These are the best and worst things to buy during October Prime Day, according to shopping experts

Need an extra layer for those crisp autumn days? Don’t miss out on this soft fleece hoodie while it’s up to 65% offin certain colors and sizes. It has over 125,000 five-star ratings, including a ringing endorsement from one of our deals experts. Choose from colors like classic black and navy blue — your best deal will be in this classic white, among a couple others. (Prefer a zip-up? Those are on sale too.)

Great time to buy: This is within a dollar of the lowest price we’ve seen for this fan-favorite hoodie, and considering it’ll only be getting cooler, we don’t envision it going lower anytime soon.

Think it’s too early to start thinking about the holidays? There’s no time like the “present” to save on some of the best giftable goodies, like this action-packed advent calendar. “Take your little one to a galaxy far, far away with this 24-day countdown,” says Home and Gifts Editor Amanda Garrity. “They’ll set the scene with mini builds and vehicles like Mando’s N-1 Starfighter, then bring the movies to life with their favorite characters in their holiday best — ahem, Baby Yoda in a Christmas sweater, need I say more?!”

Great time to buy: This price marks the best we’ve seen at Amazon in at least 30 days, and over 20,000 have been purchased this month alone. Our advice? Scoop it up before it inevitably sells out.

“My one complaint about my air fryer is that it’s not big enough to cook a frozen pizza,” laments Senior Writer Carrie McCabe. “Well, OK, one more critique: It also takes up a bit more room than I’d like. So I’ve got my eye on this one from Ninja this Prime Day. It’s roomy enough for a 12-inch pizza, flips up on its back (let it cool first!) to save counter space and can bake, toast, dehydrate and roast in addition to air frying. One recent shopper said it ‘could be the best air fryer [they’ve] ever had.'” (Psst: My parents own this model and couldn’t be happier with it.)

Good deal: A quality, cook-everything air fryer that can handle pizzas for $150? Sold. We’ve only seen this unit dip a few bucks lower this year, and that was months ago.

“Still dealing with a menagerie of remotes every time you want to watch TV? Stop the insanity with this easy and intuitive top-seller (which happens to be the newest model) that can replace ’em all,” says our tech-spert, Senior Writer Chris McGraw. “You’ll be able to effortlessly switch between the news, sports, live TV and your favorite streaming platforms for easy access to millions of shows and movies.”

“Looking to beef up your 4K viewing experience? The 4K Select, 4K Plus and 4K Max Fire Sticks are also on sale. If you’re wondering which one to get, my recommendation is to snag the one that best fits your budget, with the 4K Max being my pick, as it is the most powerful and offers more features than the cheaper models, while still being affordable.”

Great time to buy: We haven’t seen it for less all year, so add it to your cart while it’s an impressive 60% off.

When was the last time you replaced your toothbrush? If you can’t remember, it’s time for a new one. Shoppers say this electric model is effective and easy to use. It has a brush pacer that prompts you to clean a new area every 20 seconds and a timer that indicates when you complete a two-minute session. It also comes with a travel case and provides up to 21 days of regular brushing on a full charge, making it the ideal portable toothbrush for travel. 

Great time to buy: This toothbrush appears to have hit Amazon’s virtual shelves in March, and since then, it’s only dipped lower in price once (and by just a few bucks).

Summer might be over, but staying hydrated is a year-round effort. This tumbler is on sale in a smattering of fun colors that’ll make upping your H2O intake more enjoyable. No frills here: just a simple straw-lid design with a condensation-free body to keep your hands dry. You can pop this bad boy right into the dishwasher when it’s time to clean, but even better? It’s on rare markdown.

Great time to buy: We haven’t seen the price on this particular size dip any lower, and considering it’s just as handy for chilled drinks as it will be for keeping your autumnal teas, coffees and cocoas piping hot, we think it’s a good opportunity to grab one for less.

“Ding, dong — there’s a great deal at the door,” says Senior Writer Carrie McCabe. “This bundle, which contains a Ring battery doorbell and an Indoor Cam Plus, is ideal for shoring up your home security situation without spending a bundle. It’ll monitor the outside of your home as well as a targeted space inside (which is great for, say, checking in on your furbabies while away for the day). You’ll see everything in crisp 2K (which is pretty impressive for a security camera!), control and receive alerts from your phone and spend mere minutes on installation.”

