Last month, Amazon announced anyone with a Kindle built before 2013 will no longer have access to the Kindle Store, Kindle Unlimited or the "send to Kindle" service. The news effectively meant that older Kindles would be almost useless.

If your device was among the models affected, this year's Amazon Prime Day sale is the perfect opportunity to snag the upgraded device you need at a discount.

Whether you're shopping for a brand new eReader or looking for something used but still in good condition, this week, the major online marketplace is packed with plenty of discounted tech to save you money. To help you find the right replacement for your old eReader, here's a roundup of the best Amazon Prime Day deals on Kindles this week.

Best Prime Day Kindle deals to shop now

To get the most time out of your next Kindle purchase, it helps to buy brand new. Since companies tend to stop providing support after a few years and, in Amazon's case, may even remove features, you can get the most years out of your next Kindle before support ends by getting the latest model.

If you get that latest model during the Amazon Prime Day sale, you can stretch your dollar even further by paying less than full price. With that in mind, here are the best Amazon Prime Day Kindle deals available right now:

Tips for buying a used Kindle on Amazon

If you held onto your last Kindle long enough that Amazon cut support for it, even a used Kindle that's a couple years old will feel like a major upgrade in features and functionality.

And you can often find prices even lower than the best Prime Day deals on the latest models if you browse Amazon Resale, the major retailer's used marketplace.

But there is a catch. Buying used tech means you have to be careful about the quality and condition of the device you're buying. Since Amazon's marketplace can be a little confusing to navigate, here are a few tips to get your money's worth when shopping used:

• Choose "like new" condition: Amazon rates the condition of used items on its website on a scale of "as is" to "like new." While even the worst condition products should still be functional, tech is one of those categories where you want to stick as close to new condition as possible.
• Note the return policy: While there are some things you can't return to Amazon, used products aren't on the list. Still, you will have a limited window of time during which you can get a refund. As soon as the Kindle arrives, test out all the features a few times over to make sure everything works as expected. That includes page navigation, charging speed, downloading books, browsing your library and other key features you need for a smooth reading experience. That way, if something is off, you're well within the return window to get your money back.
• Check the seller: Your best bet is to go with a Kindle that's shipped and sold by Amazon directly. But depending on the model you're looking at, the device in the best condition might be from a third-party seller. If that's the case, make sure the seller has a strong rating (with many reviews) and then double check their return policy, as it can differ from Amazon's standard return policy.

Related content

• Amazon Products You Should Skip on Prime Day 2026
• A Guide to Amazon Prime Day — How to Bag the Best Deals
• Amazon Grocery Outlet: A Secret to Fighting Rising Grocery Prices in 2025
• Forget Prime Day: Top Walmart Anti-Prime Deals You Can't Miss

Amazon Prime Day is here. This is a four-day sales event running from Tuesday, June 23, through Friday, June 26.

While many of these sales don't have deep discounts, I use them as a chance to score discounts on items that improve my home's functionality and safety. On this end, Prime Day doesn't disappoint.

But first, make sure you have an Amazon Prime membership to shop the event. If you don't have one and you're new to Prime, you can sign up for a 30-day free trial. Now, here are a few items that can give you peace of mind, improve your home's functionality and potentially save you money.

This deal protects your biggest asset

I bought an older home a few years ago, and one of my main concerns was its electrical. Then, I found out about the Ting sensor. It's a smart home sensor you plug into a wall that detects electrical irregularities that could result in a house fire.

Once you install the plug, you download the free Ting app on your phone to monitor it. You'll receive real-time alerts when it detects issues. Some issues it detects include micro-arcing, caused by faulty wiring, malfunctioning devices or loose connections.

Now, I have peace of mind knowing that if any hazards arise, I can fix them before a fire occurs. During Prime Day, you'll save $20 on a Ting sensor.

This deal adds another layer of protection to your home

Smart locks are among the smartest home security upgrades you'll make. They're easy to install. And I like them for the convenience and security they offer.

These devices typically feature a keypad for PIN codes or biometric sensors, allowing you to secure your home without fumbling for physical keys. You can install them on any entry point, such as your front door, and even assign temporary codes for guests or service providers.

Worried you didn't lock your front door when you left home? Access the app and lock it remotely, instead of driving back home. You should also look for ones, like the one I recommend here, that offer weatherproofing and battery backup, so you still have access during a power outage.

And during Prime Day, you can save up to $65 on this option:

Lower your home's energy costs with this deal

Electric bills continue to surge. With the summer months driving up demand, the average household will spend 10.5% more, per the National Energy Assistance Directors Association.

The main culprit behind your energy costs? Your air conditioner. This is where a smart thermostat helps you control costs. If you plan to be away from home for days or weeks at a time, you can set your thermostat at a higher temperature. This reduces the demand placed on your AC unit and the energy it uses.

Over time, setting your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees warmer when you're away from home lowers your energy costs by around 10%. This could equate to hundreds of dollars per year. On top of that, you can save $50 on a new unit during Prime Day.

Ultimately, while Prime Day isn't overflowing with deep discounts, it doesn't mean you can't find good deals. Being strategic when shopping can help you find deals that add value to your home, both now and into the future. These three deals represent ways you can improve your home's functionality, ensure it remains safe and save money on energy costs.

Related content

• Amazon Products You Should Skip on Prime Day
• Amazon Prime Day 2026: When It Starts and What to Know Before You Shop
• The Hidden Cost Driving Higher Electric Bills and Shorter Appliance Lifespans

When people talk about closing costs and other expenses to prepare for when you buy a new home, they often forget to mention furniture, gadgets and new decor. And after 15 years of living in apartments, when I moved into a house, there was a lot to purchase.

Suddenly, I had a separate dining room. And a living room that can fit an L-shaped couch. And a kitchen with enough storage space to finally fit my KitchenAid stand mixer. A backyard where we could grill! A basement where we could work out! Wonders never ceased, but those wonders have a price attached.

My husband and I have been slowly filling up the space, and I try to take advantage of sales seasons so we can save at least a little on all the purchases. Now is a great time to do that as Amazon Prime Day kicks off this week, setting off sales at other retailers, and as we approach annual Fourth of July season sales. We're starting our first full summer in the house, and here's what I'm looking out for. If I already made (or am specifically planning to make) a purchase, I'll let you know what I went with.

Items for hosting

One of the best parts of having a house is getting to host your friends and family, but it helps to have some key supplies. Here's what I'm looking at.

Drink pitchers

My ideal symbol of hosting is a pitcher of iced tea or lemonade at the ready when someone comes over, so I need pitchers. I looked for a glass pitcher over plastic so I can potentially run it through the dishwasher, but mostly so I don't have to think about microplastics.

Amazon option: This 1-gallon square pitcher has a strainer option on its lid, which is useful if you're making something like sangria or lemon-infused water. The list price is $41.23, and it's currently listed for $32.99.

Alternative option: This 64-ounce glass pitcher from Walmart is smaller than the Amazon option but has a more appealing design. It's typically $13.99 but currently lists for $12.59.

What I ended up getting: The lidded options are definitely functional, but I liked the aesthetic of this 80-ounce glass pitcher from Crate & Barrel for $14.95. If you've just moved, Crate & Barrel has a "new mover" promotion for a discount.

Drink dispensers

Along with multifunctional pitchers I can use for bringing water to the dining room table, I wanted a glass drink dispenser I could use for making batch cocktails.

Amazon option: This highly rated dispenser comes with a blackboard sign so you can write what the drink is along with the dispenser. It comes in 1-gallon, 1.5-gallon, and 2-gallon sizes, and it also has the option of getting two dispensers that sit side-by-side on a stand. There is a Prime Day Deal on it, and the 1-gallon set of two with a stand is $32.75 (list $38.99).

Alternative option: Target has a lot of handy home goods, including this stylish 1.8-gallon dispenser with a wooden stand. It's $34.99.

What I ended up getting: We're back at Crate & Barrel with a splurge: This 1.5-gallon dispenser with a marble stand is on sale as part of the company's 4th of July Warehouse Sale. Originally $154.90, it's 10% off.

Cornhole set

If you're having friends and family over, it's nice to have a noncommittal activity available to them, like cornhole. I thought this would be a simple purchase, but there are many different cornhole set options available, from regulation-sized to strictly portable. Let's get into it.

Amazon option: Amazon Basics has a portable set available made out of plywood. It has 4.5 stars from 2,500 reviews and is priced at $73.49.

Alternative options: You can get a Rec League regulation-sized set from Dick's Sporting Goods. It's usually $169.99 but is on major sale for $99.98.

REI sells a backpack cornhole game if you want one to be able to bring somewhere easily, for $39.95.

What I ended up getting: Believe it or not, this was a Costco purchase. Costco has a basic GoSports all-weather set with a simple but classic design. It's $159.99. If you're not already a member, you can get $40 back on a Costco membership.

Backyard fun

I'm excited to have a backyard to relax in. Here's what will make it more fun.

Grill

It's not a backyard summer without a grill. Grills come in all shapes, sizes and price points, so this is where it would help to do some research and pick out what you want, then see if it goes on sale.

Amazon option: Amazon has many Traeger grills, including this portable electric wood pellet grill and smoker. There is a Prime Day Deal on this for $422.61 (list price $499.99).

Alternative option: Lowes has some short-term sales on grills now, including this black pellet grill from PitBoss that has smart compatibility. Normally $749, it's $649 until June 24.

What I ended up getting: Following a friend's lead, we want to get a Weber grill — and you can get those at Costco, with delivery available. This gas grill, for example, is currently $110 off through June 28, coming in at $889.99. There's also a promotion going on through July 25 to save money if you buy multiple Costco Direct items on the same order. If you're not already a member, you can get $40 back on a Costco membership.

Patio umbrella

I was lucky to get a set of patio furniture from my parents that they didn't use anymore, but it's missing an umbrella. Here are some new options.

Amazon option: This 9-foot table umbrella comes in a multitude of colors and has 4.4 stars from over 5,000 reviews. The list price is $58.99, and it's currently on sale with a Prime Day Deal for $39.99.

Alternative options: If you don't have a table to put the umbrella in, try this 15-foot umbrella with a base from Walmart. It's typically $209.99, but certain colors are on sale for $119.99.

If you're a Sam's Club member, check out their patio furniture option. This 10-foot cabana umbrella is selling for $159.97.

Inflatable pool

If you don't buy a house with a pool, you might as well get the next best thing. Inflatable pools are great to have handy if you have grandchildren or nieces and nephews who visit — or if you're an adult who wants to relax outside on a hot day without going to a public pool.

Amazon option: This actually is the option I'm purchasing, based on a recommendation from a friend: An inflatable "tanning pool" lounger made for adults with a pillow to lean back on and cup holders for your lemonade. An extra-large option is typically $45.99 but is currently on sale with a Prime Day Deal for $31.99.

Alternative options: If you're looking for something more for kids, Target has an inflatable pool with a play center and a mini slide. It's usually $117.99 but is on sale for $45.99 (a whopping 61% off), and it has just over four stars from 79 reviews.

If you want something to imitate a real backyard pool, Walmart has an above-ground inflatable pool. A 12-foot version is usually $169.99 and is currently on sale for $109.99.

Summer activities

An exciting part of moving to a new place is getting to explore its public spaces. My new town has a lake and parks accessible to residents, as well as lots of summer concerts and movie screenings. Here's what I'm looking at to make the most of those resources.

Picnic blanket

Whether you're heading to a park or a beach, it's helpful to have a large picnic blanket. Here are some options I found.

Amazon option: This large beach blanket is made with sand in mind, and it has 4.7 stars from over 14,600 reviews. The list price is $28.98, and it's currently on sale with a Prime Day Deal for $18.97.

Alternative option: Target has an extra-large picnic blanket (70 by 80 inches) that's quilted for extra comfort. It's usually $39.99 and is currently on sale for $25.59.

What I ended up getting: I envision using this mostly for relaxing at a local park, so I needed something large and water-resistant for dewy grass. This XL picnic blanket tote from Macy's seems to fit the bill, according to reviews. It's usually $80 but has a Limited-Time Special price of $48.

Beach towels

I wanted to make sure I had extra beach towels so I have something to offer visiting friends if we go to the town pool. Here's what I looked at.

Amazon option: Amazon Basics has a couple of options of 100% cotton beach towels with the classic cabana stripe design. Their list price is $23.26.

Alternative options: If you want to get a few towels to have on hand, Walmart has a 4-pack of colorful beach towels. Usually $40.99, it's on sale for $29.99.

What I ended up getting: This was another Macy's purchase for me during their most recent sale: Striped cotton towels from The Beach House. Their list price is $50 each, but they currently have a Today Only price of $16.99.

Practical items

Now, living in a house is not all fun (inflatable pool!) and games (cornhole!) all the time. There's also upkeep to take care of. Here's what I'm managing, if it helps give you ideas.

Smart thermostat

Pretty much every time there's a sale season, I check for sales on smart thermostats so I can slowly but surely change out my outdated system.

Amazon option: Amazon has its own branded smart thermostat that you can link up with your Alexa. The list price for one thermostat is $79.99, and it's currently on sale with a Prime Day Deal for $57.99.

Alternative option: You can also buy thermostats directly from the manufacturer. Many HVAC experts I've talked to speak highly of the Ecobee; the Premium thermostat is usually $259.99, but is currently on sale for $209.99.

What I ended up getting: Once you start with one system, you basically have to keep going with it, so I always look for sales on Google Nest thermostats. A 4th gen learning thermostat is on sale at Best Buy for $239.99 (list price $279.99).

Dryer vent cap

This is a small detail, but homeowners know the value of paying attention to small details. In this case, a proper dryer vent could mean the difference between enjoying your summer or spending your summer fending off a wasp nest in your dryer vent.

Amazon option: Amazon offers a 4-inch dryer vent cover with a magnetic door and lint trap. It's usually $12.99 but has a Prime Day Deal for $9.99.

Alternative option: If a magnetic door seems a bit too much, Walmart has this classic dryer vent cover designed for airflow. It's $10.

What I ended up getting: My dryer vent is a good target for birds because of where it is on the house, so I went for this airtight dryer cover from Home Depot. It's $19.97.

Weeding tool

As your yard soaks in the sun and warmth, so do weeds. If you, like me, are in a battle against weeds, here are some good buys.

Amazon option: When I told the editor of the Kiplinger Retirement Report that I'd started gardening, he told me I needed to get a Japanese weeding tool for the most efficiency. This weeding sickle from Suizan is on Amazon for $27.80, and I'm keeping an eye out to see if it goes on sale.

Alternative options: Target has a 40-inch weed puller tool that allows you to do more while standing. It's usually $69.99 and is on sale for $39.99.

You could also skip the individual tools and invest in a whole set. Home Depot has a 9-piece gardening tool set with a functional tote bag from Misopily. It's usually $77.62 and is on sale for $72.27.

Related Content

• Best Amazon Prime Day Deals 2026
• Amazon Products You Should Skip on Prime Day 2026
• Forget Prime Day: Top Walmart Anti-Prime Deals You Can't Miss

Amazon Prime Day can be a great opportunity to save on everything from electronics to household essentials, but not every deal is as good as it looks. Running June 23 through June 26, the annual shopping event features thousands of discounts from Amazon and third-party sellers.

While Amazon is known for convenience and competitive pricing, some products are actually cheaper elsewhere. Others carry risks such as counterfeits, quality concerns or significant markups from third-party vendors.

Before you click "Buy Now," here are several categories of products that deserve a closer look.

Frequently returned items

Amazon places a "frequently returned item" badge on products with higher-than-average return rates compared with similar items. While the badge doesn't necessarily mean a product is poor quality, it can be a sign that buyers were disappointed by factors such as sizing, color, performance or overall quality.

Because online shoppers can't inspect products in person before buying, expectations don't always match reality. As a result, some items are returned more often than others.

If you see an item that’s frequently returned, check the reviews to see if there’s information about the issues that buyers had with the product. It may be safest to shop for another product that isn’t returned frequently.

Trader Joe's products

Trader Joe's doesn't sell products directly on Amazon, including its popular seasonal and viral items. Products listed on Amazon are typically sold by third-party resellers, often at significantly higher prices than you'd pay in a Trader Joe's store.

There's also less transparency around how those products have been stored and handled before they reach your doorstep. As a result, you may end up paying a premium for an item that doesn't meet the freshness or quality standards you'd expect from Trader Joe's.

Costco Kirkland Signature products

Kirkland Signature is Costco's private label brand, and the products are intended for Costco members. The third-party sellers who sell these products on Amazon often charge substantial markups.

For example, a 52-ounce container Kirkland Signature H.K Anderson Valencia Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets are available on Amazon for $16.90. A 55-ounce container of the same product retails for $11.99 at Costco.

While you’ll need a Costco membership to shop at the warehouse, it might be worth the cost if you plan to regularly buy Kirkland Signature products.

Competitors' smart-home technology

Amazon sales might not be the best deals on smart-home technology. Manufacturer websites often run their own promotions, and these deals may be more competitive than Amazon’s.

For example, the Google Nest Hub Max is currently available through Google for $229. On Amazon, it retails for $93.25. Unless Amazon discounts it by nearly 50%, you’ll get a better deal buying it for full price from Google than you will buying it on sale from Amazon.

Since manufacturer prices are often lower than Amazon, be sure to comparison shop before checking out.

Impulse purchases disguised as deals

Events like Amazon Prime Day are full of deals structured to encourage you to quickly make buying decisions. Features like Lightning Deals, which are often only available for a number of hours, pressure you to check out quickly. Countdown timers and limited deals which are gone once the available number of products are sold can further pressure impulse buys.

This perceived scarcity makes buyers worry that they’ll miss out if they don’t act quickly, and it can encourage unnecessary spending. If you’re worried about missing out on what seems to be a good deal, you might not take the time to comparison shop to ensure that the deal is actually worth it.

Try to resist the urge to make purchase decisions quickly. Price-tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel can also help you determine whether a sale is really a good deal compared to the product’s recent price.

Apple chargers and accessories from unknown sellers

Because Amazon allows third-party sellers to list products on its marketplace, it's important to pay attention to both the item you're buying and the seller you're buying it from. Counterfeit products remain a concern, particularly for accessories such as Apple chargers and cables.

Before making a purchase, verify that the seller is an authorized retailer or buy directly from the brand's official storefront when possible. Counterfeit or low-quality chargers may not perform as expected and could pose safety risks.

While products from reputable sellers may cost a little more, the added reliability and peace of mind can be well worth the extra expense.

Birkenstock footwear

Birkenstock footwear is another product category where authenticity can be a concern on Amazon. The company stopped selling directly through Amazon years ago, but some third-party sellers continue to list Birkenstock products on the marketplace.

If you're considering a purchase, take the time to verify that the seller is reputable and that the product is authentic. When buying premium footwear, a lower price isn't always a bargain if there's a risk you're not getting the genuine product.

Food sold by third-party vendors

Food can be another risky purchase when it's sold by third-party vendors on Amazon. Because you don't know how products were stored, handled and shipped, there's a greater chance of receiving items that are nearing their expiration date or have been damaged during transit.

Before buying, review the seller's ratings and recent customer feedback for complaints about freshness, packaging or product quality. A few minutes of research can help you avoid an unpleasant surprise when your order arrives.

Beauty and skincare products from unknown sellers

Beauty and skincare products are another category where shoppers need to be cautious. Counterfeit cosmetics remain an industry concern, and products sold by unauthorized sellers may not always be authentic.

In some cases, items may also be expired or improperly stored, which can affect their safety, quality and effectiveness.

To reduce your risk, purchase beauty and skincare products directly from a brand's official storefront or an authorized retailer whenever possible.

Collectibles and luxury goods

Think twice before buying collectibles and luxury goods, like designer handbags, high-end watches, and trading cards from Amazon.

These items often command premium prices, making authenticity a critical concern.

Because verifying these products can be difficult, shoppers may be better off purchasing them from authorized dealers or reputable specialty retailers that offer authentication services and product guarantees. Paying a little more for added confidence can help you avoid an expensive mistake.

How to avoid common Prime Day shopping mistakes

While some Prime Day deals are worth considering, it's still important to shop strategically. Before the sale begins, make a list of the items you actually need and set a budget to help avoid impulse purchases.

Don't assume Amazon automatically has the lowest price, either. Many retailers run competing promotions during Prime Day, so taking a few minutes to comparison shop could help you find a better deal elsewhere.

Use the tool below, powered by Bankrate, to connect with a financial professional who can help you create a personalized plan for building wealth and reaching your financial goals.

Related Content

• Best Amazon Prime Day Deals 2026
• How to Earn Hundreds on Gas and Groceries Every Year Just By Swiping 2 Credit Cards
• Smart Bulk Buys vs Costly Mistakes: What to Stock Up on (and What to Skip)

Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale ends tonight. Until midnight, Amazon Prime members can see discounts up to 70% off on some of the most popular gift items of the 2025 holiday season. If you were holding off until Black Friday to take care of your gift shopping, there's no need.

With the major deals available at Amazon right now, you can cross a few names off your list this week and leave less stress for yourself as the holidays get closer.

As a shopping expert who covers major sales like these, one of the best parts of a huge sales event is that it gives you a chance to grab gifts with a premium feel like smart tech or top-of-the-line appliances at a bargain price you'd normally never find them at.

So, if you're looking for gifts that will impress without straining your budget, here are some October Prime Day deals that are under $50 (but won't be once the sale ends).

My favorite under-$50 Prime Day deals that won't feel cheap

From $120 noise-canceling headphones on sale for just $35 to 67% off DNA testing kits, there are major deals this week that double as great gift ideas this year. So you can stretch your holiday shopping budget further without your gift recipients feeling like you're cheaping out on them.

More ways to save during the Amazon October Prime Day sale

Taking advantage of these under-$50 Prime deals is a great way to score gifts (for others or yourself) that feel more expensive than they are. But you can squeeze even more savings out of each deal by using a shopping rewards credit card at checkout.

From generous cash back to elevated points earning potential, your gift shopping this season can be just as rewarding for you as it is for everyone on your list.

Related content

• How to Turn Amazon Prime Day Into a Travel Windfall
• FSA or HSA-Eligible Amazon Prime Deals You Can Shop Now
• These Prime Day Deals Also Qualify for Disappearing Tax Credits
• The Anti-Prime Deals Guide to Everyday Essentials Worth Stocking Up on at Walmart, Target and Sam's Club

Your home office can be a sanctuary — a place to escape noise and focus on your favorite projects. However, it works best when the space is comfortable and functional.

That's why, if you're considering upgrades for your home office, now is an excellent time to do so. Many retailers are offering sales this week, from Amazon Prime Big Deal Days to Walmart Deals.

As a deals writer with years of experience, I can help you find the best deals available, considering both price and quality. Additionally, I'll show you which home office upgrades also qualify for tax credits.

Laptops and tablets

Here are some of the best laptop and tablet deals from Amazon and other retailers:

• acer Chromebook Plus 515 Laptop with Google AI – 15.6" Full HD 1920 x 1080 IPS Touch Display- Now $329.99, save $100 at Amazon
• HP - 15.6" Laptop - Intel Core i3 - 8GB Memory - 128GB UFS - Natural Silver - Now $229.99, save $270 at Best Buy
• Apple - 13-inch iPad Pro M4 chip Built for Apple Intelligence Wi-Fi 256GB with OLED - Now $1,099, save $200 at Best Buy
• HP - OmniBook X Flip 2-in-1 - Copilot+ PC - 16" 2K Touch-Screen Laptop - Now $699.99, save $400 at Best Buy
• Apple - MacBook Pro 14-inch Laptop - Apple M4 chip Built for Apple Intelligence - 16GB Memory - 512GB SSD - Now $1,399, save $200 at Best Buy

Office chairs

Having the right chair can reduce lower back pain and fatigue, keeping you focused on the task at hand. Here are some of the better deals offered:

• Insignia™ - Essential PC Gaming Chair - Black - Now $89.99, save $90 at Best Buy
• Primy Drafting Chair Tall Office Chair - Now $108.96, save $81.03 at Amazon
• JONPONY Ergonomic Cross-Legged Swivel Chair - Now $59.99, save $110 at Walmart
• Bestier Big and Tall Executive Office Chair with Flip-Up Arms - Now $239.99, save $143.99 at Target
• Realspace® Hurston Bonded Leather High-Back Executive Office Chair - Now $129.99, save $140 at Office Depot

Printers

Having the right printer can enhance your work with a polished appearance. If you need a new printer, here are some of the best deals this week:

• Epson® WorkForce® Pro WF-3820 Wireless Inkjet All-In-One Color Printer - Now $99.99, save $100 at Office Depot
• Canon - PIXMA TS6420a Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer - Black - Now $44.99, save $96 at Best Buy
• HP - Envy 6165e Wireless AI-Enabled All-in-One Inkjet Printer - Now $79.99, save $70 at Best Buy
• Portable Printers, D820 Wireless Bluetooth Printers - Now $65.99, save $29 at Amazon

Headphones and earbuds

Sometimes, you need to detach as you work. And one of the best ways to do this is with the right headphones and earbuds, as you can listen to your favorite podcast or music as you work:

• Beats Solo 4 Bluetooth Wireless On-Ear Headphones - Now $129.99, save $70 at Target
• Amazon Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation - Now $34.99, save $85 at Amazon
• Apple - AirPods Max (USB-C) - Midnight - Now $429.99, save $120 at Best Buy
• Apple - AirPods 4 - White - Now $89.99, save $40 at Best Buy
• Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones - Now $229, save $120 at Amazon
• Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 - Now $169.99, save $59.01 at Amazon

How do I qualify for tax credits for home office upgrades?

First, let's get out of the way what doesn't qualify you for a tax credit. If you're a regular employee working from home, you won't be eligible to claim your office expenses as deductions on your tax return.

Meanwhile, if you're self-employed, you will be eligible to deduct certain purchases on your tax return. Qualified purchases include:

• Computers or laptops
• Printers
• Postage
• Office supplies
• Office furniture

Make sure to keep documentation of all purchases you made. You'll need them when you submit Schedule C (Form 1040) of your tax return.

And if you use your home office mainly for business purposes, you might be eligible for the home office tax deduction.

How long does each sale last?

This is a busy week for retailers, as many offer good deals on office supplies and electronics. Here's a look at how long the sales events last with each retailer:

• Amazon Prime Big Deal Days: October 7-8 (Prime membership required)
• Walmart Deals: October 7-12
• Best Buy Techtober: October 6-12
• Target Circle Week: October 5-11 (Target Circle required for best deals)
• Office Depot Discount Days: October 5-11

Overall, this is just a taste of all the great deals retailers offer this week. Whether you're in the market for a new laptop or chair, this is a great week to upgrade your office.

Related content

• 10 Amazon Deals to Nab Before Prime Day Ends
• Here's Why Walmart Deals is Better Than Amazon Prime Day
• The Anti-Prime Day Deals Guide to Everyday Essentials at Walmart, Target and Sam's Club

Between the wind-down of peak travel season and the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale, now is one of the best times of the year to upgrade your luggage and stock up on new travel gear. You'll find premium brands like Samsonite, Apple and Karl Lagerfeld selling some of their most popular designs and tech at deep discounts.

