Want to shop Prime Day like a pro? Here’s what to buy —and what to avoid
What to buy and avoid shopping on Prime Day, per a pro deal-hunter
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It’s Prime Day 2—Here’s the 150+ best deals on Amazon, updated 24/7 ShoppingWant to shop Prime Day like a pro? Here’s what to buy —and what to avoid
By Victoria McDonnell Published June 19, 2026, 5:30 a.m. ET
See more of our coverage in your search results.
Add The New York Post on Google New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change.Amazon Prime Day has evolved into one of the biggest shopping periods of the year.
Each summer, shoppers are met with thousands of discounts, lightning deals, limited-time offers and product pages plastered with giant percentage-off badges.
The problem is that not every deal is worth your attention.
post wanted picks- 30% off the Sony WH-1000XM5 Premium Noise Canceling Headphones
- 44% off the eufy C10 Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum
- 27% off the Microsoft Surface 15-inch Touchscreen Laptop
- 30% off the Nespresso Vertuo Next Premium Coffee & Espresso Maker
- 28% off the COSRX 96% Advanced Snail Mucin Power Essence
Prime Day runs from June 23 to 26 this year, and after covering Amazon’s shopping event for half a decade, I’ve learned there are certain categories, such as electronics, home essentials and tech, that always see the deepest discounts.
How We Find the Real Deals
Here at The Post, we don’t just diligently fact-check to call out fake news — we also relentlessly price-check to get you inflation-beating bargains you can trust. Before we recommend a single Prime Day purchase, our experienced bargain hunters put every “deal” through our price-checking gauntlet:
- The Background Check: We use hardcore tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel, Keepa and Amazon’s own Alexa to audit price history, ensuring mega sales aren’t just regular prices in disguise.
- The Retail Rivalry: We diligently cross-reference competitors like Walmart and Target to guarantee you actually see the lowest price on the web.
- And We’re Live: We track real-time trends and update our live coverage 24/7, keeping pace with shopper needs and retailer fluctuations.
This isn’t to say that other departments don’t have sales. In fact, if you’re a Prime member, you’re sure to find savings no matter the section you shop (if you’re not a member, sign up for a 30-day free trial). But if you’re solely interested in competitive pricing, certain items significantly drop in price for the event, while others, even with the sale badge, are just marketing markdowns better left ignored.
Here are the categories and products worth prioritizing during Amazon Prime Day 2026 — and the ones I’d approach with caution.
What to Buy During Amazon Prime Day 2026
Amazon Devices
This is the easiest recommendation every year.
Amazon routinely offers some of the steepest discounts of the event on its own hardware. Smart speakers, streaming devices, tablets and e-readers often hit their lowest prices of the year during Prime Day.
Amazon Echo Dot (Newest Model)
Prime Day is often one of the lowest prices of the year for the Echo Dot, making it an affordable way to add voice control, music and smart-home automation to any room.
$49.99 $34.99 Buy Now
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus (Newest Model)
This is a great Prime Day buy because Amazon frequently discounts Fire TV devices heavily, giving you fast 4K streaming and Alexa integration for less.
$49.99 $29.99 Buy Now
Amazon Kindle 16 GB (Newest Model)
If you’ve been thinking about reading more, Prime Day discounts can make the Kindle one of the best-value gadgets for distraction-free reading and long battery life.
$109.99 $84.99 Buy NowRobot Vacuums
Robot vacuum makers treat Prime Day like a major product launch window. Competition among brands drives substantial discounts, especially on midrange and premium models.
Watch for major savings on self-emptying robot vacuums, hybrid vacuum-and-mop systems and premium navigation models.
eufy C10 Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum
Prime Day is a smart time to buy since self-emptying robot vacuums are more costly and the sale can significantly reduce the price of hands-free cleaning.
$479.99 $269.99 Buy Now
roborock F25 XT Wet Dry Vacuum
Buying during Prime Day can save you hundreds on a premium wet-dry vacuum that vacuums and mops simultaneously for faster floor care.