Great time to buy: “This is the lowest price we’ve ever seen on this useful twosome (nearly 65% off!), so strike while the iron is hot,” she adds.

Bring the apple orchard indoors, courtesy of this highly rated candle from everyone’s favorite brand. Its sweet, refreshing scent has some spicy clove notes that’ll help create a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and you’ll be able to enjoy that fragrance for up to 150 hours.

Great time to buy: At over 30% off, this candle is down to its best price since May, and if apple isn’t your favorite, there are plenty of others marked down as well.

This small yet mighty handvac has been scooped up more than 50,000 times in the past month alone, so it’s clearly doing something right. Don’t be fooled by the fact that it weighs just 1.4 pounds; shoppers rave about its strong suction and impressive battery life. Plus, it comes with a built-in crevice tool for reaching tight spaces.

Great time to buy: We don’t expect this vacuum to drop lower in price anytime soon, as this is its best discount of the year so far.

Related: The best car vacuums of 2026

We were already fans of the original version of this virally popular cleaner, but this portable 7-pound mini model is ideal for anyone looking to target carpet and upholstery stains all around the house. It tackles the same jobs as its larger sibling, only schlepping it around is even easier. This bestselling set comes with the Little Green, a 4-inch tough stain tool, a HydroRinse self-cleaning hose tool and a trial-size bottle of cleaning formula.

Great time to buy: More than 60,000 have been purchased in the past month alone, and now that it’s on rare sale, that number is sure to skyrocket (we’ve only seen it for less once all year).

Even if your part of the country isn’t experiencing sweater weather just yet, things will cool down for just about everyone before you know it. A classic V-neck is one of those autumn staples that everyone should have in their wardrobe, and this timeless top has thousands of perfect ratings to back it up. “It looks luxurious!” swooned a stylish shopper. “The material is lightweight and soft… it is an essential piece in my capsule wardrobe and a great layering piece too!”

Great time to buy: At nearly 40% off, this sweater is down to its best price since spring (and it’s only dropped lower by $2 all year). Better stock up now while it’s marked down in plenty of colors…

Originally designed as workwear for tradesfolk, Carhartt styles have become massively popular in the last few years thanks to their simple, effective design and rugged durability. From celebs to politicians to regular Joes, everyone loves a Carhartt jacket — and this No. 1 bestseller is the perfect example of why. The insulated blanket lining provides plenty of cozy warmth, while the corduroy-trimmed collar adds a little visual interest (and comes with under-collar snaps for adding an optional hood). The exterior is made of 100% cotton sandstone duck, a heavyweight canvas-style fabric pre-washed to give it a soft, broken-in feel right from the first wear.

Great time to buy: Carhartt is so popular that their styles don’t really need to go on sale to sell big, but right now you can get this “iconic” style in black on Amazon for the lowest price of the year, and the lowest price we’ve ever seen for it — and the best price we’re seeing across the ‘net.

One can never have too many socks, and this popular pack boasts more than 11,000 perfect ratings. Designed for active people on the go, they offer comfy cushioning, arch compression and a non-slip fit, all while remaining hidden under your sneakers. “They’re made really well with good quality material, and you can tell they’re built to last,” shared a shopper. “Even after multiple washes and regular wear, they’ve held up nicely without thinning out or getting holes.”

Great time to buy: At 40% off, this is the best price I’ve seen since spring (they’ve only been on sale for about $1 less all year). You can also get them marked down in black.

A half-zip pullover is one of those layering pieces that will never go out of style, and this one’s priced low enough that you can snap it up in a few colors. Made of a soft cotton-poly blend, it’s slightly oversized so you can wear it over lighter tops to keep cozy. “Most comfortable thing I’ve ever owned,” swooned a shopper. “Runs large, but if you want the oversized look, this has the perfect proportions. Great quality material, nice and thick too.”

Great time to buy: We’ve yet to see it on sale for less in at least a year, so our advice? Stock up! (Prices vary between colors and sizes.)

Rich mom? Hallmark heroine spending fall in the Hamptons? Either way, this cardigan understood the assignment. The open front, longer length and lightly heathered knit give it that casually expensive look that works with jeans, leggings, dresses — basically whatever you already own. The soft, almost brushed texture feels cozy without being bulky, making it just right for crisp mornings, chilly offices and layered-up fall days.