But the sale ends tonight. So, whether you're gearing up for holiday travel or just want to take advantage of this year's deals to refresh your travel accessories for next summer, now's the time to do it.

To help you sift through thousands of great Prime deals this October, I've rounded up some of my favorite travel deals from top-of-the-line luggage to the best travel deals for pets to make your next trip as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Not an Amazon Prime member yet? You can sign up now for a free trial to shop the fall sale and decide afterward if the savings and other Prime perks are worth keeping the membership.

Our favorite Prime deals on carry-on luggage

At the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale, I found deep discounts on premium brands like Guess and Samsonite as well as serious bargains on convenient items like a packable tote for your souvenir and stylish weekender bags.

• Wrangler Smart Spinner with Cup Holder and Charging Port - Now $34. Save 47%
• Eddie Bauer Stowaway Packable Backpack - Now $32. Save 20%
• Samsonite Classic Leather Slim Backpack - Now $114. Save 40%
• Hanke Under-Seat Carry-On Bag - Now $64. Save 20%
• Original Penguin Crimson 21-Inch Carry-On - Now $130. Save 50%
• LEVEL8 Elegance Carry-on Suitcase with 4 packing cubes - Now $160. Save 30%
• Michael Kors Hardside Carry-on - Now $299. Save 40%

Last chance checked luggage deals from Prime Big Deal Days

Packing for a longer trip? Get spacious and durable checked luggage from top travel brands without breaking the bank thanks to these October Prime Day deals from Amazon's major fall sales event.

• Kenneth Cole REACTION Renegade 24-Inch Suitcase- Now $86. Save 29%
• Traveler's Choice Maxporter II 30-Inch Trunk - Now $211. Save 30%
• Pacific Gear 30-Inch Rolling Duffel - Now $44. Save 45%
• SwissGear 7366 Hardside Expandable Luggage, 3-Piece Set - Now $234. Save 46%
• DELSEY PARIS Helium Aero Hardside Luggage, 2-Piece Set - Now $190. Save 50%

Amazon October Prime Day deals on travel accessories

From cushy travel pillows to compression packing cubes, you can save on all those little extras that make for a comfier trip during the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale this month.

1. Compression Packing Cubes, Set of 10 - Now $30. Save 35%
2. European Plug Adapter, 2-Pack - Now $22. Save 20%
3. RFID Blocking Travel Money Belt & Passport Holder - Now $8. Save 43%
4. Fuzion Shipping Scale - Now $30. Save 46%
5. Memory Foam Travel Pillow - Now $24. Save 27%
6. Luggage Tags, 10-Pack - Now $5. Save 15%

Travel tech deals on Amazon you can shop today

Level up your travel game with the latest tech that will make the time on that long haul flight fly by. Amazon has dropped prices on everything from noise-canceling headphones to GPS trackers during the Prime Big Deal Days sale.

• Apple AirTag, 4-Pack - Now $65. Save 34%
• Tile GPS Tags, 4-Pack - Now $53. Save 30%
• Kindle Essentials Bundle - Now $118. Save 27%
• Apple AirPods Pro 2 - Now $170. Save 32%
• Beats Studio Pro - Now $140. Save 30%
• Powerbank with 4 Built in Cables - Now $29. Save 32%

Pet travel deals from the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale

Traveling can be extra stressful on pets, whether it's a short flight or a long road trip. Make their adventure as comfortable as possible with these deals on pet carriers, portable bowls and other essentials for traveling with your pet.

• Travel 2-in-1 Pet Water Bottle with Food Container - Now $12. Save 20%
• Expandable Extra Large Cat Carrier with Litter Box Area - Now $80. Save 20%
• rabbitgoo Cat Harness and Leash - Now $13. Save 20%
• Amazon Basics Heavy Duty Dog and Puppy Pee Pads, 50-Count - Now $15. Save 24%
• HiCaptain Travel Litter Box - Now $24. Save 20%

Squeeze even more value out of these deals with the right credit card

Before you click that checkout button, make sure you're armed with the best shopping credit cards to maximize your savings. With the right credit card, you can earn generous cash back or bonus miles. Stock up on all your travel essentials for less and use those extra rewards to fund your next trip with all your new gear.

Not sure which card is the best choice for the way you travel (and the way you shop)? We've rounded up our top picks to make it easy for you to compare.

Related content

• A Guide to Amazon Prime Day — How to Bag the Best Deals
• How to Safely Get Your Amazon Packages This Season
• Amazon AI on Prime Day: Deal Helper or Upsell Machine?
• Walmart+ vs Amazon Prime: How the Shopping Memberships Stack Up

Amazon Prime Big Deals Days return on October 7 and 8, offering discounts of up to 40% on some of the retailer’s most popular products.

Prime Day, which kicks off the holiday shopping season, gives members an early chance to check items off their shopping lists and snag limited-time bargains.

Finding the best deals on the items you want and need can be a challenge with these massive shopping events, but AI tools such as Amazon Rufus and Amazon Lens can help you shop wisely during Big Deals Days.

Be careful, though — while these tools can be helpful, you’ll need to resist the urge to buy items you hadn’t planned to purchase.

Amazon Rufus

Amazon Rufus, an AI chatbot, launched in early 2024. Rufus is a free tool that’s available to all shoppers. Think of Rufus as being your personal shopping assistant. You can ask the chatbot such questions as, “What supplies do I need for a Halloween party?” or “What are the best deals on women’s sneakers?”

The more specific you get, the more refined the bot’s responses will be, and within a few seconds, Rufus can provide suggestions, including links to Amazon products that best fit your shopping needs.

During Amazon Prime Day, Rufus could help you to quickly sort through deals, rather than scrolling through pages and pages of offers. Get specific with your questions to find the best deals on the products you need.

For example, after asking “What are the lowest-priced kitchen knives on sale now?” Rufus produced a list containing ultra-budget options under $10, best value individual knives and best value knife sets.

Rufus is helpful because it provides personalized responses. According to Forbes, testing indicates that the bot’s responses vary between users, suggesting that Rufus tailors its recommendations based on each customer’s spending thresholds and shopping history. That approach means that you’re more likely to see results that are relevant and that you’re likely to purchase.

Be careful when it comes to customer feedback, though. While you can ask Rufus a question such as, “How easy is this air fryer to clean?” its responses are based on data such as product listing details and customer reviews. Trusting those responses can be risky, given Amazon’s issues with fake reviews.

If Rufus points you toward a product that sounds like a good fit, do your own research. Google the product, look at reviews across multiple sites, and watch out for reviews that seem over the top in their praise or criticism. Look at the profiles of the reviewers, too, and try to find “verified purchase” badges, which generally indicate the reviews are more trustworthy.

You can use Rufus through Amazon’s app, or you can open the chatbot on your computer by clicking on the icon in the upper left corner of the Amazon homepage.

Alexa Voice

Alexa Voice can help with your shopping, too. You can speak to our Alexa-enabled devices, adding items to your shopping list as you think of them. You can also ask Alexa about the best deals on certain items on Amazon, and the AI voice service can make purchase recommendations based on your buying habits.

Amazon has also released Alexa+, the retailer’s next-generation AI assistant. Alexa+ offers a more personalized and conversational experience, and is capable of understanding complex requests. Alexa+ also integrates with other shopping platforms, so it can help you find Christmas gifts, book tickets through Ticketmaster and plan a night out in a certain city.

Alexa+ is available on a limited basis during the Early Access period. Customers who own an Echo Show 8, 10, 15 or 21 will be the first to access Alexa+, and more Echo customers will gradually receive access. You can sign up to be notified about Early Access availability. Alexa+ will be free to Amazon Prime members, while non-Prime customers can subscribe for $19.99 per month.

Amazon Lens

If you use the Amazon Shopping app, you can access Amazon Lens, an AI-powered visual search tool. With Amazon Lens, you can take a picture of a product and upload that image or scan a barcode. Amazon Lens can then find that product on Amazon, saving you some searching time and streamlining your shopping experience.

Amazon Lens Live, released in September, instantly scans products and shows you real-time matches in a carousel, so it’s even easier to find the product you need. It also integrates with Rufus, so you can get product insights and summaries right in the app.

You can add items to your cart by tapping the heart icon. If a friend has a product you love or if you want to do some comparison shopping while you’re in a retail store, Amazon Lens Live can make that process easy.

Tips to keep your shopping focused

AI tools can help you discover products quickly, but they also make it easy to get upsold into buying things on impulse. To stay disciplined, create a shopping list ahead of time and stick to it, and set a budget to avoid overspending during Prime Big Deals Days.

Even if a deal looks great on Amazon, take the time to comparison shop. Retailers such as Walmart and Target often run competing sales during these events, and you might find the same item for less elsewhere.

Related Content

• Five Reasons You Shouldn't Shop Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days
• Walmart Plus vs Amazon Prime: How the Shopping Memberships Stack Up
• When Is the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days Sale?

With major sales events like Amazon Prime Big Deal Days, it's easy to get caught up in all the excitement and splurge on things you probably didn't actually need. There's nothing wrong with splurging on a few fun buys – especially if you spot an especially juicy October Prime Day deal. But, the best way to truly save during a big sale is to focus on spotting deals on things you were already planning to buy.

Stocking up on everyday essentials like paper towels, dish soap and deodorant might not be as exciting as grabbing an FSA or HSA eligible deal on smart rings or buying the latest AirPods at a deep discount. But taking advantage of deals on items you know you'll need can free up cash in your budget to splurge on fun things later.

With that in mind, I've scoured the many competing October Prime Day sales happening at rival retailers like Walmart and Target this week to bring you the very best anti-Prime deals on those everyday essentials.

Keep reading for tips on finding the best prices on the brands you love and find out which competing Prime Day sale has the best deals on popular everyday essentials.

The best anti-Prime Day deals on everyday essentials from Walmart and Target

Both Walmart and Target have dropped prices across thousands of everyday essentials from trash bags and laundry detergent to toothpaste and toilet paper. So, now is a great time to stock up on your most-used products while prices are low.

As a shopping expert who regularly covers major sales events, I've compared deals at both sales to bring you the best deal on each of the items below.

Sam's Club's October Super Savings Event Beats Walmart and Target Almost Every Time

The best shopping tip this week: Sam's Club members should skip the sales at Walmart, Target and Amazon as you'll find even lower prices on nearly every item listed above at the warehouse club.

For example, the retailer's Members' Mark brand offers everyday low prices on trash bags and paper towels that beat the on-sale prices at both Walmart and Target right now. Buying name brands like Charmin or Listerine in bulk at Sam's Club will also often save you more than the deals listed above.

Those everyday low prices are even lower on select items during the Sam's Club October Super Savings event. Alongside discounted essentials, the sales event also includes price drops on tech, home decor and more.

If you're not a Sam's Club member yet, it may be worth joining, especially if you qualify for the senior discount or time it right to take advantage of the Stack Social deal to save up to $50 on a Sam's Club membership.

Related content

• Here's Why Walmart Deals is Better Than Amazon Prime Day
• Forget Prime Day: Top Walmart Anti-Prime Deals You Can't Miss
• Five Reasons You Shouldn't Shop on Amazon Prime Day
• Walmart Plus vs Amazon Prime

Amazon Prime Day is known for its great deals on electronics, household goods and other essentials, but Amazon has changed things up this year with the inclusion of travel deals.

With the Amtrak Prime Day deal, you can get 20% off certain Amtrak fares. This deal is perfectly timed given the summer travel season, and if you frequently travel or are planning a trip, you can take advantage of these savings, but you have to act fast.

What to know about the Amtrak Prime Day deal

With the Amtrak Prime Day deal, you can get train travel discounts if you book by July 11. Amtrak is offering 20% off regular coach class fares on trips between August 5 and November 13. The promotion applies only to midweek fares occurring on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

These train travel discounts are part of Amazon’s first-ever Prime Day Travel deals. Other deals include up to $800 off of Royal Caribbean cruises, up to $1,200 off per room on Carnival cruisesand up to 20% off San Diego hotels.

How to book your discounted Amtrak trip

You can save with the Amtrak Prime Day deal by booking your train trip through the Prime Day page. You’ll need to be a Prime member, and you’ll need to book by July 11^th, when Amazon Prime Day ends. The savings will be automatically displayed in your cart after you select your trip.

You can also get the train travel discounts while using the Amtrak app. App users will need to use the discount code C708 to get the discount.

Amtrak offers more than 30 train routes throughout the United States, as well as some in Canada. The railway travels to over 500 destinations in 46 states, so you can book a trip to head to a big city, see a small town and explore parts of the country that you’ve never seen before.

Additional ways to save on rail travel

Rail travel can be a fantastic way to take a vacation, and it’s more affordable than air travel. With these smart booking strategies, you can save on rail travel:

• Shop for discounts: Before you book, do some research and look for available discounts. Amtrak offers discounts, including flash sales, that can help you save on your vacation.  
• Check social media and newsletters: Follow the social media accounts and sign up for the newsletters from the railways that you’re planning to use. Some railways, like Via Rail, share contests that you can enter to win free rail travel. Railways may also share details about discounts or specials through their newsletters.
• Comparison shop: Rates can vary depending on railways and the dates you plan to travel. Booking sites like Kayak make it easy to see available booking options and prices. Experiment with different railways and travel dates to get the best deal on your travel.
• Book early: Just like when booking a flight, you’ll often get the best deals on rail travel when you book early. Last-minute bookings tend to cost more, so try to buy your tickets at least a few weeks ahead of your trip.
• Join rewards programs: Many railways offer rewards programs that can help you save when you frequently travel. The Amtrak Guest Rewards program is free to join, and you can earn points to redeem for travel, upgrades, gift cards and more.
• Travel during non-peak times: When you plan your vacation, try to schedule your rail travel for non-peak times, such as during the middle of the week. Prices tend to be lower during these times, and trains are usually less crowded.
• Come prepared: While you can buy snacks and meals on the train, their prices are inflated. Save money by packing food and water to reduce expenses during your trip.

A good time to try train travel

The Amtrak Prime Day deal is a great way to get discounts on your rail travel if you already know the dates of your trip. If you’re still working out those details or want to save even more, these smart booking strategies can help you find the best rail travel deals possible.

Rail travel can be a relaxing alternative to plane travel, giving you and your family a unique view of the country during your vacation.

related content

• Planning Summer Travel? Use These Strategies
• Best Travel Cards of 2025
• 24 Best Travel Websites and Apps to Find Deals and Save You Money

Amazon’s Prime Day promises big savings, but your final bill could be higher than anticipated thanks to sales taxes that vary by state, and Trump-imposed tariffs that are pushing up prices on many imported products.

Here’s what you need to know before you shop and to avoid tax surprises at checkout this year.

Prime Day 2025 deals

This year’s Prime Day is Amazon’s longest ever, running from Tuesday, July 8, through Friday, July 11, 2025. That’s double the usual length.

New offers can reportedly drop as often as every five minutes during peak periods, and shoppers can expect discounts on Amazon devices, tech gadgets, home goods, apparel, and more.

Amazon is also offering “Today’s Big Deals,” limited-time themed offers on top brands like Samsung, Kiehl’s, and Levi’s, with millions of items across more than 35 categories marked down for Prime members.

According to an Amazon release: “Last year’s event saw record-breaking sales and more items sold during the two-day event than any previous Prime Day event. Independent sellers — most of which are small and medium-sized businesses — who make up more than 60% of sales in Amazon’s store and help make Amazon’s wide selection possible, sold more than 200 million items during the 2024 Prime Day event.”

Some shoppers see it as Black Friday in July, with deep price cuts on electronics, home essentials, and back-to-school supplies.

How sales tax affects your Prime Day deals

While those headline prices are tempting, high sales tax can quietly add more to your final bill.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair decision, nearly every state now requires Amazon to collect sales tax at checkout. That’s regardless of whether Amazon has a physical presence there.

That means your local sales tax rate — ranging from under 5% in some states to close to 10% or more in parts of Alabama and Louisiana — applies to many Prime Day purchases.

• For example, if you grab a $500 laptop online and live in a place with a 9.5% sales tax, you could pay an extra $47.50 at checkout.
• The Tax Foundation reports the average combined state and local sales tax rate in the U.S. is about 7.5% as of 2025. But your actual rate depends on where you live.
• Shoppers in states with no sales tax, like Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon, are exempt from sales tax; however, most others should expect to pay.

This is a detail that can turn a “can’t-miss” deal into a price that’s only average once the tax is tacked on. So, before you check out, factor in your local rate to avoid sticker shock.

How tariffs can quietly raise Prime Day prices

Tariffs are another issue surrounding this year’s Prime Day deals.

Tariffs are taxes that governments impose on goods and services imported from another country. They can be a source of revenue, but can also be used as a barrier to regulate international trade and safeguard domestic industries.

Over the past months, President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs affecting a wide range of consumer products.

The on-and-off timing and amounts of these levies have meant that products arriving at U.S. ports after July 9 could have been subject to higher import taxes, especially in categories like electronics, appliances, and home goods.

• Recent reporting from the National Retail Federation found that nearly 60% of U.S. retailers expect to raise prices on imported goods if tariffs remain in place or increase.
• Some third-party sellers on Amazon have reportedly responded by limiting the number of Prime Day deals or shifting their supply chains to other countries to avoid the steepest tariffs.
• For many products, however, higher import costs are unavoidable, and those costs are often passed directly to consumers.

For more information, see What's Happening With Trump Tariffs? and How Tariffs Work and What They Mean for You in 2025.

Amazon hasn’t issued a broad public statement on how tariffs may or may not affect Prime Day. Still, some analysts have suggested that when it comes to tariff impacts, the best deals are likely to be on inventory already in U.S. warehouses.

Shoppers looking for big-ticket items, especially electronics, could see higher prices than expected.

Still, web, product, and mobile analytics company Adobe Analytics has noted that “U.S. online sales jumped 9.9% year over year to $7.9 billion on Tuesday.”

However, some reports suggest that those first-day sales were lower than last year's Prime Day start, perhaps due to the additional days to shop for deals this year.

Prime Day 2025 plus Target, Walmart Deals and Best Buy: Avoid surprises

How can you ensure you’re actually getting a good deal this Prime Day? Start by checking your local sales tax rate and consider using price-tracking tools to compare current deals with historical prices.

Not a Prime Day fan? Other major retailers are offering their own sales in July.

• For instance, Target is running "Target Circle Week," featuring significant markdowns on home goods, electronics, and more.
• Simultaneously, Walmart is holding its "Walmart Deals" event, offering deep discounts on a wide variety of products.
• Best Buy is also competing with a major sale focused on electronics, with price cuts on laptops, TVs, and other tech gadgets.

And remember, not every Prime Day or similar offer is a must-buy. With inflation and global supply chain issues still affecting the retail sector, it’s good to read any “fine print “and avoid letting countdown timers pressure you into impulse purchases.

Read More

• Ten States With the Highest Sales Taxes
• Guide to Amazon Prime Day 2025
• Only Five States Have No Sales Tax
• Is Walmart Deals Better Than Amazon Prime Day?

With four full days of deals, it's easy to get overwhelmed with all the options during Amazon Prime Day 2025. Even though there's nothing wrong with treating yourself to a few splurges, one of the best ways to make sure you're actually saving with Prime Day deals is to shop for essentials and things that actually add value to your home.

On this final day of the sale, take advantage of deep discounts on energy-efficient upgrades that qualify for the tax credits disappearing after this year. Alternatively, browse FSA or HSA eligible Prime Day deals so you can use those pre-tax dollars to save on everything from everyday essentials to the latest home health tech.

But, if you're trying to keep your spending down this week without missing out on some truly worthwhile discounts, use these final hours of Amazon Prime Day to grab a couple of these Prime Day deals on home security, weatherproofing and other smart home gadgets. Everything on this list is under $100 – and many items are well below that price point. Grab these deals before they disappear, and be surprised at just how much $100 or less can do for your home.

Last-minute Ring home security deals during Amazon Prime Day

One of the biggest names in smart home security is Amazon's own Ring security system. From video doorbells to outdoor cameras with built-in floodlights, you can get up to half off on a complete DIY home security setup and install it yourself this weekend.

• Ring Spotlight Cam Plus (Battery-Powered), $90 (originally $150)
• Ring Floodlight Cam, Motion-Activated (Wired), $100 (originally $180)
• Ring Indoor Cam, $30 (originally $60)
• Ring Alarm 5-Piece Kit, $100 (originally $200)
• Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam, $40 (originally $80)

Disappearing Prime Day deals on Blink home security

Another popular home security brand, Blink has tech that's on par with Ring but is offering some even more enticing deals during Amazon Prime Day this year. Whichever way you lean, we recommend sticking with one brand for your entire home security system to make sure all the different parts are compatible with each other.

• Blink Video Doorbell (Battery), $30 (originally $70)
• Blink Mini Pan-Tilt Camera, $24 (originally $40)
• Blink Floodlight Camera (Wired), $50 (originally $100)
• Blink Mini Smart Camera, 2-Pack, $25 (originally $50)

Other Prime Day home security deals you don't want to miss

Ring and Blink aren't the only brands wooing shoppers with big discounts this year. You'll also find home security deals from other popular brands like eufy and ecobee. And if you've already got a smart security system (or don't want one), you can add extra layers of protection with some of the other budget-friendly home security finds below.

• Ecobee Smart Video Doorbell (Wired), $100 (originally $160)
• Emdmak Door Stop Alarm with Siren, 2-Pack, $13 (originally $16)
• Eufy Security SoloCam (Solar-Powered), $62 (originally $130)
• Securityman 2-in-1 Door Security Bar and Sliding Door Bar, 2-Pack, $29 (originally $50)

Last chance Prime Day deals on smart thermostats, sensors and monitors

Surviving the summer heat without running up your electric bill is a lot easier when you've got smart home tech doing the work for you. From smart thermostats to humidity sensors, these summer home upgrades on sale during Amazon Prime Day help you keep your home comfortable without wasting energy where you don't need it.

You'll also find deals on leak detectors and other sensors that can help you spot a problem before it becomes a threat to your health or an expensive emergency repair.

• Govee WiFi Thermometer and Hygrometer, 2-Pack, $72 (originally $90)
• SwitchBot Wifi Thermometer and Hygrometer, 3-Pack, $53 (originally $66)
• Govee WiFi Leak Detector 2, 4-Pack, $60 (originally $90)
• Toptes PT520A Natural Gas Detector, $34 (originally $40)

Air quality deals from Amazon Prime Day

No matter where you live, the air quality in your home can have a huge impact on your health and wellbeing. From pollution and dust particles coming in from outside to the fumes and odors created by common household cleaning products or cooking ingredients, a great air purifier can help you breathe better. Meanwhile, dehumidifiers can give your air conditioner a break by making your space feel more comfortable even at slightly higher temperatures.

• Blueair HEPA Air Purifier (926 sq. ft.), $94 (originally $140)
• SwitchBot HEPA Air Purifier (3,620 sq. ft.), $87 (originally $193)
• Bissell HEPA Air Purifier (3,172 sq. ft.), $84 (originally $180)
• ToLife Dehumidifier (95 oz. tank), $63 (originally $110)
• Tabyik Dehumidifier (35 oz. tank), $39 (originally $46)

Prime Day deals on weatherproofing and energy efficient upgrades

Even if you've already got the most efficient air conditioning system, you'll be surprised at just how much your utility bill will be impacted by a few easy weatherproofing projects like weatherstripping or heat-sealing your windows. Lighting is another often-overlooked electricity drain that's easily solved by swapping out inefficient bulbs for smart options like the ones on sale during Amazon Prime Day.

• Qoqooice Transparent Window Weather Sealing Tape, $8 (originally $10)
• GE LED+ Dusk to Dawn A21 Automatic Light Bulbs, 3-Pack, $22 (originally $33)
• Govee Smart Color-Changing Light Bulbs, 4-Pack, $24 (originally $40)
• Oxrq Door Draft Stopper, $6 (originally $10)

Bottom line

Whether you're looking for smart home security or you want to beat the heat with budget-friendly weatherproofing, there are plenty of handy items available on Amazon. And, during Amazon Prime Day, you can stock up on many of them for a fraction of their regular price. So you can make your home safer and more comfortable without upending your shopping budget this week.

Related content

• The Anti-Prime Day Deals Guide to Everyday Essentials Worth Stocking Up on at Walmart, Target and Sam's Club
• 48 Anti-Prime Day Tech Deals You Should Get from Best Buy's Black Friday in July Sale Instead
• Here's Why Walmart Deals is Better Than Amazon Prime Day
• Is Amazon Prime Worth It?

If you're looking for an alternative to Amazon Prime Day, Walmart Deals is here. Walmart's special anti-Prime sale has a few things going for it that Amazon doesn't.

One, you don't need a membership to shop Walmart Deals. For Amazon Prime Day, you need an Amazon Prime membership, which is $14.99 per month. Therefore, you'll save $15 just by going with Walmart Deals.

On top of this, you get a head start on summer savings. Walmart Deals runs from June 22 through June 28, while Amazon Prime Day runs from June 23 through June 26. That means shoppers get three extra days of deals to browse and compare prices. With that in mind, here are some of the best deals you can score during Walmart's event.

Top electronics deals at Walmart

If you're looking to upgrade your tech, Walmart Deals has the following sales:

• MSI Vector 16" QHD+ 240Hz Gaming Laptop. 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD (2026) - Now $1,599. Save $800.
• Acer Nitro 60 Gaming Desktop. Intel Core Ultra 5 Processor 225F, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 8GB, 16GB DDR5, 1TB SSD - Now $898. Save $551.99
• Beats Solo4 On-Ear Wireless Headphones in Drenched Gray - Now $99.95. Save $100
• Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 16" Touchscreen Laptop. Intel Core 5 120U, 16GB RAM, 512 SSD in Luna Grey - Now $499. Save $100
• Meta Quest 3S 256gb VR Headset Level Up With Double the Storage - Now $382. Save $67.99

Home and kitchen Walmart Deals

Walmart offers a variety of generous sales on top products to help keep your home cleaner, looking great, and in one instance, you more caffeinated:

• Simzlife Nugget Ice Maker Countertop. Soft Chewable Pebble Nugget Ice Machine - Now $169.99. Save $180.00
• Keurig K-Express Essentials Plus, Iced and Hot Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker - Now $69. Save 10
• MLILY Ego Black King Size Mattress. 14-inch Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress in a Box - Now $419.99. Save $480.01
• Ninja SLUSHi 72-Oz Frozen Drink Machine with RapidChill Technology - Now $249. Save $50
• INSE Cordless 6-in-1 Lightweight Stick Vacuum for Hardwood Floors, Carpet, Pet Hair - Now $54.99. Save $245

Top beauty deals at Walmart

Walmart Deals also offers some steep discounts on summer fashion, so if you're planning a vacation soon or an evening out, you can look your best doing so:

• Wrangler Men's and Big Men's Stretch Cargo Shorts - Now $18.98. Save $3
• MINTREUS Lounge Sets for Women. Knit Short-Sleeve Tops and Long Pants - Now $16.99. Save $14
• Onimisc Men's 100% Cotton Pajama Pants with Pocket and Drawstring 3-Pack - Now $25.99. Save $14
• Reebok Women's 18" Paige Laptop Backpack - Now $14. Save $6
• NELEUS Women's 2-in-1 Athletic Summer Shorts with Pocket - Now $14.99. Save $13.01

Stay cool with top summer essentials

• Brita 6 Cup Small Plastic Water Filter Pitcher. BPA Free with 1 Standard Brita Filter - Now $17.98. Save $2
• GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker XL Oversized Foldable Rocking Camp Chair - Now $68. Save $17
• Mainstays 6' Premium White Rectangle Centerfold Folding Table - Now $49.44. Save $15.56
• JIOABL Portable Badminton Net Set. 10 Foot Adjustable Height for Outdoor & Indoor Use - Now $28.99. Save $17
• LIFERECORD Zero Gravity Folding Portable Outdoor Camping Chair with Cup Holder and Removable Cushion - Now $44.99. Save $42

Earn a 50% discount on Walmart Plus

If you shop at Walmart regularly, it makes sense to consider a Walmart Plus membership. New members can try it free for 30 days to see if it works for you.