$549.99 $379.99 Buy Now
Dyson V11 Origin Cordless Vacuum
Significant Dyson discounts are relatively uncommon, so Prime Day is one of the best opportunities to get powerful cordless cleaning at a meaningful price drop.
$559.00 $469.99 Buy NowTVs
Prime Day has become one of the best TV-buying periods outside of Black Friday.
Manufacturers often use summer promotions to clear inventory ahead of fall releases, creating opportunities on OLED, Mini-LED and large-screen models.
Your best bets include 55-inch and 65-inch TVs (the best value, from experience!), OLED TVs and streaming-focused smart TVs.
Samsung 55-inch The Frame QLED Smart TV
Prime Day is a great time to buy The Frame because its unique art-display design rarely sees discounts as deep as mainstream TVs.
$1,097.99 $897.99 Buy Now
Roku 54-inch QLED Smart TV
This TV offers an excellent combination of QLED picture quality and Roku’s simple smart-TV platform, and Prime Day pricing can make it a standout value.
$449.99 $379.99 Buy Now
Samsung 55-inch OLED Smart TV
Prime Day discounts can make Samsung’s premium OLED technology much more attainable, delivering exceptional contrast and cinematic picture quality.
$2,197.99 $1,897.99 Buy NowWireless Earbuds
Premium earbuds have become one of Prime Day’s strongest categories.
Whether you’re shopping for workout headphones, noise-canceling models or everyday listening, major brands frequently offer some of their lowest prices of the year.
Shopping hack: Pay particular attention to flagship models that are one generation old. Those often deliver the best value.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Wireless Noise Canceling Workout Earbuds
These are worth grabbing during Prime Day if you’re active, thanks to their secure fit, workout-focused design and sale pricing.
$249.99 $199.95 Buy Now
Apple AirPods 3 Wireless Earbuds
Prime Day often brings some of the best AirPods deals of the year, making it a good opportunity to join the Apple ecosystem for less.
$249.00 $199.00 Buy Now
Sony WH-1000XM5 Premium Noise-Cancelling Headphones
If you’ve been waiting for top-tier noise cancellation, Prime Day discounts can make Sony’s flagship headphones a much better value.
$399.99 $278.00 Buy NowLaptops
Laptop deals can be outstanding if you know what specifications to target.
Rather than chasing the highest discount percentage, focus on machines with at least 16GB of RAM, modern processors and a strong battery life. Remember, you don’t just want a cheap laptop but a good one. Regardless, if you’re a Prime member, you’ll likely find a high-quality one for less if you buy during the event.
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop
Prime Day can reduce the premium price of the MacBook Air, making its excellent battery life, portability and performance even more compelling.
$1,099.00 $949.99 Buy Now
Microsoft Surface 15-inch Touchscreen Laptop
This is a strong Prime Day purchase because it combines a large touchscreen, premium design and Windows flexibility at a potentially lower cost.
$2,199.99 $1,599.00 Buy Now
HP 17-inch Business Laptop Computer
Prime Day is ideal for buying a large-screen productivity laptop when discounts can bring down the cost of a machine built for work and multitasking.
$899.99 $599.99 Buy NowSmart Home Devices
Beyond Amazon’s own hardware, the broader smart home category tends to perform well.
My advice? Look for discounts on smart plugs, smart lighting and video doorbells or cameras. Those areas typically see a big price slash.
Linkind Matter Smart Plug (4-Pack)
Smart-home accessories often receive steep Prime Day discounts, making this an inexpensive way to add Matter-compatible automation throughout your home.
$32.99 $24.99 Buy Now
NIORSUN Battery Operated Wall Sconce (Set of 2)
Prime Day savings can make these renter-friendly, wire-free sconces an affordable upgrade for adding style and ambient lighting. Plus, no electrician required.
$69.99 $55.99 Buy Now
Google Nest Battery Doorbell
This is a smart Prime Day buy because video doorbells frequently go on sale, allowing you to improve home security for less.
$179.99 $129.99 Buy NowKitchen Appliances
Air fryers may no longer be the headline-grabbing stars they once were, but kitchen appliances remain a dependable Prime Day category.
