Want more deals? Visit CNN Underscored’s Guide to Prime Big Deal Days for wall-to-wall coverage of the best early discounts to be found ahead of Amazon’s annual fall sale.
One of the biggest Amazon sales of the year is just hours away. October Prime Day may not officially begin until tomorrow, but if there’s one secret that our senior deals editor, Rikka Altland, can clue you in on from her tenure covering every single one of these events, it’s that real savvy spenders know that sometimes getting the season’s best prices means shopping before Prime Big Deal Days. Ahead of the event next week, our team of deals experts has already found many of the year’s lowest prices that are worth adding to your cart right now.
Below, you’ll find some of the best markdowns across the latest tech from Apple, electric leaf blowers to help ditch the rake this fall, a chance to restock age-defying skin care essentials for less, built-to-last kitchen upgrades and so much more. In the lead up to the retailer’s massive fall sale, Altland will also be curating some of the most enticing deals for CNN Underscored’s newsletter readers, so be sure to sign up for access to limited-time offers delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured October Prime Day deal
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Apple's most capable pair of true wireless earbuds are easy to recommend for anyone who prefers silicone ear tips over the hard plastic ones found on its most basic buds. Altland has been using the AirPods Pro 3 nearly every single day since they first released, and even after paying full price for her pair, she can still say they've been worth every penny. She loves their superior sound quality and reliable active noise cancellation, both of which make this week's $70 discount all the more appealing. It's an extra $20 below the previous discount and the lowest since June also.
Ego Power+ LB5302 Electric Leaf Blower
Before the leaves completely cover your yard, this tool is making the first move by dropping to the best price of the year. A version of the best electric leaf blower that our editors have tested is now $41 off this week, and while it isn't the exact version we tried, it does come centered around the same 56-volt electric system that makes pushing leaves to the curb far easier than using a rake.
Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects Teeth-Whitening Kit, 22 Treatments
The end of the year is inching closer, and if one of your goals for 2026 was to achieve a brighter smile, time is running out. With just a few months left before the calendar flips over, these at-home whitening strips are far more useful for improving the shine of your teeth in a hurry. Our editors were impressed by their performance, and today's $11 discount means you can score the year's best price on the pack of 22 treatments.
Dyson V8 Cordless Stick Vacuum
If a Dyson vacuum is on your October Prime Day shopping list, this V8 model will help you add one to your cart without spending a fortune. It's an easy recommendation if you're just searching for the most affordable stick vacuum from the brand, with a $120 discount that matches the lowest price of the year for the first time since back in June. This is an extra $30 below the previous Labor Day markdown and a great value for scoring a lightweight, cord-free cleaner.
Apple 13-Inch MacBook Air M5
This is the first chance to save $200 on Apple's beloved MacBook Air since all the way back in June. If you've been waiting for another sizable markdown to finally buy the best MacBook our editors have tested, this October Prime Day deal is your best chance.
UGreen 45W Nexode Air USB-C Charger in Grey
Need a USB-C charger to go alongside a new iPhone or just want to finally improve the slow charging times on your current smartphone? This UGreen USB-C charger is an affordable solution. Don't be fooled by its compact size that fits in the palm of your hand, though. It can still dish out 45 watts of power to a smartphone, tablet and other gadgets for the second-best price we've seen at $7 off.
Apple AirTag (2nd Gen)
The best price to date has just landed on Apple's new-and-improved Bluetooth tracker. It's perfect for adding some extra peace of mind to an end-of-summer trip or just keeping tabs on your purse, your keys and even your parked car. Today's offer saves you $5, and this is only the second time it has sold for this low.
Amazon Smart Plug
Save nearly 50% on this versatile smart plug ahead of Amazon's fall Prime Day event. Whether you're looking to add some voice controls or automation to a lamp to help combat the earlier sunset or are already thinking about how you can elevate the Christmas decorations this winter, this smart plug lets you control anything with a typical AC wall outlet from your smartphone. This is the best discount of the year and the first time since June it's enjoyed this kind of price cut.