Or, you can score a 50% discount on an annual membership:

Perks of Walmart Plus include:

• Free shipping and returns on thousands of items
• Free grocery delivery for orders over $35, provided you meet specific membership or location requirements.
• Free pharmacy delivery with no order minimum
• Video streaming: either Paramount+ Essential or Peacock Premium (members can switch every 90 days)
• 10¢ per gallon off at participating Exxon, Mobil, Walmart and Murphy stations, plus member pricing at Sam's Club fuel centers
• Free online pet care through Pawp
• 25% off one eligible Burger King digital order per day, plus a free Whopper with purchase once per quarter

As you can see, Walmart Deals offer some exceptional value. However, these deals won’t last long, sales run through June 28. If you spot something you need, it’s best to act fast before popular items sell out or prices go back up.

Related content

• Here's Why Walmart Deals is Better Than Amazon Prime Day
• Is Amazon Prime Worth It?
• Amazon Products You Should Skip on Prime Day 2026

Amazon Prime Day 2025 ends today, but you've got until July 13 to shop Best Buy's Black Friday in July sale. Best Buy's answer to Amazon Prime Day deals this week features big discounts on premium brands like Garmin, Apple, Samsung and more.

You'll also be able to take advantage of other rival sales like Walmart Deals Week or Target Circle Week to stock up on toothpaste, cleaning supplies and more with their Anti-Prime Day deals on everyday essentials. But if any tech is on your wish list, then you need to shop Best Buy's Black Friday in July event. Even when deals are the same as they are at Amazon, you can typically be more confident you're getting the real thing when you buy your tech from Best Buy.

Plus, there's no need to sign up for a membership to shop Best Buy's Black Friday in July deals. So, if you're not sure it's worth it to join Amazon Prime just to shop Prime Day deals, check out these Best Buy deals to see if you can grab what you want from the rival retailer instead. Remember to check back daily for fresh deals now through the end of the sale.

Home security deals from Best Buy

Now's a great time to make some DIY home security upgrades (and maybe even score a discount on your home insurance for doing so). At Best Buy's Black Friday in July sale this week, you'll find deep discounts on Blink, Ring and other leading smart security brands.

• Blink - Outdoor 4 5-Camera Security System, $160 (originally $400)
• Google Nest Cam, 3-Pack, $375 (originally $450)
• Swann MaxRanger 4k Solar, 3-Camera Security System, $500 (originally $700)
• Arlo Pro 5S 3-Camera Security Bundle, $200 (originally $400)

Best Buy travel tech deals

Upgrading your travel gear with these tech accessories on sale at Best Buy's Black Friday in July sale will make for a more comfortable trip. Even more comforting is the knowledge that you grabbed them all for up to half off.

• Anker - MagGo Wireless Charging Station, $77 (originally $110)
• Speck - ClickLock Wallet for Apple iPhones with MagSafe, $15 (originally $30)
• The Ridge Wallet - Titanium Cash Strap, $94 (originally $150)
• UGREEN - Nexode Power Bank with Smart Display, $38 (originally $50)
• Insignia Travel Adapter and Converter, $24 (originally $30)

FSA or HSA eligible tech deals at Best Buy

What's better than saving hundreds of dollars on the latest tech? Doing it while using pre-tax dollars from your FSA or HSA account. Just remember to double check with your plan provider as some items might need prior authorization–and always order FSA or HSA eligible deals separately from any non-eligible items you're also eyeing this week.

• Shark - NeverChange Air Purifier, $170 (originally $250)
• Insignia HEPA Air Purifier, $100 (originally $200)
• Therabody Theragun Sense Massage Gun, $200 (originally $300)
• Sony - Discreet OTC Hearing Aids, $500 (originally $700)
• Jabra - Enhance Select 300 Hearing Aid, $1,420 (originally $1,695)
• Omron - Evolv Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor, $63 (originally $110)

Under-$500 laptop and tablet deals at Best Buy

Give your home office an upgrade or recommit to your 2025 reading goals by picking up a brand new laptop or tablet for well under $500 at the Best Buy Black Friday in July sale.

• ASUS - Vivobook 14 14", $320 (originally $600)
• Dell - Inspiron 15" Touch Screen Laptop, $350 (originally $630)
• HP - 17.3" Full HD Laptop, $330 (originally $630)
• Apple - 11-inch iPad A16, $279 (originally $349)
• Samsung - Galaxy Tab A9+ 11" 64GB, $140 (originally $220)
• Google - Pixel Tablet - 11", $279 (originally $399)

Best Buy headphone deals

From deep discounts on the latest open ear headphones to savings on Apple and Sennheiser earbuds, these are the best headphone deals from the Black Friday in July sale at Best Buy this week.

• Sennheiser Momentum 4 earbuds, $250 (originally $350)
• Apple AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation, $150 (originally $180)
• Bose QuietComfort earbuds, $129 (originally $179)
• Shokz OpenFit Air earbuds, $80 (originally $120)
• JBL Endurance Race 2 earbuds, $60 (originally $90)
• Sennheiser Momentum 4 over-ear headphones, $280 (originally $450)
• Apple AirPods Max, $450 (originally $550)

Smartwatch deals at Best Buy

Apple, Garmin and other top smartwatch brands are all on sale during the Black Friday in July sale at Best Buy. Here are the best deals to grab if you're looking to upgrade your wearables.

• Garmin Venu Sq 2, $150 (originally $250)
• Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation), $169 (originally $249)
• Google Pixel Watch 3, $270 (originally $350)
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, $160 (originally $300)
• Fitbit Charge 6, $110 (originally $160)
• Garmin - epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition, $750 (originally $1,100)

Best Buy deals on major appliances and other home tech

If you're making some summer home upgrades, Best Buy's Black Friday in July sale is the perfect opportunity to save hundreds on premium kitchen appliances and other home tech.

• LG French Door Smart Refrigerator, $1,800 (originally $3,200)
• GE Profile French Door Smart Refrigerator, $2,500 (originally $3,960)
• KitchenAid Stainless Steel Dishwasher with Third Rack, $900 (originally $1,215)
• Shark Matrix Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum, $280 (originally $500)
• iRobot Roomba Plus 505 Combo Robot Vacuum and Mop, $600 (originally $1,000)

Don’t overlook Best Buy during Prime Day sales event

While there were plenty of exciting Prime Day deals this week, you're usually better off heading to Best Buy for premium tech. The tech-focused retailer carries a wider variety of brands and it's easier to make sure that what you're getting is the real deal. Plus, during the Black Friday in July sale, you may even find deeper discounts or deals on tech that Amazon doesn't even carry.

Related content

• These Prime Day Deals Also Qualify for Disappearing Tax Credits
• Walmart Takes on Prime Day with Competing July Deals Event
• 10 Alternatives to Amazon Prime for Free Shipping and More
• Five Reasons You Shouldn't Shop on Amazon Prime Day

Amazon Prime Day is October 7 and 8. Along with thousands of sales on everyday items, one overlooked component of Prime Day is that you can use it to make your home more energy efficient and save in multiple ways.

How? First, you can take advantage of all the deals on energy-efficiency items on sale during Prime Day. Next, some of your home improvement projects qualify for tax credits. And now is the time to take advantage of those credits while they're still available.

President Donald Trump signed into law the One Big, Beautiful Bill, which will end the energy-efficient home improvement credit designed to help homeowners save on upgrades like adding exterior doors, central air conditioners, water heaters, electric or natural gas pumps, and more. This credit expires after December 31, 2025.

Therefore, now is a great time to invest in home improvements while they're on sale, reduce your home's energy costs — and claim tax credits for them.

Before diving into the deals, you'll need an Amazon Prime account to do so. If you're new, you can try it free for 30 days:

Save on exterior doors during Amazon Prime Day

A strong exterior door not only provides a sense of security but can also lower your energy costs. The U.S. Department of Energy states you can save up to 10% on your utility bills by replacing your exterior door with an energy-efficient model.

The savings extend further, as you can earn a tax credit on them. Per the IRS, exterior doors that meet Energy Star requirements qualify for a tax credit of 30% of the costs of the door, up to $250 per door, with a $500 annual cap.

Here is one of the best deals you can score right now:

Water heater deals for Amazon Prime Day

Another way to lower energy costs is with a tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters can improve energy efficiency in your home by heating water only when you need it, instead of running more continuously like other models.

The U.S. Department of Energy states it can improve energy efficiency in smaller homes by up to 34% and in larger homes by as much as 14%. What's more, some water heaters qualify for a tax credit of up to $600 per unit if they meet or exceed the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) highest efficiency tier.

And during Amazon Prime Day, you can receive a great deal and earn tax credits on this tankless water heater:

Other Prime Day deals to lower energy costs

While some of these items won't qualify for tax credits, you can still save money during Amazon Prime Day and lower your energy costs:

• Govee Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring (4-Pack) – Now $39.99. Save 20%
• Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat (ST75) – Now $134.99. Save 23%
• Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) + Nest Temperature Sensor – Now $249.99. Save 17%
• Blackout Curtains (84” Ivory, 2 Panels) – Now $39.99. Save 20%
• Stopwatt Energy Saving Device (4-Pack) – Now $79.99. Save 15%

How do I receive tax credits for my Amazon Prime Day purchases?

You can claim expenses related to any qualifying home improvements installed during the year you're filing your taxes. To do so, you'll need to file Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits, with your tax return.

Amazon Prime Day gives you the opportunity to save on energy-efficiency items that can lower your energy bills. On top of this, some of these items come with tax credits, where, as long as you install them before the end of the year, you can save even more.

However, time is limited on both savings opportunities. Amazon Prime Day runs through October 8. Meanwhile, the tax credits for home energy improvements will end at the end of this year.

Related content

• Save More with Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Home Improvements While You Still Can
• 50 Best Amazon Prime Day Deals
• Summer Backyard Ideas With Added Tax Benefits for 2025

There's a deal showdown about to take place.

In one corner is Amazon Prime Day. Amazon will run four days of sales, starting on June 23. In the other corner is Walmart Deals. This event also started on June 22, but unlike Amazon, it will run through June 28, giving shoppers two extra days of deals.

While deals are usually comparable on similar items, there are other areas to watch when it comes to these sales events. As someone who writes about deals, I examined them for you and believe Walmart's better. Here's why Walmart Deals offer you a better value overall.

Amazon Prime Day requires a membership

The main reason I prefer Walmart Deals over Amazon Prime Day is that, as its name suggests, Amazon Prime Day requires an Amazon Prime membership.

A membership runs you $14.99 per month or $139.99 annually. That can be a great deal if you plan to shop there regularly or use the other perks included with the membership.

That said, if you don't plan to use Amazon Prime much, it doesn't make sense to pay for a membership just to access a few days' worth of deals. Fortunately, there's an alternative that doesn't require a subscription: Walmart Deals.

One caveat: If you're new to Amazon, you can receive a 30-day free trial, and college students receive up to six months free.

Shop Walmart Deals without a membership

Unlike Amazon Prime Day, you won't need a membership to shop during Walmart Deals. The event opens to all shoppers on June 22. On its own, that will save you $15 compared to a monthly Amazon Prime membership.

That said, there is a perk to being a Walmart+ member. Walmart will have exclusive sales for its Walmart+ members. If you're new to the subscription, you can try it free for 30 days, making now a perfect time to try it out and get early access to Walmart Deals.

Another reason I like Walmart+ is that you receive a choice of two streaming services. You can either choose the ad-supported plan of Paramount+ Essentials Plan or Peacock Premium.

The nice thing is that once you choose a service, you're not married to it permanently. You can switch streaming services every 90 days.

You'll also receive the following perks:

• Free shipping and returns on many items
• Free same-day grocery and pharmacy delivery (where applicable)
• Free online pet care through Pawp
• Save up to $0.10 per gallon of gas
• A 25% digital discount on Burger King orders every day

How much can you save with Walmart Deals?

Here are some of the best deals offered during the event:

• VIZIO 75" Class Quantum 4K QLED HDR Smart TV - Now $428, save $120
• Dyson V8 Absolute Cordless Vacuum - Now $299.99, save $290
• Carote 4.5QT Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven - Now $29.99, save $30
• DREO 36" Tower Fan, 20dB Ultra Quiet Fans for Home - Now $59.96, save $30.03
• SWISSGEAR Stride Hardside Large Checked Spinner - Now $97.30, save $77.70
• GOOLOO Car Jump Starter - Now $35.49, save $41.50
• TULA Skin Care Sun Kit - Now $36.40, save $15.60
• Cate & Chloe Lauren 18k White Gold Plated 22mm Hoop Earrings with Swarovski Crystals for Women - Now $16.99, save $113.01
• Travelhouse 6 Piece Hardshell Luggage Set - Now $109.99, save $117
• Astercook 14-Piece Kitchen Knife Set - Now $33.99, save $166
• Beats Studio Pro Wireless Headphones - Now $139, save $210.99
• Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ Widescreen Tablet, 128GB - Now $169, save $80.99
• Samsung B-series 3.1 Ch DTS Virtual:X Soundbar with Subwoofer  - Now $199, save $80
• Shop all Walmart Deals

The bottom line on Walmart Deals vs Amazon Prime Day

As you can see, Walmart offers easier access to their deals event, with no hoops to jump through. And if you want a membership, Walmart offers you many of the same perks as Amazon, at a much better price and with earlier shopping access for deals.

Related content

• Walmart+ vs Amazon Prime: How the Shopping Memberships Stack Up
• Try Walmart+ Free for 30 Days and Get Free Paramount Plus
• Amazon Products You Should Skip on Prime Day 2026

Amazon Prime Day started as an annual deals event every July, but now, they have added another one, called Amazon Big Deal Days, on October 7-8.

Many retailers have decided to run their own sales to coincide with Amazon's. Chief among them is Walmart Deals, a sales event from October 7-12.

Similar to Amazon's sales, Walmart's offers discounts on electronics, home furnishings, toys and many other items. Unlike Amazon, you don't need a separate membership to shop Walmart's sale.

That said, a Walmart+ membership unlocks a lot of value. You receive early access to sales events, free shipping on thousands of items, discounts on fuel and a free streaming subscription to either Peacock or Paramount+.

If you're a new subscriber, you can try it free for 30 days.

Save big during Walmart Deals

Here's a look at some of the best deals available during the event:

• VIZIO 50" Class Quantum 4K QLED HDR Smart TV - Now $198.99, save $100
• Michael Kors Women's Jet Set Large East West Crossbody Handbag - Now $57, save $262
• GOOLOO Car Jump Starter - Now $35.49, save $94.50
• Astercook Kitchen Knife Set, 14 Pcs Knives Block Set with Built-in Sharpener - Now $32.99, save $167
• Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch - Now $189, save $60
• HP 15.6-inch Windows Touch Laptop - Now $279, save $180
• Astercook 20 Piece Pots and Pans Set Non Stick, Cookware Set - Now $54.99, save $144.99
• Cate & Chloe Bianca 18k White Gold Plated 25mm Hoop Earrings with Swarovski Crystals for Women - Now $15.99, save $99.01
• Travelhouse 6 Piece Hardshell Luggage Set Hardside Lightweight Suitcase with TSA Lock Spinner Wheels - Now $119.99, save $480
• EF EcoFlow Portable Power Station DELTA 2 Lite 950Wh LiFePO4 (LFP) Battery Solar Generator - Now $346, save $553

How Walmart is challenging Amazon’s Prime Day dominance

When compairing the two sales events, here's how they differ:

Open-access vs paywall
Prime Day remains locked behind a $14.99-per-month (or $139-per-year) Prime subscription. Walmart Deals, by contrast, welcomes all shoppers from the get-go, with membership perks layered on top rather than gating access entirely.

Extended duration and multi-channel reach
A six-day window gives Walmart more runway for promotions and inventory management, while in-store availability offers flexibility for customers who prefer curbside pickup or last-minute runs.

Enhanced shopping experience
Leveraging an AI-powered app upgrade and streamlined site experience, Walmart aims to help shoppers navigate thousands of deals more efficiently.

Smart ways to shop both Walmart Deals and Prime Day

If you’re a Prime member and also shop at Walmart, there’s no harm in checking out both sales events. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:

• Compare and contrast: Track key items on both platforms using price-tracking sites such as CamelCamelCamel and Keepa, or browser extensions such as Honey, to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
• Trial memberships: If you’re on the fence about Prime or Walmart+, a free 30-day Prime trial or a short-term Walmart+ signup could unlock deeper discounts or early access.
• Plan for pickup vs delivery: Consider in-store pickup for bulky items to avoid shipping delays, and check local store opening times for in-person-only flash deals.

By directly overlapping Prime Day, Walmart signals its willingness to invest in the fall sales promotions and challenge Amazon’s dominance.

For shoppers, the competition means expanded windows for discounts, more places to compare and potentially better bargains, which is a clear win in the ongoing battle for your wallet's attention.

Related Content:

• Here's Why Walmart Deals is Better Than Amazon Prime Day
• Amazon Prime Perks to Make Your Summer Easier and Cheaper
• Try Walmart Plus Free for 30 Days and Get Free Paramount Plus

Amazon Prime Big Deal Days officially kicks off on October 7, but you can already start shopping early Prime deals today. One of the best-kept secrets during the major savings event is Amazon's FSA store.

Amazon offers hundreds of FSA or HSA eligible items on its platform, and the FSA storefront makes it easy to browse through everyday essentials like supplements and over-the-counter medicines to surprisingly eligible items like fitness trackers or massagers.

To maximize your savings, I've rounded up the best Prime deals on FSA or HSA-eligible products I can find this October, as someone who writes about deals for a living. Between the deep discounts on these deals and the tax-free dollars you use to pay for them, you can stack savings during one of Amazon's biggest sales event of the year.

Tips for shopping FSA or HSA eligible items on Prime Big Deal Days

While there are hundreds of FSA or HSA-eligible items available on Amazon, there are some important guidelines to keep in mind as you shop these early Prime deals – or when you're shopping for FSA/HSA-eligible items in general.

Here's what to remember:

• Buy the eligible items separately. Don't combine them with any non-eligible deals you're eyeing. If you're ever audited by the IRS, only eligible products should show up in your expense history.
• Some items may require a medical diagnosis before they're eligible. Before clicking "place order" on anything, check with your HSA or FSA administrator to make sure an expense is covered.
• Shop Amazon's FSA store or click the "FSA or HSA eligible" filter to easily filter products on Amazon's marketplace to display the ones you’d be able to use your FSA or HSA funds for.
• The FSA contribution limit for 2025 is $3,300, while the HSA contribution limit for 2025 is $4,300 for individuals.

Early Prime deals on FSA or HSA-eligible wearables

One of the coolest ways to use up any unused FSA/HSA funds is to splurge on smart tech that can help you monitor your health or prevent problems later in life.

Here are some Amazon Prime Day deals on FSA or HSA-eligible wearables you can shop now:

• Oura Ring Gen3, $199 (originally $264)
• Oklar Blood Pressure Wrist Monitor, $29 (originally $40)
• Garmin HRM-Fit Chest Heart Rate Monitor, $127 (originally $150)
• Sony CRE-C10 Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids, $498 (originally $700)
• Emay SleepO2 Wrist Recording Pulse Oximeter, $80 (originally $99)

Amazon Prime Day deals on wellness tech

From home air purifiers to help you breathe better to foot massagers to help you recover after a long day, these Prime Day deals help you save on health and wellness boosting tech for your home.

See what's available now:

• Oral-B Water Flosser Advanced, $65 (originally $90)
• BOB AND BRAD Back Massager with Heat, $60 (originally $80)
• CARESKY Shiatsu Foot Massager with Heat and Remote, $136 (originally $170)

FSA or HSA-eligible baby essentials to shop before Prime Day ends

With prices on baby essentials rising due to tariffs, grabbing a couple of these FSA or HSA eligible baby items while they're on sale for Prime Day is an easy way to show the new parents in your life you care.

Here are baby purchases with deals:

• Nanit Essentials Smart Baby Monitor, $228 (originally $400)
• KissboboHands Free Breast Pump with Storage Bag, $63 (originally $90)
• Sense-U Smart Sock Baby Heart Rate Monitor, $170 (originally $200)

Whether you've been eyeing a new Oura Ring or you just need to stock up your medicine cabinet, these FSA or HSA-eligible Prime Day deals are a great way to save on your shopping list.

You can use pre-tax dollars to buy them and stretch those dollars further by taking advantage of some of the best deals available all year. Just remember to avoid tax headaches later by doing your FSA/HSA shopping separately from any other Prime Day deal hunting you have planned.

Related content

• These Prime Day Deals Also Qualify for Disappearing Tax Credits
• Is Amazon Prime Worth It?
• Here's Why Walmart Deals is Better Than Amazon Prime Day
• The Anti-Prime Day Deals Guide to Everyday Essentials Worth Stocking Up on at Walmart, Target and Sam's Club

Amazon Prime Day is one of the biggest shopping events of the year for Prime members, bringing a flood of orders and now, a wide range of shipping methods to ensure timely delivery.

Amazon’s 2025 Prime Day event will start July 8 at 12:01 a.m. PDT and run through July 11, offering four days of savings.

Here’s a look at what Prime Day includes, how your packages may arrive, and how AI and automation are shaping the delivery experience. Amazon has also introduced new tools to improve transparency and give customers more control over how and when they receive their orders.

But first, what’s all the fuss about Prime Day?

Prime Day is Amazon’s signature summer sale, packed with exclusive deals for Prime members. It launched in 2015 to celebrate Amazon’s 20th anniversary and has since grown into a major global shopping event.

Amazon’s 2025 Prime Day event will start July 8 at 12:01 a.m. PDT and run through July 11. With the summer shopping event expanding to four days for the first time, Prime members now have double the time to snag deals on everything from electronics and household essentials to clothing, toys, and more.

To get the most out of the event, consider saving items to wish lists, enabling deal alerts in the Amazon app and watching for early “sneak peek” promotions in late June and early July.

How your Prime Day packages will arrive

When Prime Day orders surge, Amazon relies on a pretty diverse delivery network to keep things moving smoothly. Here are some main last-mile options:

• Delivery service partners (DSPs): These are local small businesses running Amazon-branded vans and hiring drivers to handle deliveries in their region. The DSP program empowers entrepreneurs to launch and manage their own delivery fleets, backed by Amazon’s technology and logistics support. During Prime Day, DSPs scale up routes and drivers to meet higher volumes while maintaining Amazon’s delivery standards.
• Amazon flex drivers: You’ve probably seen some Amazon Flex workers deliver your Amazon packages before. Flex partners are independent drivers who pick up orders from local stations or partner stores and drop them off at customers’ doors. During Prime Day, Flex drivers help absorb spikes in demand by taking extra blocks as needed. This model offers flexibility for drivers and additional capacity for Amazon when order volume climbs.
• Electric vans: As part of Amazon’s Climate Pledge, thousands of custom Rivian electric delivery vans are rolling out in metro areas. These EVs reduce emissions and fit seamlessly into the wider fleet during peak periods like Prime Day. They share routes alongside conventional vans but with a greener footprint, especially in cities where charging infrastructure supports frequent stops.
• On-foot couriers: In dense, walkable urban neighborhoods like parts of New York City or Chicago, Amazon sometimes uses foot couriers. A van or electric vehicle brings packages to a central drop point and couriers finish deliveries on foot within a few blocks. This approach can beat traffic snarls and get packages to doorsteps more quickly when roads are congested. It’s a clever way to maintain speed and reliability during high-volume events.
• Drones (Prime Air): Drone delivery under Prime Air remains in limited testing, with past trials in College Station, TX and Lockeford, CA. While Prime Day’s bulk orders mostly travel by ground, eligible small-package deliveries in test areas may still use drones, showcasing Amazon’s long-term vision for rapid, airborne fulfillment. If you’re in a trial zone and order a lightweight item, you might get a glimpse of the future of delivery, although it’s not yet widespread.
• Amazon lockers & counters: If you prefer to pick up your package at your convenience, Amazon Lockers and Counter pickup locations are lifesavers especially if you’re out during delivery windows. You select a Locker or Counter at checkout (often at grocery stores, pharmacies, transit hubs, etc.), then retrieve your order within a few days using a unique code.

How AI and automation shape deliveries

Amazon continuously experiments with AI and robotics to smooth out logistics, especially during surges like Prime Day. Here are some interesting trends to keep an eye out for.

Dynamic re-routing

If a delivery attempt fails (say, recipient isn’t home), AI can suggest alternate time windows, nearby Locker pickup, or even neighbor-drop options in real time. By analyzing traffic, weather and past delivery patterns, the system tweaks routes on the fly to minimize delays and keep drivers productive. You might see notifications offering a new delivery slot or pickup point almost instantly when something changes.

Inventory rebalancing

After Prime Day’s flurry of orders, AI-driven forecasting examines leftover stock in local fulfillment centers. It predicts return volumes and upcoming demand to rebalance inventory across centers, ensuring popular items stay available for next-day orders and minimizing wasted trips.

This behind-the-scenes smoothing helps keep future orders flowing without hiccups.

Warehouse-to-curb robotics

Inside fulfillment centers, mobile robots already handle picking and sorting. Amazon is exploring humanoid prototypes and advanced automation to assist with loading vans or even make doorstep deliveries in future trials according to TheVerge. While it’s early days, these developments hint at a future where robots support human drivers to boost efficiency during peak events.

Sustainability optimization

AI factors carbon footprint into route planning by favoring electric van routes, batching deliveries to Lockers and optimizing load efficiency. During Prime Day, these algorithms aim to balance speed with eco-friendly practices like consolidating stops or rerouting vehicles to reduce miles driven. This keeps emissions lower even when volume is at its highest.

More customer service, transparency and control for shoppers

Amazon already does pretty well at getting shoppers their packages quickly and effectively, or else it wouldn’t be such a popular online retailer. But these new innovations might really take things to the next level and even set the bar to new heights within the online shopping industry.

