I've covered Prime Day for 7 years. Here are 3 early deals to score now and 6 to hold out for

After seven years of tracking Prime Day pricing, testing products, and analyzing shopping behavior — and buying more than my share of actual deals — I've learned that behind the deal banners and countdown timers lies a game of digital chess, and, with the right strategy, you can score some memorable deals.

The real secret to navigating early Prime Day deals isn't waiting around for the official launch, it's out-shopping the competition by knowing which items have already hit their lowest prices, and which ones you should avoid until the sale starts. This way, you can unlock the exact moment the math swings in your favor.

After a deep dive on the pricing history of some of the most popular Prime Day deals and BI product recommendations, I've found three great early deals to shop now and 6 to wait for until Prime Day starts on June 23.

Buy now: The 3 early deals worth buying now

Anker Nano Power Bank

Why it's in my cart: After seeing tech writer Tyler Hayes' review go viral, I finally understand why a solid power bank is a must-have for travel. The absolute game-changer is the built-in USB-C cable that completely eliminates the need to dig through your bag for a separate cord, and between the 45W fast-charging power source (enough to keep a phone, tablet, or compact laptop running) and the display that shows charging status. It's more than a battery pack; it's one of those rare gadgets that simplifies a routine instead of complicating it.

Why buy it right now: Anker pricing on Amazon is relatively stable, with this 10,000mAh model reliably sitting at a standard $59.99 retail price. I have seen it go on sale several times since Tyler's article took off, and it's currently $49.99.

The smart alternative: If you want a portable charger but prefer a design that snaps directly onto your phone for wireless charging, buy the Anker Nano Magnetic power bank instead. It features a magnetic design that's perfect for iPhone users who want to avoid cables completely and is frequently discounted.

Apple AirPods Pro 3

Why it's in my cart: The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are sitting firmly at the top of Business Insider's buying guides as the best wireless earbuds on the market. (Tech reviewer Tyler Hayes calls them "Apple's best AirPods.") While they run on the same H2 chip architecture as the previous gen, Apple has completely overhauled the internal airflow and acoustics. The real-world upgrades are clear: double the active noise cancellation, an on-device heart rate sensor for workout tracking, an improved IP57 dust and waterproof rating, and support for Apple Intelligence Live Translation. That said, some users complain that the updated fit isn't as comfortable as the previous model. Because it's an everyday-carry item, shoppers buy them in huge numbers once a discount hits.

Why buy it right now: The Apple AirPods Pro 3 retail for $249, but a pre-sale window brings them down to $179 (28% off). That's a solid deal worth buying right now.

The alternative: If you are buying replacement AirPods for a tween, teen, or anyone who has a habit of losing them, don't drop $200 on these. Put the standard AirPods 4 in your cart instead. They regularly fall to $99 on Prime Day and offer the same seamless iOS pairing.

FlexiSpot E7 Pro standing desk

Why it's in my cart: If you work from home like I do, a great standing desk isn't a luxury, it's preventative healthcare. I finally added the FlexiSpot E7 Pro to my watch list because the BI Reviews team flags it as the gold standard for WFH setups. Unlike many budget models that wobble at full extension, the E7 Pro's dual-motor frame is a total tank. It also adjusts smoothly and hides all your cords. I'm ready to see if moving more throughout my day finally fixes my afternoon slump and saves my aching lower back from my kitchen chair.

Why buy it right now: The WFH-friendly FlexiSpot setup is currently marked down 21% to $270. Since this price is already competitive for a dual-motor desk of this quality, there's not much benefit to playing the waiting game for Prime Day. Pull the trigger now rather than risking inventory sell-outs or delivery delays when the sale rush launches on June 23.

The smart alternative: If you already have a standing desk you love but want to be more active during the workday, skip the furniture swap and put your money towards a compact under-desk treadmill or a walking pad instead. Designed to absorb shock, the Goyouth 2-in-1 Treadmill is safe to use for both walking and running, with speeds ranging from 0.5 to 6 miles per hour.

Hold off: 6 items to wait for until June 23

Yeti Rambler 20 oz. travel mug

Why it's in my cart: I am fiercely loyal to my Peace Corps-era Nalgene bottle, but trying to drink hot coffee out of a wide-mouth plastic bottle is a recipe for disaster. I'm not looking to start a collection of trendy tumblers, but I do need one rugged upgrade for my morning caffeine. If it goes on sale, I'll give the Yeti Rambler 20 oz. travel mug a shot because it's dishwasher safe, insulated enough to keep my coffee hot until lunch, and has a heavy-duty lid that seals shut.