Apple Watch Ultra 3
If you hike, ski, rock climb, swim or enjoy any other intense outdoor workout, the most capable smartwatch in Apple’s lineup is for you. Normally, you'd have to pay a premium for the Apple Watch Ultra 3's added features and more durable design, but this week, you can save $199 with the second-best discount to date on the elevated wearable that comes with one of Apple's Black Titanium Milanese Loop bands. This watch is great for those who need a battery that can last for days on a single charge, added cellular connectivity in remote areas and rugged titanium housing that can withstand rougher treatment than the standard Apple Watch.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Over-Ear Headphones
Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones are one of the best examples of an older gadget being a better value than some newer releases. Amazon is doubling down on that with another chance to score the lowest price ever on this previous-generation pair of over-ear headphones, with $202 in savings. It's also only the third time ever that you've been able to buy such a reliable way to block out your surroundings for this low of a price.
Eero Pro 7 Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 7 Router
Are you tired of dealing with slow internet speeds? Let this discount be your sign to finally upgrade your Wi-Fi router. Our pick for the best system to splurge on is now on sale at Amazon, with three different packages to choose from based on how large your home is. Each one is at least 25% off, thanks to the year's best prices.
Twelve South PowerBug 2-in-1 Wall Charger
Altland relies on this unique 2-in-1 wall charger every time she cooks dinner. It has a 30W USB-C port on the side for keeping her HomePod mini speaker powered to give a soundtrack to her cooking routine, while an onboard magnetic wireless charger holds her iPhone in place so she can follow recipes while keeping the phone out of the way as she prepare meals.
Technics AZ100 HiFi ANC True Wireless Earbuds
As much as Altland loves the AirPods Pro 3, she still reaches for this pair of Technics earbuds when she wants to fully enjoy listening to music. They sound far more accurate than Apple's buds, with clearer vocals, a wider soundstage and less distortion. If you appreciate audio quality over quick-pairing features or hands-free access to Siri, we can't recommend this pair enough now that they're as much as $65 off.
UGreen MagFlow Air Qi2 Magnetic Power Bank
This recent MagSafe power bank has earned a spot in Altland's purse with two ways to recharge different accessories. She loves that it has a 15W Qi2 magnetic wireless charging pad for pairing with her iPhone, while the added USB-C cable means that she always have a way to refuel earbuds or any other device via a USB-C port. Today's offer takes at least $25 off with its best discount to date that's $5 less than the previous markdown we've tracked.
Early October Prime Day home and kitchen deals
Ninja Crispi Air Fryer
CNN Underscored's pick for the best air fryer has skipped out on quite a few of the major savings events in 2026. Prime members weren't able to save back in June during the summer Prime Day festivities, a trend that carried over to the 4th of July and Labor Day. But now, ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, the Ninja Crispi has received a rare discount. We can only recommend its unique cooking basket that doubles as a glass food storage container even more with this markdown attached.
HexClad 10-Inch Hybrid Nonstick Frying Pan
Save $25 on the best nonstick pan that our team has tested. Today's markdown results in the second-best discount of the year and comes within $5 of the lowest price in 2026. In testing, we found that the pan's impressive nonstick performance and consistent heating are well worth a spot in your kitchen at its original $149 MSRP, and now that it's on sale, it's even more worth it.
Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10 Heater and Fan
The most seasonally relevant Dyson deal this week is the brand's HP10. Perfect for using through the end of summer weather and the beginning of the cooler temperatures through October, this 3-in-1 unit combines heating and cooling features with added air-purification tech to keep you comfortable all year long. Prime members can take $230 off with the first discount since Black Friday last year.
Lasko Oscillating Digital Ceramic Tower Heater
Do you already foresee yourself needing a simple space heater to make your chilly family room a bit more comfortable this fall? Then this Lasko model is for you. This week's 25% discount is the first chance to save on the 1,500W unit in months. Despite being on the more affordable side, this heater still comes with a remote control and has an adjustable timer and adjustable thermostat that will maintain your selected temperature.