With real-time tracking updates, custom delivery practices and timely alerts about upcoming deals and offers, new and returning Prime Day shoppers should have high expectations and benefit from the elevated customer service and flexible delivery options.

Of course, this will all be an added bonus to any great Prime deals you happen to snatch up this summer as well.

Related content

• Walmart Plus vs Amazon Prime: How the Shopping Memberships Stack Up
• 31 Amazon Prime Perks to Make Your Summer Easier and Cheaper
• How Much Is Amazon Prime (And Is It Worth It)?

Amazon Prime Day has long been a reliable summer and fall tradition for deal-hungry shoppers. But this year, some of the excitement may be dampened by global trade tensions and a growing sense of uncertainty.

This doesn’t necessarily stem from buyers, but from the third-party sellers that help power the event.

Several independent sellers are reconsidering their participation in Amazon’s annual mega-sale due to tariffs and ongoing supply chain issues. That could have a ripple effect on the kinds of deals shoppers will see, especially if you rely on Prime Day to stock up or snag tech at a discount.

Here’s what you need to know before the big day arrives in July, and again in October.

What's going on with tariffs and Amazon?

Tariffs have become a popular subject these days, and they’re quickly becoming a personal finance problem for everyday shoppers.

In early 2025, new U.S. tariffs on imported goods raised costs for businesses bringing in electronics, appliances and other household staples.

Amazon, which relies heavily on third-party sellers and international manufacturers, has already explored how to manage these changes. Kiplinger recently reported that Amazon has considered displaying tariff charges directly on product listings to help explain higher prices.

Third-party sellers now account for more than 60% of items sold on Amazon — a record high as of 2024 — underscoring how much Amazon depends on outside merchants to fill its digital shelves.

But many of these sellers are now grappling with rising costs, longer lead times and shifting logistics. Some fulfillment partners are also feeling the squeeze; UPS, a major Amazon carrier, recently announced significant job cuts as shipping volumes soften and costs climb.

For some sellers, the unpredictability around how long it will take to receive inventory or how much it will cost once tariffs are applied is enough to make them sit this Prime Day out altogether.

Fewer third-party sellers may mean fewer deals

Amazon hasn’t released full details about Prime Day 2025, but it has confirmed the event is happening in July. Based on previous years, it's likely to occur in mid-July. For example, Prime Day 2024 was held on July 16–17, and Prime Day 2023 took place on July 11–12.

What’s unclear is how the event will feel to consumers, especially if there’s less variety in the product lineup.

Third-party sellers typically fuel a large portion of Prime Day discounts. With some hesitant to participate this year, we may see:

• Fewer flash deals on trending or imported items.
• A bigger focus on Amazon’s in-house brands (like Echo devices, Ring cameras, and Fire tablets).
• Higher prices or limited stock on popular products like tech accessories, small appliances and home goods.

While the event is still expected to draw plenty of shoppers, it may not carry the same bang-for-your-buck feeling that Prime Day used to deliver.

Should you still shop Prime Day?

If you’ve traditionally used Prime Day to stock up for back-to-school season or even get ahead on holiday gifts, it’s still worth browsing the sales. However, it’s also a good year to manage expectations.

Amazon isn’t the only one feeling the tariff pinch. Retailers across the board are adjusting prices and inventory plans to account for increased costs.

However, because Amazon tends to be the first stop for online shoppers, it’s also one of the first to reflect supply chain hiccups.

That doesn’t mean deals are disappearing entirely. It just means you may want to take a different approach if you’ll be participating in Prime Day deals this year.

• Make a focused list of what you actually need.
• Use price tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel or Honey to spot true discounts.
• Comparison shop across retailers like Walmart, BestBuy, and Target, which tend to host their own summer events around the same time. These stores also offer price matching as well.

What to expect in July and October

While Amazon has confirmed July’s Prime Day event, we may not know the exact dates or product lineup until closer to launch.

In past years, Amazon has also run a second Prime sale in October that’s typically focused on early holiday savings so that’s likely to continue.

This year, Amazon says shoppers can expect millions of deals across categories, including:

• Electronics
• Home and kitchen
• Toys and games
• Beauty and personal care
• Amazon devices

Amazon is also spotlighting small businesses, which could be a bright spot amid third-party seller uncertainty (though some may still struggle with tariffs or delayed inventory).

It you typically shop Amazon Prime Day deals, it doesn't hurt to look around on the website this July to see if there are any good offers that you'd be interested in and to compare prices.

And if you’ve got your eye on a big-ticket item, like a phone, computer, or TV, you may want to weigh your options sooner than later. Tariffs could cause prices to climb again later this year. (See Kiplinger’s guide on whether now is the time to buy an iPhone.)

Related Content

• Should You Buy an iPhone Now Before Tariffs Hit?
• 31 Best Amazon Prime Benefits to Use in 2025
• Amazon Outlet: The Secret to Finding Overstock Deals Online

Apple AirPods Pro 2 are now selling for the cheapest price ever, but you'll want to buy them soon. Amazon Prime Big Deal Days is finally here, running from today, Oct. 8, through tomorrow, Oct. 9, offering up deals and discounts on various products, including furniture, appliances, everyday essentials, clothing and notably, tech. 

Amazon is offering huge discounts on a variety of Apple products, including the Apple AirPods Pro 2, which are heavily discounted by 32%. Originally $249.00, you can now grab a pair for just $168.99 — $80 off. According to Tom's Guide, these are some of the best noise-canceling earbuds around, featuring a comfortable fit and excellent sound quality. So if you're looking for a replacement pair of headphones, or getting a head start on holiday shopping, these are a good option. 

However, to score this impressive deal, and to shop the rest of Prime Day discounts you'll need to be a Prime member. Memberships cost $14.99 per month or $139 per year. Don't think Amazon Prime is worth it? Sign up for a 30-day free trial, shop the sale and then cancel your membership before it auto-renews.

Prime Day Apple deals

Here's a look at other Apple deals (and other popular tech deals) available during Prime Day.

• Apple 2022 MacBook Air Laptop with M2 chip: 21% off — was $999.00, now $788.43
• Sony WH-1000XM4: 34% off — was $348.00, now $228.00
• Sony WH-1000XM5: 25% off — was $399.99, now $298.00
• 2021 Apple 10.2-inch iPad: 40% off — was $329.00, now $199.00
• Apple 2024 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M3 chip: 23% off — was $1,099.00, now $849.00
• PlayStation®5 console: 10% off — was $499.99, now $449.00
• LEGO Super Mario 64 Question Mark Block 71395 Building Kit: 15% off — was $25.99, now $22.08
• Apple AirPod Max: 28% off — was $549.00, now $394.99
• Apple iPad (10th Generation): 14% off — was $349.00, now $299.00
• ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2023) Gaming Laptop, 16”: 21% off — was $1,399.99, now $1,099.99

Related Content

• Best Amazon Prime Day Early Deals
• Five Early Amazon Prime Deals We Love
• 10 Worst Things to Buy on Amazon

Amazon Prime Day is finally here. Running from October 8 to 9, the Prime Big Deal Days event is offering deals and discounts on thousands of items across pretty much any category you can think of — home décor, appliances, technology, clothing, food, etc.

However, with so many deals on so many products, it can be overwhelming trying to find what you actually need. So to help you get an idea of what’s available, we took a look on Amazon and picked out five deals we love that are available currently.

Amazon Prime Day deals we love

Here are five Amazon Prime deals we love. To shop even more products currently on sale, check out our full list of best Amazon Prime Day early deals. 

• 1. Dyson V8 Plus Cordless Vacuum, Silver/Nickel 36% off — was $469.99, now $299.99. I love Dyson cordless vacuums mainly for their ease of use. They're lightweight, can fit in small, tricky spaces and are effective at cleaning up dust and fur.
• 2. Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds: 32% off — was $249.00, now $168.99. I find the Apple AirPods Pro earbuds to fit comfortably and offer great sound quality. The best part? You can score the Apple AirPods Pro 2 for the lowest-ever price this Amazon Prime Day.
• 3. Clinique Dramatically Different Daily Moisturizing Lotion 4.2 Fl Oz: 34% off — was $34.00, now $22.61. I use this moisturizer daily and recommend it to anyone looking for a lightweight moisturizer that hydrates effectively. It's Clinique's #1 moisturizer for a reason.
• 4. Ninja Blender Mega Kitchen System: 40% off — was $199.99, now $119.99. I've used cheap blenders before thinking, how much of a difference could there be? A huge difference. While Ninja products will cost more than other brands, their blending capabilities are far superior. 
• 5. BLUEAIR Advanced Air Purifier 7470i for Large Room: 25% off — was $599.99, now $449.99. This product made Tom's Guide's best air purifier list, despite its high cost. That's because it provides an impressive performance when it comes to air purification, has plenty of additional features and data and is a quiet operator. 

Prime membership

If you’re not yet a member, you still have time to join. A Prime membership costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year, and benefits include same-day, one-day, and two-day delivery options, as well as exclusive Prime member deals, unlimited photo storage with Amazon Photos and more.

And if you don’t want to commit to the membership price, there's a way you can still shop the thousands of deals offered on Prime Big Deal Days. All you have to do is sign up for a 30-day free trial, shop the sale and then cancel before you're charged the standard membership price.

Before you buy, you may want to compare prices between Amazon and Walmart, which is also hosting a deal event running from October 8 to 13 this year. Check out our article on Amazon Prime Day vs Walmart Deals to decide which is better.

Related Content

• 35 Best Amazon Prime Benefits to Use in 2024
• Should You Cancel Amazon Prime? Here Are 12 Good Reasons
• 10 Worst Things to Buy on Amazon

Amazon’s Prime Day extravaganza ended Wednesday. But if you somehow missed out, there are still dozens (and dozens) of great deals to cash in on. From home goods and kitchen gadgets, to electronics and tech from Apple and Samsung, you are sure to find a deal that will still have you beyond thrilled. Here are 25 of the best — some priced below $50. And, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Post-Prime Day deals for the home

• Breville BES870XL Coffee-Maker. Now $549.95. Save 27%
• Signature Design by Ashley King Size 12 Inch Medium Firm Mattress. Now $379.99. Save 40%
• Shark LA502 Rotator Vacuum. Now $199.00. Save 43%
• BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner. Now $99.59. Save 19%
• Dreo 1500W Portable Electric Heater. Now $44.97. Save 10%

Post-Prime Day deals for your kitchen

• Keurig K-Express Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker. Now $59.99. Save 33%
• Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven with Lid. Now $59.84. Save 55%
• Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 with 5 QT Capacity. Now $89.99. Save 25%
• KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor. Now $149.95. Save 25%
• De'Longhi Semi Automatic Espresso Machine. Now $499.95. Save 33%

Post-Prime Day deals in electronics and tech

• Razer BlackShark V2 Gaming Headset. Now $64.99. Save 35%
• SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab A9+ Tablet 11” 64GB Android Tablet. Now $151.99. Save 31%
• LG 34WP60C-B 34-Inch 21:9 Curved UltraWide QHD (3440x1440) VA Display.Now $227.99. Save 35%
• Beats Pill - Bluetooth Speaker. Now $99.99. Save 33%
• Apple Watch Ultra 2 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Smartwatch. Now $729.99. Save 9%

Post-Prime Day deals on customer most-loved

• INSIGNIA 50-inch LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV. Now $189.99. Save 37%
• Breville the Smart Oven® Air Fryer Pro, Convection Countertop Oven. Now $299.95. Save 25%
• Oura Ring Gen3 Horizon - Silver - Smart Ring. Now $299.00. Save 14%
• Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker. Now $29.99. Save 40%
• KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer. Now $349.95. Save 22%

Post-Prime Day deals under $50

• Amazon Fire 7 tablet (newest model). Now $49.99. Save 38%
• Roku Streaming Stick 4K | Portable Roku Streaming Device. Now $34.00. Save 32%
• EA SPORTS College Football 25 - PlayStation 5 Game. Now $42.99. Save 39%
• Philips Norelco Rechargeable Cordless Electric Shaver. Now $34.96. Save 13%
• Ninja BC151WH Blast Portable Blender. Now $49.99. Save 17%

Related Content

• Should You Cancel Amazon Prime? Here Are 12 Good Reasons
• Amazon Warehouse, Now Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online Bargains
• Amazon Prime Grocery Outlet: A Secret to Saving on Groceries
• Amazon Outlet: Where to Get Hot (and Cheap) Overstock Deals Online

If you thought Prime Day couldn’t get any better, think again. Southwest Airlines is offering Amazon Prime members up to 30% off base fares through the end of the day today, July 17, 2024. Headquartered in Love Field, in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Southwest Airlines serves 120 airports across 11 countries and is the first airline to officially partner with Amazon to offer deals tied to Prime Day. 

Amazon’s Prime Day draws consumers from across the U.S. looking for deals and discounts on thousands of items, that now includes travel deals. What’s more, Prime members can book a flight and earn points that count toward Companion Pass by using their Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card from Chase for Amazon.com purchases through July 17.  Of course, restrictions, exclusions, limits, and blackout dates may apply and the offer does not include government taxes and fees.

Visit Amazon’s Prime Day Travel Deals homepage to learn more about the full offer.

Here's a look at a number of good Prime Day travel deals you can still access, and here are some of the 50 best Amazon Prime Day deals overall. 

Carnival Cruises

Like Southwest Airlines, Carnival Cruises is also offering Prime members the chance to save up to 40% off to places like the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Plus, you can also take advantage of up to $50 onboard credit, up to 50% off deposits and a free room upgrade. But hurry, these savings are only good through July 17 when Prime Day ends.  Rules and restrictions apply. 

Avis

When traveling to your destination, reserve your car rental with Avis on Amazon and get up to 30% off your rental. You can also receive a 15% off gift card just for being a loyal Amazon member. 

Viator

Right now, book your travel experience with Viator to places like Las Vegas, Cancun and Paris, and get 20% off. Join the Viator Loyalty Program and explore, earn, redeem points for added savings.

Sixt

During Prime Days, book a car rental with Sixt and get up to 30% off your rental. Select your travel dates, choose a location and pick your perfect vehicle. It’s that easy. 

Related Content

• 35 Best Amazon Prime Benefits to Use in 2024
• Amazon Prime Day Savings: The 20 Best Items to Splurge On
• 50 Best Amazon Prime Day Deals
• How Much Does Amazon Prime Cost (And Is It Worth It)?

The two-day Amazon Prime Day retail event is underway and sale prices last until Wednesday, July 17 at 11:59 p.m. PST. Prime members have exclusive access to deals and discounts on thousands of items items under $50. Our resident credit card expert found the best rewards credit cards to shop Amazon Prime Day, which can help you save even more.

Anyone can buy from Amazon, you don't need to be a Prime member to shop and make purchases. However, you just won't have access to the many perks that come with the service or the Amazon Prime Day deep discounts. A Prime membership costs 14.99 per month or $139 per year. Otherwise you could sign-up for a 30-day free trial to take advantage of the deals. And it can by cancelled before it renews —  set a reminder on your calendar to be sure to cancel before you are charged. 

Here are some of the best deals we've found that cost under $50. 

Best Amazon Prime Day deals for your health and home

Organize your kitchen, laundry room and closet with these deals:

• Airtight Food Storage Containers with Lids, Vtopmart 24 pcs Plastic Kitchen and Pantry Organization Canisters, BPA Free, Includes 24 Labels. Now $32.99.  Save 38%.
• Calmbee Storage Bag Organizer, Foil and plastic Wrap Organizer with Cutter. It's made of bamboo and costs $39.98 with a 47% savings. 
• Phomemo D30 Label Makers Machine. Now $26.99. Save 27%.
• EZVALO LED Under Cabinet Lights/Closet Lights, Wireless USB Charging, Motion Sensor Lighting 5 Pack.  Now $46.99. Save 36%.
• Utoplike 4 pcs Bamboo Kitchen Drawer Dividers. Now $25.63. Save 31%. 
• NaturalCozy Storage Cubes 11 Inch Cotton Rope Woven Baskets for Organizing, 3-PackNow $31.99. Save 33%.
• StorageWorks Shoe Organizer for Closet, Fabric Storage Bins with Clear Cove and Adjustable Dividers, Fits up to 14 Pairs. Now $28.49. Save 30%.
• Yecaye 4 Pack Bed Sheet Organizer, Foldable Linen Closet Organizers and Storage. Now $27.99. Save 22%. 
• BROOKSTONE, 11 GALLONS, 24" Collapsible Laundry Basket. Now $27.99. Save 20%.
• HOUSE DAY Velvet Kids Hangers 60 Pack, Premium Children's Hangers for Closet. Now $31.49. Save 23%. 
• SUOCO Laundry Hamper 26 Gal (100L)with Wheels, Lid and Bamboo Handles.  Now $25.59. Save 20%. 
• SONGMICS Clothes Drying Rack Stand 4-Tier, Foldable, Rolling Clothes Dryer Rack. Now $31.77. Save 28%. 

These deals will help you improve your quality of life at home:

• Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor – works with Alexa. Now $46.99. Save 33%.
• Air Purifiers for Home Large Room up to 600 Ft², True Hepa Air Purifiers for Pets Hair, Dander, Smoke, and Pollen. Now $39.99. Save 49%.
• Handheld Steam Cleaner, Steam Cleaner for Home with 10 Accessory Kit, with Safety Lock. Now $39.97. Save 20%.
• 0zone Generator 30000mg - 0zone Machine for Car/Home/Smoke/Pet Odors. Now $40.00. Save 62%.

Best Amazon Prime Day early deals on tech for your home and pets

• Blink Video Doorbell, Two-way audio, HD video, Motion and Chime App Alerts and Alexa Enabled — Wired or Wire-free.  Now 29.99. Save 50%.
• eufy Security Indoor Cam E220, Pan & Tilt, Indoor Security Camera, Voice Assistant Compatibility, Night Vision, Motion Tracking, HomeBase 3 Compatible. Now $34.99. Save 36%.   
• Blink Mini 2, Plug-in smart security camera, HD night view in color, built-in spotlight, two-way audio, motion detection, Works with Alexa , 2 Cameras. Now $39.98. Save
• myQ Smart Garage Door Video Keypad with Wide-Angle Camera, Customizable PIN Codes,and Smartphone Control.  Now $49.86. Save 50%. 
• TEEHO TE001 Keyless Entry Door Lock with Keypad - Smart Deadbolt Lock for Front Door. Now $32.38. Save 45%. 
• VEGER Portable Charger for iPhone Built in Cables and Wall Plug, USB C Power Bank, Compatible with iPhones, iPad, Samsung. Now $25.99. Save 30%.
• Power-Bank-Solar-Charger - 42800mAh Portable Charger, Built-in Super Bright Flashlight for Smartpones and Tablets. Now 29.98. Save 90%.
• Orbit 62056 One Outlet Single-Dial Hose Faucet Timer. Now $26.61. Save 47%. 
• Veken 95oz/2.8L Stainless Steel Pet Fountain, Automatic Cat Water Fountain Dog Water Dispenser with Replacement Filter. Now $27.99. Save 20%. 
• Furbo 360° Dog Camera + Nanny Bundle: Home Security & Dog Safety Alerts, Rotating Pet Treat Dispenser Camera with Speaker (Additional Subscription Required at Setup.) Now $49.99. Save 51%.

Best Amazon Prime Day early deals on beauty products

• Skincare Fridge With Dimmable LED Light Mirror, 4L Makeup Mini Fridge. It comes in five colors. Now $41.56. Save 90%. 
• Caboodles On-The-Go Girl Makeup Box, Hard Plastic Makeup Organizer Box, Built-In Mirror, Secure Latch for Safe Travel. Now $29.74. Save 5%.
• Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder,19.3 OZ.  Now $29.99. Save 36%. 
• MaryRuth's Multivitamin Multimineral Supplement for Women + Hair Growth Vitamins. Now $26.56. Save 41%. 
• Blissy Silk Pillowcase - 100% Pure Mulberry Silk.  Now $49.99. Save 44%.

Best Amazon Prime Day early deals on items for babies and toddlers

• Frida Baby 3-in-1 Cool Mist Humidifier for Baby with Diffuser + Nightlight, Baby Humidifier. Now $29.91. Save 34%. 
• Twilight 5” 88 Coil Inner Spring Crib And Toddler Mattress, Greenguard Gold Certified. Now $36.56. Save 31%. 
• Mayfair NextStep2 Toilet Seat with Built-In Toddler Potty Training Seat Now 39.09. Save 29%. 
• VTech VM819 Baby Monitor, 2.8” Screen, Night Vision, 2-Way Audio, Temperature Sensor and Lullabies, Secure Transmission.  Now $39.95. Save 38%. 
• dearlomum Retractable Baby Gate,Mesh Baby Gate. Now 37.99. Save 34%

Related Content

• 50 Best Amazon Prime Day Deals
• 35 Best Amazon Prime Benefits to Use in 2024
• Amazon Prime Day Savings: The 20 Best Items to Splurge On

Amazon Prime Day is finally here and the sale is on until Wednesday, July 17 at 11:59 p.m. PST.  Prime members have exclusive access to deals and discounts on items that can help you be more energy efficient and save on your energy bills. If you make qualified energy-efficient improvements to your home you may qualify for certain energy tax credits. 

The price of electricity has increased by 24% from April 2021 to April 2024. One way to combat rising prices is to use Energy Star certified appliances and light bulbs. Kiplinger has a trove of articles to help choose the best way to heat and cool your home. For instance, if you are considering buying an air conditioner, we can help you compare how it stacks up against the usefulness and cost of heat pumps, swamp coolers and fans. 

 An Amazon Prime membership is required if you want to shop these deals, which costs 14.99 per month or $139 per year. If you aren't ready to commit, a 30-day free trial will give you access to all of the benefits that come with a Prime membership , and can by cancelled before it renews.

Here are some of the best deals we've found that will reduce your energy usage and cut your energy bill. All of our recommendations are Energy Star certified.  

Best Amazon Prime Day deals for air conditioners

• TURBRO 12,000 BTU Ductless Mini Split Inverter AC with Heat Pump, Cools up to 750 Sq.Ft, Energy Star. Now $615.00. Save 18%.
• DELLA 12000 BTU Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner Ultra Quiet AC Unit Cools up to 520 Sq.Ft, Energy Star Certified.  Now $399.97. Save 20%. 
• Frigidaire GHWQ103WC1 Inverter Quiet Temp Room Air Conditioner, 10,000 BTU with Wi-Fi Connected, Energy Star Certified, Easy-to-Clean Washable Filter.  Now $379.  Save 24%. 
• Whynter Portable Air Conditioner 14,000 BTU with Dual Hose Dehumidifier & Cooling Fan for 500 Sq Ft Rooms, Includes AC Unit Window Kit. Now $416.50. Save 31%. 

Best Amazon Prime Day deals for appliances and EV chargers

• Antarctic Star Mini Refrigerator 3.2Cu.Ft, Suitable for Kitchen Living Room Office Dorm. Now $175.74. Save 30%. 
• BODEGA Wine and Beverage Refrigerator, 24 Inch Dual Zone Wine Cooler, with Smart APP Control and 2 Safety Locks, Holds 19 Bottles and 57 Cans, Built-In or Freestanding. Now $607.99. Save 39%. 
• COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher, 6 Place Settings & 8 Washing Programs, for Dorm, RV& Apartment. Now $245.99. Save 15%. 
• Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher with 8 Place Settings, 6 Washing Programs. Now $399. Save 20%. 
• Midea WHS-109FW1 Upright Freezer, 3.0 Cubic Feet.  Now $194. Save 16%. 
• Shell Level 2 EV Charger, Home/Outdoor Portable Charging Station Adjustable Current Schedule Time with 25ft Cable Adapter for J1772 Electric Cars. Now $233. Save 20%.

Best Amazon Prime Day deals for dehumidifiers, air purifiers and ventilation fans

• 145 Pints Commercial Dehumidifier for Crawl Space, Dehumidifier with Drain Hose.  Now $499.99. Save 17%. 
• Abestorm Crawl Space Dehumidifiers with Pump and Hose, Compact Portable Commercial Dehumidifier Up to 1,000 sq. ft. Auto Defrost. Now $302.97. Save 35%. 
• Ivation 1,500 Sq. Ft Dehumidifier, Large Capacity Compressor De-humidifier for Extra Big Rooms and Basements.  Now $159.99. Save 20%. 
• Jafända Air Purifiers for Home Large Room Up To 1100ft. Now $59.99. Save 25%. 
• GoveeLife Mini Air Purifier for Bedroom, HEPA Smart Filter Air Purifier with App Alexa Control. Now $34.99. Save 30%. 
• Broan-NuTone AE110 Invent Flex Single-Speed Ventilation Fan. Now $89. Save 28%. 
• Broan-NuTone AE80LK Ventilation with LED CleanCover and Roomside Installation. Now $96.04. Save 23%.

Best Amazon Prime Day deals for lighting and thermostats

• TORCHSTAR LED Dimmable Recessed Lighting, Pack of 6. Now $44.49. Save 36%.
• MASTERY MART LED GU10 Spotlight Light Bulbs, 50 Watt Equivalent, Full Glass Cover Reflector, 25000 Hours, UL Listed, (Pack of 6). Now $16.93. Save 15%.
• LUXRITE A19 LED Bulb 60W Equivalent, 3000K Soft White, 800 Lumens, Dimmable, Indoor and Outdoor, (6 Pack). Now $15.19. Save 20%. 
• A19 LED Light Bulbs 60W Softwhite 2700K, 8.5Watt Efficient, 800 Lumens, Non-Dimmable, 24 Pack. Now 18.29. Save 16%. 
• Honeywell Home RTH8800WF2022, T5 WiFi Smart Thermostat, 7 Day-Programmable Touchscreen, Alexa Ready. Now $88.99. Save 11%.
• ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced + Smart Sensor for Doors & Windows 2 Pack Bundle.  Now $189.99. Save 30%. 
• Sensi Smart Thermostat, 100 Years Of Expertise, Wi-Fi, Data Privacy, Programmable, Easy DIY Install, Works With Alexa Now $74.00. Save 43%. 

Related Content

• A Guide to Amazon Prime Day — How to Bag the Best Deals
• Amazon Warehouse, Now Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online Bargains
• Prime Day: Best Sales Beyond Amazon

If you're looking to treat yourself, Amazon Prime Day is the perfect time. This year it has been extended from two days to four and takes place July 8-11. We've browsed Amazon for some of the best deals on high-cost products, so you can save while you splurge. Remember, deals are only for Amazon Prime members. Prime memberships cost $14.99 per month or $139 per year, but you can sign up for a 30-day trial to shop deals if you don't want to pay for a membership. Just make sure to cancel the trial before it renews.

Here are some of the best deals on high-end products we found across several categories. For a wider list of deals, check out our list of the best Amazon Prime Day deals.

