning shears and trim to the point where you can see a green stem — if it’s not salvageable, then chop as close to the root as possible.

As always, you want to do this with sharp pruning shears for the best chop. This promotes strong roots, ready for the next blooming season, and obviously, it helps make your plant look lovely and tidy.

2. Drink up

Next, give it a good drink. If your plant is potted, then it’d be smart to fill either a bucket or your sink (if the plant is easy to carry inside) with water and place the plant in it. This way, you’re properly watering the roots, which will probably be very dry.

Leave your plant to sit in this water for around 30-45 minutes. The soil should be damp but never wet, as this will encourage mold.

3. A fresh start

The next step is to repot it. This is important for encouraging growth, so you need to find a new vessel, one that's around 1-2 inches larger than its old home. You need a well-draining, standard potting mix, much like what you used the first time around.

Think about your plant's position
Once repotted, you may be tempted to pop it back in its usual spot. But it's worth switching things up — clearly, this wasn't working before. It needs direct sunlight for around 6 hours a day to encourage new buds to bloom. So a sunny windowsill works great if you’re keeping it inside.

If inside, keep this plant away from heat sources. You don't want to dry it out or warm up the soil. Saying that, though, these plants do like cool fall afternoon temperatures.

Going outside? You still need to put it in a sunny spot, ideally where the sun hits first thing in the morning. A plant stand or wooden deck is the best home for an outdoor mum plant, rather than concrete.

Make sure to avoid high-wind spots, and don’t assume that hiding your plant underneath shelter is doing it good — it's actually preventing it from soaking in the sunlight that it desperately needs. Positioning is arguably one of the most important factors in growing a healthy chrysanthemum.

Good to know

If your mum plant is potted in the ground, then the rules are slightly different: you do need to water it, but this can be done using just your hose. Turn it on and run it over the soil bed for around 10-15 minutes for a good drink.

You still need to prune it back, as you would if it were potted, but it might also help to prune back any nearby plants to avoid overcrowding. This will also ensure your mum plant gets all the sunlight, instead of being hidden in the shadows of other stems.

Another step that might help is adding mulch to the mix. You only need a layer around 1 inch tall, but mulch keeps the roots cool in the fall and protects them from frost in the winter. Better yet, it can help retain moisture, so you won't need to water as often.

More from Tom's Guide

• Don’t prune your hydrangeas this October — do these 3 things instead for bigger blooms next year
• Don’t wait until spring: 3 plants to give your yard an instant fall vibe
• Don’t clear those fallen leaves: The free fall hack that stops weeds in their tracks

Well, it's official: there are two new kids on the block. The new MacBook Pro M6 and the MacBook Pro with an OLED touchscreen are finally here. If you've been waiting to upgrade, or are looking to pick up your first-ever MacBook, now's the time to do it. Pre-orders are live, and we've even found a trick to help you save up to $1,400 on the OLED model.

As someone who owns a MacBook and uses one for work, and coincidentally tests the latest and greatest peripherals, I know that your setup isn't complete until you buy the right accessories. I couldn't get on with my work without my trusty mouse, keyboard, monitor, and other gadgets.

Whether you're after a new mechanical keyboard or even a touch-sensitive one whose keycaps double as a trackpad, a pair of earbuds, or need a USB-C dock for more connectivity, I've got you covered. I've rounded up what I believe are the best accessories (and gadgets) to make the most of your new MacBook Pro M6 or OLED.

New MacBook Pro pre-orders

Monitor

Keyboard

Mouse

Dock

Stand

Earbuds

Sleeve

More from Tom's Guide

• MacBook Pro OLED preorders are live: use this trick to save up to $1,400
• MacBook Pro OLED vs MacBook Pro M6: Which laptop should you buy?
• I just went hands on with the touchscreen MacBook Pro OLED — and it's jaw-dropping

Netflix just added 30 movies and shows to kick off November 2026. Like many of the best streaming services, Netflix reliably kicks off a new month with a huge drop of movies and TV shows, and the world's biggest streamer isn't bucking that trend this month.

A major library refresh is always welcome, but it can lead to decision paralysis. After all, with so many options to consider, it would be easy to fall into the trap of spending more time scrolling than streaming.

That’s why I’ve put in the hard work for you and sorted through everything added to Netflix in November 2026, and picked out five movies and shows worthy of your watchlist.

My selections include the hilarious 2010s comedy "Bridesmaids," two movies released just a week apart, the intense war thriller "Fury," and the captivating psychological drama "Whiplash." And for those feeling nostalgia, I've got you; be sure to stream the '80s classic "Stand By Me."

Binge-watchers, I haven't forgotten about you either. "Rectify" seasons 1-4 have just found a new home on Netflix, and this slow-burn drama was critically acclaimed across its whole run for good reason.

Want to know more about my top picks? Let’s jump into the five Netflix movies and shows you need to watch to start your November right.