KitchenAid Full-Size Rust-Resistant Dish Rack
Despite having a dishwasher in her kitchen, Altland still prefers to hand-wash some of her dinnerware. She relies on a very similar dish-drying rack to help streamline the chore, and particularly love that, like this KitchenAid model, it comes with an angled drainage system that routes all water back into the sink. Today's markdown helps you enjoy the same feature for less, thanks to this $28 discount.
Rubbermaid 6-Piece Brilliance Round Food Storage Container Set
With each food storage container down to under $6, this bundle is one of the best values we've tracked all year for storing prepared food in your refrigerator. Each of the five containers comes with an airtight lid and is made from a BPA-free plastic that's lighter and less prone to breaking than glass. This 34% discount is a couple bucks and change below the previous markdown, landing the set at one of its lowest prices of the year.
Le Creuset 5.5-Quart Enameled Round Cast-Iron Dutch Oven
Fall is the perfect time to add one of Le Creuset's coveted Dutch ovens to your kitchen arsenal, especially with this week's discount attached. It's perfect for soups, stews, roasts, bread and all kinds of other autumnal dishes, and this larger 5.5-quart model comes in several seasonal styles with as much as $166 in savings attached.
Cuisinart PerfecTemp Cordless Electric Kettle
Our editors' pick for the best electric kettle, the Cuisinart PerfecTemp, features six preset temperature settings, an automatic 30-minute keep-warm feature and a durable design that is built to last in your kitchen. It's also $71 less than you'd normally pay to help streamline your morning tea or pour-over coffee routine for less. Today's discount is also an extra $31 below the previous markdown from the end of September.
Philips Sonicare 5950 Series Electric Toothbrush
This new addition to the Philips electric toothbrush lineup just released earlier this year and is already on sale. It received an early October Prime Day deal last week at $30 off but has fallen further now that the upcoming shopping event is only a week away. It's an extra $25 under that previous sale and allows you to save a total of 41% on its increased bristle movements that are designed to better tackle gumlines. The Sonicare 5960 also includes a BrushPacer timer that reminds you to move to a different part of your mouth every 20 seconds.
Colgate Optic White Pro Toothpaste, 3-Pack
If you're looking to buy a new toothbrush this week, the discounts also carry over to whitening toothpaste that helps brighten your smile. Whether you're trying it for the first time or were just waiting for the right chance to restock with a discount attached, this markdown is another chance to score the year's best price on the three-pack that uses hydrogen peroxide to assist with the cause.
Waterpik Cordless Pulse 3100 Portable Water Flosser
This affordable water flosser dispels the idea that making the switch from traditional floss will cost you a fortune. Even at its MSRP, it's still a budget-friendly way to achieve better oral hygiene, but now, with a $15 discount attached, you can score the best price in seven months with an extra 10% in savings compared with the markdown from June Prime Day.
Early October Prime Day beauty and hygiene deals
Fig.1 Retinol Night Cream Level 1
Clipping the on-page coupon at Amazon allows you to score a rare $15 discount on this expert-recommended night cream. It comes in three levels of retinol to accommodate different needs, and it has humectants for hydration, emollients to boost the skin barrier and anti-aging peptides. The first retinol level is on sale, and it's a great place to start for those who want to give age-defying beauty products a try. Today's discount is $5 under the previous markdown we spotted at the beginning of the month.
Remington F5 Power Series Foil Shaver
This no-frills electric shaver will now get the job done for less with this rare Amazon discount. Our team found that it delivers a surprisingly effective shaving experience at an affordable price, the latter of which is now accentuated by an $8 markdown.
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes, 2-Pack
We've seen this two-pack of 50 total makeup remover wipes sell for less in the past but only by an extra dollar or two. You could wait for that low price to return sometime this holiday shopping season or stop rationing the wipes you already have at home by replenishing now at 29% off.