Electronics

• Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch - Now $159.99. Save 47%
• Oura Ring Silver Smart Ring - Now $296.65. Save 15%
• Amazon Echo Polarized Smart Sunglasses (newest model) - Now $129.99. Save 61%
• Apple 2025 MacBook Air - Now $849.00. Save 15%
• Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS + Cellular, 45MM) Silver Stainless Steel Case with White Sport Band - Now $210.00. Save 72%

Luxury home items

• Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Oval 8 qt. Dutch Oven- Now $299.95. Save 37%
• SUENO 15" Digital Control Stainless Steel Wine Refrigerator with Built-in Lock - Now $319.00 ($419.00 before applying coupon. Save 16% plus an additional $100.00 when you click the coupon.
• ZWIESEL GLAS Crystal Burgundy Wine Glass (Set of 6) - Now $63.49. Save 34%
• Google 4K TV Smart Outdoor Auto Focus Projector - Now $259.98. Save 48%
• Full Body Zero Gravity Massage Chair with Bluetooth Speaker and Touch Screen Controller - Now $535.99. Save 29%
• KAPUCI Modern Minimalism Design Biometric Fingerprint Touch Screen Safe - Now $319.19. Save 20%

Luxury apparel and accessories

• Ray-Ban Classic Polarized Aviator Sunglasses - Now $137.00. Save 44%
• COACH Dinky Bag - Now $140.12. Save 53%
• Pierre Hardy Start Leather & Suede Low-Top Sneakers (Black or White)- Now $290.25. Save 55%
• Etro Logo Buckle Leather Belt - Now $273.00. Save 30%

Want to browse more luxury items to upgrade your wardrobe? Prime members can access curated pre-loved high-end apparel and accessories from Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, and more.

Miscellaneous luxury items

• Negative Ion High-Speed Low Noise Salon-Grade Blow Dryer - Now $98.99. Save 70%
• Turkish Beach Towel Set of 6 - Now $59.99. Save 18%
• Acacia Charcuterie Board and Knife Set - Now $39.99. Save 43%
• Carrera Smart Glasses with Alexa (newest model) - Now $199.99. Save 49%
• Amazon Echo Spot (newest model) - Now $44.99. Save 44%

Related content

• Get Apple AirPods Pro 2 for the Lowest Price Ever on Amazon Prime Day
• 35 Best Amazon Prime Benefits to Use in 2024
• Five Amazon Prime Deals We Love

Amazon Prime Day 2026 is in its final hours, with the four-day shopping event ending tonight, Friday, June 26, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Prime members have one last chance to save on thousands of products across more than 35 categories before the sale wraps up.

From tech and smart-home devices to kitchen essentials, travel gear and everyday household products, thousands of deals are already available. Amazon is also expected to add new offers throughout the event, including limited-time Lightning Deals and category-specific promotions reserved for Prime members.

To help you separate genuine savings from marketing hype, Kiplinger's shopping experts are tracking the deals that offer real value. We've rounded up the best Prime Day deals available right now and will continue updating this list throughout the four-day sale as new discounts go live.

Top 5 Deals Today

Based on shopper interest, these are the five most popular deals today.

• Amazon Kindle Colorsoft 16 GB (newest model) - Now $159.99. Save 36%
• Google TV Streamer 4K Fast Streaming Entertainment on Your TV with Voice Search Remote - Now $71.24. Save 29%
• Instant Pot 4QT RIO Mini 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker - Now $69.99. Save 22%
• Ring Battery Doorbell Plus (newest model), Retinal 2K with wide-angle video - Now $99.99. Save 44%
• BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner - Now $94.99. Save 27%
• Amazon Echo Show 11 (newest model) with Vibrant Full-HD 11" display - Now $149.99. Save 32%
• Blink Video Doorbell with Head-to-toe HD view and a two-year battery life - Now $19.99. Save 60%
• Shop all of today's top deals

Amazon Prime Day tech deals

• Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker with Google Apps - Now 89.95. Save 44%
• ROVE R2-4K DUAL Dash Cam Front and Rear - Now $99.99. Save 33%
• Marshall Emberton III Portable Bluetooth Speaker - Now $99.99. Save 44%
• SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey G55C Series QHD 1000R Curved Gaming Monitor - Now 189.99. Save 42%
• Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones Bluetooth On-Ear Headset with Microphone - Now $33. Save 53%
• JBL Go 4 Ultra-Portable, Waterproof and Dustproof Bluetooth Speaker - Now $37.95. Save 24%
• WYZE Outdoor Security Floodlight Camera v2. 2K HD with Color Night Vision - Now $56.93. Save 43%
• UltraPro Outdoor HD Digital, Long Range Smart TV Antenna - Now $22.34. Save 11%
• Google Nest Outdoor Camera with Floodlight - Now $179.99. Save 36%
• Amazon Echo Spot (newest model). Smart alarm clock designed for Alexa+ - Now $44.99. Save 44%

Home deals from the Amazon Prime Day sale

• LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home - Now $79.98. Save 20%
• Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker - Now $69.99. Save 50%
• Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Maker by DeLonghi - Now 166.02. Save 28%
• DREO Tower Fan for Bedroom with Upgraded DC Motor - Now $69.96, Save 13%
• Weber Precision Stainless Steel Tongs & Spatula Grilling Tool Set - Now $29.98. Save 17%
• roborock Q10 S5+ Robot Vacuum and Mop with 70 Days Self-Emptying - Now $264.99. Save 52%
• 95 oz Dehumidifier for 1000 Square Foot Home with Quiet with Auto Shut Off - Now $56.09. Save 15%
• Shark Cordless Vacuum Cleaner with HEPA Filter - Now $199.99. Save 43%

Amazon Prime Day deals on shoes and apparel

• HEYDUDE Women’s Karina Slip On Sneakers - Now $36.09. Save 44%
• adidas Unisex Adult Slide Sandal - $16.91. Save 44%
• Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels - Now $72.85. Save 48%
• Bulova Men's Archive Series Lunar Pilot 6-Hand Chronograph High Performance Quartz Stainless Steel Watch - Now $272.36. Save 61%
• CHARMKING Compression Socks for Women & Men Circulation (3 Pairs) - Now $9.49. Save 47%
• HEYDUDE Wally Amazon Exclusive Styles Men's Shoe - Now $48.99. Save 30%
• Hanes Men's Underwear Boxer Briefs Pack - Now $16.49. Save 31%
• Water Resistant Double Buckle Adjustable Slip-On Women's Sandals - Now $42.73. Save 34%
• Under Armour Adult Lockdown 7 Basketball Shoe - Now $41.97. Save 40%

Personal care deals from Amazon Prime Day

• Medical-Grade Full-Body Red Light Therapy Mat for Pain Relief - Now $721.98. Save 28%
• Colgate Optic White Pro Series High Impact White 3 Pack - Now $17.62. Save 25%
• Philips Norelco OneBlade 360 Blades - Now $36.51. Save 15%
• 200 Count Lens Wipes for Eyeglasses - Now $12.33. Save 27%
• Medical Grade Silicone Scar Tape for Surgical - Now $9.99. Save 14%
• Electric Heating Pad with 6 Heat Levels for Neck, Shoulder and Back - Now $37.95. Save 37%
• Rechargeable Cordless Water Flosser with Adjustable Water Pressure for Home and Travel Use - Now $18.92. Save 24%
• BIODANCE Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask - Now $14.25. Save 25%
• Dyson Airwrap i.d.™ Multi-Styler - Now $499.99. Save 30%

Miscellaneous Amazon Prime Day deals

• GCI OUTDOOR Freestyle Rocker XL with Side Table Camping Chair - Now $76. Save 20%
• 8000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner, 3-in-1 Cooling, Dehumidifying & Fan - Now $183.34. Save 24%
• Ninja Air Fryer with Air Crisp. 5 QT Capacity fits up to 4lbs of Fries - Now $89.98. Save 31%
• Solar Bug Zapper Outdoor, Mosquito Zapper 4500V Cordless Waterproof - Now $66.49. Save 34%
• 9' X 12' Cantilever Patio Umbrella with Base Included - Now $284.99. Save 23%
• ThermoMaven Smart Bluetooth Wireless Meat Thermometer - Now $35.99. Save 40%
• Ninja CREAMi Deluxe Ice Cream Maker. Create Frozen Desserts, Sorbet, Milkshakes, Yogurt & More - $199.95. Save 20%

Related content

• Is Amazon Prime Worth It?
• How to Earn Hundreds on Gas and Groceries Every Year Just By Swiping 2 Credit Cards
• Smart Bulk Buys vs Costly Mistakes: What to Stock Up on (and What to Skip)

With Amazon Prime Day 2024 running Tuesday, July 8 until Friday, July 11, you may be wondering if now is a good time to sign up for a Prime membership. Although members gain access to dozens of benefits, membership does come at a cost.

An Amazon Prime membership will cost you $14.99 per month or $139 per year however there are some discounts available: Amazon Prime Student is discounted for students, and Amazon Prime Access is discounted for qualifying recipients of government assistance programs like SNAP.

Pros of joining Amazon Prime

Free shipping

Prime members can get free same-day or one-day delivery on thousands of qualifying items. Members also get rewarded for choosing no-rush shipping. If you don’t need your package right away, Amazon will offer you rewards or discounts in exchange for slower shipping when you choose this option. Or, if you want separate deliveries bundled and delivered all at once, choose Amazon Day and all of your packages will arrive on the same day of the week.

Prime Video

As a Prime member, watch Amazon Original shows and movies, along with thousands of other shows for free. Plus, you can watch all of your favorites on virtually any streaming device. Prime Video includes limited advertisements, or you can sign up for the ad-free option at an additional $2.99 per month.

Choose from a library of popular streaming services like Discovery Plus, Paramount Plus, EPIX, NBA League Pass, and STARZ, with prices ranging from $4.99 to $14.99 per month (on top of your Prime membership fee).

Amazon Music

Prime members also get access to millions of songs, all without ads. For even more music, as a Prime member, you can join Amazon Music Unlimited for $9.99 per month for a monthly subscription or $99 per year for an annual subscription. Non-Prime customers pay $10.99 per month.

Prime Gaming

Into games? Prime members get access to a rotating collection of free games each month, in-game content and a free channel subscription on Twitch.tv.

Amazon Photos

Join Amazon Prime and get unlimited full-resolution photo storage along with 5 GB of video storage. Plus, you can display images on devices like a Fire TV, Amazon Echo Show, and Amazon Fire tablet and share your photos with up to five family members.

Amazon Kids Plus

Prime members save more on thousands of kid-friendly books, movies, and educational games with Amazon Kids Plus, at $5.99/month, on top of your Prime membership. Right now, you can try Amazon Kids Plus for one month - free.

Prime Reading

Prime members can read from a rotating collection of over a thousand books, magazines, comics, and more with Prime Reading. Prime members also get access to Amazon First Reads and Audible Narration, available via the free Kindle app or Audible’s free listening app on a variety of devices. New Prime members also get a free Audible Premium Plus trial as well as two credits that can be applied to any books in the Audible library.

Prescription shipping and savings

Prime members can get prescriptions from Amazon Pharmacy delivered for free in just two days.

Whole Foods

Prime members can get exclusive discounts at Whole Foods Market, both online and in-store. You’ll also get free Grubhub Plus, a $120 value per year (which almost offsets the Prime membership fee), and unlimited grocery delivery (in certain areas) at $9.99 per month.

All the Extras

If that isn't reason enough to get Prime, members also get Shopbop free shipping, Zappos free upgraded shipping, Woot shipping benefits, Prime exclusive deals, Amazon Resale, and the option to apply for the Amazon Prime Visa card, where members get 5% back at Amazon, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods, and Chase Travel. The card also offers 2% back at gas stations and restaurants, plus 1% on all other purchases.

Cons of joining Amazon Prime

High price of membership

First, and probably the most glaring reason to skip a Prime membership is the price. What started out at a fairly reasonable price of $79, now costs members a whopping $139 per year if paid annually. That price increases to about $180 if paid monthly ($14.99 per month).

Prime isn’t the only fish in the pond

Sam’s Club, Walmart Plus and Costco all give Amazon a run for its money. In fact, you can often find a better bargain and get same-day pick-up. Each of these retail giants charge a membership fee for the biggest discounts, but there’s considerable overlap in the products they offer. The Gold Star membership at Costco is $65 per year, and the Executive membership, where members score an annual 2% back reward, is $130.

Sam’s Club memberships cost either $50 for the Club membership or $110 for the Plus membership. Right now you can save $60 on Sam's Club Plus membership and $35 on Sam's regular club membership. Walmart Plus will set you back $98 for an annual membership. But, right now, Walmart is offering new members a 30-day trial - for free.

Prime Music has its limits

Next to Spotify, Google Play Music and Apple Music, Prime Music falls short, even with 100 million ad-free songs. You could opt for Amazon's Music Unlimited, but you’ll pay an additional $7.99 per month. Unlimited is $10.99/month for non-Prime members, and $9.99/month for Prime customers. For a limited time, get a 4-month free trial of Amazon Music Unlimited Individual Plan for Prime members (3 months free for non-Prime members).

Prime Video also has shortcomings

While Prime Video has plenty of videos on its platform, it does not have the quality or quantity of content that Hulu or Netflix have. In fact, many of the shows and movies are only available to rent or buy, or are older. So while Amazon Video is a nice feature, it's not a replacement for other streaming services.

Besides, if you’re only becoming a Prime member for Prime Video, consider that a basic Hulu plan starts at $8 per month, but it can end up exceeding $90 per month. when you throw in live TV and other add-ons. Netflix pricing starts at $6.99 a month.

You don’t shop a lot

If you don’t shop often, or don’t think you’ll take advantage of all the other features Prime offers, then the price of membership may not be worth it just for the free shipping.

Privacy

Amazon is a growing network that knows exactly what you are listening to (think Alexa), what you are buying, and countless other details about your spending habits, etc. If you worry about having your personal details out in the metaverse, then maybe Prime isn’t worth it.

Can’t kick the tires

For many people, trying on clothing or touching a product is important before buying. Online shopping doesn’t offer that option. (One exception is “try before you buy” that Amazon now offers on some of its clothing items). If you would rather check out a product before making a purchase and rather not have the hassle of returning items, then a Prime membership may not be a good choice.

Can lead to overspending

Amazon has the site set up to make it very easy to make a purchase. In fact, most items come with a Buy It Now button, which bypasses adding items to your cart. Unfortunately, this can lead to purchasing items you don’t need, but look good at the moment. It can also lead to spending outside of your budget and piles of unused or unwanted junk lying around.

How to join Amazon Prime

Do the pros outweigh the cons for you? Great. Here’s how to join.

Sign up on your smartphone:

1. Go to amazon.com/prime on your mobile phone
2. You need an Amazon account before signing up for Prime. If you already have one, skip to step five.
3. Select the “Create Account” option.
4. Enter the requested information and tap Continue.
5. Find the three-line menu button on the bottom right of the screen and tap, Try Prime.
6. Tap “Prime Free Trial” and follow the on-screen instructions to choose your membership and confirm your billing and shipping address.
7. You’ll be automatically charged for Prime after the free trial period, but you can cancel anytime.
8. For convenience, download the Amazon app.

Sign up on a desktop:

1. Go to amazon.com/prime. If you are not already an Amazon customer, you will need to create an account.
2. Hover over the “Hello, sign in. Accounts & lists” button on the top right of the screen.
3. Tap the “Start Here” button next to the “New Customer?” prompt.
4. Enter the requested information and tap the “Continue” button.
5. When you’re signed up, hover over the “Hello [your name]” button. Click on the “Prime membership” button in the drop-down menu.
6. Follow the on-screen prompts, choosing the type of Prime membership you want. At this point you’ll be asked to enter your credit card information and confirm your billing and shipping address.
7. You’ll be automatically charged for your membership after the free trial period.

Keep in mind that Amazon is offering new members a 30-day free trial to test the waters. So if you’re still not decided or don’t want to pay the $14.99 for a monthly membership or $139 for an annual membership right now, sign up now before Prime Day to take advantage of this free trial and the thousands of deals you'll get July 8-11.

Related Content

• Should You Cancel Amazon Prime? Here Are 12 Good Reasons
• A Guide to Amazon Prime Deal Days — How to Bag the Best Deals
• Amazon Prime Day vs Walmart Deal Days: Which Is Better?

You can claim a free $15 credit ahead of Amazon Prime Big Deal Days — a two-day sales event occurring on October 8 and 9 — simply by backing up your photos with Amazon Photos, a full-resolution photo storage service offered with Amazon Prime.

If you're an Amazon Prime member but haven’t tried the Photos app in the past, upload a photo for the first time to the Amazon Photos app and get a $15 promotional credit off your first eligible order of $30 or more on Amazon.com. That’s it. Just one photo.  

Amazon is so sure you’ll love the app and the ease of uploading all of your photos, they’ll give you money for just trying it out. But hurry, the offer expires at 11:59 p.m. (PT) on October 3, 2024, while the promotional credit expires at 11:59 p.m. (PT) on October 9, 2024.

As good as that sounds, there are a few strings attached:

• This offer only applies to orders over $30 on products sold by Amazon.com or Amazon Digital Services.
• You must be an Amazon Prime member ($14.99 per month or $139 per year).
• If you aren’t a Prime member or you have used the Photos app before, you aren’t eligible for the $15 credit.
• This offer is not available to Prime trial members.
• The offer is limited to one per customer and one account.

What is Amazon Photos?

Amazon Photos is safe and reliable online storage for all of your photos and videos, even if your devices (and the pictures in them) are lost or destroyed. Prime members receive unlimited photo storage on Amazon Photos plus 5 GB of video storage. Not a Prime member? No problem. 

Five GB of photo and video storage is offered to all Amazon customers (even those without an Amazon Prime membership) who sign up for Amazon Photos — free of charge. But remember, you HAVE to have a Prime membership to score the $15 credit.

Get started with Amazon Photos

Visit Amazon Photos on Amazon.com. From there, sign in or click on “apps” and follow the instructions to install Amazon Photos on your iOS, Android or other device. Sign in using your Amazon account.

Upload files to the Amazon Photos app

Once you sign in, you'll be prompted to adjust your settings and gain access to your photos and videos. You can enable the AutoSave feature to sync your camera roll with your Amazon Photos account automatically or start manually selecting images to add. Be sure to enable notifications to monitor your storage usage.

Get even more video storage

Prime members get free, unlimited photo storage and 5 GB of storage for video. But if you are obsessed with taking videos of everything, everywhere, all the time, you may want to upgrade to get more video storage. If so, here are a few of your options:

• 100 GB for $1.99/month: Stores about 14 hours of 1080p HD video
• 1 TB for $6.99/month: Stores about 140 hours of 1080p HD video
• 2 TB for $11.99/month: Stores about 280 hours of 1080p HD video

How to access photos or videos stored in Amazon Photos

You can see the photos and videos you’ve saved at any time and from any device. Just sign in to Amazon Photos to view individual images on the first page or Albums if you’ve created albums of your photos. You can also print your photos by clicking the print icon in the lower left of the screen.

Become a Prime member before the big sale and save your pictures to Amazon photos to snatch up your $15 before it’s too late.

Related Content

• Alternatives to Amazon Prime for Free Shipping and More
• Should You Cancel Amazon Prime? Here Are 12 Good Reasons
• 35 Best Amazon Prime Benefits to Use in 2024

This article covers only some of our picks for best cash credit cards. We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship to advertisers.Rates and terms checked as of July 19, 2024.

We've scoured our best rewards credit cards to find this "secret" credit card for Amazon shoppers. Whether you are an Amazon Prime member or not, you can maximize your savings. One card offers an instant $200 Amazon gift card, and another offers a $300 welcome offer, but you'll have to wait 120 days and $2,000 to unlock that benefit.

Best credit card for Amazon shopping

For those in the know, there are some great credit card options available to squeeze the most out of your Amazon shopping.

US Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Visa (The "Secret" 6% Back Strategy)

Your first option is the US Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® card. Why is it a "secret" strategy? Most credit card reviewers don't write about this card because it's not issued by one of the major banks, but it's still a deal. The card offers 6% cash back on the first $1,500 of combined quarterly spending at two big box retailers of your choice each quarter, including Amazon. Other retailers you can choose from include Home Depot, Kohl’s, Lowe’s, Target, Walmart and others. You’ll also earn 3% back (on up to $1,500 in quarterly spending) in a category of your choice — wholesale clubs, gas and EV charging stations, and bills and utilities — and a solid 1.5% on all other spending (most credit cards only offer 1% outside of their maximum-rebate categories).

One benefit of this card is its flexibility. For Prime Day, you can choose to earn 6% cash back at Amazon but then can change retailers afterward depending on where you typically spend the most. Plus, you can earn a $300 bonus after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening. And the $95 annual fee is waived in the first year.

Amazon Prime Visa (The 5% Back Strategy)

Option two is, of course, the Amazon Prime Visa credit card, which just raised its instant bonus offer for new cardholders to $200. The card earns an unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com and affiliated stores. It also earns 5% back on Chase Travel purchases, 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting, as well as 1% back on all other purchases. 

You’ll need to be a Prime member, however, to earn cash-back rewards. An Amazon Prime membership costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year. However, Amazon does offer a 30-day free trial if you’re still considering whether an Amazon Prime membership is worth it. 

You’ll also earn the card’s welcome bonus immediately, with no required spending. Upon approval of your credit card application, you’ll instantly receive a $200 Amazon Gift Card loaded into your Amazon account. The card also has no annual credit card fee (apart from the cost of an Amazon Prime membership).  

Can you pay for Amazon purchases with points?

We'd recommend not using credit card points to pay directly for Amazon purchases. While it may be convenient, you'll usually end up getting a lower value than if you redeemed those points elsewhere. However, according to The Points Guy, "The exception to this rule is the Prime Visa, because you’ll get the same redemption value whether you cash the points out through Amazon or for a statement credit."

Related Content

• Amazon Prime Day vs Walmart Deal Days: Which Is Better?
• Should You Cancel Amazon Prime? Here Are 12 Good Reasons
• 35 Best Amazon Prime Benefits to Use in 2024
• Best Cash Back Credit Cards

As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

Amazon is America's second-favorite retail giant (just behind Walmart), according to the National Retail Federation's 2025 Top 100 Retailers report. (Who came in third? Costco).

No question, Amazon comes in at No. 2 for good reason. You can find a huge selection of products and services. If you're a Prime member, you'll also get free, one- or two-day shipping on all eligible items, as well as access to digital storage for your photos, video streaming, music, audio books and many more Prime exclusive benefits.

Take a look at these 10 ways to save when shopping on Amazon. Some money-saving hacks require a Prime membership.

If you're still not sure it's worth joining, you can try Amazon Prime for free for 30 days. Tap the button below to start your free trial.

1. Shop Woot! deals

Woot! is Amazon's daily deals site, where you can get deals and discounts on everything from clothing to home items and electronics. These aren't your average discounts, either. Shoppers can regularly find items on sale for up to 96% off.

What's the catch? Woot! deals are only available for a limited time and have a limited stock. Once an item sells out, the deal is gone for good. Check frequently to see what’s available, because offers change all the time.

A good general rule: Check Woot! first for anything you're planning to buy on Amazon. You might get lucky and find what you want at a steep discount.

If you're a Prime member, you’ll get free standard shipping on all Woot! purchases and free express shipping on shirts Woot! orders. If you're not a member, you'll pay a flat $6 fee per order for standard shipping.

2. Use Amazon coupons

You read that right. Amazon offers coupons — clickable coupons, link coupons and promo codes that automatically apply to your cart or require you to enter the code during checkout.

If there's a coupon available for the product you want, you'll typically see a small orange "coupon" banner underneath the price on the product page. But the easiest way to find Amazon coupons is on Amazon's Coupon Page.

If you're about to order an item and you're not set on a specific brand, check to see if there’s a similar item that has a coupon attached.

When you log in and start searching for coupons, you might notice that most name brands don't offer coupons. No worries; come back often as new coupons are added daily, and you never know what will pop up.

Remember to click the box next to the coupon to apply it to your order. If you don't, you'll pay full price even though a coupon was available.

3. Search for lightning deals

When you're looking for great bargains, search lightning deals on Amazon, where you can find discounts of more than 70% on some items. That said, many of these deals are temporary and fly out the door quickly, so don't hesitate too long.

You'll see a status bar that indicates when the deal expires — this will either be a countdown clock showing when the deal expires or a percentage of deals claimed by customers.

4. Set up subscribe and save

There are certain items that you always need around the house, such as coffee, vitamins and paper towels. These are often available at a discounted price through Amazon’s Subscribe & Save program.

If there's a discounted price, you'll see it on the product page, so you can see how much you'll save by signing up for a subscription vs making a one-off purchase.

There are thousands of qualifying products available; pick the quantity and delivery frequency that works for you. You have the option to cancel or change your subscription settings at any time.

Once you order five or more Subscribe & Save products in a month to one address, you'll unlock extra price discounts. Best of all, it takes the guesswork out of shopping for everyday items, and you can save.

5. Select no-rush shipping

On certain orders, you'll see the option to choose no-rush shipping. Not only is this option free, but it comes with either an instant discount on your current order or, if you're a Prime member, cash back or other rewards to use on future purchases.

If you don't need your Amazon package right away, choosing no-rush shipping on your order is great way to save a little more.

The option isn't available on every item, and there's no real way to search for products that are eligible for no-rush shipping. Keep an eye out every time you check out on Amazon to see if it's listed as a shipping option.

6. Get free shipping without a Prime membership

If you don't order from Amazon often enough to warrant spending $139 a year or $14.99 per month for Prime membership, there are a couple of other ways to get your occasional orders delivered free.

When you order $35 worth of eligible products, your entire order qualifies for free standard shipping, which typically takes five to eight business days.

If your order doesn't quite meet the $35 threshold, consider throwing in a household staple or other essential item you'd have to buy anyway. This can help you qualify for free shipping without forcing you to spend on things you wouldn't normally buy.

7. Shop Amazon Resale deals

When eligible, used, pre-owned and open-box products are returned to Amazon, they often show up on Amazon Resale. You can find deep discounts on everything from computers and household goods to tools and pet supplies.

Everything listed on Amazon Resale goes through a quality check and is rated based on its condition. So you'll see items ranging from "like new" to "as is." However, the used price is not always that much better than buying new, so always compare before you buy.

The biggest savings are on items with more signs of wear and tear. This trick is best used for products that you don't mind a few dents or scratches on.

8. Shop Amazon Haul

One of Amazon's newer savings options is Amazon Haul. Available on mobile devices only, Amazon Haul is a regularly updated marketplace featuring items available at extremely low prices.

Everything on Amazon Haul costs $20 or less, and you'll find plenty of things listed for as low as $1. While you won't find the latest iPhone there, it's a great way to save on items in which quality doesn't really matter.

Are you stocking up on disposable plates and napkins for an upcoming backyard barbecue? Are you assembling gift bags for guests at your kid's birthday? Are you tired of forking out $20-plus for sunglasses that you inevitably lose a month or two later?

Amazon Haul is the place to stock up on ultra-cheap goods.

9. Get the Prime Visa credit card

You might be hesitant to apply for another credit card, but if you shop a lot on Amazon, the Prime Visa card is worth checking out.

The biggest perks are reserved for Prime members. If you're a member, you'll get 5% back on all Amazon and Audible purchases made with the card. You'll also get 5% on Chase Travel.

Amazon also offers a rotating selection of products on its website that earn 10% cash back for Prime members who pay with their Prime Visa card.

But there are other perks that you can enjoy without splurging on a membership. All cardholders earn unlimited 5% cashback at Whole Foods Market. You'll also get 2% back at restaurants and gas stations.

This all comes with no annual fee or foreign transaction fees.

10. Add someone to your Prime account

If the $139 annual or $14.99 per month membership fee isn't worth it to you, there's a way to split it with someone else. One of the lesser-known benefits of Amazon Prime is Amazon Family (formerly Amazon Household). This feature allows you to link other Amazon accounts to your Prime membership, so you can share the benefits and potentially split the cost with other Amazon shoppers.

You can add up to two adults (including yourself), four teens and four children to a single Prime membership. All linked accounts get to enjoy the benefits of Amazon Prime, though certain restrictions apply to teen and child accounts.

Recently, Amazon amended this policy. Moving forward, you'll only be able to share your account with anyone living at your address. Anyone not living at your address will have to sign up for their own account.

Make the most out of Amazon money-saving hacks

Amazon offers plenty of ways to save money on everyday products. You don't need to join Amazon Prime to snag some savings, but the retailer definitely offers more ways to save to its members. Good luck, and happy shopping.

Related content

• Should You Get Walmart+ or Amazon Prime?
• Is Amazon Prime Worth It?
• Amazon Prime Members Can Save Nearly $70 Per Year on Gas
• How Much You Could Save on Gas with Costco, Walmart and Other Memberships

In comparing Amazon Prime Day vs Walmart Deals, the biggest winner might be the consumer, as the two retail behemoths compete with each other to offer the biggest discounts for shoppers.

Amazon Prime Day, the two-day mega shopping event happens Tuesday, October 8 and Wednesday, October 9. Not to be outdone, competitor Walmart runs its Holiday Deals event October 8 through October 13 this year. Both have a bevy of deals and discounts and both have loyal shoppers looking to benefit. 

In fact, July 11 (the first day of Prime Day, 2023) was the largest sales day in Amazon’s history. Even so, Walmart is still the number one retailer, according to the National Retail Federation's 2023 list of Top 100 Retailers. However, Amazon comes in a close second. And so the battle rages on.  

So where can you find the best deals? Take a look at both sales events — Amazon Prime Day, October 8 and 9, and Walmart Deals, October 8 through October 13.

What is the Walmart Deals event?

Walmart Holiday Deals event takes place online via the Walmart app, in-store and in the Walmart digital storefront. During the event, customers can save big on a variety of items across many departments. From electronics and home essentials, to clothing and toys, Walmart Holiday Deals is coming out swinging with discounts on tons of goodies that you can shop in tandem with Amazon's Prime Day deals. 

Walmart Deals

Going head-to-head with Amazon, Walmart has some fantastic deals you can find right now. Here's just a sample. 

• Ninja 4QT Air Fryer, Black. Now $69.00. Save $20
• Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch. Now $199.00. Save $50
• Serta 10" Memory Foam Mattress in a Box, Queen. Now $378.00. Save $171
• SAMSUNG 65” Class LS03D TV. Now $1,394.00. Save $403
• Dyson V8 Absolute Cordless Vacuum. Now $396.00. Save $123.99
• Beats Studio3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones. Now $159.00. Save $190.99
• CAROTE 14 Pieces Knife Set with Wooden Block. Now $44.99. Save $155
• Ninja CREAMi, Ice Cream Maker. Now $149. Save $80
• Apple AirPods Pro 2. Now $249.00
• Better Homes & Gardens Springwood Cane TV Stand. Now $158.00. Save $89
• eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S Robot Vacuum Cleaner. Now $99.99. Save $180
• HP Stream 14 inch Windows Laptop. Now $197.00. Save $32
• Sejoy Cordless Water Flosser Dental Teeth Cleaner. Now $25.99. Save $24
• Contixo 7" Kids Tablet. Now $54.99. Save $25
• Costway 7.5FT PVC Christmas Tree. Now $99.99. Save $49.01

When can you shop Walmart Deals?

If you're a Walmart Plus member, you'll have early access to discounts and deals starting October 8 at 12 a.m. ET on Walmart.com and the app, 12 hours earlier than anyone else. All customers can shop the Walmart Holiday Deals event starting October 8 at 12 p.m. ET on Walmart.com and the app, and in stores October 9. 

You can sign up to become a Walmart Plus member ahead of the event and take advantage of a variety of pickup and delivery options to receive the items you've purchased during the sale. In fact, for a limited time, you can try Walmart Plus for 30 days-free. After that, Walmart Plus' annual plan is $98 ($8.17/month) after trial.

Is Walmart Holiday Deals worth it?

Shopping the 2024 Walmart Deals event may be worth considering if you can find deals on things you actually need. The fact that the sales event overlaps with Amazon Prime Day means you have even more deals to choose from, but it will also take more of your time to find those deals. In contrast to Amazon Prime Days, you can shop Walmart Deals without a paid membership. And, if you sign up for Walmart Plus, you can shop early and also take advantage of the 30-day free trial. Although you'll have to do a bit of searching on your own, as it stands, there will be plenty of great items on sale both before and during the Walmart Holiday Deals event.

What is Amazon Prime Day?

Amazon Prime Day is an annual event for Prime members. During the sale, which takes place Tuesday, October 8 and Wednesday, October 9, you'll find exceptional discounts across a wide range of products, from home essentials and electronics to brand-name electronics and Amazon devices. The sales event features flash sales, spotlight deals, exclusive and limited-time offers and special promotions. Right now, you can try out Prime for 30 days - free. After that, you'll pay $139 annually.

Amazon Prime Day deals

• Apple 2024 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M3 chip. Now $849.00. Save 23%
• Apple iPad Mini (6th Generation). Now $349.99. Save 30%
• JBL Tune 510BT: Wireless On-Ear Headphones. Now $27.95. Save 30%
• SAMSUNG 49" Odyssey G93SC Series OLED Curved Gaming Monitor. Now $949.99. Save 41%
• Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones. Now $168.99. Save 32%
• Coach Women's Soho Bag. Now $276.50. Save 30%
• Dyson V11 Origin Cordless Vacuum Cleaner. Now $399.99. Save 30%
• Ninja CREAMi, Ice Cream Maker. Now $159.99. Save 20%
• Breville BES870XL Coffee Maker. Now $549.95. Save 27%
• Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows Standard / Queen Size Set of 2. Now $46.97. Save 41%
• Levi's Men's 559 Relaxed Straight Jeans. Now $23.72. Save 66%
• THE GYM PEOPLE Thick High Waist Yoga Pants. Now $19.99. Save 33%
• Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser. Now $75.98. Save 24%
• Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5300 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush. Now $59.95. Save 45%.

When can you shop Amazon Prime Day?

Prime Day 2024 runs today — Tuesday, October 8, and Wednesday, October 9, 2024. That's just enough time to sign up for the secret credit card for Amazon Prime Day shopping. 

Is Amazon Prime Day worth it?

You can shop a wide variety of deals and discounts by heading to Amazon and checking out the Prime Day deals page. But understand, some of these deals will sell out quickly, so shop early Prime Day deals, or set your alarm the day of the event so you don’t miss out. Since competitors, like Walmart, have started offering multi-day sales events, Amazon hopes to get a jump on the best deals first. However, (and this is a big however), Prime Day deals are exclusively for Amazon Prime members (remember to sign up for the 30-day free trial). 

Amazon holds the event to attract new members and reward existing members with free or faster shipping, deals and discounts, streaming media and more not available the rest of the year. To shop the sale, make sure you have a Prime membership. After that, Prime will set you back $14.99 per month if you pay monthly or $139 annually.  

Amazon Prime Day vs Walmart Deals: Which Has Better Sales?

So, when it comes to Amazon Prime Day vs Walmart Deal Days — which is better? That will probably depend on what you’re shopping for. If you’re already a Prime member and shop the site often, it may not pay to wander over to Walmart. But the same can be true if you’re a Walmart Plus member. Either way, you’ll score some great deals this October from both retailers, which is a win-win for you and for the retailers' bottom line. 

Related Content

• Walmart Shoppers Turn Out To Drive Up Quarterly Results
• Save at the Pump Using Walmart Plus Gas Discount
• How Much Does Amazon Prime Cost (And Is It Worth It)?
• 35 Best Amazon Prime Benefits
• A Guide to Amazon Prime Deal Days — How to Bag the Best Deals

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Amazon Prime Day — the shopping event  exclusively for Amazon Prime members. With the main event taking place July 16-17, one deal includes a free five-month upgrade to Amazon Music Unlimited.

Amazon Prime members get access to Amazon Music for no additional cost with a Prime subscription. The service lets you listen to an impressive 100 million songs ad-free, as well as podcasts, playlists and stations, on a range of devices.

This deal is for Music Unlimited — Amazon’s premium music subscription service. Music Unlimited gives you access to everything you’d get with Amazon Music but also has heaps of features designed to enhance your listening experience and find more music. Features include tracks in HD and Ultra HD audio quality, a growing catalog of Spatial Audio songs offering “a multidimensional audio experience,” and new releases from today's most popular artists. 

Music Unlimited can also build playlists for you and make recommendations based on your listening habits. Crucially, it allows you to turn off "shuffle mode" so you can listen to your chosen songs in the order you want — a feature that’s not available on the lower tier Amazon Music subscription.

Just remember to cancel at the end of the five months if you don’t want to keep listening, or the subscription will automatically renew and you’ll end up paying the $9.99 a month charge. If you’re not an Amazon Prime member, once the deal ends, the monthly subscription charge will be $10.99.

While Amazon runs trial offers on its subscription services throughout the year, this five-month Music Unlimited trial is worth considering if you’re a die-hard music fan. It gives you almost half a year of a premium music subscription service and saves you almost $50 — that’s music to our ears.

Related Content

• Hidden Amazon Prime Video Features To Save You Money
• Amazon vs Walmart: Who Has the Cheapest Prices?
• Amazon Gives Prime Members More Music
• When is Amazon Prime Day

Amazon Prime Big Deals Days 2025 kicks off at 12:01 a.m. PST (3:01 a.m. EST) on Tuesday, October 7, and runs through 11:59 p.m. PST (2:59 a.m. EST) on Wednesday, October 8.

But you don't have to wait for the sale to start. Prime members can already access early deals from brands like Apple, Samsung, Ring, HP, Shark and more without the wait. Not sure if Amazon Prime is worth it? You can sign up for a free trial today, shop the October Prime Day deals and then decide after that if it's worth keeping the shopping membership.

Jump on these early Prime deals from the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale before they're gone. We've rounded up our favorite early Prime deals on home security, travel, tech and more to help you find the best savings.

Best Amazon Prime early deals for your home 

Save on robot vacuums, kitchen appliances and more at the October Prime Big Deal Days sale at Amazon.

• Ninja Air Fryer, 5 QT, $90 (originally $130)
• Breville Infuser Espresso Machine, $400 (originally $600)
• Oral-B iO Deep Clean Electric Toothbrush, $60 (originally $100)
• Shark Air Purifier for Home, $170 (originally $250)
• Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Generator, $429 (originally $799)

Early Prime deals on home security

Get half off or more on the latest smart home security upgrades to protect your most important asset this fall.

• Ring Doorbell, $70 (originally $140)
• Blink Outdoor 4 + Mini, 5-camera system, $155 (originally $340)
• Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit, $240 (originally $450)
• Ring Battery Doorbell with Ring Floodlight Cam, $125 (originally $250)

Best Amazon Prime early travel deals

Luggage, packing cubes and other travel accessories are on deep discount at the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale this year.

• Tile GPS Tags, 4-Pack, $55 (originally $75)
• Samsonite Freeform 28-Inch Suitcase, $179 (originally $280)
• Michael Kors Bedford Weekender Bag, $299 (originally $398)
• Compression Packing Cubes, Set of 10, $30 (originally $46)
• Samsonite Classic Leather Slim Backpack, $114 (originally $190)
• Hanke Under-Seat Carry-On Bag, $64 (originally $80)
• RFID Blocking Travel Money Belt & Passport Holder, $8 (originally $14)
• Fuzion Shipping Scale, $34 (originally $56)

Best laptop and tablet deals ahead of Amazon Prime Big Deal Days

Trade your old tech for something better with these early Prime deals at Amazon right now.

• Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet, $70 (originally $140)
• Kindle Essentials Bundle, $118 (originally $162)
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Lite + Smart Book Cover, $350 (originally $430)
• HP Touchscreen Laptop, $599 (originally $899)
• Lenovo IdeaPad 3, $649 (originally $1,099)
• HP 250 G10 Laptop, $990 (originally $2,800)

Best early headphone deals you can shop now

Need a new pair of headphones? The October Prime Big Deal Days sale is the perfect chance to snag a premium pair for up to 71% off.

• Apple AirPods Pro 2, $199 (originally $249)
• Beats Studio Pro, $140 (originally $200)
• Beats Studio Buds, $80 (originally $150)
• SHOKZ OpenRun Pro, $125 (originally $180)

Best early Prime TV deals

These early Prime Day deals landed just in time for game day. Save on Samsung, Hisense and more this fall.

• Samsung 77-Inch Class OLED 4K S85F Series, $1,998 (originally $2,798)
• Hisense 85-Inch CanvasTV, $2,050 (originally $2,500)
• Hisense 65" E6 Cinema Series, $400 (originally $550)
• Amazon Fire TV Soundbar, $90 (originally $120)
• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, $25 (originally $50)
• Hisense 50" Class 4K Smart Fire TV, $239.99 (originally $329.99)

Everyday essentials on sale ahead of October Prime Big Deal Days

Stocking up on essentials you know you'll need while they're on sale is one of our favorite tips for keeping your monthly budget under control. Grab your shopping list and hunt for savings or start with these early deals on essentials from the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale.

• Pepsi Soda, 12-Pack, $8 (originally $12)
• Colgate Optic White Stain Fighter Teeth Whitening Toothpaste, 4-Pack, $14 (originally $17)
• Wowflash 55-60 Gallon Trash Bags, 100-count, $36 (originally $45)
• Greenies Original Teenie Dental Dog Treats, 130-count, $37 (originally $46)
• Duracell Power Boost AA Batteries, 24-count, $19 (originally $25)
• Gillette Fusion5 Power Razor Blade Refills, 8-Pack, $24 (originally $30)
• Physician's Choice Probiotics 60 Billion CFU Supplement, 30-count, $22 (originally $30)

Save big this fall with early Prime deals at Amazon

Whether you're stocking up on essentials or getting a head start on your holiday shopping, the October Prime Big Deal Days sale is a great chance to stretch your dollar further. With savings up to 71% off, you don't want to miss this chance to cross a few things off your wish list for less this year.

Related Content

• 10 Unique Ways To Save Money Shopping With Amazon
• Five Reasons You Shouldn't Shop Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days
• 31 Amazon Prime Perks to Make Your Summer Easier and Cheaper
• Should You Get Walmart+ or Amazon Prime?

Thanks to Amazon Prime Big Deals Days, a two-day shopping event, Prime members can unlock discounts on thousands of products. Taking place October 7 and 8, this limited-time sale gives shoppers just 48 hours to snag savings on everything from electronics and apparel to household essentials.

To take advantage of the discounts offered during Amazon Prime Day, you’ll need to be an Amazon Prime member. Membership for Amazon Prime costs $14.99 a month or $139 a year. However, if you haven't been a member in the previous 12 months, you can sign up for a 30-day free trial, shop the sale, and then cancel your trial.

Here’s a list of 10 great deals still available from Amazon Prime for you to check out before Prime Day is over.

10 Amazon deals to shop before Prime Day is over

1. Samsonite Classic Leather Slim Backpack – Now $114. Save 40%

Crafted from genuine leather, this sleek backpack combines professional style with everyday function. It features a padded laptop compartment, smart sleeve for easy travel and multiple pockets for organized storage — ideal for work, school or travel.

2. Shark IX141 Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum — Now $149.00. Save 50%

This versatile vacuum converts from a stick to handheld mode, making it ideal for above-floor cleaning. Features include a removable battery, LED lights to illuminate dirt and debris, and a washable filter for easy maintenance.

3. Ring Spotlight Cam Plus (Battery, 2022 Release) – Now $89.99. Save 40%

Keep an eye on your home or business with this HD security camera featuring two-way talk, color night vision, and a built-in security siren. The wireless, battery-powered design makes installation easy, and it works seamlessly with Alexa.

4. 48-Gallon Lockable Package Delivery Box – Now $71.99. Save 10%

Keep your deliveries safe and dry with this large-capacity, double-wall resin package box designed for porches and entryways. It features a lockable lid for added security, a waterproof build to protect against the elements, and a bold “Package Delivery” sign for easy visibility.

6. Hisense 55" E6 Cinema Series QLED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV – Now $259.99. Save 40%

Enjoy cinematic picture quality with this QLED Smart Fire TV featuring Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and HDR10+ Adaptive for vibrant color and immersive sound. The AI light sensor adjusts brightness automatically, while Game Mode Plus and Motion Rate 120 deliver smooth, responsive performance. Includes a voice remote with Alexa.

7. Amazon Kindle Kids (16GB, Unicorn Valley) – Now $94.99. Save 27%

Designed just for kids, this ad-free Kindle includes a vibrant Unicorn Valley cover, a glare-free display and faster page turns for an enjoyable reading experience. It comes with a two-year worry-free guarantee — if it breaks, Amazon will replace it — and includes access to thousands of age-appropriate books for kids and grandchildren.

8. Samsung 34" ViewFinity S50GC Ultra-WQHD Monitor – Now $219.99. Save 33%

Boost productivity and immersion with this 34-inch Ultra-WQHD monitor featuring HDR10, AMD FreeSync, and a smooth 100Hz refresh rate. Its borderless design, picture-in-picture (PIP) and picture-by-picture (PBP) modes make multitasking effortless, while Eye Care technology helps reduce strain during long work or gaming sessions.

9. Ninja Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven (SP101) – Now $149.99. Save 32%

This versatile 8-in-1 countertop oven air fries, bakes, toasts and dehydrates with 1800 watts of power. The XL capacity fits a 13-inch pizza or up to nine slices of toast, and the space-saving flip-up design makes it perfect for smaller kitchens. Includes an air fry basket, wire rack and crumb tray.

10. Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Machine by De’Longhi – Now $107.06. Save 28%

Brew barista-quality coffee or espresso at the touch of a button with this sleek, compact machine. The Vertuo Pop+ uses Nespresso’s smart capsule system for perfect crema every time and features a fast heat-up time, automatic capsule ejection, and modern silver finish to complement any kitchen.

Related content

• 35 Best Amazon Prime Benefits to Use in 2024
• The Secret Credit Card for Amazon Prime Day Shopping
• Should You Cancel Amazon Prime? Here Are 12 Good Reasons

If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you probably already know about all the great deals available for Amazon Prime Day, which runs through 11:59 pm today, October 9. Amazon offers countless bargains on hundreds of items every day, and on Prime Day, those items often come with even bigger discounts. But what you may not realize is that Amazon isn’t the only retailer offering discounts right now. 

If you’re shopping, but choose to support other big-box retailers or small businesses, check out several highlights that may come as a surprise. 

What's on sale?

Walmart: The Walmart Deals event runs through Oct 13 and is offering dozens of items at bargain prices. Like the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) GPS 40mm, Now only $187.50. Or, get a TCL 43" Class S Class 1080p FHD LED Smart TV. Now only $148. Save $111.99. 

Best Buy: Happening right now, Best Buy is having a 48-hour flash sale on dozens of items across all departments. Also, unlock exclusive deals when you become a Plus or Total member. Get an Apple - MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop. Now $849. Save $250. Or a LG - 48" Class B4 Series OLED 4K UHD Smart webOS TV. Now only $699.99. Save a whopping $800. 

Apple: Apple is offering teachers and students savings on technology and electronics for the classroom. Buy iPad Air from $549 or $45.75 per month for 12 months. 

Kohl's: Get a limited time savings boost from Kohls  with savings on dozens of items through October 9th. Take 30% off coats and jackets. Or 25% off activewear for men and 20% off boots. 

Ikea: IKEA Family members can get 10% off SEKTION kitchen and appliance purchases for a limited time. Plus, get free shipping on small orders, discounted delivery directly to your student's school – or schedule a pick-up time at one of 15,000+ convenient locations. 

Wayfair:  Right now you can get up to 80% off all your favorites at Wayfair. Plus, everything ships free. Get 80% off area rugs, 60% off mattresses, 70% off curtains and drapes, 60% off outdoor furniture. 

Gap: Take 40-60% off fall styles for the Midseason event running now, with 50% off sweaters, outerwear and pants.

Costco: Costco Members Only event is going on now through October 11. Take up to $300 off selected furniture. Take $57 off select beauty supplies. Get a Samsung 77" TV for only $2499.99. 

IHG Hotels & Resorts: A surprise Exclusive Member Offer for IHG One Rewards members runs through October 10. During the event, IHG One Rewards members can save up to 30% off at participating hotels under IHG’s luxury and lifestyle portfolio (Kimpton, InterContinental, Vignette Collection and Hotel Indigo) in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean. The deal covers stays taking place between October 11, 2024 – February 28, 2025. Register for a free membership here. 

Petco: Stop by Petco today through October 13 and shop their Early Black Friday sale. Get $15 off $75 with code LABORDAY15.

PetSmart: for 4 days only, download the PetSmart app and earn 2,500 points when you spend $50 on in-app purchases through October 10. 

Home Depot: Today only, get up to 50% off select online tools and accessories at Home Depot. 

Bed, Bath and Beyond: Shop the Bed, Bath and Beyond Flash sale and score up to 70% off thousands of items. Save 20% on top kitchen brands and get furniture for every room under $200. 

Target. This week is Circle Week at Target. Get deals on thousands of items from every department store-wide. Get a Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven. Now $99.99 for Target Circle members. Or, get 40% off boots and Halloween lighting kits. 

Walgreens: Get an extra 20% off sitewide with code FLASH20 at Walgreens.

Etsy:  Holiday deals are on NOW with savings of up to 40% off from small shops at Etsy. 

Amazon: Of course, if you are a Prime member, you won't want to miss out on these 50 Best Amazon Prime Day Deals.

Related Content

• The Secret Credit Card for Amazon Prime Day Shopping
• How Much Does Amazon Prime Cost (And Is It Worth It)?
• 35 Best Amazon Prime Benefits to Use in 2024
• Should You Cancel Amazon Prime? Here Are 12 Good Reasons

Amazon Prime Big Deal Days is well underway, offering exclusive deals for Prime members this October 8 and 9. Members will find deals on everything from electronics to beauty products, as well as deals on digital streaming and entertainment, helping put some extra cash in your pocket this fall.

Don't worry about scouring Amazon to find the best deals — we did it for you. Check out our list of 50 best Amazon Prime Day deals and the 20 best luxury items available now. And for even more shopping inspiration, check out these five Amazon Prime deals we love.

In order to take advantage of the discounts offered during Amazon Prime Day, you’ll need to be an Amazon Prime member. Membership for Amazon Prime costs $14.99 a month or $139 a year. However, if you haven't been a member in the previous 12 months, you can sign up for a 30-day free trial, shop the sale and then cancel the trial.

Here’s a look at the Amazon Prime Day digital entertainment deals. 

Amazon Audible: 

Prime members can now get Audible, Amazon’s audiobook service, for only $0.99/mo for the first 3 months. With Audible, you'll have access to thousands of titles, including not only audiobooks but podcasts and Audible original content in a wide variety of genres. 

After the 3-month promo period, a membership costs $14.95 per month. 

Amazon Music: 

This Amazon Prime Day, Prime members can score four free months of Amazon Music Unlimited. After the promo period ends, Prime customers will be charged $9.99 a month for the service. The deal is only available for new subscribers to Amazon Music Unlimited.

Amazon Prime Video:

Amazon is discounting a wide selection of movies and TV shows on Amazon Prime Video this Prime Day, with a variety of $4.99, $7.99 and $9.99 or less movie deals. Additionally, you can now score BET Plus for just $5.49 for 3 months. After that, you'll be charged $10.99 a month if you don't cancel the membership.

Prime Gaming:

Prime members can claim a special line-up of free games from Prime Gaming.

Prime Student:

All 18-24-year-olds and students can start a six-month Prime Student trial for free, which auto-renews at $7.49 a month (50% off the normal membership price).

Related Content

• How Much Does Amazon Prime Cost (And Is It Worth It?)
• Four Hidden Amazon Prime Video Features to Save You Money
• 10 Money-Saving Hacks for Amazon Shoppers

Amazon Prime Day 2026 is in its final hours, with the four-day shopping event ending tonight, June 26, at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Prime members still have time to shop discounts across more than 35 product categories before the sale ends. The annual event began on July 15, 2015, to celebrate Amazon's 20th anniversary and reward Prime members.

Deals are live across categories, including electronics, home goods, kitchen essentials and everyday household items. Amazon is expected to continue adding new offers and limited-time promotions throughout the event, with some discounts available for a limited time or while supplies last.

Below, we'll explain how the event works and what shoppers should know before making a purchase.

How Prime Day 2026 works

This year, shoppers can pick up deals on electronics, home goods, kitchen appliances, travel essentials, beauty products, Amazon devices and everyday household items. While the types of products featured may vary, Amazon typically uses Prime Day to offer some of its deepest discounts of the summer.

The retailer says select "Today's Big Deals" promotions will be refreshed multiple times daily, and additional limited-time offers may appear throughout the sale while supplies last.

For shoppers, that means Prime Day is no longer a one-day event where the best deals disappear within hours. Instead, new discounts are expected to roll out over several days, giving members more opportunities to compare prices and decide which purchases are worth making.

Do you have to be a Prime member to shop Prime Day 2026?

Prime Day deals are reserved exclusively for Amazon Prime members. If you want access to the full range of Prime Day offers, you'll need an active Amazon Prime membership.

New subscribers can typically take advantage of Amazon's 30-day free trial, which provides access to Prime Day deals as well as other membership benefits, including free shipping, Prime Video and select member-only promotions. After the trial period ends, members can decide whether to continue with a monthly or annual subscription.

If you're considering signing up solely for Prime Day, it may be worth reviewing the membership benefits beforehand to determine whether you'll continue to use the service after the sale ends.

What to know before Prime Day begins

Prime Day 2026 began June 23 at 12:01 a.m. PDT and runs through June 26, giving Prime members four days to shop deals across a wide range of categories. While the event can offer savings on everything from electronics to household essentials, not every discount is necessarily a bargain.

Before making a purchase, compare prices, stick to a shopping list and consider whether an item is something you would buy regardless of the sale. With new deals expected to drop throughout the event, shoppers may find the best value by taking their time rather than rushing to check out on day one.