Great time to buy: This is the drop-dead lowest price this chic cardi has hit in at least a year. While it rarely reaches the $37 original price tag, it typically sits around $26 to $30 or more. Getting it for just $15, just as fall layering season kicks in, makes it an especially good buy.

My sister is the real-life version of the Princess and the Pea — her standards are high! That’s why, when I used this blanket at her house and asked where it was from, I was surprised when she told me she’d gotten it at Amazon. It felt like heaven!

I’ve since purchased two: one for my bed and the other for my guest bedroom. The comforter is warm but lightweight — no night sweats. It’s incredibly soft, with a nice amount of fluff factor, thanks to box stitching that keeps the filling evenly distributed. Plus, it has loops attached to its sides, should you want to attach it to a duvet cover (I do this in the winter when I want a bit more coverage). To clean it, just toss it into the washer and dryer — mine still looks and feels just as sublime as the day I got it.

Great time to buy: This price is within a few dollars of its 2026 low, so I guess I should get a few more…

Whether you’ve got pets or a shedding spouse to contend with, this 7-pound picker-upper was specifically designed to target all of that unsightly hair on your floors and furniture. Its strong suction adapts to whatever surface it’s being used on, whether that’s carpet or hardwood, and you can pop out the built-in handvac to target crumbs on the counter or dust bunnies on your stairs. Oh, and you’ll get up to 40 minutes of usage per charge.

Great time to buy: We haven’t seen this vacuum drop lower in price in months. With that in mind, we don’t expect deeper discounts in the near future.

Related: The best cordless stick vacuums of 2026

Those floppy headrests you’re sleeping on aren’t doing your neck any favors — but you can upgrade to this plush, supportive pair for under $30. Designed to keep you comfortable whether you sleep on your stomach, back, or side, they offer just the right balance of softness and support. They’re also machine washable, making them easy to keep clean and durable for years to come. “These are great pillows for the price,” wrote a satisfied snoozer. “Nice and comfy like hotel pillows.”

Good deal: While the starting price is a bit inflated, you’re not likely to see this duo on sale for less than it is now.

Having any sort of robot vacuum is great, but you know what’s really handy? One that doubles as a mop, so it can clean every type of floor in your house. And you know what’s even better? A robot vacuum-mop hybrid that automatically empties itself once it’s finished cleaning. Sound too good to be true? This highly rated model is living proof! It’s smart enough to avoid carpets and rugs when it’s in mopping mode and can clean up to 900 square feet before needing a recharge. It even has an edge-sweeping brush to lodge dust out of corners and baseboards, along with anti-hair-wrap brushes to trap fur without getting tangled.

Great time to buy: At nearly 60% off, this vacuum is down to its lowest price in at least a year, so zap it up for $270 less while you can.

Set yourself up for a sneeze-free season: I am breathing easier — literally — now that this sleek appliance has made its way into my home. It boasts a true HEPA filter to trap up to 99.97% of airborne particles and irritants, and it can refresh the air in a 874-square-foot space twice per hour (and the air in a 361-square-foot space nearly five times per hour). Not too shabby! 

At just 12.5 pounds, it’s easy to move around my house if needed, and its slim profile doesn’t require much floor space. There’s no actual “sleep mode,” but it’s barely audible when on the lowest setting; I even find its hum at full speed quite soothing and barely notice it now. 

Great time to buy: Yes, it’s still a bit pricey, even on sale, but in my opinion? It’s worth every penny. Plus, this is as low as it’s been marked down to since spring. 

Related: The best air purifiers of 2026

Your autumn arsenal isn’t complete without one of these versatile vessels. From simmering soup to baking bread, it’s a one-stop pot that you’ll be reaching for throughout the fall, winter and beyond. Made of sturdy cast iron, it’ll retain heat and moisture for the most tender braised meats, and its enamel coating makes cleanup a snap. Plus, it’s one of those pretty pieces you’ll want to leave right on the stovetop.

Great time to buy: Even at full price, this Dutch oven is a bargain when you consider how much brands like Le Creuset can set you back. On sale, it’s an even more impressive value, and deeper discounts are rare.

