The 30+ best early anti-Prime Day deals: Best Buy, Walmart, Costco, and more

If you’ve made it here to this page, you probably already know that Amazon Prime Day 2024 will be making its 10th anniversary return in a few days (really, Prime Day will be here Tuesday). And just as the e-commerce giant is gearing up by already offering great deals and discounts across the shopping platform, so is the competition (sorry, Jeff Bezos). 

Also: The best Prime Day deals right now

Right now, you can score deep savings in many core categories, like tech, home, back-to-school, and beyond, at plenty of other major retailers, including Best Buy, Walmart, Target, Costco, BJ’s, and more. Thanks to Prime Day, it’s a buyer’s market as retailers compete for your purchase on many of the same top tech items by offering identical (or better) discounts. 

That’s why we’ve rounded up the best early anti-Prime Day deals that you can shop right now. We’ll be updating this list frequently ahead of Prime Day, and multiple times a day while the event occurs, so be sure to check back.

The best early anti-Prime Day 2024 deals: Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and more

• Microsoft Windows 11 Pro license for $23 (save $176 at Stack Social): Software isn’t cheap. You can now get a lifetime Microsoft Windows 11 Pro license through StackSocial, saving you 88%. The system works great for users with refurbished computers needing an up-to-date operating system. You’ll also get Microsoft’s Copilot embedded into the software to answer queries and optimize your workflow. 
• Google Nest Smart Thermostat for $170 (save $80 at Best Buy): If you’re upgrading your home to a smart system, make it easy with Google’s Nest Smart Thermostat, which is on sale for $80 off at Best Buy. Control your home’s temperature from your smartphone and link up with other Google smart devices for the ultimate smart home setup. 
• Get a Walmart+ Annual Membership for $49 (save $49 at Walmart): Walmart is offering 50% off their annual Walmart+ membership.  Right now, you can sign up for just $49, gain exclusive early access to sales and events, and enjoy perks like free delivery, gas benefits, auto care, and more. 
• Samsung Galaxy Watch FE for $99 (with trade-in) (save $100 at Samsung): ZDNET’s Kerry Wan says this is the best WearOS deal right now, and we have to agree. Right now you can trade in any smartwatch in any condition and receive a $100 promotional credit, making a brand new Samsung Watch FE yours for just $99. 
• Arlo Pro 5S 2K Indoor/Outdoor 3 Camera Bundle for $300 (save $400 at Best Buy): Home security is costly, especially for cameras designed to function indoors and outdoors, capture in 4K video, and more. This triple pack of Arlo’s popular Pro cam is now discounted by $300 at Best Buy, and ZDNET’s Maria Diaz says a discount on these cameras makes them most worth your money. 
• Nintendo Switch OLED Import Edition Bundle for $270 (save $80 at Walmart): Nintendo Switch devices don’t often go on sale, but right now you can grab the OLED import bundle for just $270. The OLED screen allows for crystal-clear gameplay and bright, vivid colors. 
• Apple iPad Air (5th Gen) 64GB for $500 (save $100 at Best Buy): Our pick for the best iPad overall, the 2022 iPad Air stacks up well with the competition. ZDNET editor-in-chief Jason Hiner says its functions mimic those of the more expensive iPad Pro. “It’s truly a slightly less expensive iPad Pro that’s only missing a few features,” he says. 
• Apple MacBook Air (M2) for $799 (save $200 at Best Buy): Apple’s MacBook Air (M2) redefines portability and power with a gorgeous display, up to 10-core GPU, and up to 24GB of unified memory. Right now, you can save $200 at Best Buy on the version equipped with the M2 chip, and score a solid laptop for under $1,000. 
• Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) for $189 (save $60 at Walmart): The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is the tech company’s base smartwatch. It’s not loaded with all the latest health and wellness features, but it gets the job done. I purchased one at this discounted rate back in October, and it’s been my favorite purchase to date. 

Early Prime Day Best Buy deals

• WD Black D10 12TB External Hard Drive for $270 (save $125): A massive external storage drive for extensive digital game or libraries on console or PC, or for added storage for personal or work files. 
• Xbox Series S Bundle for $550 (save $110): This bundle includes the digital-only Xbox Series S console with 512GB of internal storage, a controller, and a 2TB Seagate expansion card for plenty of storage space for an all-digital game library.
• Apple iPad 10th Gen for $324 (save $25): Apple’s latest base model iPad just dropped to $349 last month, but right now the 64GB iteration is discounted another $25 at Best Buy. 
• Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) for $140 (save $30): The 3rd Gen AirPods are $30 off right now ahead of both Prime Day and back-to-school. And Apple products don’t see discounts all that often, so it’s a great time to think ahead for the new school year and purchase new tech. 
• Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ for $180 (save $40): Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A9+ can give Apple’s basic iPads a good run for their money, and right now, this 64GB iteration with an 11-inch display is $40 off. Plus, it’s much cheaper than even the discounted iPad 10th Gen. 