Related content

• The Best Amazon Prime Day Deals
• How to Get Up to $40 Back on a Costco Membership
• Walmart Plus vs Amazon Prime: How the Shopping Memberships Stack Up

Amazon Prime Day 2026 runs from Tuesday, June 23, through Friday, June 26. The four-day event is expected to feature deep discounts on everything from electronics and appliances to household essentials and back-to-school items.

For shoppers looking to save on planned purchases, Prime Day can be a good opportunity to buy at a lower price — provided you know where to look and avoid impulse purchases.

Here's what to know before the sale begins and how to find the best deals.

What is Amazon Prime Day?

Amazon launched Prime Day back in 2015 to mark its 20th birthday, and it’s grown into one of the biggest shopping events of the year. The event is gives Prime members exclusive discounts on thousands of products across categories such as electronics, home goods, clothing and beauty.

To take part, you’ll need an Amazon Prime membership. New shoppers can start with a free 30-day trial, after which the service costs $14.99 per month or $139 annually. Membership can be canceled anytime.

Throughout the four-day event, Amazon will continue adding new deals across a wide range of categories. While some discounts will be available for the entire sale, others may be offered for a limited time or while supplies last, giving shoppers a reason to check back throughout the event.

How to find the best Prime Day deals?

If you’re thinking of taking part in Amazon Prime Days, planning ahead can make all the difference. The most popular items often sell out quickly, and with thousands of deals launching throughout the event, it’s easy to miss out if you don’t know where to look.

Fortunately, Amazon offers several built-in tools and programs to help Prime members get the most out of the sale. These features are designed to make finding discounts easier and more tailored to your needs.

Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to shop smarter during Prime Days and maximize your savings:

AI search with Alexa

Amazon’s AI shopping assistant isa generative AI tool that helps customers make smarter purchasing decisions. You can ask questions in plain language to get personalized, review-based recommendations and product comparisons — whether you’re brainstorming gift ideas or planning a holiday menu.

Amazon invitations
Amazon offers an "invite-only deals" program for select, high-demand items that tend to sell out quickly. Prime members can request an invitation in advance by clicking "Request invite" on the product page.

Not every request is approved, and even with an invite, popular items may sell out. If your request is accepted, Amazon will notify you by email with a link to purchase during the event.

Amazon Lens Live

The Amazon Lens visual search tool lets you find items by taking a photo, while the new Lens Live feature instantly scans products and shows real-time matches in a swipeable carousel with detailed product information.

Deal alerts
Alternatively, you can set up personalized deal alerts based on your recent searches and recently viewed items. During Prime Days, you will receive notifications of any offers available on those items, which will save you from searching through long lists of offers.

Voice and list features

With Alexa+, you can track deals on items in your wish list, cart or saved-for-later section. You can also stay organized by using Lists and the Buy Again feature to keep tabs on frequently purchased items and make reordering simple.

During Prime Day, Amazon offers discounts on thousands of products. Some of these deals, like saving hundreds of dollars on electronics, are worth the membership, while others will not be.

When you're notified of a deal, always double-check to confirm it’s a good one. Google the item you're looking to buy and see if it's the same price or cheaper elsewhere. Remember to factor in the delivery costs.

Free delivery is a famous Amazon Prime benefit, but many other sites also offer free delivery, sometimes after you spend a set amount.

As with any sale, set a budget and stick to it. Large shopping events are designed to encourage quick purchases, and it's easy to spend more than planned when discounts appear to be too good to pass up.

Before adding an item to your cart, consider whether it's something you already intended to buy and compare prices with other retailers to make sure you're getting a genuine deal.

Related content

• Forget Prime Day: Top Walmart Anti-Prime Deals You Can't Miss
• Is Amazon Prime Worth It?
• Amazon Products You Should Skip on Prime Day 2026

In August, food prices have soared 32% since the same month in 2019, according to data from the Federal Reserve. The latest estimate from the USDA predicts they'll climb another 2.2% before the year's over, due, in part, to the impact of Trump's tariffs on groceries.

Fortunately, there are ways to shave costs on everyday essentials. One of the lesser known secrets to combatting inflation on your grocery bill is the Amazon Grocery Outlet. Tucked away in a hard-to-find corner of Amazon's website, this grocery outlet is packed with food and beverages at deep discounts.

You don't even have to be an Amazon Prime member to shop, though it helps to join if you want free same-day or next-day shipping on your order.

Amazon Grocery Outlet categories

The selection on Amazon's grocery outlet is primarily limited to shelf-stable foods. For fresh groceries like produce or raw meat, you'll need to see if you're in one of the thousands of cities where Amazon now offers same-day delivery on fresh groceries.

While you won't find produce, you will find meat and seafood — Slim Jim Steakhouse Strips and StarKist canned tuna, to be exact. The Amazon Grocery Outlet also carries pantry staples, baby food, beverages, snacks and sweets, bread and non-perishable items.

The beauty of it is that, unlike other grocery outlets that are confined to mostly house brands, Amazon Prime Grocery Outlet has everything — major manufacturers, unknowns, and boutiques. You can also use the search function in Amazon Grocery Outlet, another plus.

• Deals and discounts: This page offers grocery “coupons” at checkout, saving an additional 10%, or specific dollar savings, including $10 off. Items might include cookie mix, peanut butter, teas, dehydrated fruits, spices and much more.
• Snacks: Here you’ll find chips and crisps, cookies, meat snacks, crackers and pretzels, as well as gift baskets. You'll also find various dips, nuts and seeds, fruit snacks and popcorn.
• Breakfast foods: includes cereals, toaster pastries, instant breakfast drinks and more.
• Baby food: baby formula, cereal and porridge and snack foods.
• Cooking staples: Here you’ll find packaged meals and side dishes, meat, poultry and seafood (think canned and dry), vegetables, beans and peas, and Sloppy Joe mix, happily important enough to merit its own category.
• International foods: Shop by specific food category (spices, pasta, breads, etc.) or by popular cuisines, including Asian, Indian and Latin cuisine.
• SNAP-eligible groceries: You can pretty much buy any type of food with your SNAP EBT on Amazon. Look for items labeled SNAP EBT Eligible.
• Other categories include warm and cold beverages, candy and chocolate, and products in Amazon’s Subscribe & Save collection.

Amazon Grocery Outlet deals

To give you an idea of what kinds of groceries you can save on when you shop at the Amazon Grocery Outlet, we've rounded up some of our favorite deals available on Amazon right now.

• Annie's Macaroni and Classic Cheddar, 12-pack, $11.76 (originally $16.47)
• Quaker Instant Oatmeal Express Cups, 4 Flavor Variety Pack, 12-pack, $11.88 (originally $16.98)
• 52USA Garlic Powder, 22 oz., $11.19 (originally $13.99)
• Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein & Greens Lightly Sweet, Vegan Protein Powder for Women and Men, Plant Protein, Pea Protein, Greens & Probiotics, Dairy Free, Gluten Free Low Carb Shake, 20 Servings, $32.20 and an additional 30% off on your first Subscribe and Save order (originally $46.99)
• Tisan Peppermint Lemon Herbal Tea, 40-count, $4.99 (originally $11.99)

Amazon Prime members save in-store, too

While you don't need to join Prime to shop the Amazon Grocery Outlet online, members get access to even more ways to save on groceries.

One of the biggest ways members save is by getting member-only pricing when shopping in-store at Whole Foods or Amazon Fresh. Just scan your Prime member QR code at checkout and watch your grocery bill shrink.

Already joined? Your Prime member code can be found in the Whole Foods or Amazon mobile app on your phone. No need to hunt for coupons, simply scanning your code will automatically deduct any available Prime discounts from your total price.

Stack savings with an Amazon Prime credit card

Another benefit of Amazon Prime membership is the ability to get cash back when you also have an Amazon Prime credit card. Without membership, the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card nets you 3% cash back on purchases at Amazon, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods and Chase Travel.

But as a Prime member, your cash back earnings jump to 5%. You'll also get access to rotating special offers that offer 10% cash back on select items.

Between that unlimited cashback, the exclusive Prime member deals and the daily discounts on pantry staples on Amazon Grocery Outlet, you'll be able to wrestle your grocery bill back down to a number that doesn't make you cringe.

Lock in Discounts with "Subscribe & Save"

Another way to save on groceries at Amazon is the retailer's Subscribe & Save feature. On eligible items, including pantry staples, household cleaning supplies, pet food and more, clicking "subscribe & save" at checkout will not only shave a few bucks off the price, but save you the hassle of running out of those essentials.

When you do, you'll be able to choose a delivery frequency that fits your household. And you'll enjoy ongoing price discounts, typically around 5%, on every automatic shipment of that item. Though, you'll occasionally find one-time discounts as high as 30% when you first sign up for Subscribe & Save.

If you ever need to change the frequency, skip a shipment or cancel the subscription altogether, it's easy to do that online or in the app at any time.

Related content

• What Federal Interest Rates Mean for Your Grocery Bill
• 10 Unique Ways To Save Money Shopping With Amazon
• Amazon Outlet: The Secret to Finding Overstock Deals Online
• Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online Bargains

Amazon’s first ever Prime Early Access Sale, an October event to mirror July’s Amazon Prime Day, brought big numbers to the online retailer and helped some shoppers get an early start on their holiday gift lists – or themselves.

Amazon on Thursday said the two-day event, held Tuesday and Wednesday (Oct. 11-12), saw more than 100 million items go out the door worldwide (Amazon hasn’t released sales figures yet). The event targets Amazon Prime members, a new perk added to the membership benefits.

The hottest categories for shoppers (and Amazon) included clothing, toys, home goods and, of course, Amazon’s own devices such as Echo, Ring video doorbells and flying home-security cameras, Audible and now also iRobot (maker of the Roomba), a perennial winner (and deeply discounted) for prior Amazon Prime Days.

“Our Prime Early Access Sale was a great kickoff to the holidays, and the best part is that it’s only the beginning,” said Doug Herrington, CEO of Amazon Worldwide Stores. “Customers will find millions of must-have deals throughout the season that will help them continue to save money on gifts for loved ones.”

The most popular products during Prime Early Access Sale included the Macbook Air M1, with a surprising discount rarely seen on Apple products; Bose earbuds and headphones; the Peloton bike; Casper pillows and toppers; and Shark hair dryers, vacuums, and air purifiers. LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask, Apple AirPods (2nd Generation), Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, and Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects Teeth Whitening Strips were hot items in the U.S.

Best-selling holiday items and décor items sold in the U.S. included wreaths, garlands, decorative lights, and Halloween costumes, because why not holiday costumes?

Other major retailers, competitors to Amazon that include Walmart, offered ancillary sales around Amazon’s October event, like Walmart’s Rollbacks and More (Oct. 10-13) and Target’s Deal Days (Oct. 6-8).

How the October sales events for all retailers shake out for the holiday shopping season remains to be seen. Kiplinger is forecasting a “meh” season for retailers, with profits peeling off of inflation-fueled price increases rather than sales volume. The forecast is retailers will see only a 1% increase in sales, after inflation.

For inflation-weary shoppers, however, big discounts could be in the offing as retailers seek to dispose of warehouse-clogging inventory. Last-minute shoppers should rule; Christmas Eve is on a Saturday this year, and malls are seeing a post-Covid comeback in foot traffic.

There are many reasons to consider signing up for an Amazon Prime subscription. Among them are perks like free shipping, exclusive Prime Original movies and TV shows on Prime Video, millions of tunes via Prime Music, plus access to lots of deals and huge sale events like Amazon Prime Day.

Amazon is regularly finding new ways to draw in would-be subscribers, but all these extras come at a cost. There have been a few price hikes over the years, with the current price being $14.99 per month or $139.99 annually.

If you haven't joined Amazon Prime yet, or you are considering resubscribing for Prime Day, read on to learn more about the various plans on offer, and some of the great perks an Amazon Prime membership will get you.

How much is Amazon Prime?

The monthly Prime membership fee is $14.99, for a total of about $180 a year. Paying monthly is a good option for shoppers who only want to sign up so they can get access to sale events like Prime Day.

If you're looking to save the most money possible, the annual Amazon Prime membership fee is $139, saving you $40 a year compared to the monthly option. You're charged upfront, and the annual membership auto-renews every 12 months.

Perks include free same-day (if offered in your area), one and two-day shipping, access to Prime Video, unlimited music streaming and photo storage, as well as access to Prime Reading (aka Kindle book and magazine downloads), Whole Foods discounts and delivery options, and much more.

If you haven't tried the service before, Amazon is offering a free 30-day trial of Amazon Prime membership. So if you're not ready to commit to an annual membership, you can test the waters for free for one month before you buy in.

Amazon has also introduced Prime Access, a discounted membership available to qualifying recipients of government assistance programs like SNAP EBT, TANF and Medicaid (among others).

Prime Access costs just $6.99 a month (more than 50% off the standard monthly cost) but comes with all the benefits of a regular Prime membership. For the full list of eligible programs, head to the About Amazon page on Prime Access.

Is Amazon Prime worth it?

Beyond fast shipping and exclusive shopping events, Amazon Prime includes a range of benefits that can help members save money and get more value from the service throughout the year. Here are some of the most notable perks included with a Prime membership:

• Free same-day or next-day delivery on eligible items, with no order minimum.
• Prime Fuel Savings gives members up to 10 cents off per gallon at over 7,000 participating gas stations. All you have to do is link your Prime account to the earnify app to enjoy unlimited discounts on gas.
• Prime members can take advantage of grocery delivery perks through Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market in eligible areas. Frequent grocery shoppers can also subscribe to Amazon's Grocery Pass service for unlimited delivery benefits on qualifying orders.
• Amazon Pharmacy is a full-service online pharmacy that offers Prime members savings on many prescription medications. Members can use their insurance, pay without insurance using Prime prescription discounts or enroll in RxPass, which provides access to eligible generic medications for $5 per month plus tax. Amazon says Prime members can save up to 80% on generic medications and up to 40% on brand-name prescriptions when paying without insurance.
• Prime members in eligible areas can use Amazon Key to have certain packages delivered inside their garage rather than left at the front door. Availability and requirements vary by location.
• Prime Video includes access to a broad selection of movies, TV shows and Amazon Originals.

How much does Amazon Prime cost for students?

Amazon offers a discounted Prime membership for students and young adults ages 18 to 24. Called Prime Young Adult, the program includes all the benefits of a standard Prime membership for half the price. Eligible members can currently try the service free for six months before paying $7.49 per month or $69 per year.

To enroll, you'll need to verify either your age or your student status. Students can keep the discounted membership for up to four years or until graduation, while non-student members remain eligible until they age out of the program.

Prime Young Adult includes many of the same benefits as a standard Prime membership, including fast shipping, Prime Video, Prime Day access, Grubhub+ membership, Amazon Music Prime, Prime Reading, Amazon Photos and savings at Whole Foods Market. Members may also receive access to exclusive offers and discounts throughout the year.

This discounted membership can be a cost-effective option for college students and younger shoppers who want Prime's benefits without paying the full membership price.

The cost of Amazon Prime since launch

• February 2005 - March 2014: $79 per year
• March 2014 - May 2018: $99 per year
• May 2018 - April 2022: $119 per year
• April 2022 - to date: $139 per year

For many, the price increases don't matter, especially for shoppers who are too busy to visit multiple brick-and-mortar stores to pick up everything on their shopping lists; from groceries and gadgets to books and apparel.

The Amazon Prime subscription-based service has made buying these items online a whole lot easier — now offering overstock items from Amazon Outlet and second-hand items from Amazon Resale (formerly Amazon Warehouse).

The core benefit of Amazon Prime is free same-day or two-day shipping — that was there at the launch — but over the years, Amazon has added many other perks that have lured more than 200 million shoppers worldwide into ponying up for an annual or monthly Prime membership.

Alternatives to Amazon Prime

If the price of membership has you considering canceling Amazon Prime, you may be interested in exploring the alternatives to Amazon Prime. Many of these substitutes offer competitive benefits or discounts, but help you hone in on the deals that matter most to you. Some of those services are:

• Walmart Plus
• Newegg.com
• Scribd (audiobooks and e-Books)
• Barnes & Noble annual membership
• Target.com and Target Circle membership
• Spotify Premium
• Apple Music
• Ebay

Related stories

• Amazon Products You Should Skip on Prime Day 2026
• Is Walmart Plus Worth It?
• Should You Get Walmart Plus or Amazon Prime?

Amazon Prime Day has already taken place in 2022, in July. But Amazon, which earlier in 2022 raised its subscription rates, is bucking tradition for the first time: A second two days of Amazon Prime Day-like deals is on for October, specifically Oct. 11-12. It's called Amazon Prime Early Access. That could mean a boost to Amazon’s bottom line right before the holiday shopping season and loads of deals for shoppers looking to get a jump on their end-of-the-year holiday shopping.

This new Amazon Prime benefit could also buoy the spirits of Prime members tired of seeing their perks slashed.

However, Amazon is steering clear of calling it “Prime Day” and is instead calling the event “Prime Early Access Sale” – “early access” presumably pointing to Black Friday, which is six weeks later, and the usual start of the holiday shopping season.

But that could be a double-edged sword for Amazon. Scheduling a huge sales event so close to the critical “peak trading” season could undercut holiday shopping volumes, even if it provides an October boost. Battered by high gas prices earlier this year and soaring grocery bills, shoppers could be more tightfisted as inflation worries endure. But Amazon may be facing the same pressure as a lot of retailers: lots of excess inventory; no time to wait to unload it.

It wouldn’t be the first time Amazon held a major sales event in October. In 2020, Amazon was forced to move Prime Day, typically held in the summer. Pandemic demands and supply chain issues forced that move – but back then, the story was about product scarcity. Since then, Amazon has moved Amazon Prime Day back to summer. It was held in July this year. Amazon reported Amazon Prime Day 2022 was its biggest ever, although it did not release specifics (Adobe Digital Economy Index reported overall online sales during the two-day event were $12 billion, up from $11 billion on the same two days of Amazon Prime Day 2021).

For Prime Early Access, expect Amazon Prime Day deals ringing the loudest on Amazon’s proprietary electronics (including smart home devices, Fire TV, Echo and Blink devices) to be top sellers, along with beauty products, other personal care items, vacuums and clothes. Amazon said those were the top sellers during the July Amazon Prime Days.

Amazon Prime’s frenzied yearly Amazon Prime Day has already taken place in 2022, in July. But Amazon, which earlier in 2022 raised its subscription rates, could be breaking with tradition and having two Amazon Prime days in different parts of the year, seeking a pre-holiday bottom line boost and adding another benefit for Prime members tired of seeing their perks slashed.

Multiple outlets are reporting Amazon is asking vendors to come up with lightning deals – popular items sold at a deep discount for a limited time – that could be attached to a “Prime Fall” event in October (Amazon has not announced a second Prime Day event for 2022).

That would schedule a huge online Amazon sales event dangerously close to its retail competitors’ all-important holiday shopping season.

It wouldn’t be the first time Amazon held a Prime Day in October. Amazon was forced to move its typically-in-the-summer Prime Day to October in 2020. Pandemic demands and supply chain issues forced that move. Since then, Amazon has moved Amazon Prime Day back to summer. It was held in July this year. Amazon reported Amazon Prime Day 2022 was its biggest ever, although it did not release specifics (Adobe Digital Economy Index reported overall online sales during the two-day event were $12 billion, up from $11 billion on the same two days of Amazon Prime Day 2021).

If a second Amazon Prime Day stays true to form, expect Amazon’s proprietary electronics (including smart home devices, Fire TV, Echo and Blink devices) to be top sellers, along with beauty products, other personal care items, vacuums and clothes. Amazon said those were the top sellers during the July Amazon Prime Days.

The Singing Machine Bluetooth Karaoke System, in both white and black: Was $74.99, now $51.99

• Easy to use
• Solid sound for the price
• Multiple audio input options

In the category of “things you didn’t know you need, but you do,” include your own personal karaoke machine. Setup is not too complicated; we figured it out easily. Folks who love karaoke will have no trouble working with this. And you won’t have trouble getting the songs you need: The machine has a few different options to pull in music and karaoke-specific tracks. Folks who hate karaoke actually love watching others sing karaoke. It entertains everyone.

The Singing Machine's 54 LED disco lights (and a built-in dimmer switch) give you control over how aggressive the party gets, and Bluetooth compatibility alongside a separate Singing Machine app option allow multiple ways to configure your singing setup.

If you are getting this for a special occasion or event, purchase it with enough time to check your setup — you may need an inexpensive cord to connect to your television, and you will want to ensure you have the songs you need, whether via your own collection, a karaoke app, CD or YouTube. Pro tip: Ask guests for their karaoke favorite ahead of time and make sure to have those, and other reliably popular sing-along tunes, at the ready. Worried about everyone getting along at Thanksgiving dinner? Remember that people can’t fight about politics if they are busy singing. — Sarah Stevens Buy now

Kiplinger is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read about our editorial standards.

The NERF Fortnite Pump SG Blaster is a good deal for game-obsessed kids and the parents who tidy up after them. Was $33.99, now $16.79.

• Fortnite crossovers are a hit
• Durable design
• One downside: this blaster fires a less popular dart style
• Mailed in sustainable packaging

I love to see a horde of nine year olds rampaging through a backyard Nerf battle. But the remnants – dozens of rubber-tipped foam projectiles to pluck from the garden beds or kick aside ahead of the lawnmower – are the absolute worst. The solution? Single-shot Nerf guns.

Children may disagree, arguing complicated high-capacity weaponry is required to win the backyard arms race, but if they’re Fortnite addicts, you can win them over with this game-styled replica.

Exceptional shooting range and a passable resemblance to popular Fortnite video game gear will keep the kids in the fight, reviewers note. Meanwhile, one-dart-at-a-time breech loading and reliable firing mechanism will keep your space less messy, and avoid some of the mechanical issues that can plague larger rapid-fire products in Nerf’s arsenal.

One note: the Pump SG Blaster comes with four of the larger Nerf Mega-style darts. Reviewers say they offer greater range and accuracy because of their added weight. But they aren’t the most widely used type (that’s the ubiquitous orange-tipped Elite model). For a bonus deal: if you’re looking for single-shot weapons or shopping for a small platoon, NERF’s Elite Ace SD-1 Party Pack is on sale as well. This $33.99 set of 10 single-shot pistols mean you can outfit an entire squat for a few bucks each. – Kirk Shinkle Buy now

Kiplinger is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read about our editorial standards.

Amazon.com Prime Day offers a frenzy of deals and discounts, but the best bargain of all might be Amazon stock, analysts say.

Shares are off by 32% for the year-to-date, lagging the broader market by about 13 percentage points. Rising fears of recession and its potential impact on retail spending are partly responsible for the selloff. The market's rotation out of pricey growth stocks and into more value-oriented names is likewise doing AMZN no favors. See the chart below:

True, Amazon is hardly alone when it comes to mega-cap names getting slaughtered in 2022. Where the stock does distinguish itself is in its deeply discounted valuation, and the mass of Wall Street analysts banging the table for it as a screaming bargain buy.

AMZN's Elite Consensus Recommendation

It's well known that Sell calls are rare on the Street. For different reasons entirely, it's almost equally unusual for analysts (as a group, anyway) to bestow uninhibited praise on a name. Indeed, only 25 stocks in the S&P 500 carry a consensus recommendation of Strong Buy.

AMZN happens to be one of them. Of the 53 analysts issuing opinions on the stock tracked by S&P Global Market Intelligence, 37 rate it at Strong Buy, 13 say Buy, one has it at Hold, one says Sell and one says Strong Sell.

If there is a single point of agreement among the many, many AMZN bulls, it's that shares have been beaten down past the point of reason.

Here's perhaps the best example of that disconnect: At current levels, Amazon's cloud-computing business alone is worth more than the value the market is assigning to the entire company.

Just look at Amazon's enterprise value, or its theoretical takeout price that accounts for both cash and debt. It stands at $1.09 trillion. Meanwhile, Amazon Web Services – the company's fast-growing cloud-computing business – has an estimated enterprise value by itself of $1.2 trillion to $2 trillion, analysts say.

In other words, if you buy AMZN stock at current levels, you're getting the retail business essentially for free. True, AWS and Amazon's advertising services business are the company's shining stars, generating outsized growth rates. But retail still accounts for more than half of the company's total sales.

More traditional valuation metrics tell much the same story with AMZN stock. Shares change hands at 42 times analysts' 2023 earnings per share estimate, according to data from YCharts. And yet AMZN has traded at an average forward P/E of 147 over the past five years.

Paying 42-times expected earnings might not sound like a bargain on the face of it. But then few companies are forecast to generate average annual EPS growth of more than 40% over the next three to five years. Amazon is. Combine those two estimates, and AMZN offers far better value than the S&P 500.

Analysts Say AMZN Is Primed for Outperformance

Be forewarned that as compellingly priced as AMZN stock might be, valuation is pretty unhelpful as a timing tool. Investors committing fresh capital to the stock should be prepared to be patient.

That said, the Street's collective bullishness suggests AMZN investors won't have to wait too long to enjoy some truly outsized returns. With an average target price of $175.12, analysts give AMZN stock implied upside of a whopping 55% in the next 12 months or so.

It’s time to make your home smarter with a little help from Christmas in July. Yes, Amazon.com dives into its Amazon Prime Day 2022 sellathon on Tuesday, July 12 through Wednesday July 13. But why wait?

Amazon rolled out Prime Day deals ahead of the real deal as competitors rolled out rival deals. The online retail giant is enticing its 200 million Prime members and luring new ones (or former Prime members who didn’t reup or canceled because of 2022’s price increase) with fresh Prime-related price cuts on thousands of items ahead of Prime Day. To its array of best perks for Amazon Prime members, Amazon just tossed in a free year of Grubhub delivery. Things like that.

Take it for granted that Amazon’s going to slash prices on its proprietary products: Kindles, Echos, Amazon TVs, Ring devices, etc. You’re seeing sales of up to 50% and 60% off regular prices. We’ve also searched out other smart home products that aren’t in Amazon’s own wheelhouse. And we’ve played fast and loose with “smart home” (hey, a Vitamix FoodCycler might make you smarter about your home; just sayin’).

So check out these 17 Best Amazon Prime Deals on Smart Devices for the Home.

Kiplinger is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read about our editorial standards.

Ring Video Doorbell 4: Was $219.99, now $169.99, Amazon.com

• Improved 4-second color video previews
• Enhanced Wi-Fi
• Easy installation
• Customizable privacy zones and audio privacy
• Receive mobile notifications when anyone presses your doorbell or triggers your built-in motion sensors

Amazon has the Ring collection of smart devices in its portfolio, so you can bet there are big deals on Ring devices this year. Really big deals.

