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Updated: 47 min 28 sec ago

The best October Prime Day headphones and speakers deals from Sony, Bose, and more

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 04:01

UPDATE: Oct. 8, 2024, 6:35 p.m. EDT This post has been updated with the latest headphone and earbud deals worth checking out, based on our reporters historical pricing knowledge.

Best headphone and speaker deals Best noise-cancelling headphones deal Apple AirPods Max $399 at Amazon (Save $150) Get Deal Best earbuds deal Amazon Echo Buds $44.99 at Amazon (Save $95) Get Deal Best Bluetooth speaker deal Marshall Emberton II Speaker $99 at Amazon (Save $60) Get Deal

Prime Big Deal Days is officially here. While Amazon usually showcases its own products and services during the October Prime Day event, plenty of other brands join in on the fun too.

We're tracking deals on headphones and speakers, which historically drop to some of their lowest prices during Prime Day. Mashable Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard here — it's literally been my job for the past couple of years to pay specific attention to headphones pricing. I've also been testing out the best headphones for the past year for Mashable. (Shopping Reporter Sam Mangino has also been testing headphones for Mashable for several months).

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Prime Day laptop deals are finally ramping up: Shop record-low prices on Apple, LG, and Acer

As a Prime Day and Black Friday veteran, I can say with confidence that sometimes Amazon does have "deal prices" on items that actually aren't all that great, whether it be because the markdown isn't that impressive, or because those items actually dip down or regularly sit at those prices through most of the year. The headphones, earbuds, and speaker deals you'll find below do not fall into either of those categories.

In fact, most of these prices below are the lowest we've seen all year. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones, for instance, dropped to $100 off for the first time ever during this Prime Day event (they dropped $70 in July). The AirPods Pro hit a record low of $68.99, and some other favorites of ours, like the Sony WH-1000XM5s returned to their all-time low prices. After covering headphone deals for the past couple of years, I can say that when anyone on Mashable's team adds a headphone deal to this list, it's actually worth checking out.

SEE ALSO: Scope out the best October Prime Day video game deals

With that, here are our favorite headphones, earbuds, and speaker deals from this October Prime Day sale. Want even more Prime Day content? Follow along with our live blog.

Best noise-cancelling headphones deal Apple AirPods Max $394.99 at Amazon
$549.00 Save $154.01 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Apple AirPods Max.

I'm going to level with you — I'm kind of an AirPods Max hater, but mostly because I think they're way too expensive for what they're offering, especially in comparison to other over-ear noise cancelling headphones on the market. With that said, they do have a unique look, come in more colors than most other headphones, and offer a sound quality and active noise cancellation that's been praised by many. Now that these headphones are down to one of their lowest prices ever at $394.95 (saving you 28%), they're much easier to recommend.

Just be aware that these are the Lightning port model. The USB-C model is on sale too, but beyond the charging port and new colorways, they are the exact same headphones, and they're going for $499.99. It's their first big markdown, but it's not one I can recommend over these AirPods Max. If you really want USB-C charging, I recommend trying out the Bose QC Ultra headphones or the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones. — Bethany Allard, Lead Shopping Reporter

More headphone dealsBest earbuds deals Amazon Echo Buds $44.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $95.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the 2021 Amazon Echo Buds.

Simply put, you really don't see earbuds with halfway decent active noise cancellation below $50, much less below $40. In my testing of budget noise-cancelling headphones, I found that the Anker Soundcore Life P3i earbuds fared well with noise-cancelling and audio quality for around $50. I opted for them instead of the Echo Buds because of the price discrepancy, but with the Echo Buds at a whopping 71% off, it'd be hard to recommend another pair of earbuds if you're looking for the cheapest way to get the best ANC possible. You'll deal with some quirks like Amazon wanting you to lean heavy into using Alexa, and a battery life that's nothing to write home about, for $35 you could do a lot worse. — Bethany Allard, Lead Shopping Reporter

More earbud dealsBest Bluetooth speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Marshall Marshall Emberton II Speaker $99.99 at Amazon
$169.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Maybe your Bluetooth speaker kicked the dust this summer after one too many pool parties. If you find yourself in the market for a new one, Prime Day is an especially great time to hit add to cart.

The Marshall Emberton II speaker is perfect to bring along to any banger. It has a vintage look with the stylish gold script logo and textured front, but that doesn't distract from its functionality. With an IP67 rating, it's water and dust-resistant so you can even take it outside. Plus its 30 hours of battery life is insane.

Ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, you can get the Marshall Emberton II speaker on sale for $99.99, saving $70 for 41% off.

More Bluetooth speaker dealsPROMOTED Jabra Elite 10 $199.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50.00 Shop Now JBL Tune Flex $49.95 at Amazon
$99.95 Save $50.00 Shop Now Jabra Elite 8 Active $146.00 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $53.99 Shop Now

Products available for purchase here through affiliate links are selected by our merchandising team. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission or other compensation.

The best October Prime Day TV deals are on Fire TVs

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 04:00

LIVE BLOG: Get the latest news on October Prime Day 2024

Prime Day is one of the biggest shopping events on the internet and, fortunately for us, it happens twice a year.

October Prime Day in particular is not only a great time to buy a TV on sale, but happens to fall during prime TV watching season. Whether you're a football person, a scary movie person, or a cozy fall show rewatch person, this is your chance to upgrade TVs without waiting until Black Friday.

SEE ALSO: How to score an Echo Pop and smart color bulb for just $18 this Prime Day A quick look at the best October Prime Day TV deals Best 55-inch TV deal Amazon 55-inch 4 Series 4K Fire TV $339.99 at Amazon (save $180) Get Deal Best 65-inch TV deal Hisense 65-inch U6HF ULED 4K TV $449.99 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal Best 75-inch TV deal Hisense 75-inch U8 Mini LED ULED TV $999.99 at Amazon (save $500) Get Deal

Though Prime Big Deal Days (October Prime Day's official title) doesn't officially start until tomorrow, Oct. 8, Amazon’s got some pretty good deals live already. We've pulled the best ones and organized them by size, and will be refreshing this list daily throughout the sale and the days after — deals tend to stick around for a second after a Prime event ends.

Before you take the plunge on an Amazon TV deal, though, it would be smart to check out Best Buy's Flash Sale that happens to fall on the same two days as Prime Day. Best Buy tends to have a wider selection of TV deals than Amazon, particularly on the more premium end from Samsung, LG, and Sony.

Best TV deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon 55-inch 4 Series 4K Fire TV $339.99 at Amazon
$519.99 Save $180.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Who says you need to spend a grand to get a nice (and decently-sized) 4K TV? With the early 35% discount that Amazon slapped on the 55-inch version of its most affordable Fire TV, Prime members could actually get one for two different rooms for way less than $1,000.

As Amazon's most basic in-house Fire TV, the 4-Series would be best suited for people who aren't super picky about saturation or brightness levels as long as it's a step up from their old LED TV — and this definitely will be. With the intuitive Fire TV platform built in, the 4-Series can access all of your favorite streaming apps, which you can arrange in whatever layout makes sense to you.