Shark FlexStyle Multi-Styler Hair Drying and Styling System
Don't spend a fortune on other hair care tools from competitors like Dyson when this Shark FlexStyle is at least $120 off. Our team has found that it does just as good of a job replacing a ton of hair tools in your morning arsenal, with different attachments that can blow-dry, curl and volumize hair.
Columbia Women's Benton Springs Full-Zip Fleece Jacket
Columbia’s Benton Springs full-zip jacket proved itself as the ultimate cold-weather workhorse when our editors tested out the best fleece jackets. The outer layer manages to look put-together while feeling like a wearable security blanket. It's crafted from plush, lightweight polyester with secure zip pockets and a cold-blocking collar. It's now on sale in select colors at Amazon for up to 36% off.
New Balance Women's 880 V15 Fresh Foam X Shoes
For those days when you need running shoes that effortlessly bridge the gap between technical performance and everyday style, these shoes deliver. They pair low-profile, breathable mesh uppers with genuine, supportive underfoot cushioning, giving you the comfort required for a busy morning of errands or a quick walk, without looking overly bulky. Choose from a neutral color palette of shoes — all for up to 23% off.
The North Face Women's Antora Rain 2.0 Hooded Jacket
On days when the weather forecast reads unpredictable, this rain jacket offers a dependable shield without turning you into a walking sauna. With a waterproof, windproof and fully seam-sealed shell, it expertly locks out torrential downpours and biting gusts while letting internal heat escape when you're on the move. Right now, you can snag one for 30% off in select colors.
Levi's Men's 505 Regular Fit Jeans
Levi's denim jeans are classic for good reason. The 505 features a traditional straight-leg cut that sits comfortably at the waist with extra room through the seat and thighs. For up to 65% off, they come in a variety of denim washes. Each pair adopts an effortlessly broken-in look from day one, making them a durable, everyday essential that pairs with practically anything in your closet.
Miele Classic C1 Turbo Team Powerline Canister Vacuum
CNN Underscored's pick for the best canister vacuum is now down to its best price of the year. Today's offer allows you to make the switch to one of the most dependable ways to keep your floors clean with $130 in savings. This deal is matching the Prime Day price from back in June to help anyone who already prefers "canister clean" over "stick vacuum clean" hard floors, low-pile carpets, rugs and even upholstery.
Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones Cordless Vacuum
Altland has been using this recent Dyson vacuum cleaner for the past eight months and doesn't see herself going back to a more typical stick vacuum. The PencilVac and its lightweight design makes cleaning floors far easier than before, and now with a $120 discount attached, you can find out why its broom-like design is so useful for less. The best part is its unique Fluffycones cleaning head that carefully sucks up debris without causing a tangled web and prevents shoelaces and cables from getting stuck.
Dyson PencilWash Cordless Wet Hard Floor Cleaner
To go alongside the discounted PencilVac, Dyson also brought the broom-like design over to a wet floor cleaner with its new PencilWash. While this model isn't matching its lowest price ever, it has returned to its second-best discount to date at $100 off. It weighs under a pound and touts a 64,000-filament microfiber roller to give different surface types a precise scrub.
iRobot Roomba 115X Combo Robot Vacuum and Mop
Over the past few years, robotic vacuums have gotten surprisingly good at completely taking over the chores of routinely sweeping and washing your floor. Even the affordable ones, like this iRobot Roomba, do a solid job at taking one more task off your to-do list. Today's discount slashes $270 from the going rate of this combo cleaner, bringing it to a new low price ahead of Prime Big Deal Days.
Bissell Little Green Mini Portable Carpet Cleaner
This miniature version of the renowned Bissell Little Green is now down to its second-best price of the year. There have been a handful of markdowns throughout 2026, but only one has managed to beat today's deal and that was all the way back in April. Odds are Amazon (and other retailers) won't sell it for less come Prime Big Deal Days, so this $20 discount is your ticket to the best discount of the season.