Early Prime Day Walmart Deals 

• Roomba j7+ for $500 (save $300): ZDNET’s robot vacuum reviewer called the Roomba j7+ a “life-changing robot vacuum” because of its impressive suction power, self-emptying capabilities, smart mapping technology, and more. Because of its advanced features, it typically costs a whopping $800, but you can take $300 off that today.
• Apple MacBook Air M1 Laptop for $649 (save $50): ZDNET first reviewed the M1 MacBook Air back in 2020, and then again in 2022, and both times concluded that the model is a solid option for users who want to keep the convenience of a lighter, portable model without sacrificing efficiency. Apple products rarely go on sale, so this is a deal worth checking out. Early Prime Day Target deals
• Dyson V12 Detect Slim Cordless Vacuum for $548 (save $102): If you are in the market for a more traditional vacuum instead of a robot vacuum, this is a great option as it is slim, cordless, and powerful. The best part is that you can save $102 on it now, and Dyson products don’t go on sale often.
• Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic for $99 (save $50): If you have been keeping an eye out for a smartwatch, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is a great candidate. ZDNET’s Matt Miller raved about its AMOLED high-resolution display, claiming it has “crisp fonts, brilliant colors, and a seamless touchscreen experience.”
• Keurig K-Slim + ICED Single-Serve Coffee Maker for $49 (save $80): This no-frills coffee machine can make cold and iced cups of coffee for you while taking up barely any precious counter space. The best part is that its super low cost makes it about the same price as five cups of coffee at a café.

• Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) for $80 (save $50): If you’ve recently upgraded your iPad setup, or you’re finally looking to grab an Apple stylus, the 2nd Gen pencil is $50 off for Target Circle members. 
• Bose Soundlink Flex Portable Bluetooth Speaker for $100 (save $50): Bose’s portable bluetooth speaker is $50 off for Target Circle users right now. It offers 12 hours of listening time, comes in five colors, and features a built-in mic for calls. 
• Anker 5,000mAh Power Bank for $20 (save $5): Anker’s 5,000mAh power bank is on sale for 20% off right now, meaning you can sang an extra battery boost for just $20. 
• Kobo Elipsa 2E 32GB E-reader Bundle for $420 (save $50): Not a Kindle fan? No worries. This Kobo e-reader bundle is $50 off now thanks to Target Circle, and comes with a protective case. 
• Buy 2, Get 1 Free on select video games, movies, books, and more with Target Circle

Early Prime Day Costco deals

More early anti-Prime Day 2024 deals 

FAQs

When is Amazon Prime Day 2024? 

Amazon Prime Day 2024 will begin July 16 at 12:01 a.m. PDT and run through July 17. Last year, Prime Day ran July 11 and 12, tailing Fourth of July weekend more closely.

What retailers have deals during Prime Day?

Most major retailers, including (but certainly not limited to) Best Buy, Target, Walmart, Costco, BJs, B&H Photo, and more have deals during Prime Day. This is for one major reason: to compete. If they didn’t offer the same (or sometimes better) discounts as Amazon, they’d lose many customers. To compete with the e-commerce giant, most other major retailers run similar sales of their own before, after, or during Prime Day. That’s why its key to scour not just one site before making a purchase. 

Plus, deals are typically lower at Prime Day across major retailers, especially on big-ticket items like TVs, Amazon products, laptops, and more. However, it’s also a great time to score savings on everyday essentials and products. While it’s true you can also save during other Amazon events, like Prime Big Deal Days in October and the Big Spring Sale in March, the savings (or the retailer competition) often aren’t as steep as during July Prime Day. 

Will any retailers price match Amazon Prime Day?

For the most part, the majority of retailers already price match or outcompete Amazon’s Prime Day offer price by default to compete with the e-commerce giant. Thanks to competing sales, retailer-specific sale events, and the summer season, it’s truly a buyer’s market. But, in the event that a retailer doesn’t have the same price as Amazon, many retailers have price matching policies to explore. Keep in mind that it’s important to read the fine print on each policy retailer to retailer, but it never hurts to check for a price-match. 

Popular stores like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy do offer various forms of price-matching, however, some policies are particularly strict, like Best Buy’s. The retailer won’t price-match products on sale at competitors during member exclusive events (i.e. Prime Day). 

How do I get these anti-Prime Day deals?

The best way to take advantage of anti-Prime Day deals is to consult multiple retailers before checking out, research, and of course, stay in the know with ZDNET’s Prime Day coverage. Most importantly, though, is to remember to keep your eyes out for discounts and listing prices. Sometimes, during big savings events, it’s hard to tell what’s really a “discount.” If you’re checking in with all of ZDNET’s Prime Day content, don’t worry — we’ll be expert-vetting deals to ensure they’re worth your money. If you’re shopping on your own across retailers, make sure to do some research on historical pricing using tools like Google Shopping and more.

Also: Google expands its shopping tools just in time for Amazon Prime Day. Here’s how to use them

How did we choose these anti-Prime Day deals?

ZDNET only writes about deals we want to buy — devices and products we desire, need, or would recommend. Our experts looked for deals that were at least 20% off (or are hardly ever on sale), using established price comparison tools and trackers to determine whether the deal is actually on sale and how frequently it drops. 

We also looked over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the deals we’re recommending. Our recommendations may also be based on our own testing — in addition to extensive research and comparison shopping. The goal is to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter. 

What are the best Prime Day 2024 deals?

ZDNET’s experts have been searching through Prime Day sales to find the best discounts by category:

You can also find the best Amazon Prime Day deals by price:

And the best deals from other retailers this week: