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The best Pokémon deals to grab over Prime Day — Walmarts Chaos Rising ETB price beats Amazon

Mashable - Tue, 06/23/2026 - 03:20

Amazon’s latest Prime Day sale is almost here, steadily building up to several days of huge deals on appliances, gadgets, and, of course, offers on Pokémon cards, games, gifts, and more. 

While the actual four-day Prime Day sale doesn’t kick off until June 23, Amazon is doing its usual thing and revealing plenty of deals early on to start ramping up the anticipation. The thing is, early discounts on Pokémon gear — especially deals on Pokémon cards — are much more fleeting than the other deals we see.

Whether you're shopping for booster packs on the latest trading card game expansion or hit games on Nintendo Switch, Mashable has scoured the site and cherry-picked the best deals live at Amazon and Walmart right now. Here are the best early Prime Day deals you can find on all things Pokémon.

Best Pokémon card deal Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Elite Trainer Box $84.95 at Walmart
  Get Deal Why we like it

The Chaos Rising expansion has proved to be an exceptionally popular member of the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution set. The Chaos Rising Elite Trainer Box originally dropped under $90 at both Amazon and Walmart ahead of Prime Day. While Amazon's price has bumped back up to $99.95, Walmart's remains at $84.95 — $34.04 off of Amazon's original list price of $118.99.

Although the option for returns isn’t available, this is still one of the best prices we’ve seen on this massive chance to pull valuable single Chaos Rising chase cards, like SIR Mega Greninja ex, Mega Hyper Rare Mega Greninja ex, Cinccino ex, SIR Mega Dragalge ex, and SIR Mega Floette ex. 

More early Prime Day Pokémon dealsPokémon TCGClothingDVDsFunko Pop! figuresGiftsVideo games

We swept Amazon for the best Prime Day Lego deals: Grab sets starting at $7.99

Mashable - Tue, 06/23/2026 - 03:19
The best Lego sets on sale ahead of Prime Day 2026: Best overall deal Lego Technic NASA Artemis Space Launch System $47.99 (save $12) Get Deal Budget Pick Lego Lotus Flowers $7.99 at Amazon (save $7) Get Deal Best Botanicals deal Lego Botanicals Flower Bouquet $33.59 (save $26.40) Get Deal Best Lego car deal Lego Technic Peugeot 9X8 24H Le Mans Hybrid Hypercar $159.99 (save $40) Get Deal

Any Lego fan knows that getting into the plastic brick building hobby isn't cheap.

Which is why it's a good idea to take advantage of Prime Day deals and shop Lego sets on sale. Though we're just one day away from the official start of Amazon's annual mega sale, if you don't want to wait until June 23, we've already spotted some awesome Lego sets marked down to record-low prices.

SEE ALSO: The 10 best Lego sets of 2026 so far, from F1 to Monet and Pokémon

The best part is that while official Prime Day deals are limited to Prime members, none of these early Prime Day Lego deals are Prime-exclusive.

For Prime Day 2026, we'll be gathering all of the best Lego deals from Amazon and beyond right here on this page, so keep checking back as the week progresses. For now, keep scrolling to find all the best Lego deals live ahead of Prime Day, including two Lego sets below $10, an Architecture set, and a Lego Fortnite deal. When the sale starts, we'll be keeping a close eye on Pokémon Lego sets, the new Lego Smart Play sets, and the most popular new releases.

Best early Prime Day Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Technic NASA Artemis Space Launch System $47.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $12   Get Deal Why we like it

The Artemis Space Launch system is one of the bestselling sets on Lego's website, but you'll have to shell out full price if you get it directly from the official Lego store. Or, you could pick it up from Amazon ahead of Prime Day and save 20% on the $59.99 list price, bringing it down to just $47.99. For a 632-piece set that measures 27.5 inches tall and has a pretty cool real-world analog, this set is an early Prime Day steal. As a bonus, it comes with four astronaut nanofigures.

More Lego deals ahead of Prime Day

Home Depot is giving away free power tools over Prime Day — how to claim yours

Mashable - Tue, 06/23/2026 - 03:16
Thest Home Depot deals at a glance: Best power tool deal Free DeWalt Power Tool $229 (save $70 + free DeWalt power tool) Get Deal Best robot lawn mower deal Mammotion Yuka mini 600H $749 (save $350) Get Deal Best robot pool cleaner deal Aiper Scuba X1 $899.99 (save $300) Get Deal Best outdoor deal Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 $254.99 (save $45) Get Deal Best fan deal Dreo TurboCool Outdoor Misting Fan 711AS $161.99 (save $18) Get Deal

Prime Day is almost here. All eyes are on Amazon, but smart shopper know it's wise to check out other retailers.

Home Depot is packed with excellent deals right now, and some of them beat Amazon's early Prime Day offerings. That's especially true if you like getting free power tools.

SEE ALSO: Cordless power tool deals are already live at Amazon before Prime Day starts

If you have home improvement projects to tackle this summer or you'll be spending time in the backyard, check out these great sale prices at Home Depot that are well worth shopping before Prime Day hits.

Best free power tool deal Opens in a new window Credit: DeWalt Free power tool with purchase of DeWalt 20V/60V MAX Flexvolt Battery and Charger Starter Kit $229 at Home Depot
$299 Save $70   Get Deal Why we like it

Who could say no to free power tools? Part of Home Depot's Father's Day Gifts events includes this awesome deal on DeWalt cordless power tools. To get the free tool benefit, you'll need to add the DeWalt 20V/60V MAX Flexvolt Lithium-Ion 9.0Ah Battery and Charger Starter Kit to your cart. It's on sale for $229, marked down from the normal price of $299.

Then you'll be eligible to add a free cordless tool to your cart. The free options include 11 DeWalt tools like a 20V cordless concrete and masonry rotary hammer, a sidewinder-style circular saw, or a cordless hammer drill, to name a few options.

More deals to shop at Home Depot

40+ Best Buy deals that match or beat Amazons Prime Day deals

Mashable - Tue, 06/23/2026 - 03:15
The best anti-Prime Day deals at Best Buy (so far): Best Amazon device deal Amazon Fire TV Stick HD $15.99 (save $19) Get Deal Best headphones deal Beats Studio Pro (Black/Gold) $159.99 (save $190) Get Deal Best earbuds deal Shokz OpenFit 2+ (Stone Blue) $149.99 (save $50) Get Deal Best laptop deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,199 (save $499) Get Deal Best tablet deal Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M3, WiFi + cellular, 128GB SSD) $749 (save $200) Get Deal Best smartwatch deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 (GPS + cellular, 49mm) $549 (save $250) Get Deal Best unlocked phone deal Apple iPhone Air (256GB) $929.99 (save $69.01) Get Deal Best video game deal "Madden NFL 26" (Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X) $29.99 (save $40) Get Deal Best Lego deal Lego Star Wars Cobb Vanth’s Speeder 75437 $27.99 (save $7) Get Deal

Prime Day is just around the corner, but it won't be the only huge sale we get this month. Other major retailers are planning to host competing sales that run alongside Amazon's festivities, turning late June into a savings smorgasbord.

Best Buy, for its part, will be running a weeklong "Tech Fest" sale from June 22 to 28. (It's almost double the length of Prime Day 2026, which goes from June 23 to 26.) Historically, the tech retailer has been one of Amazon's biggest rivals when it comes to Prime Day counter-programming, and I expect that to be the case again this year.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day is next week: Here are 20+ early deals to start shopping now

Already, the competition between the two retailers is vicious. Having spent several hours cross-checking their prices on popular gadgets, I've found many instances where Amazon is undercutting Best Buy by anywhere from two bucks to two cents. (That's just petty.) For now, its early Prime Day deals seem to be generally better the Best Buy's pre-Tech Fest offers.

That said, I've managed to scrounge up over 40 products that are price-matched or cheaper at Best Buy, or available exclusively there because Amazon's inventory has dried up. (There are some really good deals on older Apple devices that Amazon no longer stocks in new condition, including the M4 MacBook Air and M3 iPad Air.)

Check out the full list below. Just keep in mind that prices could get even better once Tech Fest officially begins next week.

Amazon device dealsHeadphones dealsEarbuds dealsLaptop dealsTablet dealsSmartwatch dealsUnlocked phone dealsVideo game dealsLego deals

Target Circle Deal Days sale starts June 23: The best deals are now live

Mashable - Tue, 06/23/2026 - 03:14

It's no surprise that Amazon's Prime Day sparks an avalanche of competing sales. At this point, Amazon has basically created a new Black Friday-type event for the summer. Best Buy and The Home Depot run competing sales, and Target's is coming soon. Target Circle Deal Days is meant to celebrate the big box store's most dedicated shoppers, bringing a whole lot of savings into a four-day span.

So, what should you expect from Target Circle Deal Days 2026? While the sale hasn't officially started, the retailer has teased the deals to come, which includes up to 40% off on daily deals — plus some free treats from Starbucks. If you're a fan of the bullseye brand, here's everything to know about the Target Circle Deal Days event.

When is Target Circle Deal Days?

Target's Circle Deal Days runs June 23 to 26, the exact same time as Prime Day. However, unlike Prime Day, which takes place exclusively online, you can shop Target's Sale in person, too.

What deals to shop during Circle Deal Days

While we wait for Target Circle Deal Days to go live on June 23, we're anticipating the deals to come. Here's what Target says to expect:

Do you need to be a Circle member to shop Target's sale?

Like Prime Day, which requires a Prime membership to shop, you must be a Circle member to take full advantage of Target's Circle Deal Days. The good news is, unlike Amazon's paid membership, Circle membership is totally free and essentially pays you back just by shopping at Target.

There is a paid membership option at Target, Circle 360, which is more similar to a Prime or Walmart+ membership. Circle 360 gets you unlimited same-day delivery, free two-day shipping, and an extended two-day windows. Normally $99, during Circle Deal Days, subscribe to Circle 360 for just $49.

The best Walmart Summer Deals to shop during Prime Day

Mashable - Tue, 06/23/2026 - 03:13
The best Walmart Summer Deals at a glance: Best Apple deal Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) $429 (save $120) Get Deal Best gaming deal Xbox Series X gaming console $573 (save $76.99) Get Deal Best TV deals TCL 55-inch QM7K Mini LED QLED 4K TV $598 (save $352) Get Deal

Amazon Prime Day 2026 lands June 23 through 26, which means Walmart's competing sale is also on its way. Walmart announced its anti-Prime Day Deals Event will overlap Amazon's (shocker) and run a full week from 12:01 a.m. ET on Monday, June 22 through 11:59 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 28. You can peruse all the deals both in stores and online, whichever you prefer.

But because none of these retailers like to color inside the lines, deals started popping up weeks ahead of the actual sale. After some digging, I've rounded up the best early discounts on Apple gear, TVs, gaming peripherals, and more ahead of the Walmart Summer Deals Event.

Best Walmart Apple dealsBest Walmart TV dealsBest Walmart gaming dealsBest Walmart headphones dealsBest Walmart outdoor deals

Apples iPads are on sale for Prime Day — shop iPads for less than $300

Mashable - Tue, 06/23/2026 - 03:13
The best early Prime Day iPad deals: Best iPad deal Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, 128GB, WiFi) $299 (Save $50) Get Deal Best iPad Air deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, 128GB, WiFi) $559 (Save $40) Get Deal Best iPad Pro deal Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5, 256GB, WiFi) $899.99 (Save $99.01) Get Deal

Is your summer travel booked? If you're getting ready to jet set or hit the road but don't want to lug your laptop around, then it might be time to consider a tablet. Our favorites for performance and overall value are Apple's iPads. So with Prime Day kicking off tomorrow, and running until June 26, we're looking for the best deals on Apple's tablets.

Prime Day doesn't officially start until tomorrow, but iPads are already on sale. Don't get too excited, though. While we found deals on every single iPad model, the markdowns are pretty minor. The good news is, if you need an iPad before Prime Day, you don't need to buy one at full price. Bad news is, you should probably wait until Prime Day for the best savings.

SEE ALSO: A Prime Day Apple deals primer: How low prices will go on AirPods, iPads, and MacBooks

But if you need an iPad now, here are the best deals to shop ahead of Prime Day.

Best early Prime Day iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, 128GB, WiFi) $299 at Amazon
$349 Save $50   Get Deal Why we like it

While we love the iPad Air and think it's the best tablet money can buy, the basic iPad with A16 chip is still a stellar tablet. The 11th-generation model is a speedy tablet perfect for streaming, internet browsing, reading, and gaming. It's a great value at full price and even better when on sale.

Right now, get the 11th-generation iPad with A16 chip for just $299, bringing the tablet under $300. It's not the best price on the iPad, but it is just $25 away from its lowest price, so not bad. Need something more advanced? Well, there are more iPad deals on the Air and Pro to explore, too.

More early Prime Day iPad Mini dealsMore early Prime Day iPad Air dealsMore early Prime Day iPad Pro deals

We found the best Apple Watch deals of Prime Day — shop the Series 11 at best-ever price

Mashable - Tue, 06/23/2026 - 03:11
Best early Prime Day Apple Watch deals: Best Apple Watch Deal Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm, GPS) $279 (Save $120) Get Deal Apple Watch Series 11 (46mm) Deal Apple Watch Series 11 (46mm, GPS) $309 (Save $120) Get Deal Best Apple Watch SE 3 Deal Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm, GPS) $199 (Save $50) Get Deal

Warmer weather means more time outside, and when you're in the great outdoors, a fitness tracker or smartwatch helps track all of that activity. Whether you're headed out on a European vacation or have a list of summer hikes to tackle, an Apple Watch is one of our favorite ways to stay connected and track activity, and with Prime Day on the horizon, we're hunting for deals on the smartwatch.

Amazon's biggest sale of the year, which spans four days from June 23 to 26, is almost here. Early deals are already dropping, and Apple Watches are among them. Just a day before the sale event's start, we've spotted the Series 11 at a new low price at the retailer, but that's not all. We've gathered up even more early Apple Watch deals below that deserve a look before Prime Day's kickoff tomorrow.

SEE ALSO: A Prime Day Apple deals primer: How low prices will go on AirPods, iPads, and MacBooks Best early Prime Day Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm, GPS) $279 at Amazon
$399 Save $120   Get Deal Why we like it

The Apple Watch Series 11 has dropped to $279 ahead of Prime Day. According to camelcamelcamel, this marks a new all-time low price. After sitting at $299 for several months now, this is a welcome price cut the day before Prime Day.

Ultimately, the Apple Watch Series 11's $279 price saves you $120 off its $399 price tag. We rate it our favorite smartwatch for fitness tracking, and it has an impressive battery. With improved battery life compared to the Series 10, you don't need to charge the watch midday for battery life to last you all night. So if you've been thinking about upgrading, grab it now for its lowest price ever.

More early Prime Day Apple Watch dealsApple Watch Series 11 dealsApple Watch SE dealsApple Watch Ultra 3 deals

Ive covered Amazon Prime Day for 7 years. Here are the MacBook deals worth buying.

Mashable - Tue, 06/23/2026 - 03:05

Prime Day 2026 is nearly upon us — and so is one of the best times to get a deal on a MacBook. I've covered Amazon's flagship summer sale for seven years straight now, and I've noticed that Apple's laptops always fall to extra-low prices as part of the festivities. (If they don't hit record-lows, they at least get close.)

Every current MacBook is already on sale ahead of Prime Day, which begins tomorrow June 23 and runs until June 26, but I wouldn't recommend grabbing one just yet. Amazon likes to save its best deals for Prime Day proper, meaning their discounts will likely increase once the sale starts tomorrow. We could even get our first big discount on the new budget MacBook Neo; this is its first Prime Day ever.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day is almost here: We found 50+ early deals already live on Apple, Sony, and Lego favorites

Read on for my predictions for the best Prime Day MacBook deals, from the Neo to the M5 MacBook Air and the M5 MacBook Pros. Now is also a good time to check out my separate MacBook buying guide if you're not sure which model is right for you.

Prime Day MacBook Neo deals to look for

Amazon hasn't been totally resistant to putting the Neo on sale — it's been $9 off for several weeks now — but it doesn't get the same big price cuts as Apple's other laptops. (This is probably because it's already a bargain at full price.) With that in mind, I wouldn't count on Amazon matching Apple's $100 student discount on Prime Day; it's still the best way to buy the Neo if you're eligible. But I could see Amazon dropping the base model to $549, or $50 off, luring back-to-school shoppers who don't quality for Apple's education pricing.

Read our review of the MacBook Neo.

The best early Prime Day MacBook Neo deals for now: Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $589.99 (save $9.01) Get Deal Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $689.99 (save $9.01) Get Deal Prime Day MacBook Air deals to look for

Last year's 13- and 15-inch M4 MacBook Airs got $150 discounts for Prime Day 2025, but we've already seen the newer M5 models go on sale for $200 off this spring. While those deals weren't still live at the time of writing, I expect Amazon to revive them once Prime Day begins tomorrow. Look for records low of $899 for the 13-inch configuration and $1,099 for its 15-inch sibling.

Read our review of the M5 MacBook Air.

The best early Prime Day MacBook Air deals for now: Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949.99 (save $149.01) Get Deal Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,149.99 (save $149.01) Get Deal Prime Day MacBook Pro deals to look for

The base 14-inch MacBook Pro features an M5 chip, 16GB of RAM, and a terabyte of storage. Amazon is currently selling it for $1,549, or $150 off, but I wouldn't add it to my cart just yet. It fell to $1,499 earlier this month, and that all-time low will likely return come Prime Day. You might have to be a little patient, though: Last year, an identically configured M4 MacBook Pro didn't get a $200 discount until the fourth (last) day of the sale.

If you need even more power for professional creative or AI work, there's also a 14-inch MacBook Pro that's configurable with the M5 Pro or M5 Max chip. If anything, the starting M5 Max model is a relatively safe buy right now: It's currently on sale at its record-low price of $3,316.31, or $282.69 off. (The M5 Pro base model is still $50-ish away from its own record low of $1,983.94, which would save you about $215.) However, its M4 Max counterpart also got much cheaper as Prime Day progressed last year — to the tune of over $400 off. When you're dropping this much cash on a new laptop, I think it's wise to wait and see if prices drop even further.

Read our review of the M5 MacBook Pro.

The best early Prime Day MacBook Pro deals for now: Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,549 (save $150) Get Deal Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Pro, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $2,034.05 (save $164.95) Get Deal Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Max, 36GB RAM, 2TB SSD) $3,316.31 (save $282.69) Get Deal

The best AirPods deals of Prime Day — AirPods Max 2 are at a record-low price

Mashable - Tue, 06/23/2026 - 03:04
The best early Prime Day deals on AirPods: Best AirPods Pro 3 Deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179.99 (save $70) Get Deal Best AirPods 4 Deal Apple AirPods 4 $99 (save $30 at Amazon) Get Deal Best AirPods 4 with ANC deal Apple AirPods 4 with ANC $148.99 (save $30 at Amazon) Get Deal Best Apple headphones deal Apple AirPods Max 2 $499 (save $50 at Amazon) Get Deal

Amazon Prime Day season is upon us, and the mega-retailer isn't waiting until the sale proper to drop deals on AirPods.

While Prime Day usually takes place in mid-July, it got bumped up in the schedule this year: the four-day sale will now take place from June 23 to June 26. With less than a day left before the sale, Apple products are starting to get marked down. Already, a classic $99 deal on Apple AirPods 4 wireless earbuds is available at Amazon, and we're expecting even more discounts to drop during the sale itself.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day is almost here: We found 50+ early deals

And if you prefer AirPods with active noise-cancellation, you're in luck. We've seen the Apple AirPods Pro 3 as low as $179.99. Also at Amazon, you can grab a deal on the AirPods 4 with ANC earbuds starting at $148.99, saving you $30. And with Prime Day still to officially start, there’s a good chance more deals will continue to pop up.

Until the sale ends on June 26, the Mashable shopping team will be bringing you the top Prime Day deals on Apple products. For now, you'll find all of the best Prime Day AirPods deals right here on this page.

Best AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $99 at Amazon
$129 Save $30   Get Deal Why we like it

Technically, we've seen the Apple AirPods 4 drop all the way down to $69, and we're hoping we'll see the same deal when Prime Day begins on June 23. However, given the recent wave of price increases in the tech world, we're not counting on it. So, if you're hoping to avoid the Prime Day sales pressure, pick up these classic Apple earbuds while they're under $100.

More early Prime Day AirPods deals

We will be regularly updating this guide with the best Prime Day AirPods deals, so keep checking back. You can also visit our Prime Day 2026 hub for all the latest updates and price drops.

The ultimate Prime Day Apple deals guide: Were tracking prices on AirPods, iPads, and MacBooks

Mashable - Tue, 06/23/2026 - 03:01

It's Amazon Prime Day season again, aka the best time of year to score excellent deals on Apple gadgets (outside of Black Friday, at least). Amazon typically offers extra-low prices on Apple Watches, AirPods, iPads, and MacBooks during its annual members-only sale, and the Mashable team is already closely monitoring the best Prime Day Apple deals.

A word of caution: Don't fill your cart just yet! Having covered Prime Day for Mashable for seven straight years, I can tell you with 100 percent confidence that most of these offers will get even better when the event formally begins. Amazon saves its very best deals for the main event, and this year, Prime Day runs from June 23 to 26.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day is right around the corner: Here are 20+ early deals to start shopping now

I say "most of these offers," not "all," because there are a handful of exceptional deals that I would in fact shop early. Some devices, including the Apple Watch Series 11, are currently sitting at record-low prices, and you can also pick up the Apple AirPods 4 for just $99.

Over the next week, we will regularly update this page with the best Prime Day Apple deals, and not just at Amazon. We'll also check prices at competing retailers like Best Buy and Walmart to make sure you're truly getting the lowest prices on all things Apple. Plus, we'll tell you how low we expect prices to go on AirPods, MacBooks, iPads, and more.

The only Apple deals I'd shop before Prime Day Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $99 at Amazon
$129 Save $30   Get Deal Why I like it

There's just something about the phrase "$99 AirPods" that feels good, doesn't it? Ahead of Prime Day 2026, you can already score the latest Apple wireless earbuds on sale. Technically, this isn't the product's lowest-ever price, but we wouldn't count on a better discount next week, though that is possible. In the past, we've seen these buds hit $69 before, so you may want to wait just in case Amazon revives that deal next week.

If you want the pricier version of AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, Amazon currently has deals on these buds starting at $148.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,149.99 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $149.01   Get Deal Why I like it

Ahead of this year's sale, the 15-inch M5 model is already $149 off. Its current price is $1,149.99, down from $1,299. Unlike earlier deals that only applied to one color, this discount now applies to all colors of this model.

Read our full review of the M5 MacBook Air.

Prime Day AirPods deals to watch

  • Apple AirPods Pro 3: Ahead of Prime Day, we've seen these noise-cancelling earbuds on sale for $179.99 at Amazon and Best Buy. Check back during Prime Day, when they'll surely get another discount.

  • Apple AirPods Max 2: These snazzy over-ear headphones have been hanging out at their record-low price of $499.99 since early June (normally $549). That's not bad, but the first-gen AirPods Max with USB-C charging were a full $100 off on their first Prime Day and $120 off last Black Friday. Let's see if Amazon can get these new ones down to around $449, at least.

Read our reviews of the AirPods 4 with ANC and the AirPods Max 2. Plus, see where they land on our guides to the best wireless earbuds and the best noise-cancelling headphones.

The best early Prime Day AirPods deals for now: Apple AirPods 4 $99 (save $30) Get Deal Apple AirPods 4 with ANC $148.99 (save $30.01) Get Deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179 (save $70) Get Deal Apple AirPods Max 2 $499.99 (save $49.01) Get Deal Prime Day Apple Watch deals to watch

The best Prime Day deals on Apple products always include savings on the latest Apple Watch, plus the SE and Ultra models. Soon you'll be able to buy these smartwatches at their lowest-ever prices.

  • Apple Watch Series 11: Apple's latest smartwatch is currently marked down to $279 (normally $399), which is its lowest price to date and a $120 savings. However, it's probably going to get even cheaper on Prime Day. 

  • Apple Watch SE 3: Apple's budget wearable has hit $199 before, and its predecessor dipped down to $169 during last October's Prime Big Deal Days sale. It was on sale for $199 at the time of writing (typically $249), or only $50 off, so don't add it to your cart just yet.

  • Apple Watch Ultra 3: The Ultra 3 has now dropped to its lowest price yet at $649, down from $799, marking a 19% discount. This rugged premium smartwatch with GPS + Cellular and advanced health and fitness tracking is now cheaper than its previous Black Friday-style lows.

Read our review of the Apple Watch Series 11. If you're not sure which model is right for you, check out our guide to the best smartwatches you can buy right now.

The best early Prime Day Apple Watch deals for now: Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $279 (save $120) Get Deal Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) $199 (save $50) Get Deal Apple Watch Ultra 3 (GPS + Cellular, 49mm) $649 (save $150) Get Deal Prime Day iPad deals to watch

  • Apple iPad: Apple's entry-level tablet is on sale for $299 right now, down $50 from its usual sticker price of $349. I'm thinking Amazon will revive its Prime Day 2025 price of $279 before the event wraps up.

  • Apple iPad Air: The 11- and 13-inch M4 iPad Airs weren't around last Prime Day, but they've previously hit record lows of $519 and $699, respectively — a savings of up to $100. The 13-inch version has dropped back to its record-low of $699.99, while the 11-inch model is still hovering a little above its best-ever pricing at $559.

  • Apple iPad Pro: The 11- and 13-inch M5 iPad Pro models are both on sale right now, but neither has fully hit their deepest-ever price drops yet. The 11-inch version is down to $899.99, while the 13-inch model is sitting at $1,199.99. Don't hit the buy button until you see them drop to $799 and $1,149, respectively (or lower, ideally). Their regular retail prices are $999 and $1,299.

  • Apple iPad mini: The most compact Apple tablet is on sale for $474 in the lead-up to Prime Day (usually $499) — a hard skip. I'd be happy if it returned to last year's Prime Day price of $379, but hope Amazon can match its best-ever Black Friday price of $349.

Read our reviews of the M4 iPad Air, the M5 iPad Pro, and the iPad mini. Plus, find out which iPad you should buy.

The best early Prime Day iPad deals for now: Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, WiFi, 128GB) $299 (save $50) Get Deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $559 (save $40) Get Deal Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $699.99 (save $99) Get Deal Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) $899.99 (save $99) Get Deal Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) $1,199.99 (save $99) Get Deal Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, WiFi, 128GB) $474 (save $25) Get Deal Prime Day MacBook deals to watch

  • Apple MacBook Neo: Apple's new budget laptop has been enjoying a $9 discount on Amazon for a couple of months now (normally $599). It would be suuuper cool if the retailer managed to match Apple's $499 student pricing on Prime Day, but that's very wishful thinking. Realistically, it probably won't get any cheaper than $549, if it gets any cheaper at all. A sizable MacBook Neo discount is my white whale for Prime Day 2026.

  • Apple MacBook Air: The 13-inch M5 MacBook Air is only $949 right now (normally $1,099), its lowest price yet. It’s sitting below its usual retail price right now, while the 15-inch model is also seeing a $150 discount. Apple’s MacBook Air lineup often gets matching deals across both sizes during major sale events. Hold steady until it hits $899.

  • Apple MacBook Pro: The 14-inch base model with the vanilla M5 chip is going for $1,549 ahead of Prime Day (usually $1,699), but its record-low of $1,499 will probably return soon.

Read our reviews of the MacBook Neo, the M5 MacBook Air, and the M5 MacBook Pro. Plus, find out which MacBook is right for you.

The best early Prime Day MacBook deals for now: Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $589.99 (save $9.01) Get Deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949.99 (save $149.01) Get Deal Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,149.99 (save $149) Get Deal Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,549 (save $150) Get Deal

Amazon Prime Day is here: We found 50+ deals on Apple, Sony, and Lego favorites

Mashable - Tue, 06/23/2026 - 03:00
Best early Amazon Prime Day deals: Best Apple Deal Apple AirPods Pro Max 2 $399 at Amazon (save $150) Get Deal Best Echo Deal Amazon Echo Spot $44.99 at Amazon (save $35) Get Deal Best smartwatch deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 $499 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal Best home and kitchen deal Cuisinart 2.6-Quart Air Fryer $59.95 at Amazon (save $30) Get Deal Best kitchen splurge Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine $499.95 at Amazon (save $193.04) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Eufy C28 Robot Vacuum and Mop $499.99 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal Best portable power station deal Bluetti Elite 30 V2 Portable Power Station 600W $219 at Amazon (save $70) Get Deal Best TV deal Samsung 65-inch S90F OLED 4K Smart TV $1,197.99 at Amazon (save $500) Get Deal Best Lego deal Lego Classic Large Creative Brick Box $33.49 at Amazon (save $26.50) Get Deal Best deal to watch Amazon Kindle Paperwhite $159.99 at Amazon Learn More

Prime Day 2026 is almost here. Amazon's flagship summer sale is a great opportunity to save on almost anything, from household essentials like dish soap to big-ticket splurges like a new 65-inch TV. If you're eager to start shopping, we found all of the best Prime Day deals already live, including an unprecedented last-minute price drop on Apple headphones.

Prime Day usually takes place in July, but this year, Amazon decided to shake things up and run the sale in June. So, if you haven't already heard the news (or seen the many TV commercials), Amazon Prime Day 2026 runs from June 23 to 26. The timing may have changed, but we're still expecting the same great savings on products from Apple, Sony, Dyson, Bose, Ninja, Lego, and Samsung.

Mashable shopping experts will be closely monitoring the latest discounts and collecting all of the top Prime Day deals into this one-stop shopping guide, so keep checking back for new deals. We're also tracking prices at competing sales from Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and beyond, and we'll make sure we're always pointing you to the lowest possible price.

Deals marked with a ✅ are Mashable editor favorites. Deals marked with a strikethrough are no longer available.

Best early Prime Day Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max 2 ✅ $399 at Amazon
$549 Save $150   Get Deal

We're obviously hunting for the best Apple deals in the lead-up to Prime Day. On the eve of the sale, a major AirPods deal just dropped: The new AirPods Pro Max 2 are on sale for just $399 (normally $549) — a new record low. It took years for the previous models to hit this price, so grab 'em while you can.

FYI, this deal only applies to the starlight AirPods Pro Max 2. Every other color is $100 more expensive. If you had your heart set on another color, check back around 3 a.m. ET when Prime Day officially kicks off.

Apple Watch dealsAirPods dealsiPad dealsMacBook dealsBest early Prime Day headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-CH720N $94 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $85.99   Get Deal

When the main event starts on June 23, we expect some of the best Prime Day deals of 2026 to include our favorite flagship headphones, such as the Sony 1000XM6 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra. But leading up to it, those big brands still have lots of savings to give. Right now, the best deal on headphones is on the Sony WH-CH720N, an affordable pair of over-ear noise-cancelling headphones. Normally $179.99, the WH-CH720N just dropped under $100 ahead of Prime Day. Snag them now for as low as $94 and save $85.99, depending on the color.

More headphones dealsMore earbuds dealsBest early Prime Day Amazon device deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Spot $44.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $35.00   Get Deal

Echo prices dropped well ahead of Prime Day. The latest Echo devices, the Echo Dot Max and Echo Studio, both hit new, all-time low prices. But the biggest discount is on the Echo Spot, Amazon's smart alarm clock. This tiny speaker sits compactly on nightstands but provides everything you need to start your morning, including a weather report and tunes to get you out of bed.

Ahead of Prime Day, get the Amazon Echo Spot for just $44.99. That saves you $35 off its $79.99 price tag for a 44% discount.

More Echo dealsBest early Prime Day Kindle deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Essentials Bundle $106.97 at Amazon
$161.97 Save $55   Get Deal

We're eagerly waiting for the best Prime Day Kindle deals. Individual Kindles don't usually go on sale until the sale officially starts, but Amazon always offers Kindle bundle deals ahead of time. So, while we wait for our favorite Amazon e-readers to go on sale, this is your chance to score a discounted bundle, which comes with a Kindle, a cover, and a power adapter.

More Kindle dealsBest early Prime Day home and kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: Cuisinart Cuisinart 2.6-Quart Air Fryer $59.95 at Amazon
$89.95 Save $30   Get Deal

Here's a summer hack to keep your house cool: Don't turn on the oven. That doesn't mean only eating cold salads all summer. What you really need is an air fryer. My air fryer has saved me countless times in the summer, letting me cook dinner without breaking a sweat. Ahead of Prime Day, grab the Cuisinart 2.6-Quart Air Fryer for just $59.95 and save $30.

More kitchen dealsMore home dealsBest early Prime Day speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Era 300 $379 at Amazon
$479 Save $100   Get Deal

Whether you're hosting summer movie nights or dinner parties, if you want to upgrade your home's audio, early Prime Day deals are coming in clutch. The advanced Sonos Era 300 is equipped with Dolby Atmos and powered by six drivers for surround sound. Right now, grab it for just $379, saving you $100 off its $479 price tag.

More speaker dealsBest early Prime Day power station deals Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station $219 at Amazon
$299 Save $80   Get Deal

Ready for summer adventures? If you're gearing up to pack the car and head into nature, don't forget to invest in a portable power station to keep your campsite powered. Plus, it can serve as an at-home power backup in an emergency.

Prime Day and Black Friday are the best times of year to buy these popular devices, and you can often find savings of 50% or more on Mashable-tested brands like Anker, Jackery, and Bluetti. If you're looking to buy your first-ever power station, an affordable new model from Bluetti is on sale ahead of Prime Day.

More portable power station dealsBest early Prime Day TV deals Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch S90F OLED 4K TV $1,197.99 at Amazon
$1,697.99 Save $500   Get Deal

Getting ready for the World Cup? If you want to watch every heart-racing moment in 4K and your TV isn't up to par, then look for Prime Day deals on award-winning OLED and Micro RGB TVs. Case in point: the Samsung 65-inch S90F OLED 4K Smart TV, on sale now. Normally $1,697.99, it's down to $1,197.99, saving you $500. That's a new all-time low price. It's an exceptionally crisp TV with deep contrast and built-in AI.

More TV dealsBest early Prime Day vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy Eufy C28 Robot Vacuum and Mop $499.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $300   Get Deal

Mashable's resident vacuum expert, Leah Stodart, named the Eufy C28 Robot Vacuum and Mop the best affordable vacuum-and-mop combo. Despite its budget price, Stodart says it's the most heavy-duty robot mop you'll find, and delivers spotless cleans. Ahead of Prime Day, get the Eufy C28 for just $499.99. That's the vacuum's lowest price ever, offering $300 in savings.

More robot vacuum dealsMore vacuum dealsUpholstery cleaner dealsBest early Prime Day Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Classic Large Creative Brick Box $33.49 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $26.50   Get Deal

While novelty Lego sets are fun, there's something special about a set that gives you full creative control. The Lego Classic Large Brick Box has 790 pieces to build the neighborhood of your dreams. Just in time for summer break when kiddos need some entertainment, this box set is on sale for 44% off. Grab it now for under $35 ahead of Prime Day.

More Lego deals

Everything to know about Amazon Prime Day: Dates, competition, and the best deals to shop

Mashable - Tue, 06/23/2026 - 02:59

Prime Day is nearly upon us. The massive members-only sale is Amazon's biggest savings event of the season and your best chance for some summer inflation relief.

Prime Day typically triggers some of the best, most add-to-cart-worthy deals on smart home devices, Kindles, Apple gadgets, robot vacuums, headphones, and other popular tech outside of Black Friday. And this year, it's happening a little earlier an usual. (What's the deal with that? Keep reading.)

Mashable's shopping reporters and editors have been covering Prime Day since 2018. Here's what we think you should know about this year's sale ahead of time. Plus, check out our dedicated guide to the top early Prime Day deals you can shop already.

When is Prime Day 2026?

Amazon's twelfth annual Prime Day sale runs from June 23 to 26. For the second year in a row, the flagship summer savings event will last four days, up from its original two.

What's different about Prime Day this year? Prime Day 2026 got bumped up to June. Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable / Adobe Stock

As mentioned, Prime Day 2026 is happening early. Historically, the sale has almost always fallen in mid-July, not late June.

Speaking to Reuters this month, Jamil Ghani, worldwide VP of Amazon Prime, said the FIFA World Cup and the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence were factors in the company's decision to move up Prime Day. Both events are also happening in July. (The World Cup runs through July 19, while the U.S. Semiquincentennial is on July 4.)

SEE ALSO: Why did Amazon Prime Day shift to June? Here's what the company has said (and not said).

Amazon hasn't said as much, but its reasoning there seems to be to position Prime Day as a "stock up for the party" opportunity. Among other products, shoppers will be able to save on groceries and other household essentials for celebrations around July's festivities. Amazon has been going especially hard in the grocery space in recent years.

Speaking of: For the first time ever, Amazon is giving away a free year's worth of groceries (via $10,000 in gift cards) ahead of Prime Day this year. You'll be automatically entered to win if you spend at least $15 on groceries, beauty products, personal care items, and/or pet supplies on Amazon now through June 22, the day before Prime Day begins.

What are the best early Prime Day deals?

Amazon is heavily discounting its own devices and services in the lead-up to Prime Day. Early birds can save up to 65% on its Echo smart speakers and displays, Kindle e-readers (plus Kindle bundles), Fire TVs and streaming sticks, Blink home security gadgets, and eero mesh WiFi systems.

The best early Prime Day deals at a glance: Amazon Echo Spot $44.99 (save $35 with Prime) Get Deal Kindle Essentials Bundle $106.97 (save $55 with Prime) Get Deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $17.99 (save $22 with Prime) Get Deal Blink Outdoor 2K+ $34.99 (save $65 with Prime) Get Deal Amazon eero 6+ mesh wifi system (3-pack) $194.99 (save $105 with Prime) Get Deal Kindle Unlimited (3 months) $0 (save $35.97 with Prime) Get Deal Audible (3 months) $0 (save $26.97 with Prime) Get Deal Amazon Music Unlimited (4 months) $0 (save $47.96 with Prime) Get Deal "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" Free ticket with Prime for Young Adults (includes early screening on July 29) Get Deal Little Caesars large pizza $5 (redeemable five times through July 26 with Prime) Get Deal

If you're trying to get a head start on your summer reading list, Prime members can already snag two free Kindle books via Amazon First Reads, plus three free months of both Kindle Unlimited and Audible (worth $36 and $27, respectively). Kindle Unlimited unlocks a huge library of free e-books and digital magazines, while Audible is Amazon's podcast and audiobook service.

If you prefer to read the old-fashioned way, print books of all genres are up to 65% off before Prime Day (starting at $7).

SEE ALSO: Amazon Editors just dropped the 20 best books of 2026 (so far) — find out what made the list

Prime members who haven't tried Amazon Music Unlimited yet get a free four-month trial worth $48. Non-members get three months free. If you're already a Music Unlimited member on an Individual Plan, you can convert your subscription to a Family Plan for free for two months. You'll be able to stream music on up to six devices at a time instead of just one.

Need something new to watch? Certain movies and TV shows on Prime Video are up to 50% off for Prime members ahead of Prime Day. (That includes both purchases and rentals.) Plus, Prime for Young Adults members (geared toward ages 18 to 24) can score a free ticket to see Spider-Man: Brand New Day while supplies last. An exclusive early screening option is up for grabs.

Finally, Prime members can get large pepperoni or cheese pizzas from Little Caesars for just $5 apiece this month. You can redeem the offer up to five times from now through the end of Prime Day on June 26.

What will be the best deals on Prime Day? Lots of popular devices drop to record-low prices every Prime Day. Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable composite; Sony, Amazon, DJI, Samsung

Amazon plans on dropping new Prime Day deals "as often as every five minutes during select periods" during the sale, according to a company blog post. A handful of these offers will get a "Today’s Big Deals" label, which identifies limited-time discounts "featuring exclusive products and trending new releases from brands members love, many at more than 50% off," Amazon said. These deals will go live three times a day throughout Prime Day at 3 a.m. ET, 11 a.m. ET, and 4 p.m. ET — set an alarm.

Amazon hasn't revealed the exact deals it's saving for Prime Day proper, Today's Big Deals or otherwise. But it has shared a list of the general discounts shoppers can expect across different categories, including some featured brands and marquee products. In order from most to least savings, the highlights include:

Who is competing with Prime Day?

Other major retailers have always run their own competing sales alongside Prime Day. That will still be the case this year despite the timing change.

Best Buy is having a weeklong Tech Fest sale from June 22 to 28. (It's almost twice as long as Prime Day.) It will probably be Amazon's toughest competition when it comes to deals on big-ticket tech: Look for discounts of up to 50% on laptops, TVs, gaming gear, headphones, and small appliances, including fleeting Deals of the Day. The sale isn't locked to paid Plus and Total members of the My Best Buy program, but they'll be eligible for some extra discounts and rewards.

Walmart will host a concurrent Summer Deals event from June 22 to 28, offering "thousands of offers across top brands, popular categories, and early back-to-school essentials," to quote a company press release. Those deals will be available both in stores and online. Members of its Walmart+ program get exclusive early access to a batch of "Hot Deal Drops" on the first day of the sale, which will only be available while supplies last. (Otherwise, the sale is open to everyone.) For a limited time, shoppers who haven't signed up yet can save 50% on an annual Walmart+ membership.

SEE ALSO: 40+ Best Buy deals that match or beat Amazon's early Prime Day deals

Target is giving Amazon a run for its money with a Target Circle Deal Days sale from June 23 to 26, the exact same days as Prime Day. Members of its free-to-join Target Circle loyalty program will be able to save up to 45% on "thousands of items across apparel, beauty, home, toys, and essentials" in stores and online, according to a press release. It also plans to offer rotating Deals of the Day.

Target might be trying the hardest to lure shoppers away from Amazon. If you show up in person at select Target stores on the first day of Circle Deal Days, you'll get a free hot or iced coffee or a free cookie, so long as you're a Circle member. Those who join the program between now and June 22 will get 15% off their next purchase.

How many times a year is Prime Day?

Amazon's main Prime Day sale only happens once a year, but the company usually hosts two other Prime events a few months before and after it. One is the Big Spring Sale, which runs late March, and the other is Prime Big Deal Days in October, just before Black Friday.

Can anyone shop Prime Day deals?

Prime Day deals are exclusive to Prime members — but that includes paid and trial members, so it's possible to participate for free.

How to sign up for Amazon Prime

Visit Amazon.com/amazonprime to purchase a membership or start your free 30-day trial. If you go the latter route, be sure to cancel your plan before your trial period ends to avoid getting charged. Prime memberships currently cost $14.99 a month or $139 per year.

If you're 18 to 24 years old, you can score a free six-month Prime trial via the Prime for Young Adults program. (Age or student status verification is required.) You'll get 10% cash back on your Prime Day purchases to boot.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Prime $14.99/month or $139/year; free for your first 30 days Learn More

Hurdle hints and answers for June 23, 2026

Mashable - Tue, 06/23/2026 - 00:00

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Written out.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

SPELT

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A portion.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for June 23, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

SHARE

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Spicy.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for June 23 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for June 23, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

SAUCY

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To pry.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

JIMMY

Final Hurdle hint

A cape.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

CLOAK

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

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for June 23, 2026

Mashable - Mon, 06/22/2026 - 22:00

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you love to boogie.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games 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 today'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 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.

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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.

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.

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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 Pips hints, answers for June 23, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Get down

  • Green: Board game finds

  • Blue: Found on news sites

  • Purple: A shelf

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

Here are today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Dance styles

  • Green: In a Monopoly box

  • Blue: Content sorting options online

  • Purple: Things with mantles/mantels

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 #1108 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

  • Dance styles: FOXTROT, MODERN, SWING, TAP

  • In a Monopoly box: DEED, HOTEL, MONEY, TOKEN

  • Content sorting options online: FEATURED, POPULAR, RECENT, TRENDING

  • Things with mantles/mantels: EARTH, EMPEROR, FIREPLACE, YANKEES

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for June 23, 2026

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

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.

NYT Strands hints, answers for June 23, 2026

Mashable - Mon, 06/22/2026 - 22:00

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're a gamer.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for June 23, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: A whole new world

The words are related to gaming.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe a popular computer game.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Minecraft.

NYT Strands word list for June 23

  • Food

  • Block

  • Portal

  • Minecraft

  • Loot

  • Storage

  • Building

  • Armor

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and 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 Strands.

Wordle today: Answer, hints for June 23, 2026

Mashable - Mon, 06/22/2026 - 22:00

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're a foodie.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today'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 hints today: Clues, answers for June 23, 2026 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. 

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

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 was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

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 Pips hints, answers for June 23, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A popular Indian dish.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter R appears twice.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter C.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. 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...

CURRY

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.

I test vacuums professionally, and I found the 10+ best on sale for Prime Day 2026

Mashable - Mon, 06/22/2026 - 19:29
A quick look at the best deals on vacuums ahead of Prime Day Best self-emptying cordless vacuum deal Shark PowerDetect Speed — Luxe Collection $399.99 (save $100 at SharkNinja) Get Deal Best Dyson vacuum deal Dyson V12 Detect Slim $479.99 (save $250 at Dyson) Get Deal Best budget robot vacuum deal Eufy C28 $499.99 at Amazon (save $300 at Amazon) Get Deal Best robot vacuum on sale overall Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete $1,459.99 (save $240 at Amazon) Get Deal

As someone who tests new vacuums every month, I could easily make a case for why robot vacuums are better or why cordless vacuums are better. If you're having trouble deciding, my ultimate advice is always just to get both — I promise there are budget-friendly ways to do so, especially when so many good vacuums are on sale for Prime Day.

Should I get a robot vacuum or stick vacuum?

A robot vacuum is the way to go if you know, deep down, that the only way your home will be vacuumed every day is if a robot does it. A cordless vacuum is the way to go if you're picky about cleanliness and find the chore to be cathartic rather than tedious. If you feel passionately about one side, there are plenty of deals on splurge-worthy vacuums that I've tested like the Dyson V15 Detect Extra or Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete.

But most people can probably see themselves wanting access to both types of vacuums, depending on how busy their day is. In that case, I'd recommend splitting your vacuum budget. Instead of spending $700 to $1,000 on one really nice vacuum, you could buy a budget-friendly stick vacuum like the $269.99 Shark Clean & Empty and a budget-friendly robot vacuum like the $399.99 Dreame D30 Ultra CE. Both are still incredibly powerful for their price, and there will be a ton of mix-and-match options as more vacuum deals pop up through the end of Prime Day on June 27.

Best cordless vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark PowerDetect Speed — Luxe Collection $399.99 at SharkNinja
$499.99 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

For years, we've been conditioned to shove ugly vacuums into closets when not in use — or let the plasticky gray or black designs sit out in the living space, regardless of how badly they clash with our decor. That changed when Shark released its Luxe Collection at the beginning of June. Its powerful self-emptying PowerDetect Speed stick vacuum now comes in four chic earth tones: Oatstone, Harbor Slate, Walnut, and Sagewood. They're all $100 off at SharkNinja.

The Sagewood vacuum matches my jewel-toned living room deliciously. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable If I'm going to let a vacuum be this visible, it needs to be this pretty. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Not only are these Shark PowerDetect Speed models the prettiest vacuums I've ever seen, but the Shark PowerDetect Speed is the best cordless vacuum for pet hair on carpet that I've ever tested. The suction power is palpable in your hand, but it's not so intense that the vacuum gets jammed on carpet. All debris is automatically emptied into the storage dock each time you hang it up, so your next cleaning session will always start with a clean slate. You'll easily be able to see just how much gunk was sucked up from each room, specifically.

More cordless stick vacuums on saleSelf-emptying cordless vacuums SEE ALSO: Dyson V12 Detect Slim review: A stick vacuum with a laser is a humbling experience. Everyone needs one Best robot vacuum deal Eufy C28 $499.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $300   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Eufy Why we like it

I tested and loved the Eufy C28 when it came out in February 2026. And I have a feeling it'll remain one of my most recommended robot vacuum and mop combos for the next year or so.

The Eufy C28 is probably the most affordable roller mop robot vacuum you'll find, and easily the most heavy-duty mopping robot vacuum out there this season. The fluffy roller spans the entire bottom of the vacuum and rinses itself with fresh water as it's mopping, making it a far more reliable choice for soaking up large liquid spills (without smearing them around) than other cheap mopping robot vacuums. Its self-emptying dock also washes and dries the mop after each cleaning, so it's easier to forgive how painfully loud it is.

More robot vacuums on saleBudget robot vacuum and mop combos on saleRobot vacuums that don't mop

Target Circle Deal Days sale starts June 23: How to make the most of the sale

Mashable - Mon, 06/22/2026 - 19:02

It's no surprise that Amazon's Prime Day sparks an avalanche of competing sales. At this point, Amazon has basically created a new Black Friday-type event for the summer. Best Buy and The Home Depot run competing sales, and Target's is coming soon. Target Circle Deal Days is meant to celebrate the big box store's most dedicated shoppers, bringing a whole lot of savings into a four-day span.

So, what should you expect from Target Circle Deal Days 2026? While the sale hasn't officially started, the retailer has teased the deals to come, which includes up to 40% off on daily deals — plus some free treats from Starbucks. If you're a fan of the bullseye brand, here's everything to know about the Target Circle Deal Days event.

When is Target Circle Deal Days?

Target's Circle Deal Days runs June 23 to 26, the exact same time as Prime Day. However, unlike Prime Day, which takes place exclusively online, you can shop Target's Sale in person, too.

What deals to shop during Circle Deal Days

While we wait for Target Circle Deal Days to go live on June 23, we're anticipating the deals to come. Here's what Target says to expect:

Do you need to be a Circle member to shop Target's sale?

Like Prime Day, which requires a Prime membership to shop, you must be a Circle member to take full advantage of Target's Circle Deal Days. The good news is, unlike Amazon's paid membership, Circle membership is totally free and essentially pays you back just by shopping at Target.

There is a paid membership option at Target, Circle 360, which is more similar to a Prime or Walmart+ membership. Circle 360 gets you unlimited same-day delivery, free two-day shipping, and an extended two-day windows. Normally $99, during Circle Deal Days, subscribe to Circle 360 for just $49.

Review: The Fitbit Air is the most comfortable fitness tracker I’ve ever worn

Mashable - Mon, 06/22/2026 - 19:00

I knew I was in trouble when I saw the first images of the Fitbit Air. I was smitten from the beginning. I’m all about simple and non-flashy wearable tech, so the Fitbit Air was speaking to me, personally. Then I saw the $99.99 price and stopped breathing for a second. Google’s first take on a faceless fitness tracker launched recently, and I’ve worn it nonstop for nearly a month to test out its features.

Google offers several bands for the Fitbit Air including a silicone Performance Band. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

My favorite element of the Fitbit Air has to be how it feels to wear. By far, it’s the most comfortable smartwatch or fitness tracker I've ever experienced. And since this is an honest review, I even like the Google AI fitness coach, which has given me almost daily workouts and has kept me on track more than any other fitness routine I’ve tried in recent years. Here are my thoughts about the budget-friendly Fitbit Air and who should consider owning one.

Worth the $100 for the comfort and simple looks

Google designed the Fitbit Air to feel as if you’re wearing nothing, and I can confirm this is the most comfortable thing I’ve worn on my wrist. I’ve been wearing my beloved CMF Nothing Watch 3 Pro for months now, but I set it aside to test the Fitbit Air. The difference in comfort, size, and weight on my wrist was significant, especially while sleeping.

The Fitbit Air is tiny compared to my CMF Nothing Watch 3 Pro. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

The Fitbit Air weighs 12 grams or 0.03 pounds. I don’t notice that I’m wearing it during the day or while sleeping. That’s about half the weight of the popular faceless fitness tracker, the Whoop 5.0, which clocks in at 26.5 grams. 

I took off the Fitbit Air to shower and swim in saltwater. That’s not necessary since it’s water-resistant up to 50 meters, but Google recommends taking it off to shower, as soaps could cause damage. Other than that, I wore it nonstop and got several compliments on the look. Some friends at dinner even assumed it was a bracelet and not a fitness tracker. 

Week-long battery life and quick recharging

Google claims the Fitbit Air will get up to seven days of battery life on a single charge, and they weren’t lying. In my testing, I got a bit over eight days of wear before my watch got to about 4 percent and I set it on the charger to make sure I didn’t miss a night of tracking sleep. For comparison, the Apple Watch 11 gets about 24 hours of battery life per charge. 

The brain of the Fitbit Air easily pops in and out of the bands. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

In addition to the impressive one-week battery life, the Fitbit Air takes hardly any time to recharge. On my first test, I reached a 100 percent charge in 67 minutes. That dropped to 65 minutes on my second recharge. After just 10 minutes of the Fitbit sitting on the charger, it had reached 44 percent. 

Because of this excellent battery life and quick recharging, you don’t have to worry about skipping a night of sleep tracking or missing out on steps on account of the fitness tracker recharging.

Google Health Premium kind of rocks 

I tested the Fitbit Air with Google Health Premium, which comes free for the first three months. After that, it costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 for an annual plan. Built with Gemini, Premium comes with advanced AI features like the ability to ask Coach health and fitness questions, dive into mindfulness sessions, and get a customized weekly fitness plan. I told Coach I was focused on getting stronger and lowering my resting heart rate, and it popped out a five-session plan each week that incorporated my Hydrow rowing machine.

The Google Coach formulated a weekly fitness plan for me that was simple to adjust. Credit: Screenshot: Google Health Video of each activity helps with understanding each workout or stretch. Credit: Screenshot: Google Health

I’m not heavily on the AI train, so I’m a bit ashamed to say I love Google Health Premium, specifically the personalized workouts. I grew up in a Catholic school, which is to say, I’m a hardcore follower of the rules. So when the Google Coach told me to stretch, row for 20 minutes while keeping my heart rate in zone 2, and then stretch to cool down, I damn well did it. And that was enough to majorly up the frequency of my workouts.

Sleep, nutrition, and hydration tracking on the Fitbit Air are exceptional

We’re all looking for a fitness tracker that gives us great sleep metrics in detail and automatically detects napping. Since I barely noticed wearing the Fitbit Air, I’m giving this the award of my new favorite sleep tracker. The detailed sleep metrics are insightful, and with each night I wear it, they get even better since Google is getting used to my sleep norms.

The Fitbit Air did an accurate job at automatically detecting naps. Credit: Screenshot: Google Health Testing out the ability to capture a photo of food to log in the app. Credit: Screenshot: Google Health

Google also lets you track nutrition with the Fitbit Air, and that can be as easy as scanning a barcode or taking a photo of your plate. It even breaks down macro goals, so you can aim for the ideal amount of carbs, fat, and protein each day. Hydration tracking is also simple, and Coach would even send me a reminder to get my ounces in before it was time to wind down for the night, since I have a tendency to chug 20 ounces right before bed, leading to a midnight wake-up.

Like all AI-driven tech, the Fitbit Air has some flaws

No AI is perfect, and when testing the Fitbit Air, I landed in some errors. I skipped my daily workout, and Coach asked me if I did any other activity. When I said I had picked blueberries in the yard in the afternoon (gotta be some yoga moves in there), the Fitbit said it had logged that I ate one cup of blueberries. While that was probably true, I was trying to log light movement.

In all fairness, I did probably eat one cup of blueberries while picking. Credit: Screenshot: Google Health

I also noticed some inaccuracies when working out. Each Fitbit Air workout crafted by Coach begins with a warmup, which is usually stretching. Start the workout, and the app shows you a video of a person doing the stretch, which is incredibly helpful. However, the written description of the stretch didn’t always match the movements the person was doing in the video.

And of course, using AI health and fitness is not meant to be a replacement for getting professional medical care.

Is a screen-less fitness tracker right for you?

It took me a while to get accustomed to wearing something on my left wrist that did not tell me the time. I’m used to it now, but I could see this driving some people nuts. However, I prefer not to have instant access to my emails or text messages, so the faceless design is my ideal, though I understand it’s not for everyone.

In a way, the Fitbit Air is a great option if you’re heading more into the analog life and you’ve Bricked your phone, for example. But because there’s no face, everything about the Fitbit Air is done via the app, which is located on (you guessed it) your phone. So while you won’t get texts on your wrist, you do have to look at your phone to check steps, heart rate, and other metrics.

Is the Fitbit Air worth it?

I’d recommend the Fitbit Air to anyone who likes the idea of an affordable fitness tracker that doesn’t double up as a smartwatch. It’s a simple fitness tracker that’s comfortable to wear and includes plenty of health and fitness tracking. It’s also one of the budget-friendly options, costing $99.99. However, I found the added features from Google Health Premium to be well worth the price, so add on another $99.99 per year for access to those deeper insights.

I don’t think the Fitbit Air is great for people who are strongly anti-AI. The benefits of health and fitness tracking lean heavily on AI. At times, it felt creepy to get a Google Health notification that confirmed I had arrived on vacation at my destination and had already gone for a walk on the beach. 

Google Fitbit Air $99.99 at Amazon
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