Ninja XL 5.5-Quart Air Fryer
Prime Day often features some of the year’s best air fryer deals, making it a great time to upgrade your kitchen with a versatile appliance.
$179.99 $109.99 Buy Now
Nespresso Vertuo Next Premium Coffee & Espresso Maker
Buying during Prime Day can help offset the premium cost of a machine that delivers café-style coffee and espresso at home. It’s the best we reviewed, too.
Cuisinart Stand Mixer
Prime Day discounts can make this versatile baking essential a much more affordable alternative to higher-priced stand mixers.
$319.95 $229.96 Buy NowKorean Skincare
As someone who lives and breathes beauty products, I can attest that Korean skincare products are frequently featured in Prime Day beauty deals and can offer strong value compared with regular retail pricing.
Good options include hydrating essences and toners, vitamin C serums and treatment ampoules and sheet mask bundles and overnight sleeping masks.
COSRX 96% Advanced Snail Mucin Power Essence
This cult-favorite skincare product is frequently discounted during Prime Day, making it a good time to stock up on hydration-focused skincare. Trust me, I reviewed pretty much the entire brand.
$25.00 $17.89 Buy Now
mixsoon Vitamin C Cream
Prime Day offers a chance to try the popular brightening skincare product at a lower price than usual.
$20.00 $13.00 Buy Now
Beauty of Joseon Centella Asiatica Calming Sheet Masks (10-Pack)
These soothing masks are a great Prime Day purchase, as skincare multipacks often receive substantial discounts.
$25.00 $19.50 Buy NowEveryday Household Essentials
This category isn’t exciting, but it can deliver meaningful savings over time.
Prime Day is a good opportunity to stock up on paper products, cleaning supplies and laundry essentials.
Scott Professional 2-Ply Standard Roll Toilet Paper (80-Pack)
Prime Day is an excellent time to save on household essentials, especially bulk purchases that you’ll use throughout the year.
$95.69 $66.25 Buy Now
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes (3-Pack)
Stocking up during Prime Day can lower the cost of a cleaning staple you’ll likely need anyway.
$14.99 $11.11 Buy Now
Seventh Generation Sensitive Skin Free & Clear Laundry Detergent (2-Pack)
Prime Day often brings strong discounts on everyday consumables, making this a practical purchase for long-term savings.
$29.94 $25.99 Buy NowWhat to Avoid During Amazon Prime Day 2026
Newly Released Smartphones
Brand-new flagship phones rarely receive substantial discounts.
You may see gift cards, trade-in promotions or small markdowns, but major savings typically arrive months later.
Unless you need a phone immediately, waiting often pays off.
what to buy instead
Motorola Moto G Stylus 2025 Smartphone
This is a strong Prime Day value if you want a budget-friendly smartphone with a built-in stylus and modern features without flagship pricing.
$399.99 $349.99 Buy NowHigh-End Luxury Watches
Luxury watch discounts are usually limited and often less compelling than deals available through authorized retailers at other times of the year.
Prime Day is rarely the best place to make a major watch purchase.
what to buy instead
OLEVS Stainless Steel Quartz Watch
Prime Day discounts can make this affordable everyday watch an even better budget-friendly accessory.
$107.77 $42.77 Buy NowBrand-New Gaming Consoles
Console makers generally protect pricing on current-generation hardware.
You might find bundle offers, but dramatic discounts are uncommon.
Games and accessories are usually better Prime Day targets than the consoles themselves.
what to buy instead
Xbox Series S Digital Gaming Console
Prime Day is one of the better opportunities to save on current-generation gaming hardware and jump into the Xbox ecosystem.
$449.99 $428.00 Buy NowPremium Furniture
Furniture is one of the toughest categories to evaluate online, and Prime Day discounts are often smaller than they appear.
Shipping costs, assembly requirements and fluctuating list prices can make deals look better than they actually are.
For large furniture purchases, comparison shopping remains essential.
what to buy instead
Unikito 47-inch Entry Table with Sensor Light
This is a stylish, functional furniture piece with built-in lighting at a lower price.
$159.99 $119.99 Buy NowHigh-End Cameras
Cameras rarely receive the kinds of discounts shoppers hope for during Prime Day.
Manufacturers tend to hold pricing relatively steady, especially on newer releases.
That said, there is one exception worth considering: older-generation mirrorless cameras. If a model has recently been replaced, Prime Day can create an opportunity to buy a still-excellent camera at a much more attractive price. For many enthusiasts, last year’s model delivers nearly the same real-world performance for significantly less money.
what to buy instead
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Film Camera
Prime Day discounts make this fun instant camera more affordable for capturing and printing memories on the spot.
$93.95 $79.95 Buy NowThe Prime Day Strategy That Works
From reporting on this event around the clock, the biggest mistake shoppers make during Prime Day is chasing percentages.
A product advertised at 50% off isn’t automatically a better deal than one discounted by 15%. Categories such as TVs, laptops, robot vacuums, storage devices and Amazon hardware consistently generate some of the strongest actual savings because brands aggressively compete for attention during the event.
Meanwhile, categories like luxury goods, flagship smartphones, premium furniture and newly released products often produce discounts that look impressive but don’t meaningfully change the value proposition.
My approach after five years of covering Prime Day is straightforward: prioritize categories that have a long history of genuine discounts, keep an eye out for hidden gems in less-promoted areas, and never let a giant percentage badge convince you to buy something you weren’t planning to purchase in the first place.
The best Prime Day deal isn’t necessarily the biggest discount. In reality, it’s the product you already needed, just at the lowest price you’re likely to see all year.
Your Amazon Prime Day FAQs, answered
What is Amazon Prime Day and when is it?
Prime Day is Amazon’s biggest sale of the year, offering deep discounts on bestsellers and everyday essentials. This year’s event runs from Tuesday, June 23 at 3 a.m. ET through Saturday, June 27 at 3 a.m. ET.
How long is Prime Day?
This year, shoppers can take advantage of four days of Prime Day deals: Tuesday, June 23 at 3 a.m. ET through Saturday, June 27 at 3 a.m. ET.
What’s new about Prime Day in 2026?
In addition to pushing up the sale to June, Amazon is including several new programs and promotions, including:
- Today’s Big Deals program: New daily discounts up to 50% off or more
- New deals dropping as often as every five minutes during the sale
- Prime members gain access to exclusive travel deals
- Prime members who spend $15 or more on a qualifying online grocery order have a chance to win free groceries for a year
- Prime members who set up a deal alert with Alexa have a chance to win a $1,000 Amazon gift card
- Through June 26, Prime members can get a large pepperoni or cheese pizza from Little Caesars for $5
- Through June 26, Prime members who purchase a new car through Amazon Autos get a $1,500 Amazon gift card
Do you have to be an Amazon Prime member to shop?
Prime Day and all its amazing discounts are exclusively available to Prime members. However interested shoppers can grab a 30-day free trial to try Prime, and its many benefits with no strings attached, and gain access to exclusive deals and the convenience of fast, free shipping.
What are the best deals?
From reporting on Amazon sales for years, we can tell you for certain that Prime Day is the ideal time to stock up on beauty and skincare staples, score big-ticket tech for less, bestselling vacuums, and comb through the massive catalog of Amazon best-sellers. Plus, since this year’s sale runs before the Fourth of July Americana-themed deals and summer hosting essentials.
Is it worth it?
We certainly think so! Prime Day is a great chance to score deals on thousands of best-sellers, top tech and appliances and every day essentials. Our team diligently sorts through all the offers to find you only the very best items to grab on sale.
When is the next Prime Day?
Already wondering when Amazon’s next Prime Day is? We expect Amazon’s October Prime Big Deal Days sale event to return in fall 2026. Follow Post Wanted’s around-the-clock coverage, and you’ll be the first to know about headline-worthy sales. Click here to find all of the best deals.
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Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post
For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
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