More Prime Day TV deals

43-inch TVs

50- to 55-inch TVs

65-inch TVs

75-inch TVs and up

Amazon Fire tablets are up to 56% off this October Prime Day

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 03:58

A tablet is the perfect middle ground between a smartphone and a laptop. If your current tablet is slowing down, doesn't keep a charge, or lacks in display quality, today is a great day to look into a new Amazon Fire tablet. Here are some early Prime Big Deal Days deals that'll take up to 56% off the list price.

Fire tablet deals to shop today Best overall deal Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet (64GB) $84.99 at Amazon (save $95) Get Deal Best budget-friendly Fire tablet Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet (2024, 32GB) $54.99 at Amazon (save $45) Get Deal Best kids Fire tablet deal Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet $109.99 at Amazon (save $80) Get Deal

The second iteration of Prime Day is fast approaching. Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days kicks off on Oct. 8 and 9 this year, and we expect to see some great discounts. If you've become a fan of shopping for the holidays well before Black Friday, Prime Big Deal Days is likely to be one of your best opportunities to shop sale prices.

Like most Prime Day events, Amazon isn't making us wait around to score great discounts, and we're already seeing sale prices on items like Amazon devices, Apple products, and robot vacuums.

The best deals, though, are on Amazon Fire tablets. Discounts are up to 56% off for major savings. Not to mention, Amazon just launched a new tablet: an upgraded Amazon Fire HD 8 with more RAM and battery life. And it debuted at a sweet 45% discount.

But there are plenty of other deals to shop on Amazon's tablets. Here are some of the best:

Best Fire tablet deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet (64GB) $84.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $95.00 Get Deal Why we like it

With a 10.1-inch screen and 64GB of storage space, the Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet is ready for all your streaming shows or typing out that work email from bed. The octa-core processor and 3GB RAM means you'll be able to multitask with the Fire HD 10. Amazon mentions the tablet gets about 13 hours of battery life, so it could also be a great choice for taking on your next trip.

Thanks to the early Prime Big Deal Days sale price, the Fire HD 10 tablet with 64GB of storage is just $84.99 at Amazon, a 53% discount on the usual price of $179.99. The 32GB size is on sale for $74.99, so you'll be scoring twice as much storage capacity for just $10 more.

Best budget-friendly Fire tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet (2024, 32GB) $54.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $45.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Amazon has started the funny habit of launching brand-new products right before Prime Day. We can't complain when these products debut at a discount.

Ahead of Prime Big Deal Days comes the latest Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet. The budget pick of Amazon's Fire tablets, the new Fire HD 8 comes with 50% more RAM than the last model. It's lightweight and comes with an outstanding 13-hour battery life.

Plus, it's joining the crowd of products with generative AI features, including a writing assist and reading summaries — two features that were also just announced for a series of new Chromebooks.

The Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet (2024, 32GB) is an impressive 45% off already, selling for just $54.99 instead of its listed price of $99.99. That means for under $60, you're getting an 8-inch tablet with 3GB RAM. If the 32GB storage ends up being too small for your downloaded shows, the tablet can accept a 1TB microSD card.

Through Amazon's app store, you'll be able to download streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Max, Disney+, and more. If you don't already own a Kindle, this size can also be great for reading e-books.

Best kids Fire tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet $109.99 at Amazon
$189.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet doesn't mess around when it comes to features and functions. For starters, it offers ad-free content, parental controls, and 13 hours of battery life. The 10.1-inch display means kids can play games, read books, or watch movies on the HD screen.

Amazon also added some peace of mind to this kids' tablet by including a durable case to help with protection from inevitable falls and a two-year warranty. If the tablet happens to break within those two years, Amazon will replace it for free.

If you'll be heading to the grandparents' for Thanksgiving, now is a great time to snag a kid-friendly tablet at a great sale price. Plus, it doesn't hurt that it's now $80 off. Now down to $109.99, you don't want to miss these 42% savings.

More Amazon Fire tablets on sale

The best October Prime Day Kindle deals live right now

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 03:48

UPDATE: Oct. 8, 2024, 6:45 p.m. EDT This article has been update with the latest deals on Kindle books during Prime Big Deal Days.

Best October Prime Day Kindle Deals Best Kindle Deal Kindle Scribe (16GB) $254.99 at Amazon (Save $85) Get Deal Best Kindle Paperwhite Deal Kindle Paperwhite $124.99 at Amazon (Save $25) Get Deal Best Kindle Bundle Deal Kindle Paperwhite Essentials Bundle (16 GB) $134.97 at Amazon (Save $70) Get Deal

It's officially cozy season, which nicely coincides with Amazon's October Prime Day. If you're thinking about settling down on the couch or cuddling up in bed with a good book, now's the time to do it. And what better way to do so than with a new Kindle? If you've had your eye on one, this is one of the best times to go ahead and lock one in, because when the weather gets cooler, snuggling with a loved one or a pet and a great read just hits different.

Thanks to Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days, which runs October 8 and 9, you can save on some of the best Kindles at Amazon right now. Admittedly, Kindle deals during the spooky season Prime Day aren't amazing, but they are deals nonetheless. There are some good deals to be had — the Paperwhite and Scribe offer savings up to 25%, for example.

Below, find some of our favorite Kindle deals to be had during Prime Big Deal Days. And don't forget to snag your free Amazon First Reads books this month, which includes two in October just for being a Prime member.

Best Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle Scribe (16GB) $254.99 at Amazon
$339.99 Save $85.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Kindle Scribe is a multifunctional tablet that lets you enjoy your favorite books and magazines with the potential to be used as a digital notebook. In addition to all your normal Kindle options, the Scribe lets you take notes while reading or use it as a dedicated tablet with smooth writing and a responsive screen. This deal comes with the basic pen, which lacks the eraser and shortcut button, but it still glides over the screen smoothly.

During Prime Big Deal Days, the Kindle Scribe is down to $254.99, saving you $85.

Best Kindle Paperwhite deal Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle Paperwhite $124.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal Why we like it

You really can't beat the Kindle Paperwhite — there's a reason it's the best e-reader we've tested. It's waterproof, comes with 16GB of storage, and adjustable warmth and brightness. It's super quick with a responsive touchscreen, just what you want as you're zooming through a good book. During October Prime Day, shop the Kindle Paperwhite for $124.99, taking $25 off the price.

Best Kindle bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Essentials Bundle (16 GB) $134.97 at Amazon
$204.97 Save $70.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're looking to get the full Kindle set-up, your best bet is to go with a bundle. The Kindle Paperwhite Essentials Bundle is a good option that's also budget-friendly when it comes to e-readers. This bundle comes with a 16GB Kindle Paperwhite, a fabric cover, and a power adapter. During Prime Big Deal Days, this bundle is down to $134.97, saving you $70.

More Kindle dealsThe best Kindle book deals

Amazon has some pretty good deals on 2-in-1 laptops on October Prime Day

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 03:46

Combining the oomph of a PC with the creative functionality of a tablet, 2-in-1 laptops make solid buys for shoppers who prioritize versatility and value.

In the lead-up to Prime Big Deal Days, Amazon's "October Prime Day" sale on Oct. 8 and 9, the retail giant isn't offering a ton of great deals on 2-in-1 machines — but that's no surprise. During such sitewide sales, Amazon usually saves its best laptop deals for the exact windows of the event, forcing eager shoppers to be patient.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon's October Prime Day sale: Start time, the competition, and more

That said, there's one noteworthy 2-in-1 laptop deal up for grabs there outside of the official Prime Big Deal Days programming (i.e., its not featured on its event page), and it's a $105 discount on the Mashable Choice Award-winning Asus Zenbook Duo, our favorite dual-screener.

According to the price-tracking site camelcamelcamel.com, this isn't some new deal Amazon just whipped out; the Zenbook Duo has been sitting at the same price since late September. Knowing that, we think there's a good chance it could get even cheaper once Prime Big Deal Days formally starts. Up to you if you want to wait to find out, but it may help to know that this is its current all-time low.

The Mashable Shopping team will be closely monitoring Prime Big Deal Days deals, and we'll update this story if we find any other, better doorbusters on 2-in-1s. In the meantime, you can learn more about the Zenbook Duo below.

Opens in a new window Credit: Asus Asus Zenbook Duo (Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,394.99 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $105.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Asus Zenbook Duo (2024).

After reviewing the Zenbook Duo, tech editor Kim Gedeon declared that "[single]-screen laptops are now cancelled." She gave it a near-perfect 4.8/5 rating for its slick, made-for-multitasking design, gorgeous displays, solid battery life, and extremely reasonable price point. Note that it includes a built-in kickstand, a stylus, and a detachable keyboard — no need to purchase accessories separately.

The base configuration (our testing unit) comes with an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, Intel Arc graphics, 16GB of memory, 1TB of storage, and dual 1920 x 1200 displays — and at $1,394.99, or $105 off its $1,499.99 MSRP, this is its best price on Amazon since launch. For comparison's sake, it's currently selling for $1,410.99 at Best Buy and full price on the Asus website.

For about $109 more, you can upgrade to a model with an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H CPU, 32GB of RAM, and 2880 x 1800 displays.

Amazon has dropped a new Fire HD 8 tablet — and it's already on sale for October Prime Day

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 03:45

LIVE BLOG: Get the latest news on October Prime Day 2024

UPDATE: Oct. 8, 2024, 5:00 a.m. EDT This story has been updated with current pricing and availability.

The best October Prime Day tablet deals at a glance: Best Amazon Fire tablet deal Amazon Fire HD 8 (32GB) $54.99 at Amazon (save $45) Get Deal Best Apple iPad deal Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 256GB) $1,196 at Amazon (save $103) Get Deal

Amazon has released another wave of official offers for Prime Big Deal Days, its members-only "October Prime Day" sale (set for Oct. 8 and 9) — and among its selection of tablet deals is a heavily discounted new Fire HD 8.

Quietly announced in an Oct. 2 post on the About Amazon blog, the refreshed 8-inch tablet features more RAM and a better camera than the previous model from 2022. Amazon has also equipped it with several new generative AI features, which "all compatible Fire tablets" will start supporting later this month. It starts at $99.99 with 32GB of storage, a $30 drop from its predecessors' sticker price, but it's on sale for just $54.99 through the end of Prime Big Deal Days.

The new Fire HD 8 is one of nine Fire tablets that are currently sitting at all-time lows in the lead-up to the 48-hour savings event. That includes four of Amazon's flagship tablets and five models that are specially designed for kids. (These come with age-appropriate content, parental controls, a protective case, a two-year worry-free guarantee, and at least six months' worth of Amazon Kids+.)

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon's October Prime Day sale: Official dates, the competition, and more

Elsewhere, we've also spotted record lows on two Apple iPads, including the new 13-inch, M4-powered iPad Pro. These deals aren't technically included in Amazon's formal pre-Prime Big Deal Days programming, but the size of their discounts makes them worth mentioning.

Amazon's live discounts across the Samsung Galaxy Tab line-up are far less exciting — none of them were close to their previous record lows at the time of writing — and there were zero Google Pixel tablets on sale there when we last checked. As such, we don't recommend buying any of those models at present, but we'll still be keeping a close eye on them: They'll probably get much cheaper once Prime Big Deal Days begins next week.

Below, we've gone into more detail on the early October Prime Day tablet deals that are actually worth it. Note: Deals marked with a 🔥 have dropped to an all-time low price.

Best Amazon Fire tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 8 (32GB) 🔥 $54.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $45.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The new Fire HD 8 has the same display, processor, 13-hour battery life, and storage options as the older model, but Amazon's added a gig of extra RAM for "enhanced performance while streaming, gaming, browsing, or downloading photos and videos." (Don't expect it to be super powerful, but more memory never anyone.) Its rear camera has also gotten a bump from 2MP to 5MP, which should translate to slightly better shots. On the software side, its newly added generative AI features include Writing Assist, Webpage Summaries, and a Wallpaper Creator.

No need to upgrade if you already own the previous model, but those in need of a new portable, affordable tablet should consider short-listing this guy. The 32GB base model is on sale for $54.99 through Oct. 9 (the second half of Prime Big Deal Days), which works out to a 45% savings.

More Fire tablets on sale Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 256GB) 🔥 $1,196.00 at Amazon
$1,299.00 Save $103.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the 13-inch Apple iPad Pro (M4).

The latest iPad Pro is a beefy tablet for creative professionals that's powered by the lightning-fast M4 chip, which Apple hasn't used in any MacBooks yet (though that's rumored to be changing later this fall). Mashable tech editor Kim Gedeon gave it a 4.5/5 rating, which nabbed it a Mashable Choice Award, praising its "power efficiency, striking [tandem OLED] display, and breakneck performance." Note that it lasted more than six hours longer than its rated battery life in our testing.

At $1,198, or $101 off, this is the 256GB base configuration's lowest price on Amazon since launch.

More Apple iPads on saleSamsung Galaxy Tabs on salePROMOTED TECH DEALS Jabra Elite 10 $199.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50.00 Shop Now Canon Pixma Printer $199.00 at Amazon
Shop Now ecobee Smart Thermostat $328.99 at Amazon
Shop Now

Products available for purchase here through affiliate links are selected by our merchandising team. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission or other compensation.

All the best keyboard deals live on October Prime Day

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 03:41

LIVE BLOG: Get the latest news on October Prime Day 2024

Best keyboard deals on October Prime Day Best standard keyboard deal Apple Magic Keyboard with numeric keyboard $106.47 at Amazon (Save $22.53) Get Deal Best mechanical keyboard deal Royal Kludge S98 mechanical keyboard $89.99 at Amazon (Save $10) Get Deal

Whether you're deep in the rabbit hole that is having a keyboard building hobby or you're simply looking to update your home office setup, Prime Big Deal Days is shaping up to be a great time to pick up a new keyboard on sale.

SEE ALSO: October Prime Day is just one day away — here are all the best deals to shop so far

Though Amazon's sale doesn't officially start until Oct. 8, plenty of keyboards are already marked down from brands like SteelSeries, Epomaker, and more.