Take this 2021 upgrade on the 2020 Ring video doorbell (also a Prime Day 2022 deal at $74.99, was $99.99) . It's discounted by $50 for Amazon Prime Day and it's a beaut: Improved with four-second color video previews and pumped-up Wi-Fi, it's powered by a removable, rechargeable battery pack or connects to existing doorbell wires for constant power. If you subscribe to the Ring Protect Plan (sold separately), you can record all your videos, review what you missed for up to 180 days, and share videos and photos. Buy now

PetSafe Drinkwell Gallon Fountain: Was $59.99, now $45.95, Amazon.com

• For dogs and cats
• Customizable water flow
• Available in smaller and larger sizes
• Replaceable carbon water filter
• Top-rack dishwasher safe

If your dog or cat still doesn’t know how to fill a decent glass of water, this is the way to go. The PetSafe Drinkwell Fountain provides fresh, filtered, flowing water that’s easily accessible to your fur baby. This one-gallon size is perfect for small- to medium-sized dogs or cats. You can customize the water flow, in case your shy cat isn’t down with the sound and flow. The open bowl design and tray is whisker-friendly and will hold water even if the power is cut off. The carbon filter is replaceable, and the foam filter catches pet hair and debris to keep the water clean. Buy now

Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet Upright Vacuum: Was $319.99, now $219.99, Amazon.com

• HEPA filter and large dust cup capacity
• LED headlights
• Upholstery tool, crevice tool and pet power brush
• Anti-allergen complete seal
• Advanced swivel steering for easier maneuvering

This vacuum cleaner just may do the trick to get rid of that pet hair that’s stuck in every nook and cranny of your abode. With this Shark smart machine, you can lift the pod away to more easily maneuver the nozzle in clean difficult-to-reach places (say, under furniture), because the powered brushroll will just keep on spinning). The anti-allergen complete seal design is matched with a HEPA filter to help contain dust and allergens in the unit. The larger-than-average, nearly quart-size dust cup capacity holds more, and is fast to remove. And those LED lights? Perfect for sighting pet hair. Buy now

Champion Power Equipment 200988 4500-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator, Electric Start: Was $1,359, now $982.71, Amazon.com

• Low-oil shutoff sensor
• Quiet, 61-decibel sound output, unusual for a generator
• Bonus: Electric start, with the battery included.
• Quick Touch Panel allows you to access all the needed controls in one spot
• RV ready with a 120V 30A RV, plus two 120V 20A household outlets with clean electricity

Right out of the box, this puppy is ready to generate juice, running on either gasoline or propane. That’s perfect as you retire in an RV or need reliable backup power in your Florida home. The Champion dual fuel portable inverter generator has a three-year limited warranty with free lifetime technical support from dedicated experts at Champion. The quiet operation is perfect for your RV, camping, or as a backup generator for your home. It offers A 14-hour run time on gasoline. Buy now

Echo Dot (4th Generation) Smart speaker with Alexa: Was $49.99, now $19.99, Amazon.com

• Voice assistant Alexa is there at your command. It will set timers, check the weather, tell a joke, sing “Happy Birthday” to you when no one else will
• The sound is amazing in this, Amazon’s most popular smart speaker
• Connects seamlessly
• with other smart home accessories
• The blue light lets you know Alexa is listening (not available on small children). Other color lights include those for notifications
• Multiple layers of privacy controls baked in, including mic-off button and in-app settings

Smart speakers have been a boon to many of us hunkered down in the work-from-home world. The fourth generation Echo Dot is a gem. The rich, balanced bass sound is wonderful for listening to online radio stations or streaming music including Amazon Music (of course), Apple Music (surprise!), SiriusXM, Spotify and others. Oh, and you can also put Echo Dot to work on motivating your other smart devices to get working. Smart plug or smart light bulb systems integrate well with Alexa's voice commands. You can also adjust smart thermostat settings and turn on a fan. Buy now

Amazon Smart Plug, for home automation, Works with Alexa: Was $24.99, now $12.99, Amazon.com

• Easy to use
• Schedule other power-needed products, including fans and appliances, to turn on or off, or control them remotely
• You don’t need a smart hub; it’s all in this unit (and the cloud)
• Use the Alexa energy dashboard to monitor electricity use

Add me to the crew that’s all aboard the smart plug train, especially after recently finding (and trying to use) an old push-button plug-in timer. The Amazon Smart Plug is a pre-Amazon Prime Day and Amazon Prime Day good deal. It comes with a built-in look of horror (that’s the outlet), and is a breeze to set up and use. All you have to do is plug it in, then control via the Alexa app. That's it; a timer set in no time.

Oh, and please know it has to be connected to your Wi-Fi, again easy to set up on the Amazon Smart Plug. Buy now

Amazon Smart Thermostat with C-Wire Power Adaptor: Was $84.98, now $56.98, Amazon.com

• Powered by Honeywell Home Technology, long-timers in this space
• Bonus: The Alexa app will guide you through the installation process, often daunting to novice do-it-yourselfers
• The Alexa Smart Thermostat, like other smart thermostats (hello, Nest), are built to save you money in the long run
• Use pre-programmed settings, or control via the Alexa app
• Energy Star rated

If you’re thinking it’s about time to go rogue and make your thermostat a smart one, the Amazon Smart Thermostat is a good play. At its heart, it is powered by Honeywell Home Technology, masters at the thermostat game. By design (and on Energy Star orders to manufacturers), you’ll save money on your home energy bills. Note this: While it is a smart thermostat, it isn’t operated directly by voice (it doesn’t have a microphone or speaker). You can control it by voice using the Alexa app (“Alexa, turn the thermostat to 72 degrees”) or, say, an Amazon Echo smart speaker. It’s up to you. Buy now

iRobot Roomba 692 Robot Vacuum-Wi-Fi Connectivity, Personalized Cleaning Recommendations, Works with Alexa: Was $299.99, now $179.99, Amazon.com

• A three-stage cleaning system and dual multi-surface brushes sweep and suck up dirt from carpets and hard floors.
• Oh, and an edge-sweeping brush takes care of corners and edges
• Good for pet hair
• When it’s finished, it will return to its docking station and recharge

I’m a huge convert to robo-vacs, so much so that I have two, one on each floor (note, you can move your droids between floors, but I found it easier to let two learn and understand their space). This iRobot Roomba 692 has big fans, and the price is excellent. You’ll wonder why you waited so long as you watch it seemingly haphazardly breeze around the rooms, relegating your old canister vac to 1986 where it belongs. Oh, and cleaning is as easy as scheduling it to clean up daily dirt, dust, and debris with the iRobot HOME app or your voice assistant. Buy now

Coway Airmega 400S App-Enabled Smart Technology, Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home True HEPA Air Purifier: Was $849, now $437.06, Amazon.com

• Covers 1,560 square feet. That’s a good-size room, no?
• Cleans the room about two times an hour. That’s twice more than you do
• Sure, there’s an app for it
• It’s quiet, especially at the lower of five speed settings. The Coway Airmega has five fan modes: Smart, Sleep, Low, Medium and High. It’s pretty darn quiet, especially at the lower speeds
• This l’il chunk weighs about 25 pounds

Who doesn’t need a decent air purifier? At 49% off, the Coway Airmega may be the way to go. It’s filter-rich, with a built-in pollution sensor communicating indoor air quality testing in real-time. The Coway Airmega Max2 filter, which is a combined activated carbon and True HEPA filter, is a magnet for pollen, pollutants and other allergens. Also on board is a washable and permanent pre-filter to catch larger dust particles. The aforementioned fan speed automatically adjusts based on the room's air quality and lighting conditions to improve air quality. Onboard timers can be set, and indicators for filter lifetime for both the washable pre-filter and Max2 filter will alert you when to replace. Buy now

PetSafe Stay & Play Wireless Pet Fence with Replaceable Battery Collar: Was $349.99, now $262.95, Amazon.com

• Covers up to three-quarters of an acre
• For dogs or cats over 5 pounds
• Waterproof collar with tone and static alerts
• From the Invisible Fence brand
• No digging or wire to bury

When “I SAID STAY IN THE YARD!” just doesn’t cut it, it’s time for PetSafe Stay & Play Wireless Pet Fence. It comes from the folks who make the trusted Invisible Fence brand border fence, which safely and effectively secured two beagles (Bert and Ernie) and a golden retriever (Moonshadow) in my backyard. That was with buried wire and a much larger lot. This wireless, circular boundary sets up in just a few hours. Your pet isn’t warned or shocked when they exit the boundary to come back in the house or otherwise leave the secure area with your permission. Also, unlike other, uh, invisible fences, this one’s portable, so you can take it camping, to a vacation home or wherever your pet needs a secure boundary. Buy now

Blink Mini – Compact indoor plug-in smart security camera, 1080p HD video, night vision, motion detection, two-way audio, easy set up: Was $34.99, now $29.99, Amazon.com

• Monitor the inside of your home day and night
• It’s two-way. You can see and hear people (and pets) via an app, and speak to them through the speaker-microphone on the Blink Mini
• You can use the Blink Mini as an indoor plug-in chime for Blink Video Doorbell
• Blink is an Amazon proprietary brand

Affordable home security cameras are here. Take the Blink Mini, clocking in at less than 30 bucks as an early Amazon Prime Day deal, it’s

built with all the bells and whistles of more expensive cameras. The setup is easy: Plug it in, connect to your Wi-Fi, and use the Blink Home Monitor app. It also works with Alexa, of course, being as they’re Amazon kin. Once it’s ready to go, you’ll get alerts on your smartphone whenever motion is detected. You can also customize motion detection zones you care the most to visually access. Buy now

Blink Outdoor - wireless, weather-resistant HD security camera, two-year battery life, motion detection, set up in minutes – 2 camera kit: Was $179.99, now $99.99, Amazon.com

• You don’t get just one camera; you get two
• Yup, Blink is an Amazon proprietary product
• The cameras are wireless and weather-resistant
• It’s high-definition, and the infrared night vision makes you Superman
• Two AA lithium batteries included should make these things run for two years

OK, this one thrills me. I have a wired Nest outdoor camera watching for deer and bear in my backyard and it’s a pain because it’s … wired. I like that these are battery powered, and with Amazon’s name – well, Blink – on it, I’m pretty sure my satisfaction is guaranteed. These cameras are easy to set up, and will help you monitor your property day and night. There’s two-way audio on these cameras, too, so I can yell at the deer to get off my lawn. But sharing and storing video clips require a separate Blink subscription. Buy now

Insignia 43-inch Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV (NS-43F301NA22, 2021 Model): Was $299.99, now $189.99, Amazon.com

• 43-inch screen, not huge by today’s standards, but a good size (and price) for a bedroom or office
• Supports streamers Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Instant Video, YouTube
• 4K resolution, LED display, both nice
• Ultra HD, also nice
• Alexa for voice control

Your smart home needs a smart TV and this is a good one at an excellent price. You get a solid 4K experience, and with Amazon’s proprietary Fire TV, you can speak commands into the Alexa-controlled remote, like searching for titles, going to live TV, playing music, etc. You also have access to thousands of shows utilizing Fire TV. Oh, yeah, it also connects to Apple TV+, Disney+, Hulu, Sling TV, Prime Video, and other services. Buy now

Fire 7 Kids Pro tablet, 7" display, ages 6+, 16 GB, Doodle: Was $99.99, now $49.99, Amazon.com

• This is no toy; it’s a tablet, and at a darn fine price
• It’s part of Amazon’s proprietary tablet lineup, so it’s built to last
• Designed for kids age 6 and over and includes one year of Amazon Kids+, which includes thousands of ad-free books, games, videos, apps and Alexa skills from brands like National Geographic, Marvel and LEGO; you pay $4.99 a month after that
• It also has parental controls, a case that’s kid-friendly slim, and a parent-friendly two-year worry-free guarantee
• The web filter is designed to filter out the garbage kids shouldn’t see

Let it go, grandparents. This is what gets the grandkids over the river and through the woods peacefully, and it gives the parents in the front seat a break. These kid-friendly devices feature a quad-core processor, 7-inch display, dual cameras, Micro USB port, and up to 512 GB of expandable storage. Oh, there’s retail on board, but don’t you worry: Kids Pro tablets can’ access app, game and ebook stores but parents approve purchases and downloads. Buy now

Logitech HD Laptop Webcam C615 with Fold-and-Go Design, 360-Degree Swivel, 1080p Camera: Was $69.99, now $29.30, Amazon.com

• Vibrant 1080p video capture means everyone on the Zoom call looks pretty
• You’ve got that 360 degree full motion rotational camera, fold- and- go portability and tripod-ready base so you can rotate your camera to show all your work colleagues your cat scratching the couch with ease (they still won’t care)
• High-end auto-focus does the trick with razor sharp images, even in close ups
• The built-in microphone filters out background noise

Paying less than 30 bucks for a much better camera than the company laptop offers is a pretty good bargain. You can get clear videos even in dim or poorly backlit settings. That’s the automatic light correction at play. The Logitech HD Laptop Webcam works with Windows 7 or higher, macOS X 10.10 or higher, Chrome OS and Android. But reviews note this older model plays well with some older operating systems as well. Buy now

Vitamix 068051 FoodCycler FC-50, 2L Capacity: Was $399.95, now $297.99, Amazon.com

• Heck yeah! You can make fertilizer from food scraps in a mere few hours
• Vitamix? Yes, please. Love your blenders
• That two-liter capacity will hold table and refrigerator scraps, including chicken bones
• You’re cutting down on your food waste by up to 90%
• And you don’t even have to step outside or turn a drum

Isn’t this something you’ve always dreamed about having in your kitchen? A composting device? Vitamix (and Amazon) promise it’s fast, thorough and – you’ve thought of this, yes? – odorless. Think of it: Those banana peels you throw in the trash every morning can be turned into fertilizer and sprinkled on your gardens within hours. It looks easy to clean, and the empty bucket can go directly into your dishwasher. And, listen, you don’t have to keep it in your kitchen. The Vitamix FoodCycler can be stored anywhere with power. It’s a snap to operate, and processing time is just four to eight hours. Buy now

August Wi-Fi (4th Generation) Smart Lock: Was $229.99, now $149.99, Amazon.com

• Turn your dumb lock into a smart lock with ease
• Fits your existing deadbolt so you can use your current house key if you wish
• But you won't have to
• It's an inside job, meaning you're changing just the inside part of your current deadbolt assembly
• Use the app to grant access to others

The folks behind this smart lock say even if you aren't handy, you'll be able to install the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock and get it working in about 10 minutes. August locks fit with precision over most single cylinder deadbolts and aren't much bigger than your original thumbturn, the company says. And here's a cool feature: The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock has the option to automatically lock when you close the door, or after a set amount of time (set up on the app). Works with your Wi-Fi-connected voice assistant (Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings and more). Buy now

Plenty of Prime members swear by the many perks of Amazon Prime. And right now is the perfect time to have it, as Amazon Prime Day runs from July 8 through July 11, giving you access to thousands of deals on everyday products.

So if you wonder whether Amazon Prime Membership is worth it, it is worth exploring your other options. For many shoppers, there are still plenty of perks that make the $139 annual fee worth it.

But if you're not likely to use those perks or you can enjoy your favorite benefits at other retailers without forking over the fee, it might be time to cancel Prime.

From fast, free shipping to discounted streaming services or audiobooks, here are 10 alternatives to Amazon Prime that offer similar perks for online shoppers.

Strongly consider this one, Amazon Prime refugees. Walmart Plus is the megaretailer’s online answer to Amazon Prime. Walmart Plus members get free shipping with no order minimum, free same-day delivery from their nearest Walmart location, and tons of other Prime-like perks when shopping online.

With the announcement that Walmart Plus has added the Paramount Plus streaming service at no extra cost, it now means Walmart Plus can compete with Prime Video. This is a prime opportunity for Walmart Plus to gain subscribers from Prime’s frustrated masses.

What's more, sign up now and try Walmart Plus for 30-days FREE, and unlock free delivery, gas savings and more.

• What Walmart sells: Automotive goods, baby supplies, books, children's toys and games, clothing, electronics, furniture, general household items, groceries, luggage, music/movies, office supplies, personal care products, pet supplies, sporting goods.
• Annual membership fee: $98 (or $12.95 a month) after the current promotion ends.
• Shipping options: Free no-minimum shipping on thousands of eligible items. Free same-day delivery of grocery items (with a $35 minimum to qualify).
• Return policy: Free for most items returned within 90 days of delivery. Select items are non-returnable.

Additional perks: Members receive 10 cents off each gallon of gas – recently raised from 5 cents per gallon – at Walmart gas stations as well as Exxon and Mobil stations, Murphy gas stations and Sam’s Club fueling centers.

Walmart Plus members also have the option of shopping in-store with the Walmart app and using the scan & go feature for contactless shopping. The app will let you scan grocery items with your phone and pay at the self-checkout.

Walmart Plus members also get early access to select deals and promotions, including for Black Friday.

Not looking for more annual membership fees to score decent retail discounts with perks? We get it. You don’t have to go full membership to get a number of Walmart's full benefits.

• What Walmart sells: You name it! Appliances, automotive goods, baby supplies, books, clothing, electronics, furniture, general household items, groceries, movies/music, office supplies, personal care products, pet supplies.
• Annual membership fee: N/A on Walmart.com
• Shipping options: Free two-day shipping on eligible items. Up to five days on all other items, shipped free on orders totaling $35 or more. Freight shipping is available for heavy or oversized orders, and cost is based on order size.
• Return policy: Varies by department. Most unopened items can be returned up to 90 days after purchase.

Additional perks: Online order/in-store pick-up available for most items. Walmart grocery app subscribers can place orders and schedule a pick-up time. A Walmart team member will load your groceries in your car's trunk for you. You can also get free shipping with no minimum order.

One of the leading online tech retailers, Best Buy now offers a range of Prime-like membership plans of its own. The best part? My Best Buy membership comes in three tiers, including a free basic plan, so you can scale the perks to your shopping habits and budget.

The free membership includes free standard shipping with no minimum purchase. TThat's right, one of Amazon Prime's leading perks is offered for free to My Best Buy members. Considering electronics are among the worst things to buy on Amazon, it's worth considering My Best Buy, even if you still go back to Amazon for your non-tech related shopping.

For additional perks beyond free standard shipping, you'll need to upgrade to My Best Buy Plus ($49.99 per year) or My Best Buy Total ($179.99 per year).

While the free plan only comes with one perk (free standard shipping, upgrading will get you access to additional perks like free 2-day shipping, exclusive member's only pricing and deals, extended return windows, and more.

Splurging on My Best Buy Total will get you two years of product protection on your devices, including complimentary AppleCare+ for your Apple devices.

• What Best Buy sells: Computers and tablets, TVs and home theater setups, smartphones, wearable tech, audio, musical instruments, car electronics and GPS, cameras, drones, movies and music, video games and more.
• Annual membership fee: $0 up to $179.99.
• Shipping options: Free standard shipping for all membership, free two-day shipping available in some areas for Plus and Total members.
• Return policy: An extended 60-day return and exchange window on most products for Plus and Total members.

Newegg. If you know the name, it seems almost pre-internet, or early internet. To anyone who shopped online for computers and computer peripherals in the early 2000s, yes, Newegg is still around, widening its retail horizon significantly.

Recently, Newegg launched its own membership program, called Newegg Plus, a free loyalty program. Newegg Plus gives members access to many benefits, including free shipping on most items, exclusive offers, member-only discounts, product warranty discounts, enhanced returns and a dedicated customer service line.

Plus, it still has that nerd-techie buzz, with dongles, PCs built specifically for gamers, and computer memory chips front and center on the home page. Oh, and did we say membership is free?

• What Newegg sells: Appliances, electronics, sports and fitness gear, household items, toys, office supplies, furniture and more.
• Annual membership fee: $0
• Shipping options: Free shipping on most orders.
• Return policy: Free returns on defective items only (30-day window). Some items will be marked with a 45-day return policy.

Additional perks: Exclusive offers for members only, member-only discounts, product warranty discounts and dedicated customer service. Look for promo discount codes adjacent to items you wish to buy. Another way to save is to shop the Newegg Certified Refurbish Outlet.

Readers dig Amazon Prime for its seemingly endless lineup of free eBooks and audiobooks, plus discounts when you buy them. “Seemingly endless,” that is, until you can’t find what you’re looking for in reading and listening. Fortunately, there are some great alternatives.

To start, it's always worth signing up to Libby. By singing up with your library card, the app gives you full access to your local library's entire eBook and audiobook collection.

But if your library doesn't have the title you're looking for, try Scribd, which Forbes likened to Netflix for booklovers.

Join Scribd for $11.99 a month after your 30-day free trial, and you can borrow an unlimited amount of reading material from the platform's pool that fans say runs way deeper than Amazon’s (even though Amazon began life as a bookstore).

Besides eBooks (some from top authors exclusive to Scribd), the service also carries audiobooks, podcasts, sheet music and magazines. You'll even get access to millions of community-uploaded documents, such as academic papers, legal documents, manuals, and more. Plus, subscribers get complimentary access to Everand and SlideShare too.

• What Scribd sells: eBooks, audiobooks, podcasts, sheet music and more
• Annual membership fee: $11.99 per month after free 30-day trial.
• Shipping options: N/A for Scribd.

One can never say enough good things about bookstores, from your town's independently-owned shop to the few chain giants left standing, including Barnes & Noble. Should you be fortunate enough to live near a bricks and mortar B&N, good on you.

If not, fear not. Barnes & Noble's annual memberships, including the free version and the premium version (just $39.99 for a full year) remain a good deal.

Sure, Amazon Prime offers physical books at great prices and with free shipping. But since you're leaving Amazon Prime (remember?), an annual membership to Barnes & Noble will get you many of the same perks when shopping for books, magazines, even toys, games, and knick knacks for the home.

There are a number of benefits to B&N membership. Namely, you can collect stamps with every purchase to redeem for cash rewards. You get 1 stamp for every $10 spent at the store or online, including any eBook or audiobook purchases. Once you reach 10 stamps, you can redeem them for $5 to spend on anything you want from Barnes & Noble.

If you upgrade to the Premium membership for $39.99 per year, you'll also get 10% off almost everything in the store, including items from the café and Paper Source stores.

Don't have a brick-and-mortar location near you? Premium members get free shipping with no order minimums and one free eBook every month. You also get early access to sales and events and exclusive deals not available to non-members.

• What Barnes & Noble sells: Books, gifts, magazines, home goods, music, and more
• Annual membership fee: $0 or $39.99 for an annual Premium membership.
• Shipping options: Free; no minimum purchase required with Premium membership
• Return policy: From Barnes & Noble: “We will issue a refund for the purchase price of the item plus any applicable taxes to your original form of payment for items returned within 30 days after the delivery date. All returned items must be in their original condition; shrink-wrapped products must be unopened.”

Looking for free two-day shipping and free returns? ShopRunner’s here. The members-only special deals site represents hundreds of retailers, many of them high-end names.

Basically, it's like Amazon Prime but for high-end retailers like Saks Off 5th, Neiman Marcus, Athleta, Bergdorf Goodman and countless more. You can browse the app or website by your favorite retailers and brands or browse by categories from apparel and shoes to jewelry and electronics.

Membership is free for the first year, then you'll pay $79 per year after that. It includes free two-day shipping at most retailers. Members also enjoy free returns, exclusive deals and more cool perks.

Here's the lowdown:

• What ShopRunner sells: The platform doesn't sell anything itself, but gathers thousands of products and deals from high-end retailers across the web. The selection includes designer apparel, jewelry, luggage, vitamins and supplements, and prescription glasses from more than 100 retailers including Saks Fifth Avenue, Cole Haan and Under Armour.
• Annual membership fee: $0 for the first year, $79 per year after that. The best way to sign up for ShopRunner is by enrolling with your eligible American Express card, which offers complimentary membership for as long as you have the card.
• Shipping options: Free two-day shipping with no minimum purchase at most participating stores.
• Return policy: Free. Each retailer under the ShopRunner banner has different return windows, from one week to one year.

Like Walmart, Target has both brick & mortar locations and a significant online presence. And like Walmart Deals Days and Amazon Prime Day, Target has Circle Week, where you can get discounts on thousands of items.

As a Target Circle or Target Circle 360 member, you can enjoy Prime-like perks including access to exclusive deals and rewards. The basic Target Circle membership is free.

But if you want the best perks, you'll need to upgrade to Target Circle 360. You can try the premium membership free for 14 days. After that, you'll pay either $10.99 per month or $99 per year. Circle Card holders and college students can get the membership for half off.

With Circle 360, you'll get unlimited same-day delivery on orders over $35 from Target as well as other nearby retailers who participate in Shipt. If you don't need it same day, members also get free two-day shipping on thousands of eligible items on line.

• What Target sells: Small appliances, baby supplies, books, clothing, electronics, furniture, general household items, groceries, movies/music, office supplies, personal care products, pet supplies and more.
• Annual membership fee: $0 for Target Circle or $10.99 per month ($99 per year) for Target Circle 360.
• Shipping options: Free two-day shipping from Target and other Shipt-eligible retailers, unlimited same-day delivery on orders over $35..
• Return policy: With Target Circle 360, you get an extra 30 days on top of whatever the item's standard return window is. Most unopened items can be returned within 90 days of purchase. Electronics and entertainment items must be returned within 30 days of purchase. Mobile phones must be returned within 14 days of purchase. Apple products must be returned within 15 days of purchase.

Additional perks: Online order/in-store pick-up on most items. Pharmacy services, such as online prescription renewals, are available. Target app subscribers can place orders and select the drive-up/pick-up option. Upon arrival, a Target team member will load your car's trunk for you. Target Circle Card holders receive 5% off on purchases and early access to new product releases.

Many brands share corporate ownership. Generally, this is more of interest to investors than shoppers, but for Gap shoppers, it matters. That's because one rewards membership gets you combined access to Gap, Athleta, Old Navy, and Banana Republic,” said Bodge.

Need to put $50 worth of items in your cart to qualify for free shipping? The ability to add products from Gap and its "sister sites" to one cart makes it easy to meet the minimum free shipping threshold, says smart shopping expert Trae Bodge of TrueTrae.

“These sites offer free shipping on orders of $50 or more. So if you need something from Gap and something from one of the other sister sites, you can score free shipping for yourself.”

Better yet, you'll also rack up points and rewards faster since you earn them on purchases at any of the sister sites. All of those points are pooled into one membership and can be redeemed at any of the sites.

Here's how it works: You can shop for something in the Gap site and add it to your shopping bag. Then switch over to, say, Banana Republic (there's a link at the top of the page), Athleta or Old Navy, add items for those brands to the shopping bag, then head to the checkout. All the items from the different sites land in one shared shopping bag. What's easier and more convenient?

Being loyal has its perks. More and more brands are now offering free loyalty programs that allow you to enjoy exclusive perks and rewards. Staying loyal could mean the same free shipping you've tapped Amazon Prime for and possibly other rewards.

“Another hack is joining loyalty programs where your membership qualifies you for free shipping,” says Bodge. “Bloomingdale’s, Converse, LL Bean, Nordstrom, Zappos, Apple, Dell, SmashBox and Nike are all examples of this.

By belonging to the loyalty program, you can get free shipping on your orders.” Remember, you may have to bag a minimum purchase to qualify for free shipping, which can vary from one store to the next. But if membership is free and it's a brand you already love, it doesn't hurt to sign up.