Soup season is here! Not only is this top-seller a blender, but it also doubles as a food processor, saving space in your cabinets — just swap out the bowls depending on what you’re using it for. Meal prep is about to get a lot less strenuous! Oh, and it comes with not one, but two to-go cups so you can take your concoctions out and about.

Good deal: This is its best Amazon price since spring, FYI…

Need something larger? This top-seller’s 6-quart capacity holds food for up to six people, and you can use it for everything from steaming veggies and preparing rice to making your own yogurt. Plus, it works up to 70% faster than other cooking methods, meaning dinner will be on the table in a snap. Every time he roasts a chicken, my husband takes the bones and uses our Instant Pot to make the most delicious, hands-off chicken stock, which we then freeze — in the winter, we’re very grateful to have it!

Great time to buy: This is as low as it’s been all year, so save $50 while you can!

Groceries are expensive, and preparing overcooked, inedible food is just money down the drain. Avoid that by taking the temperature of your meats, seafood, baked goods and more with an instant-read thermometer; doing so helps ensure everything is perfectly (and safely) cooked.

Sure, you’ll want to use visual clues to help you determine if your food is done, but you can’t see the inside of a steak or cake, and a kitchen thermometer will help you understand what’s going on below the surface. This popular gadget (over 50,000 were purchased this month) provides a reading in seconds — doesn’t get much quicker than that!

Great time to buy: This price marks its best since spring, and just think of how many over- or undercooked meals it’ll save you…

If your nonstick cookware is looking a bit scratched up, this comprehensive set is a solid replacement for a stellar price. I appreciate that the pieces’ slick ceramic coating is made without PFAS and that the non-slip handles offer good grip while keeping things cool. These pots and pans are also oven-safe up to 400°F, and their clear lids allow you to keep an eye on your food while it cooks.

Great time to buy: For the cost of many single pans, you’re getting two frying pans, a saucepan, a sauté pan, a stockpot and three utensils — and this price is as low as it gets.

Hold the phone — a Crock-Pot that’s, dare I say, cute? This “Design Series” model takes the humble slow cooker to aesthetically pleasing new levels, and with it being the coziest time of year and all, you’ll be inspired to whip up all sorts of comfort food. Think: Braised short ribs, chicken stew, meatballs … even desserts like apple crisp. The locking lid allows you to transport your food without spills, which will come in handy once those holiday potlucks roll around.

Great time to buy: I haven’t seen it on sale for less at Amazon all year, and I predict prices will only go up as slow cooker demand rises during the colder months.

“This is Amazon’s most popular Echo device,” says Senior Writer Amy Skorheim, one of our tech gurus. “I have one myself, and my family uses it multiple times per day to ask about the weather, turn on our lights, add items to our several shopping lists and to get bits of trivia, like how much houses cost in the 1800s.”

Great time to buy: “Since Amazon upped the prices on its Echo, Fire TV and other in-house devices, it’s an even better idea to buy your next Echo speaker during Prime Day,” she says. “And right now it’s half-price and down to just $40”

Here’s a rare TV deal you may want to consider scooping up before Black Friday. “Amazon’s own line of TVs combines the Fire TV interface that dozens of other manufacturers use with extra features like Amazon’s ‘Ambient Experience’ that shows art on the screen when you’re nearby but not actively watching TV,” says Senior Writer Amy Skorheim. “The AI-enhanced Alexa+ can help you find shows, make watching suggestions and answer your cinematic trivia questions. It can even control your smart home devices just like an Echo speaker.”

“This model has an HD screen, not 4K, but since it’s a smaller, 40-inch model, the resolution is still fairly sharp at reasonable distances. It has a snappy quad-core processor to make apps open quickly and respond instantly.”

Great time to buy: We’ve yet to see it marked down for less, so strike while the iron’s hot!

In his guide to the best outlet extenders, Senior Editor Chris McGraw tested out this model and was satisfied with the convenient little gadget. If you’re looking for an easy way to make the most out of an outlet, this is the way to do it. It has five AC plugs and four USB ports (one Type C and three Type A) to juice up all your tech.

Good deal: This doodad often hovers around this price, so while it’s not a huge markdown, per se, it’s a fabulous value for something so handy.