What makes a good keyboard can have a lot to do with personal preferences. We've included 15 different keyboard deals on our list below so you can find what you're looking for, whether you want something you can plug and play, or a hot-swappable keyboard you can customize as much as you'd like.

Best standard keyboard deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Magic Keyboard with numeric keyboard $106.47 at Amazon
$129.00 Save $22.53 Get Deal Why we like it

The Apple Magic Keyboard is pricey, but for folks who enjoy a quiet, low-profile typing experience, it could very well be worth it. Windows users are probably going to want to pass on this keyboard, but Apple fans will appreciate the easy connectivity to their MacBook or iPad, as well as the 100% layout. Note that this is an older version of the Magic Keyboard without a Touch ID sensor.

Best mechanical keyboard deal Opens in a new window Credit: Royal Kludge Royal Kludge S98 mechanical keyboard $89.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $10.00 Get Deal Why we like it

For under $90, you're getting a hot-swappable keyboard with a 96% layout, a knob, a small display, and a Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and USB-C connection. In other words, this Royal Kludge keyboard is a great affordable mechanical keyboard, whether you're into gaming or just want something cute for your desk. There are also four different keycap colorways available, but the coupon amount may vary depending on which you choose.

More keyboard deals

The best Chromebook deals available on October Prime Day

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 03:39

Let's get this out of the way first: Amazon isn't offering any good Chromebook deals in the lead-up to Prime Big Deal Days, its "October Prime Day" sale (set for Oct. 8 and 9). Not a single one.

In fact, the retail giant's laptop deals are currently scant across the board. A few configurations of the M3-powered Apple MacBook Pro have dipped to their previous all-time lows there. But aside from that, the one Windows model that Amazon previously featured in a "limited-time deal" ahead of the event has since returned to its full sticker price. It's slim pickings.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon's October Prime Day sale: Start time, the competition, and more

With that in mind, anyone hunting for a good deal on a Chromebook has two options at present. One, of course, is to simply wait for Prime Big Deal Days to start; Amazon could be reserving some doorbusters for the kickoff. For less patient shoppers, the other option is defecting to another retailer like Best Buy, or to OEMs like Acer, Asus, HP, and Lenovo, where Chromebook deals are more plentiful at the time of writing.

Keep in mind that these alternatives might also roll out better deals when Prime Big Deal Days goes live, in order to compete with it. (For its part, Best Buy has a 48-Hour Flash Sale planned for Oct. 8 and 9.) But if time is of the essence, keep reading: We're keeping a running list of the best early October Prime Day Chromebook deals across the web, none of which you'll see on Amazon right now.

Best Chromebook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 (Intel Core Ultra 5 115U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $599.00 at Best Buy
$699.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

A spring 2024 release, this 14-inch hybrid packs above-average specs for a Chromebook, including an Intel Core Ultra 5 115U processor, a 1440p webcam, and 256GB of SSD storage. (Those far exceed Google's basic requirements for the "Plus" certification.) It also has a sleek aluminum chassis — no cheapo plastic here, folks. Later this month, it'll get new AI features like Help Me Read, a summarizing tool, and Live Translate.

It's usually priced at $699, but Best Buy has it on sale for $599 — a 14% savings.

More Chromebooks on sale

The best Apple MacBook deals we could find on October Prime Day

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 03:38

UPDATE: Oct. 8, 2024, 3:00 p.m. EDT This story has been updated with current pricing and availability.

The best October Prime Day MacBook deals at a glance: Best MacBook Air deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $749 at Amazon (save $250) Get Deal Best MacBook Pro deal Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,699 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal

LIVE BLOG: Get the latest news on October Prime Day 2024

Amazon is home to good MacBook deals year-round (more so than any other kind of laptop), but its selection sees especially deep discounts during certain sitewide savings events. This time, it's Prime Big Deal Days, the retailer's members-only "October Prime Day" sale on Oct. 8 and 9, which has brought dramatic price drops across Apple's lineup ahead of a possible M4 refresh.

With Prime Big Deal Days underway now, things have gone as expected: Amazon has discounted most MacBooks across the M2 and M3 generations, and two of our favorite models are currently sitting at record-low prices. That would be the M2 MacBook Air and the M3 MacBook Pro; we think they're the best budget MacBook and the best MacBook for video editing, respectively.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon's October Prime Day sale: Start time, the competition, and more

These are early deals that didn't go down once the event actually started, but that doesn't mean they're the absolute best MacBook deals you'll find this week. We'll be keeping an eye on them over the next few days while closely monitoring competing deals at other retailers. (For its part, Best Buy will be running a 48-Hour Flash Sale during Prime Big Deal Days.)

Read on for a closer look at the best early October Prime Day deals on MacBooks. Note: Deals marked with a 🔥 have dropped to an all-time low price.

Best MacBook Air deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) 🔥 $749.00 at Amazon
$999.00 Save $250.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air (M2).

The 13-inch MacBook Air from mid-2022 is a Mashable Choice Award winner that combines "[rock]-solid battery life" with "a keyboard that’s to die for, and enough horsepower to handle everyday tasks with ease," wrote tech and games reporter Alex Perry. It's our current favorite "budget" MacBook, and it's now cheaper than ever before.

You can snag the base configuration with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage for $749, or $250 off its $999 MSRP. If it sells out on Amazon, check Best Buy: It was matching the deal at the time of writing.

More MacBook Airs on saleBest MacBook Pro deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) 🔥 $1,699.00 at Amazon
$1,999.00 Save $300.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro (M3).

The latest 14-inch MacBook Pro features an M3 chip that supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing for rendering lifelike lighting, plus a bright 120Hz mini-LED display, tons of ports (including an SDXC card slot), and a battery that lasted over 16 hours per charge in our testing. It's another Mashable Choice Award winner.

All configurations of the 14-inch M3 Pro are now on sale at all-time lows on Amazon (including the base model, which is now just $1,299). However, we're partial to the bumped-up version with 16GB of memory and 1TB of SSD storage: That extra RAM is necessary if you're going to be using it for multitasking and/or creative work. Normally $1,999, it's now just $1,699 — a 15% savings. Note that it's technically $100 cheaper at Best Buy, but only for paid members of its My Best Buy program.

More MacBook Pros on sale

Amazon's Prime Day laptop deals are ramping up: Shop record-low prices on Apple, LG, and Acer

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 03:35

UPDATE: Oct. 9, 2024, 4:00 a.m. EDT This story has been updated with new deals and current availability.

The best October Prime Day laptop deals at a glance: Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $749 at Amazon (save $250) Get Deal Best Windows laptop deal LG gram 14 2in1 (Intel Core Ultra 5 125H, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $759.99 at Amazon (save $540 with Prime) Get Deal Best gaming laptop deal Acer Nitro 16 (AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $799 at Amazon (save $200) Get Deal

Amazon isn't usually loaded with great laptop deals on any given day (especially compared to the competition), but things tend to pick up a bit during the retailer's major sitewide sales.