5 Netflix movies to stream right now

‘Bridesmaids’ (2011)

Genre: Comedy

What's it about? When the underachieving, thirtysomething Annie Walker (Kristen Wiig) is asked to be maid of honor for her lifelong best friend, Lillian (Maya Rudolph), she struggles with her own messy love life while also wrangling an eccentric group of bridesmaids, which includes Helen (Rose Byrne), who wants the maid of honor gig herself.

Why you should watch it: For starters, “Bridesmaids” is absolutely hilarious, but it was also a trailblazer. Released in the early 2010s, a period when male-led raunchy comedies were particularly popular, this Paul Feig flick proved that women can be just as funny, and also equally inappropriate (I'll warn you, there's potty humor aplenty). Melissa McCarthy even nabbed an Oscar nomination for her supporting role.

Stream "Bridesmaids" on Netflix now

‘Fury’ (2014)

Genre: War thriller

What's it about? In 1945, during the Allies' invasion of Germany, Don “Wardaddy” Collier (Brad Pitt) commands a Sherman tank nicknamed Fury. Alongside his crew of five fellow soldiers, they face overwhelming odds against enemies that are better-equipped as they head into Nazi territory and attempt to strike a decisive blow to turn the tide of war.

Why you should watch it: “Fury” is an intense war movie that really brings you into the heat of battle. Its tank-centric action scenes are exhilarating and well crafted. However, it’s the camaraderie and close brotherhood of its cast that stands out the most. This is a great movie to watch on Netflix if you’re a fan of HBO’s acclaimed “Band of Brothers.”

Stream "Fury" on Netflix now

‘Whiplash’ (2014)

Genre: Psychological drama

What's it about? Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) is a student at a prestigious music conservatory, drafted into the institution's top ensemble, conducted by the exacting Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons). Under Fletcher’s ruthless direction, Andrew is tormented and reaches a breaking point as his skills are pushed to their absolute limit.

Why you should watch it: Inspired by writer/director Damien Chazelle’s own experience in a competitive high school jazz band, “Whiplash” is a modern masterpiece. It’s an incredibly intense ride that builds to a genuinely note-perfect finale. J.K. Simmons steals every single scene with a memorizing performance that won the Oscar, SAG, Globe, BAFTA and Critics' Choice awards.

Stream "Whiplash" on Netflix now

‘Rectify’ seasons 1-4

Genre: Gothic drama

What's it about? Daniel Holden (Aden Young) has spent the last 19 years on death row for the murder of his girlfriend. When new evidence sees his conviction overturned, he returns to his hometown in Georgia and attempts to reintegrate into society. But that’s not so easy when there are ghosts around every corner, and many locals remain convinced of his guilt.

Why you should watch it: Critically acclaimed throughout its run, “Rectify” arrives in full on Netflix on November 1. You can binge-watch all four seasons; 30 episodes total. Critics praised the show for its performances, writing, and authentic portrayal of Southern culture. It’s very much a slow-burn drama, but stick with it, and you’ll be richly rewarded.

Stream "Rectify" seasons 1-4 on Netflix now

‘Stand by Me’ (1986)

Genre: Coming-of-age drama

What's it about? Based on Stephen King’s novella “The Body,” this small-town drama follows a day in the life of four adolescents living in (the fictional) Castle Rock, Oregon. Looking for something to do on a hot summer’s day, they head off into the woods to locate the dead body of a missing boy. This adventure proves to be life-defining for them all.

Why you should watch it: “Stand By Me” is a certified classic from the late, great Rob Reiner, and one of the most beloved coming-of-age movies of all time. With an all-star young cast — Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman and Kiefer Sutherland — it’s charming and relatable. And if you were wondering, yes, it does feature the iconic Ben E. King song.

Stream "Stand by Me" on Netflix now

Everything coming to Netflix on November 1

Here's the full list of all 30 movies and shows that arrived on Netflix to start this month:

• "100 días para enamorarnos" season 1
• "A Sudden Case of Christmas"
• "Air Force One"
• "Barbie in the Nutcracker"
• "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever"
• "Bridesmaids"
• "Cliffhanger"
• "The Croods"
• "The Day After Tomorrow"
• "El Chema" season 1
• "Falsa identidad" seasons 1-2
• "Fury"
• "Ghosting: The Spirit of Christmas"
• "Happy’s Place" season 2
• "Insidious: Chapter 2"
• "Insidious: Chapter 3"
• "Looper"
• "Mistletoe Murders" seasons 1-2
• "The Mummy"
• "No Sleep 'Til Christmas"
• "Public Enemies"
• "Rectify" seasons 1-4
• "The Red Road" seasons 1-2
• "Resident Evil"
• "Resident Evil: Apocalypse"
• "Richard Jewell"
• "Same Time, Next Christmas"
• "Stand by Me"
• "Weekend at Bernie's"
• "Whiplash"

More from Tom's Guide

• New on Netflix in November 2026
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We're less than a month away from Black Friday, the biggest sales event of the year. If you've been waiting to pick up one of the best drones come November, I have some good news: you don't need to wait any longer, as some of my favorite quadcopters are already on sale.