The target price: Don't wait around expecting a 50% off Prime Day miracle. Instead, look for Yeti to temporarily slash prices on discontinued seasonal colors (like cosmic lilac or camp green) by up to 25%. If you see a color you like, hit that buy button, but do it before the inventory clears out.

The smart alternative: If you're not a member of team Yeti, try the Owala SmoothSip tumbler. It has an ultra-comfortable sipping spout, triple-layer insulation, and is currently sitting at a great baseline discount of $24, which is 20% off the usual retail price.

Tineco Floor One S7 Pro wet-dry vacuum

Why it's in my cart: I love my Miele canister vacuum, but hauling a heavy, corded machine — or a mop and a broom — out of the closet just to clean up daily messes is too much for a Type B like me. That's why I've got my eye on the Tineco Floor One S7 Pro wet-dry vac this year. Tester Alex Temblador rates it as her top-tier pick for hard floors because it clears dry debris and mops up spills at the same time. When you dock it, the unit flushes out its own roller brush, so you'll never have to touch dirty mop water again.

The target price: If you look at the verified product listing, the Tineco Floor One S7 Pro is currently sitting at a peak price of $599, the highest it's been in 30 days. This is the kind of pre-holiday pricing spike I mentioned earlier: anchoring a high baseline so the upcoming discount looks massive. Put it in your cart and wait for the algorithm to drop it closer to the all-time low of $399.

The alternative: If your home is mostly carpeted or your hard floor space is small, skip the Tineco and track the Bissell Crosswave Omniforce wet-dry vacuum instead. It has advanced features like hot-water washing and ultra-fast drying, and is versatile enough for routine kitchen, bathroom, and entryway messes. Plus, it's under $300 and already on sale for 17% off right now.

Medicube Booster Pro

Why it's in my cart: I've tested many of the viral skincare masks and wands that have dominated Prime Day over the last few years, and frankly, most of them delivered zero visible results. (The only skincare tech I've actually stuck with is my TheraFace mask.) Last week, I met Sir John — Beyoncé's former longtime makeup artist — at an industry event in LA. He's the creative director for Korean skincare brand Medicube, and when the guy responsible for the most iconic skin in music tells you a device is worth it, you listen. So I've added the Medicube AGE-R Booster Pro to my Amazon cart. Now that I'm in my 50s, I'm incredibly strategic about my routine, so I'm genuinely interested to see if the tool's deep serum absorption setting lives up to Sir John's hype and thousands of positive shopper reviews. Plus, it comes with high praise from our beauty reviewers.

The target price: If you check the Amazon listing for the Medicube AGE-R Booster Pro, you'll see it listed at $199, a modest 7% drop from its typical $215 list price. Don't fall for this early deal. If the price falls to the $130 to $150 range, buy it. Getting a clinical-grade K-beauty device at this price would be a steal.

The smart alternative: If you already know you lack the patience to spend time gliding a device over your face every night, stick with a hands-free option like the TheraFace Mask by TheraBody. It tackles antiaging goals entirely on autopilot.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB

Why it's in my cart: I bought two of these last year during Prime Day to give as birthday gifts, and they were an absolute hit. As the most popular Kindle model on Amazon, it's my go-to recommendation because it's so lightweight, making it the perfect solution for reading in bed without the arm fatigue that comes from holding a hardback or even a tablet. It's truly a game changer for anyone who's a member of a summer book club.

The target price: Amazon consistently reserves its deepest price cuts for its first-party devices. During major shopping events, the algorithm routinely slashes the price of Amazon gadgets like the Kindle Paperwhite by 30% to 40% to drive ecosystem adoption. Buying a Kindle in the weeks leading up to Prime Day means paying more than you should.

The alternative: If you're not set on having the latest model, an older version of the Kindle Paperwhite is a solid alternative and will likely also be on sale.

Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro

Why it's in my cart: I need an air fryer, but my culinary skills are lacking, and my countertop space is at a premium. So I turned to culinary tester Jennifer Zyman, who just completed a massive round of air fryer testing, for her expert recommendation. Jennifer explained that this multi-tasking workhorse goes beyond the typical air fryer setting to toast, reheat, bake, roast, and even dehydrate a multitude of foods. If it goes on sale for Prime Day, it's coming home with me.

The target price: You'll rarely see steep discounts on this premium appliance, but it is possible we'll see it drop 15% to as much as 25% during Prime Day. That's exactly what happened during last year's Black Friday sales.

The alternative: Jennifer's top choice for best air fryer is the Cosori TurboBlaze, which is frequently discounted. The six-quart capacity is a good size for most households and a practical choice for everyday use.

Ninja Woodfire Grill

Why it's in my cart: When my host's fancy built-in propane grill broke over Memorial Day weekend, she pulled out a Ninja Woodfire grill to cook up our holiday hot dogs and burgers. I was surprised by how well it handled the task. It's much smaller than a traditional grill, heats up in a fraction of the time, and is significantly easier to clean. It's also the perfect size for a small backyard gathering or a quick weeknight barbecue.

The target price: Ninja is a staple brand for Amazon's big sales events, so expect to see this model dip into the $375 to $400 range over Prime Day.

The alternative: If you want the convenience of an electric grill but don't need the built-in smoker or smart app features, or you want to grill year-round, the brand also offers a 5-in-1 indoor grill for under $250.

Save it for later: 2 things I'm waiting to buy on Black Friday

Smartwatches and fitness trackers

Why I'm not buying it on Prime Day: I've learned the hard way that buying a smartwatch in the spring or summer often means paying full price for a device that will be considered "last year's model" by October. Because major manufacturers like Garmin and Apple typically roll out new lineups in the fall, there is a major incentive to clear out stock during the Black Friday season. I'm happy to wait a few months to snag a better deal on the latest model.

If you need it now: If your current tracker dies and you need a new one right now, consider the Fitbit Charge 6, which is currently 38% off at $99. The Charge 6 is impressively accurate in measuring heart rate, sleep stages, and step counts, rivaling more expensive wearables from Apple and Garmin.

Winter apparel

Why I'm not buying it on Prime Day: Right now, every online retailer is fighting for space to hawk cooling fans, hiking boots, and patio furniture. Investing in a heavy parka or specialized snow gear in June is a losing game. The selection is often picked over, and the prices are set for off-season clearance rather than holiday competition. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are when major brands like North Face, Patagonia, and Columbia launch site-wide sales that include their core, high-demand items, not just last season's leftovers. By waiting, I can ensure I get the specific sizes and colors I actually want rather than settling for what's on the rack.

If you need it now: If you've got a trip to a colder climate coming up, look at Amazon's Orolay sale section for reasonably priced outerwear.

How Business Insider covers Prime Day differently

Prime Day doesn't need more deals; it needs more context.

Every year, the internet is flooded with thousands of articles claiming to feature the "best" Prime Day deals. Many are built around what's trending in the moment, but our approach is different.

The BI Reviews team has spent years testing products, updating recommendations, monitoring pricing, and analyzing shopping behavior. We look at what readers click on — and what they ultimately buy. That's important because the products generating the most buzz aren't always the same products that deliver the most value. The Prime Day deals on our lists do both.

Everything on this list has earned its place for a reason. These are the products that have either been thoroughly tested by the BI Reviews team and featured in our buying guides, or products I have personally used and keep buying. They're also backed by real Prime Day shopping behavior, not just clicks.

I'll be updating this article regularly as Prime Day approaches and replacing predictions with real deals as they go live.

FAQs

What are the best products to buy on Prime Day?

Historically, some of the strongest Prime Day deals appear in categories like headphones, vacuums, kitchen appliances, bedding, and Amazon devices. These products often see larger discounts than they do during routine sales throughout the year.

Is Prime Day a good time to buy Apple products?

Yes. Prime Day frequently delivers some of Amazon's best prices on AirPods, iPads, and other Apple devices. Popular models often sell out quickly, but watch out for pre-sale pricing anchors. Check out our Prime Day hub to ensure you're getting the absolute best price.

Is Prime Day a good time to buy a TV?

It can be. According to BI Reviews tech editor Steven Cohen, Amazon Prime Day consistently offers excellent TV deals, but certain models get better discounts than others. Generally speaking, Prime Day is the best time to buy last year's TV models at all-time low prices before stock gets harder to find.

How can I tell if a Prime Day deal is actually good?

Start by identifying the products you actually want before the sale begins, then monitor pricing as Prime Day approaches. Amazon's Alexa shopping features can track products and alert you to price drops, but the most important step is having a plan before the discounts start rolling out.

Keep tabs on our Prime Day coverage to prepare for the huge deal event.

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