With Prime Big Deal Days kicking off — that would be Amazon's members-only "October Prime Day" sale, taking place Oct. 8 and 9 — the Mashable Shopping team is on the lookout for the best, most worth-it discounts there starring Apple MacBooks, Windows PCs, Chromebooks, and beyond. Good news: As of the time of this writing, the October Prime Day laptop deals are really starting to heat up.

Amazon didn't release a ton of great laptop deals in the lead-up to the sale, but the floodgates are finally starting to crack open in the eleventh hour: Multiple Acer laptops and a pair of LG gram convertibles have fallen to all-time lows, among a slew of other great discounts. Note that the latter are Prime exclusives; if you're not a member, you can get around the paywall by signing up for a free 30-day trial.

SEE ALSO: These are the best October Prime Day deals that cost under $50

Amazon also has some MacBook Pros and Airs on sale separately from its pre-Prime Big Deal Days programming. That includes the 13-inch M2 Air and the 14-inch M3 Pro, two of our favorite MacBooks, which have fallen to their own record-low prices at the time of writing. They may not appear on the sale's official event page, but we encourage shoppers to consider these deals, too.

Check out the rest of our favorite deals below, where we also go deeper on specs and pricing, and follow along with our live bloggers for all the latest news.

Note: Deals marked with a 🔥 have dropped to an all-time low price.

Best MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) 🔥 $749.00 at Amazon
$999.00 Save $250.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air (M2).

The previous-generation MacBook Air from mid-2022 earned a 4.6/5 rating from Tech and Games Reporter Alex Perry, who commended its "[rock]-solid battery life," "dreamy keyboard," and peppy M2 chip. It has "enough horsepower to handle everyday tasks with ease," he wrote. It's a Mashable Choice Award winner and the MacBook we recommend for shoppers on a budget — especially now.

It normally retails for $999, but Amazon has it on sale for just $749 (or $250 off) ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, which is its lowest price since launch. As far as we can tell, the only other time it's gotten that cheap was over Labor Day weekend at Best Buy, and it was limited to paid My Best Buy members.

More MacBooks on saleBest Windows laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG gram 14 2in1 (Intel Core Ultra 5 125H, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $759.99 at Amazon with Prime
$1,299.99 Save $540.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Portability and versatility are the names of the game for this 14-inch hybrid laptop, which weighs about the same as a 13-inch M3 MacBook Air. This particular configuration packs a newer Intel Core Ultra 5 155H processor with 16GB of memory, which are solid specs for multitasking. It also comes with a compatible LG Stylus Pen for drawing and taking notes on its IPS touchscreen.

Amazon currently has it priced at $759.99 for Prime members, which is a whopping $540 off its $1,299.99 MSRP and its lowest price to date. (Before now, it's never dipped below $999.99.) For comparison's sake, it was stuck at full price on the LG website when we last checked.

More Windows laptops on saleBest gaming laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Nitro 16 (AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $799.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Nitro 16 is a big-screened budget gaming laptop that's equipped with an AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS CPU from early 2023, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 graphics, a flashy RGB backlit keyboard, and a 165Hz display. Its measly 8GB of memory is a drawback, but that's totally workable if you only plan on playing lower-end games like Fortnite and Minecraft. (Otherwise, you can put your savings towards a memory upgrade.)

More gaming laptops on sale

The best Fitbit deals on October Prime Day

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 03:33

UPDATE: Oct. 9, 2024, 4:15 a.m. EDT This article has been updated to reflect the best October Prime Day Fitbit deals available.

The best Prime Day Fitbit deals at a glance: BEST FITBIT DEAL Fitbit Sense $139.95 at Woot! (save $110) Get Deal BEST FITBIT DEAL FOR KIDS Fitbit Google Ace LTE $169.99 at Woot! (save $59.96) Get Deal

Prime Day part two, October Prime Day, Prime Big Deal Days, or whatever you choose to call it is here, but deals have been flooding in for a couple weeks. Amazon is well known for dropping deals in the days leading up to their big shopping events. One particular brand, however, chooses to wait until the official Prime Day kickoff to cut its prices: Fitbit.

While other fitness tracker and smartwatch deals are already pretty impressive, Fitbit cannot be bothered to give shoppers an early taste of Amazon Prime Day. The only Fitbit deals you'll find at Amazon ahead of the big day are from sketchy third-party sellers and we don't recommend grabbing those. Instead, we scoured the web for any reputable deals on Fitbit models we could find and came out with....two. But hey, two is better than none, right?

Here are the best (and only) early Prime Day Fitbit deals we could find. We'll be updating this list throughout the official Prime Big Deal Days shopping extravaganza, so check back if you don't see the model you're looking for just yet.

Best Fitbit deal Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Sense $139.95 at Woot!
$249.95 Save $110.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Fitbit Sense.

The Fitbit Sense, originally released in 2020, is built for wellness-focused users. The EDA Scan app detects electrodermal activity (aka a stress meter). The ECG app, which is only available in certain countries and intended for people who are 22 or older, checks heart rhythm for signs of atrial fibrillation, and the built-in GPS lets you track your runs without your phone. The battery lasts six days on a full charge, and the fast-charge function gives you a full day's worth of use after just 12 minutes of charging (up to 12 hours with GPS mode on). It's since been replaced by the Sense 2, but is still a pretty solid smartwatch — especially for this price. Save 44% ahead of Prime Big Deal Days at Woot!

PROMOTED Peloton Bike+ $1,999.99 at Amazon
$2,495.00 Save $495.01 Shop Now SolaWave $169.00 at Amazon
Shop Now iHealth Nexus Smart Scale $39.99 at Amazon
$42.99 Save $3.00 Shop Now

Products available for purchase here through affiliate links are selected by our merchandising team. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission or other compensation.

Best Fitbit deal for kids Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Google Ace LTE $169.99 at Woot!
$229.95 Save $59.96 Get Deal Why we like it

Just released this past spring, the Fitbit Ace LTE by Google is a smartwatch built just for kids. It helps gamify getting active by encouraging and rewarding movement and play throughout the day. Plus, it swaps screen time for physical activity, which is certainly a plus. Parents can keep tabs on their little ones by calling, texting, and voice messaging, seeing real-time locations, controlling the contact list, and restricting game access during specific times (school, homework, etc.). It's regularly $229.95, but Woot! has it on sale for only $169.99. That's 26% in savings and the lowest price we've seen.

20+ of the best smartwatch and fitness tracker deals on October Prime Day

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 03:32

UPDATE: Oct. 9, 2024, 4:00 a.m. EDT This article has been updated with the latest live deals on day two of the Prime Big Deal Days sale.

The best October Prime Day fitness tracker deals at a glance: BEST APPLE DEAL Apple Watch Series 9 (41mm, GPS) $299 at Amazon (Save $100) Get Deal BEST SAMSUNG DEAL Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (Bluetooth, 40mm) $161.49 at Amazon (Save $138.50) Get Deal BEST GARMIN DEAL Garmin Venu 3S $395 at Amazon (Save $54.99) Get Deal BEST GOOGLE DEAL Google Pixel Watch 2 (WiFi) $170.99 at Amazon (save $79) Get Deal BEST SMART RING DEAL Oura Ring 3 (Horizon) starting at $283.34 (save up to $100) Get Deal

If you're looking to bring home a new fitness tracker or smartwatch, Prime Day is a great time to shop.