I test drones for a living (I know, it's very cool), and I've been keeping an eye on outlets like Adorama and Amazon to see if any deals pop up. And they have! I've found five DJI deals that are actually worth your time and money. For instance, the DJI Avata 360 bundle is nearly $120 off at Adorama right now, and this drone is the ultimate content creation tool.

If you're a beginner, though, and need a drone for capturing candid moments, the DJI Neo is 15% off at Amazon. It's the easiest drone to fly and you can use it hands-free, too. For professional and commercial videographers, the DJI Mavic 4 Pro Fly More Combo is $200 off at Amazon, too.

There's more where that came from. Here are five DJI drones that are currently discounted, and that you should grab before the Black Friday rush.

Quick links

• DJI Mini 3 bundle: was $753 now $489 @ Adorama
• DJI Avata 360 bundle: was $832 now $719 @ Adorama
• DJI Neo 2 bundle: was $298 now $259 @ Adorama
• DJI Neo: was $199 now $169 @ Amazon
• DJI Mavic 4 Pro Fly More Combo: was $2,899 now $2,699 @ Amazon

Best pre-Black Friday DJI drone deals

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A new CNBC report describes how the language at the top of the industry is shifting. On their third-quarter earnings calls, Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg and Tesla and SpaceX’s Elon Musk traded “AI” for “super intelligence,” roughly a month after President Trump ordered federal agencies to replace the term artificial intelligence with super intelligence.

According to the report, The CEOs of Microsoft, Amazon and Alphabet stuck with “AI.” Whatever the motivation behind the swap — alignment with the White House, marketing, or genuine conviction — the word "superintelligence" deserves scrutiny, because it carries a promise that the people using it have every incentive to make sound inevitable.

Companies are free to pursue superintelligence, to spend heavily researching it and to explain why they think it’s within reach. But describing an ambition and demonstrating that you’ve reached it are different things, and readers deserve language that makes clear which one is on the table.

A bigger claim needs better evidence

Superintelligence generally describes AI that substantially exceeds human intellectual capabilities across a broad range of activities. That’s an enormous claim, far beyond being able to generate an essay quickly or outperform someone on a particular test.

The breadth is the point. A calculator can beat me at arithmetic without being more intelligent than a person in any meaningful sense, and an AI system that excels in one domain hasn’t thereby shown it can apply the same judgment everywhere else.

Before accepting the label, we should be asking what was measured, who evaluated the system and whether the results hold up outside the conditions chosen to demonstrate it. For that reason, it's understandable why some tech executives haven't started using the term.

I have a responsibility here, too. If an executive says their company is working toward superintelligence, my headline needs to make clear that it’s still a goal. A prediction about what AI might eventually do shouldn’t become a claim about what you can use today. Readers should be able to trust us to make that clear.

The word can change how much we trust AI

For someone deciding whether to rely on a chatbot, “superintelligence” can carry a consequential suggestion, that the system knows better than they do.

That could affect how carefully a person checks an answer, how much authority they give its advice or how willing they are to let it act on their behalf. The language encourages expectations that the technology then has to meet.

Useful AI doesn’t require that kind of promise; in other words, we know that it can make mistakes. In fact, there are clear labels on most chatbots now indicating that AI does, in fact, make mistakes. An assistant can help someone organize research or understand an unfamiliar document without being presented as intellectually superior to humanity.

Consumers need specific information about how well a product works, where it makes mistakes and what requires human review. “Superintelligence” supplies none of that on its own.

If anything, a grander claim should invite closer examination. A company asking us to believe it is approaching intelligence beyond human abilities should be prepared to explain how it would recognize that achievement — and how anyone outside the company could verify it.

Final thoughts

It's more important than ever to look at AI with extra scrutiny. And we can acknowledge progress without accepting every label.

Skepticism about the word doesn’t require dismissing the technology. AI can improve, become more useful and change the way people work while companies’ descriptions of it still deserve challenge.

We also shouldn’t treat the possibility of future superintelligence as proof of its arrival. Executives are entitled to make forecasts., but for readers paying for these products, the useful tests are concrete and unchanged — whether the tool does what you need, whether you can check its work, and whether it gives you enough control over what it does on your behalf. Calling it “super” answers none of those questions, and the company still has to show its work.

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​The mid-size SUV segment is one of the most crowded spaces in the automotive world, largely because these vehicles must carefully balance family hauling with everyday utility. The 2027 Volvo EX60 checks every box, made even more compelling by the fact that it’s an all-electric model offering up to 330 miles of range.