O-Cedar H2prO Flat Mop System
O-Cedar makes the best mop we've tested, and this higher-end version includes many of the features that impressed our editors in the first place. We particularly appreciated its lightweight and easy-to-handle design and its effective scrubbing power on all kinds of floors, and this H2prO version improves the experience with a dual-tank system that keeps clean and dirty water fully separate so you're always mopping with fresh water. Today's offer is the best we've tracked and only the second time it has sold for $10 off.
Eufy E25 Robot Vacuum and Mop
Save 40% on this combination robotic vacuum and mop to spend less time worrying about having spotless floors. This Eufy robo vac will do the chores for you, with powerful vacuuming and mopping capabilities that make the E25 one of the best high-end robot vacuums on the market. This is the first price cut in months and the second-best discount ever on the floor cleaner that has garnered an average 4.4-star rating from over 54,000 Amazon shoppers.
Shark IX141 Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum
This affordable stick vacuum isn't going to be the most dependable floor cleaner that money can buy, but it'll cost you far less of it than the best models our editors have tested. Today's 50% discount matches the best offer we've tracked this year and comes within $2 of the lowest price ever. That makes its lightweight design, powerful motor optimized for sucking up pet hair and convertible handheld design an even better value for those on a budget.
Coleman Cooler Quad Chair in Black
Arm your upcoming camping trip or tailgate with this affordable folding chair now that it's down to the best price of the year. We already recommend it at full price as the best camping chair our outdoors editor, Kai Burkhardt, has tested, with a comfortable design that's light enough to bring anywhere. Now it's an even better value, whether you plan to actually take it to the campsite or just need an extra place to sit as you get ready for football games this fall.
Greenworks 60-Volt 610-CFM Electric Leaf Blower
This price is one of the best values around for those hoping to ditch the old-school rake in favor of an electric leaf blower that won't hurt their backs after an afternoon of cleaning up leaves. The $110 discount scores you the cordless leaf blower alongside a battery and charger at the lowest price of the year. It's also on the lighter side at just over 5 pounds.
Ego Power+ LV5005 Leaf Vacuum and Mulcher
As great as the affordable Greenworks leaf blower is for those on a budget, this higher-end Ego Power+ model has some added tricks worth considering. It's on sale for only the second time since first launching over the summer and helps you tackle one of autumn's most annoying chores with vacuuming and mulching functionality on top of the usual blowing features. That means you can turn 10 giant bags of foliage into a single bag just by sucking up leaves as you walk around your yard.
DeWalt 20-Volt Max Cordless Drill Driver Set
As summer comes to a close and winter weather begins to loom, time is running out to finish those home-improvement projects. If there are still a few things you need to fix around the house, this cordless drill driver set from DeWalt, which includes a battery and charger, will certainly help the cause. While we have seen it sell for a few dollars less in the past, today's 41% discount is still worthy of any weekend warriors tool kit.
Coleman Triton 2-Burner Propane Camping Stove
This tried-and-true camping stove from Coleman may not offer the traditional sear of a grill, but it still helps outfit your campsite, tailgate or patio with a way to cook in the great outdoors. Today's markdown is an extra $6 below the previous offer and saves you a total of $46.
Alps Mountaineering Aluminum Camping Table in Silver
This camping table is on sale for only the second time in 2026 at $20 off. While it did drop down to $62 for a single day back in June, today's markdown is the only other chance to save so far this year. Its lightweight aluminum frame can be folded up to throw in the back of your car on the way to tailgates or campsites for those who need an extra cooking surface.
Bedsure GentleSoft Heated Throw Blanket
Prime members can save 30% on this heated throw blanket well before temperatures drop enough that you'll wish you had purchased one. Our editors love this Bedsure blanket and its cozy, soft-to-the-touch feel that doesn’t compromise on heat performance. This discount is the best in months and the first markdown since off-season sales over the summer.
Serta Luxuriously Soft Plush Electric Blanket
Not all electric blankets are created equal, despite their similar appearances. This Serta one is the best of the bunch our team has tested, thanks to its plush finish and excellent heating performance. Unlike cheaper models, it actually hits accurate temperatures based on the settings you choose. This rare discount takes up to 18% off full, queen and king sizes.
Soundcore by Anker Sleep A30 Earbuds
Don't lose sleep over a snoring partner now that you can save on our favorite sleep earbuds. They're not down to the best price ever, but they do land at within $9 of the low that was last set over the summer with June's Prime Day sale. These Anker buds use active noise cancellation to block out loud noises as you fall asleep for the night and can play sleep sounds to keep you dreaming all night long.
Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On Luggage
Different styles of this affordable piece of carry-on luggage are down to their best prices since back in June. Each of the colors have varying markdowns attached, but most are either matching — or in some cases beating — the Prime Day offers from Amazon's summer sale. Whether you have a fall vacation on the books or are just thinking ahead of traveling home for the holidays, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better value than this spinner suitcase from Samsonite.
Osprey 30-Liter Sojourn Porter Travel Backpack
Need a new personal item to bring on a flight? Osprey's Sojourn Porter backpack has plenty of pockets and compartments to keep your laptop, chargers, passport and other airplane essentials neatly in their places while it hangs out underneath the seat in front of you on your next flight. Amazon has marked several colors down to some of the best prices of the year at 35% off.
Gonex Compression Packing Cubes, Set of 10
Gonex's packing cubes are some of the best that our travel experts have tried, especially if you're looking to tidy up your suitcase on a budget. This pack comes with several different sizes for organizing shirts, pants, socks and underwear. Despite the affordable price tag, our team found that the cubes' zippers, material and stitching quality are ready to handle years of use. That makes today's 21% discount even better.
Baseus 70W Universal Travel Adapter
This travel charger offers the same international support as the (more affordable) Anker option that's also on sale for Prime Day, but it comes with some additional ways to refuel your gadgets. The 70W adapter has a retractable cable, a secondary AC outlet and an assortment of USB ports on the bottom. Plus, it's down to the best price of the year at 28% off.
Early October Prime Day TV and home audio deals
Hisense 65-Inch U6 Pro Mini‑LED ULED Fire TV
Let this discounted Hisense TV be your sign that it's time to upgrade your sports-watching setup. Whether you'll be hosting NFL watch parties this fall or are bracing to yell at your TV for another upsetting year of hockey, this 65-inch Hisense model deserves a spot in your family room. It's over $450 off, complete with a gorgeous Mini-LED panel, an onboard Fire TV smart interface and a 144Hz refresh rate that ensures that fast-paced sports look their best.
TCL 65-Inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED Google Smart TV
This TV is similar to the model that Altland uses to watch TV and movies every single day, just with a brighter screen. If you're constantly thinking that shows these days aren't bright enough, then this television can help with its screen's higher light output to improve the clarity of darker scenes. It's down to the second-best price ever this week at $1,000 off.
Marshall Acton III Bluetooth Speaker
If you're looking for the perfect speaker to gift this upcoming holiday season, let it be this stylish model from Marshall. Altland uses one of these speakers every single day to rock out to her favorite music and as a computer speaker on her desk. Pair it to your phone over Bluetooth, or connect it to a turntable to add some old-school flair to your vinyl nook.
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus With Subwoofer
Add a subwoofer into the mix alongside a soundbar with a $140 discount on this Amazon unit. It's particularly notable for anyone who already has a Fire TV in your family room, as you'll be able to use a single remote to control the volume instead of having separate ones for your television and your soundbar. Today's offer is an extra $15 under the previous Labor Day discount we spotted.