Now that the weather is getting cooler and the leaves are starting to change, you might be more inclined to start that jogging program you were looking forward to. Or you might decide to get ahead of New Year's resolutions and start heading to the gym. Whatever you're planning, there are plenty of smartwatch and fitness tracker deals available during Prime Big Deal Days to help you get going — with brands like Apple, Garmin and Samsung running the show. Fitbit deals are mysteriously still mostly MIA. The brand typically waits until the start of the event to join the party, but on day one, we're only seeing deals on two models. Granted, those two models are at record-low prices, so we'll take what we can get.

We'll be keeping a running tab below on all the best fitness tracker deals throughout Amazon's October Prime Day. If you don't see the wearable you're looking for on sale yet, check back for the latest updates and head to our live blog to read all the latest live coverage of the event.

Note: All newly added deals are marked with a ✨, while deals with a 🔥 have dropped to an all-time low price. Deals with a strikeout were either sold out or expired at the time of writing.

Best Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 9 (41mm, GPS) $299.00 at Amazon
$399.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Apple Watch Series 9.

Despite the recent release of the Series 10, the Apple Watch Series 9 is not exactly outdated. You won't get the slightly larger display and sleep apnea sensor, but you'll still get the same 2,000-nit max brightness, Double Tap feature, and 18 hours of battery life. Not to mention, you'll save $100 on the Series 9 because it's no longer the shiniest new Apple toy. If you're upgrading from an old Apple Watch or are brand new to the fruit company's wearables, you won't be disappointed.

More Apple Watch deals

Series 10

Series 9

SE

Ultra

PROMOTED: HEALTH/BEAUTY Peloton Bike+ $1,999.99 at Amazon
$2,495.00 Save $495.01 Shop Now SolaWave $169.00 at Amazon
Shop Now iHealth Nexus Smart Scale $39.99 at Amazon
$42.99 Save $3.00 Shop Now

Products available for purchase here through affiliate links are selected by our merchandising team. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission or other compensation.

Best Samsung Galaxy Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (Bluetooth, 40mm) $161.49 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $138.50 ✨🔥 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Galaxy Watch 6.

When a new generation makes its debut, we often see ultra-low prices on the previous one. Such is the case with the Galaxy Watch 6. With the arrival of the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra over the summer, the Watch 6 is now steadily sitting below $200. During Prime Big Deal Days, you can grab the 40mm version with Bluetooth for only $161.49, which is 46% in savings and a new record-low (by about $35). Only a year old, the sixth generation is still a very good smartwatch. It includes a nuanced breakdown of sleep habits, sleep coaching, personalized heart rate zones, irregular heart rate notifications, and a better battery life over its predecessor, which led Mashable's Alex Perry to dub it "the king of the Android smartwatch mountain."

More Samsung Galaxy Watch dealsBest Garmin deal Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Venu 3S $395.00 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $54.99 🔥 Get Deal Why we like it

Ideal for smaller wrists, the Garmin Venu 3S is about .2 inches smaller in diameter and .3 oz lighter than the standard Venu 3. It still offers the same advanced features, like a built-in speaker and microphone to take calls, the ability to store music, and an abundance of health and fitness tools and insights. The only real difference besides the size is that the 3S has a slightly shorter battery life (about 10 days in smartwatch mode versus the 3's 14 days), but it still blows the Apple Watch battery out of the water. It's usually $449.99, but you can save $55 during the October Prime event and get it for only $395. That's a new all-time low.

More Garmin dealsBest Google deal Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Watch 2 (WiFi) $170.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $79.00 ✨🔥 Get Deal Why we like it

Now that the Google Pixel Watch 3 has arrived, it's no surprise the Pixel Watch 2 has dropped to a new record-low price. But that doesn't mean it's not a welcome discount. While you won't get the 3's software upgrades, Morning Brief features via Fitbit, and AI-driven tracking, you'll still get the same battery life, signature round design, and health and fitness sensors. The 3 isn't the massive overhaul you'd expect, meaning the Pixel Watch 2 — particularly at this all-time low Prime Day price — is definitely the better deal.

More Google deals (including Fitbit)Best smart ring deal Opens in a new window Credit: Oura Oura Ring 3 (Horizon) Starting at $283.34 (save up to $100) Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Oura Ring 3.

The Oura Ring 4 launches later this month, so it's no surprise that we're seeing the Oura Ring 3 on sale for Prime Day 2. Regardless of the colorway you choose, you'll get a discount between 10% and 22% off. For instance, the stealth and brushed titanium models are 22% off, coming in at $349 (down from $449). The gold and rose gold models, on the other end of the price spectrum, are $449 after a 10% discount. The third-generation ring is a low-profile fitness tracker that offers in-depth info about sleep, workouts, recovery, mindfulness, and more through a variety of sensors, though sleep tracking is truly where it shines.

More smart ring deals

The best iPad deals to shop this October Prime Day

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 03:30

UPDATE: Oct. 9, 2024, 4:00 a.m. EDT This article has been updated with the latest iPad pricing and availability on Prime Big Deal Days.

Best iPad deals on October Prime Day Best for portability Apple iPad Mini (64GB, WiFi) $379.99 at Amazon (Save $119.01) Get Deal Best upgraded pick Apple iPad Air (M2, 128GB, WiFi) $549 at Amazon (Save $50) Get Deal Best M4 option Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M4, 256GB, WiFi) $922 at Amazon (save $77) Get Deal

October Prime Day has finally started, but early deals started cropping up days (weeks, even) ahead of the sale's official start.

Among the many items marked down early — including Apple Watches and AirPods — you'll find a decent variety of iPads, from M2 Airs to the ninth generation iPad. Although the retailer hasn't deemed any of the below official deals from the member-exclusive Prime Big Deal Days sale (aka the official name for this October Prime Day), we still think they're worth checking out ahead of time.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon's October Prime Day sale: Official dates, the competition, and more

As always, we'll be updating this post with the best iPad deals throughout the Prime Day event, so make sure to check back often.

Best iPad deal Apple iPad mini (6th gen, A15 Bionic chip, 64GB, WiFi) $379.99 at Amazon
$499.00 Save $119.01 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the iPad mini.

We're probably due for a new iPad mini soon, but this 2021 model still holds up as a great portable option from Apple. With the M4 Pro line just released this year, Apple is still struggling to get its tablets to be legitimate laptop replacements for most people. In the case that you're mainly using a tablet to watch videos, read books, and play games, the iPad mini is an excellent choice. At $379.99, it's back to the record-low price we saw it hit last month, making it one of the best iPad deals to grab ahead of Prime Big Deal Days.