​After driving the 2027 Volvo EX60 P10 AWD for a week, I’m convinced it sets the benchmark for luxury electric SUVs. With an as-tested price of $68,745, it undercuts two of my favorite alternatives: the Audi Q6 e-tron and Rivian R2.

Inheriting much of the charm and punchy performance of the smaller EX30 — which happens to be one of the best electric cars I’ve tested all year — the EX60 easily proves it’s worth the price of admission. Here’s why.

2027 Volvo EX60 review: Specifications

2027 Volvo EX60 review: Testing summary

​I drove a total of 189.4 miles during my week’s worth of testing the 2027 Volvo EX60 P10 AWD, achieving an outstanding average efficiency of 4.1 mi/kWh. That doesn’t just make it one of the most efficient luxury EVs on the road — it easily outperforms similarly sized rivals like the Subaru Trailseeker, as well as three-row haulers like the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9. In fact, its energy consumption rivals much smaller crossovers like the Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ.

​Where the EX60 truly shines is in low-speed, stop-and-go suburban driving. I recorded a peak short-distance efficiency of 5.43 mi/kWh, while highway cruising settled at an impressive 3.85 mi/kWh over long distances. Put simply: you'ill stretch your battery pack significantly farther between charges than in almost any competing mid-size luxury EV.

When it comes to charging, the EX60 features Tesla's NACS port for straightforward Level 3 DC fast charging at Tesla Superchargers. At home, plugging into a standard 120V Level 1 wall outlet yielded a charging rate of 5.34 miles per hour — the fastest Level 1 recovery speed I’ve tested to date. In practice, that meant adding roughly 50 miles of range back into the pack in just under 9.5 hours of overnight charging.

2027 Volvo EX60 review: What I like

The most efficient mid-size SUV I’ve tested

​I can’t overstate the EX60’s outstanding efficiency, largely because being frugal isn't what this segment is about. Most mid-size electric crossovers struggle to reach the 3 mi/kWh baseline I consider average, but the EX60 goes the distance by surging past 4 mi/kWh. That puts it in the same efficiency territory as aerodynamic sedans and smaller crossovers like the Lucid Air and Kia EV6.

​In the luxury EV space, dual-motor all-wheel-drive haulers are power hungry — and previously I've tested like the Audi Q6 e-tron and BMW iX xDrive45 prove how difficult that barrier is to break. Yet, the EX60 shatters expectations by achieving those figures despite packing a 503-horsepower dual-motor powertrain. Volvo just proved that compromise is no longer mandatory for a mid-size SUV.

Minimalist dashboard that works

​Volvo employs a distinctive design language that I find fascinating, standing in stark contrast to the over-the-top visual excess often found in Mercedes-Benz and BMW cabins. The Scandinavian-inspired design language Volvo carries over from its other EVs delivers what I call "silent luxury."

​Borrowing heavily from the playbook of the smaller EX30, the EX60 strips away dashboard clutter in favor of an open, airy aesthetic anchored by a crisp 15-inch curved OLED center display. Thoughtful packaging touches — such as a sliding center console that extends to reveal dual cupholders, paired with rich woven textile surfaces — further elevate the understated tone that gives the cabin a calming look and feel.

Intuitive software package

Few things frustrate me more in modern EVs than dealing with outdated, sluggish software. Volvo’s infotainment system continues to make major strides, delivering a polished interface that feels contemporary.

From a home screen that logically positions Google Maps and core media functions as the primary focal points, to clean-looking icons and fluid animations that respond to every tap, the software experience is every bit as impressive as the minimalist cabin surrounding it.

Helpful three-camera view

Navigating tight parking spots is a breeze thanks to sharp exterior cameras that provide comprehensive 360-degree coverage. Beyond the impressive daytime clarity and wide dynamic range in high-contrast lighting, the real highlight is how Volvo arranges the feeds on screen. Instead of forcing you to rely on a single perspective or cycle through menus, the system splits into a simultaneous three-camera view that gives you real-time visibility out front, directly behind, and from an overhead bird's-eye angle all at once.

Really fun to drive

​Moving up to a mid-size SUV, I was worried that the EX60 might lose the pep and responsiveness that made the smaller EX30 so thrilling to drive. Luckily, it delivers driving dynamics that are just as engaging, making this mid-size crossover surprisingly fun to manuver. The EX60 P10 AWD serves up almost that exact same punchy sensation, courtesy of dual permanent-magnet synchronous motors that produce 503 horsepower and 524 lb-ft of torque.

​Not only does it leap forward instantly whenever I stomp on the accelerator, but it's also remarkably agile during quick highway overtakes. There's zero hesitation from this zippy crossover. Thanks to its low center of gravity and planted stance, it gives off genuine sports car vibes in how eagerly it handles corners and responds to my acceleration.

Precise dynamic headlights