Technics SL-40CBT-H HiFi Record Player
Anyone who is serious about vinyl knows that Technics is the brand in the turntable space. Normally its gear costs a prettypenny, but this week, its hi-fi record player is $200 off to help upgrade your listening nook with a vinyl player that's made to minimize distortions and improve the sound quality of your favorite albums.
Samsung S60D Dolby Atmos Soundbar
This soundbar comes with a unique trick that allows you to turn on an audio enhancement mode. I'm sure we can all agree that TV shows and movies these days don't have the clearest vocals, and this Samsung home theater upgrade helps remedy that with a dedicated sound mode. It's $102 off this week with the first discount since the beginning of August.
This year, Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days event (also known as October Prime Day) starts on Tuesday, Oct. 6, and will continue through the end of Oct. 7. On the East Coast, the deals begin at 3 a.m. ET, while West Coasters can start shopping at midnight PT. The previous sale of this caliber from the retailer, Prime Day, was a four-day event, but Amazon is shifting over to a 48-hour event for this upcoming sale. One of the biggest changes for this year’s event is that Amazon will be rolling out new deals throughout each day of the event instead of just dropping everything all at the beginning. On both Oct. 6 and Oct. 7, new discounts will drop three times per day.
While previous October Prime Day events have run for four days, this year’s will only last two. That means you’ll have 48 hours to score many of the year’s best price cuts across everything from the latest tech and kitchen essentials to end-of-summer scores on grills and patio furniture. It’ll also be one of the first chances of the year to find deeper discounts on seasonal buys like cold weather apparel and Advent calendars.
Yes. Amazon’s Prime Day events have historically focused on offering discounts for those with Prime memberships. While there will certainly be some deals that are available to everyone, the week’s best markdowns surely will be.
Prime Big Deal Days may be an Amazon event, but that doesn’t mean it will be the only retailer to get in on the savings. In recent years, Best Buy, Target and Walmart have all launched events of their own to give sales such as October Prime Day a run for their money. I’m expecting much of the same during the upcoming 2026 sale, as competing retailers look to undercut Amazon’s offers.
It entirely depends on what you’re shopping for! There’s sure to be plenty of overlap between retailers, but odds are, the online storefronts will all fight to offer the best price cuts. Amazon will be setting the pace, given that this is its event in the first place, but expect to see the other major stores dishing out deep discounts of their own. Luckily, you can leave it to us at CNN Underscored to scour the internet and report back so you’re not left checking everything yourself.
The rest of the deals team and I are constantly researching all the season’s best deals. That carries over to events like this upcoming sale so you can cut right to the chase and save. Each team member, including CNN Underscored deals editor Jacqueline Saguin and associate deals editor Elena Matarazzo, is dialed into specific beats to help surface the best of the best deals.
First things first: Make sure you have an Amazon Prime membership. You can sign up for a 30-day free trial, after which your membership will cost $15 per month or $139 per year. In addition to fast, free two-day shipping, you’ll have access to Prime Video, ad-free music streaming, unlimited photo storage and unlimited Prime Reading. Many of Prime Day’s best deals, including Lightning Deals, are only available to Prime members.
Once your membership is squared away, you should take some time to ensure your payment methods, including 1-Click settings and default delivery, are up to date so that you can snag your desired deals in a timely fashion.
CNN Underscored’s deals editors scour the internet daily for the best available sales and discounts, then put them on your radar in real time. They utilize a range of techniques and consider a variety of factors — price history checks, available coupon codes, competitor pricing — to determine if a deal is worthy of coverage (and your money).
For this article, CNN Underscored senior deals editor Rikka Altland researched early deals worth shopping ahead of October Prime Day and broke down all the information you need to be a smart shopper come Prime Big Deal Days. Altland has been doing just that for over a decade, and that kind of experience extends to the rest of our deals team. Being an advocate for buyers to make sure we’re only recommending the best prices on the best products is what we’re all about, and that focus comes across in our work.
Jacqueline Saguin is the deals editor for CNN Underscored based in NYC. She covers all the best deals for your wallet as well as the latest product launches.