More iPad deals ahead of October Prime Day

AirTag deals are going strong this October Prime Day

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 03:29
Best AirTags deals on Prime Big Deal Days Best overall AirTags deal Apple AirTags (4-pack) $79.99 at Best Buy (Save $19.01) Get Deal Best individual AirTags deal Apple AirTag $24.99 at Amazon (Save $4.01) Get Deal

If you still feel a little overwhelmed by the fact that October Prime Day (aka Prime Big Deal Days) exists, and that the holiday shopping season starts in October, we see you and we understand.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon's October Prime Day sale: Official dates, the competition, and more

We will say, though, that the major advantage of having a few sitewide shopping events pre-November and not post-Thanksgiving is that you can stock up on any holiday travel essentials like Apple AirTags. Bluetooth trackers may not feel like an essential, but finding yourself the last person standing at baggage claim can certainly make you change your tune.

AirTags are especially great for Apple users, as they're easy to set up, and give you more range thanks to the way the tracker uses any Apple device with Find My to calibrate its location, even when it's far away from your particular device.

SEE ALSO: Amazon just dropped a new Fire HD 8 tablet — and it's already 45% off for October Prime Day

We do want to note there many people had concerns that these devices could easily (and quietly) track people without their knowledge, but Apple has worked with Google to make sure that anyone — AirTag user or not — is notified via their device that an unrecognized AirTag is traveling with them.

Obviously, these safety concerns aren't limited to just AirTag users, but we always think it's best to go in with as much knowledge about a product as possible before buying. With that said, here are the best AirTag deals live ahead of Prime Big Deal Days.

Best AirTags deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTags (4-pack) $79.99 at Best Buy
$99.00 Save $19.01 Get Deal Why we like it

While typically Amazon has the best deals ahead of their sale, they actually sold out of this four-pack of AirTags. They had it priced at $79.98, but if paying one cent more isn't a dealbreaker for you, Best Buy still has the set in stock. The price of $79.99 puts each AirTag at about $20, netting you about $5 in savings per AirTag if you were to buy them individually instead. Plus, having multiple AirTags gives you the flexibility to use them on your luggage, your keys, your pets — basically, your options open up.

Best individual AirTag deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag $24.99 at Amazon
$29.00 Save $4.01 Get Deal Why we like it

You might already own several AirTags and just want one more, or you might have never owned a Bluetooth tracker before and want to try one out before you invest in four of them. Whatever your reason, $5 off an AirTag is a nice bonus, if not a huge markdown. We typically don't see them fall much lower than $25, even in the midst of shopping holidays, so buying one now before the Prime Day madness begins isn't a bad idea.

More Apple AirTag deals

I've tracked Apple prices for over 2 years, and these are the best AirPods deals to pick up on Prime Day

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 03:27

UPDATE: Oct. 9, 2024, 4:15 a.m. EDT This list has been updated with the latest pricing and availability on AirPods for Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale.

Best AirPods deals for Prime Day 2 Best over-ear headphone deal Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) $394.99 at Amazon (Save $154.01) Get Deal Best deal without ANC AirPods 4 $119 at Amazon (Save $10) Get Deal Best AirPods with noise-cancelling deal Apple AirPods Pro 2 $168.99 at Amazon (Save $80.01) Get Deal

Apple's AirPods are notoriously expensive — but they're popular for a reason. If you want to see what all the fuss is about without (completely) breaking the bank, shopping events like Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days can be a great time to pick up a pair of the headphones.

Now that the October Prime-member exclusive sale has officially started, AirPods deals are in full swing, with the Pros down to their lowest price ever and the AirPods 4 with and without ANC marked down.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon's October Prime Day sale: Official dates, the competition, and more

Prime Big Deal Days runs until Oct. 9 at 11:59 p.m. PDT, but we've seen particularly good AirPods deals sell out before. If you've been waiting to buy a pair, now is a good time. The only other time the Pros and Lightning AirPods Max hit the prices they're currently at this year was during July's Prime Day (the Maxes have dropped slightly lower one other time earlier this summer). It wouldn't be wild to see these prices come back down during Black Friday, but if you don't want to wait, don't count on these headphones reaching the same price points in between the two shopping holidays.

Below, you'll find our complete list of the best AirPod deals during October Prime Day. For folks who aren't married to the fruit brand, you'll also find plenty of more deals on headphones during Prime Day here.

Best AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 2 $168.99 at Amazon
$249.00 Save $80.01 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Apple AirPods Pro.

The reason we recommend these earbuds on basically every headphone buying guide we have is that what they claim to do, they do well. Their noise cancellation is some of the best in class for earbuds, their sound is robust, and their battery life is pretty decent. While they lean on the expensive side, grabbing them while they're down to $168.99 is a great move. Throughout the year, you'll find these earbuds regularly fall down to $199, and with slightly less regularity, $189. Though these earbuds aren't brand new anymore, I expect that this sale price will be even harder to catch, likely only popping up on shopping holidays until a newer model is released.

More early AirPods dealsPROMOTED Jabra Elite 10 $199.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50.00 Shop Now JBL Tune Flex $49.95 at Amazon
$99.95 Save $50.00 Shop Now Jabra Elite 8 Active $146.00 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $53.99 Shop Now

Products available for purchase here through affiliate links are selected by our merchandising team. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission or other compensation.

The best Apple Watches deals from October Prime Day

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 03:26

UPDATE: Oct. 9, 2024, 4:20 a.m. EDT This post has been updated with the latest pricing and availability on Apple Watches for Prime Big Deal Days, plus more deals you can shop from Amazon.

The best Apple Watch deals on Prime Day at a glance: Best Series 9 deal Apple Watch Series 9 (41mm, GPS) $299 at Amazon (Save $100) Get Deal Best Series 10 deal Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm, GPS) $406.99 at Amazon (Save $22.01) Get Deal Best Ultra deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 $734.89 at Amazon (Save $64.11) Get Deal Best SE deal Apple Watch SE (40mm, GPS) $169.99 at Amazon (save $79.01) Get Deal

Prime Big Deal Days (aka Prime Day part two) is finally here. As in years past, Amazon came through with early price drops on major categories, including Apple Watches, weeks ahead of the big day. And now that the event has officially started, prices on some models have dropped even further.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon's October Prime Day sale: Official dates, the competition, and more

We started seeing price cuts on the Series 9, Ultra 2, and even the brand-new Series 10 last week. Prices on those models have largely remained the same now that day one of the sale is underway. That's not a bad thing, of course. A $100 price cut on the Series 9 watches is welcome, and we'll likely see them get phased out after this fall shopping season, making it a good time to pick one up. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch SE just got an extra $30 price drop in multiple configurations, dropping most models to new record-low prices.

We'll be keeping an eye out for further price drops as Prime Big Deal Days continues. Be sure to check back for updates throughout the sale (and even after).

Note: All newly added deals are marked with a ✨, while deals with a 🔥 have dropped to an all-time low price. Deals with a strikeout were either sold out or expired at the time of writing.

Best Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 9 (41mm, GPS) $299.00 at Amazon
$399.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Apple Watch Series 9.

At just one year old, the Series 9 is hardly outdated. It comes with the same 18 hours of battery life as the Series 10 and many of the same fitness features. While you'll get a slightly larger display with the newer Apple Watch and a sleep apnea sensor, you'll save $100 on the Series 9 because it's the "old" Apple Watch. Both watches have the same 2,000-nit max brightness, which Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder said was one of the best reasons to grab the watch. Overall, if you've never bought into the Apple Watch ecosystem and want to save some cash, this Series 9 deal is a decent bang for your buck. If $299 is still out of your ideal price range, the Apple Watch SE makes a great alternative – especially at an all-time low price.

More Apple Watch deals

Series 10

Series 9

SE

Ultra

More Prime Day deals to shop

Apple

TVs

Headphones

PROMOTED Portable Touchscreen (compatible with Apple Carplay) $54.15 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $15.84 Shop Now Canon Pixma TR8620 Wireless Home Office All-In-One Inkjet Printer $199.00 at Amazon
Shop Now Babbel $299.00 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $300.99 Shop Now

Products available for purchase here through affiliate links are selected by our merchandising team. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission or other compensation.

October Prime Day has landed — check out the best Apple deals

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 03:24

UPDATE: Oct. 9, 2024, 4:00 a.m. EDT This article has been updated with the latest Apple product deals for October Prime Day.

Best Apple deals for October Prime Day Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $849 at Amazon (save $250) Get Deal Best iPad deal Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (256GB, WiFi) $849 at Amazon (save $150 (with on-page coupon)) Get Deal Best AirPods deal Apple AirPods Max $394.99 at Amazon (save $154.01) Get Deal Best Apple Watch deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 (49mm, GPS + Cellular) $757.99 at Amazon (save $41.01) Get Deal

Amazon's next big event — Prime Big Deal Days — is finally here. Prime Day Part Two kicked off in the early hours of Oct. 8 and will run for 48 hours, with big discounts going live throughout. Be there, or be square.

SEE ALSO: October Prime Day is closer than you think: 4 tips for finding the best deals

Check out our top Apple deals for October Prime Day so far, including discounts on MacBooks, iPads, AirPods, and plenty more.

Best MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $849.00 at Amazon
$1,099.00 Save $250.00 Get Deal Why we like it

It doesn't really get much better than Apple's recent M3 line of MacBooks. The M3 Air is one of our favorites, and during Prime Big Deal Days you can score one for just $849, which knocks $250 off the usual price. This MacBook Air in particular comes with a 13-inch screen (great for traveling), and features the speedy M3 chip. It also has support for Apple Intelligence and can handle up to 18 hours of usage on one charge.

More MacBook dealsBest iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (256GB, WiFi) $849.00 at Amazon
$999.00 Save $150.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're more of a tablet person than a laptop person, then the iPad Pro is where it's at. The Pro is packed with the lightning-fast M4 chip, Ultra Retina XDR display, and supports use of the Apple Pencil (which is unfortunately sold separately). The 11-inch model is on sale during October Prime Day for $150 off, bringing it down to its lowest price ever of $849. Make sure to apply the coupon.

More iPad dealsPROMOTED Portable Touchscreen (compatible with Apple Carplay) $54.15 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $15.84 Shop Now Canon Pixma TR8620 Wireless Home Office All-In-One Inkjet Printer $199.00 at Amazon
Shop Now Babbel $299.00 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $300.99 Shop Now

Products available for purchase here through affiliate links are selected by our merchandising team. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission or other compensation.

Best AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max $394.99 at Amazon
$549.00 Save $154.01 Get Deal Why we like it

The AirPods Max are a great pair of over-ear headphones for those who prefer the style to that of earbuds. The Max provide super high-quality audio, active noise cancellation, a transparency mode so you can enjoy your tunes and the world around you, and personalized spatial audio. It's also got a 20-hour battery life, which is pretty sweet. With the official start of Prime Big Deal Days, they've dropped down to their lowest price we've seen since last July. Snag a pair now for $394.99 and save $154.01.

More AirPods dealsBest Apple Watch deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Ultra 2 (49mm, GPS + Cellular) $757.99 at Amazon
$799.00 Save $41.01 Get Deal Why we like it

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a smartwatch made for active people. Apple's most durable piece of wristwear has advanced features for hikers, runners, and swimmers like offline maps, advanced metric tracking, and up to 100m of water resistance. The Always-On Retina display is bright and easily readable, and the watch also allows for up to 36 hours of use on a charge (and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode). Get one on sale during October Prime Day for $756.99, which is $42.01 in savings.

More Apple Watch dealsMore Apple deals

Score a Windows 11 Pro lifetime license for £15.25

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Through 27 October, pay only £15.25 (reg. £151.96) for a lifetime license to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro at the Mashable Shop. That's a savings of 89%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro: Lifetime License £15.25 at the Mashable Shop
£151.96 Save £136.71 Get Deal

You don't necessarily have to buy a new computer to upgrade your tech arsenal. Sometimes, all it takes is installing a brand-new operating system to boost your productivity and enhance your computer's security. If you happen to have a Windows PC that meets the necessary requirements, consider breathing new life into it by upgrading to Microsoft 11 Pro.

Through 27 October, a Microsoft 11 Pro license is on sale for £15.25. This OS boasts a bunch of new features, including a new-and-improved interface, advanced security, Copilot AI, and an elevated gaming experience.

Microsoft 11 Pro is great for modern professionals, especially those working in a remote or hybrid setup. For instance, if you're a stickler for security, the OS packs BitLocker device encryption, meaning you can lock your device remotely so no one else can access it. Windows Information Protection is included, too, allowing you to remotely manage your system to prevent data leaks. Plus, you can also take advantage of biometrics login, Smart App control, advanced antivirus defenses, and more. 

In terms of usability, enjoy Windows 11 Pro's new interface, which includes snap layouts, seamless redocking, better voice-typing, and a more powerful search experience. It's primed for play, too, thanks to DirectX12 Ultimate, which bolsters the quality of your computer's graphics, resulting in more immersive gaming. 

You'll enjoy all these perks with a one-time purchase. You can install the OS on up to two devices, provided that they have 4GB RAM and 40GB of hard drive space.

Until 27 October at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can grab a lifetime license to Windows 11 Pro for only £15.25.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 9

Tue, 10/08/2024 - 22:00

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for October 9's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for October 9 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

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Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

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What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for October 9 SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 9 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Mother.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There is one letter that appears three times.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter M.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 8 The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

MOMMY.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for October 9

Tue, 10/08/2024 - 21:00

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for October 9's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 9 What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

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If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for October 8 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

  • Yellow: Carbonation

  • Green: Glow up

  • Blue: Music critics

  • Purple: Requires plating

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: Effervescence

  • Green: Burgeon

  • Blue: Music Publications

  • Purple: Ending with Tableware

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #486 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

  • Effervescence: BUBBLES, FIZZ, FOAM, FROTH

  • Burgeon: BLOSSOM, DEVELOP, MATURE, PROGRESS

  • Music Publications: BILLBOARD, MOJO, PITCHFORK, SPIN

  • Ending with Tableware: BOILERPLATE, BUTTERCUP, JACKKNIFE, WITHERSPOON

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 8

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

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