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These Garmin Forerunners Are Still on Sale After October Prime Day

8 October 2026 at 12:36

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

Garmin watches are my favorite training partner. The brand has long been one of the biggest names in the world of rugged sports watches and fitness trackers, and the Forerunner line especially is a go-to pick for accurate and reliable GPS tracking for runners.

So, looking at the date on my Garmin Forerunner 970, I can see that Amazon's October Prime Day sale is officially over. But if you missed your chance to upgrade your running watch, you're in luck: Two of the most popular Garmin Forerunners are still on sale, even after Prime Day has technically ended.

These Garmin Forerunners are still a great deal right now

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is $161.99, down from $199.99. This is the most basic Garmin running watch you can buy new. Don't be deterred by the word "basic." As my colleague Beth Skwarecki reports, it was good enough for Sabastian Sawe to wear to break the sub-2-hour marathon barrier earlier this year.

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is $199.99, down from $249.99. This is my favorite entry-level running watch. The music version is also on sale; as always, it runs $50 more than the standard.

While it's not a dramatic, the Garmin Forerunner 265 is 5% off, bringing the original price of $449.99 down to $429. Although it isn't the latest and greatest anymore, this is still a fan favorite among Garmin users. It's a step above entry-level options, with dual-band GPS, power meter compatibility, and advanced analytics (like training status).

For more, I'll be keeping my eye on these other deals on Garmin watches that are still live after October Prime Day.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now
Deals are selected by our commerce team

Amazon's New 'About You' Page Lists Everything It Knows About You

7 October 2026 at 14:00

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It shouldn't come as a surprise that Amazon collects data about you based on what you buy. And now, you can get a direct look at what the company has concluded from all that activity.

Amazon's "About You" page, currently in beta after launching this May, uses data from customers' activity to generate details about them in categories like Product Preferences, Interests & Hobbies, and Home & Family. Amazon uses those details to personalize the shopping experience. Here's how to navigate and personalize your "About You" page in your Amazon account.

What Amazon thinks it knows about you

The results can be oddly specific. My editor-in-chief, Jordan Calhoun, shared his page, which includes these entries:

  • "Likely has 2 adults"

  • "Owns a PlayStation 5 console"

  • "Prioritizes plant-based meat alternatives over traditional options"

  • "Subscribes to multiple streaming services continually"

  • "Owns a large dog"

  • "Likely has a cat"

Full disclosure: I try to never use Amazon personally. I pretty much exclusively use it to round up deals for you, my dear reader. That being said, here's what Amazon thinks it knows about me: "Values durable travel gear," "prefers athletic and casual clothing styles," "practices yoga regularly," and "listens to music frequently."

What counts as data

In its Privacy Notice, Amazon lists every activity that provides user data to the company. That includes the obvious, like searching for items and placing orders. It also includes actions you may not realize are being tracked, like interacting with Alexa Voice Service, participating in discussion boards, or linking an Amazon account to a third-party business.

How to view your own "About you" page

On desktop:

  1. Hover over where Amazon says "Hello, [your name]" in the upper right corner.

  2. Under the "Your Account" section, click "Account."

  3. Under the "Ordering and shopping preferences" section, click "Your Shopping preferences."

From here, you can add information of your own, like your shoe size, interests, and dietary preferences. Scroll to the bottom of the page, and you'll see a blue hyperlinked option that says, "Manage your information." Click it, and you'll see what dirt Amazon has on you.

On the mobile app:

Tap the hamburger icon in the bottom menu bar, then go to Account > Shopping preferences > About you.

You can edit it, but not opt out

Shoppers can't directly opt out of the "About you" feature. They can, however, customize the data by adding details they want Amazon to know and deleting assumptions they consider inaccurate or too personal.

Importing data from other AI chatbots

On the "About you" page, customers also have the option to "make Amazon even more personal to you" by importing personal data they've shared with other AI agents. Amazon provides a prompt for you to feed to your chatbot to generate a shopping profile, then asks you to copy the bot's response and paste it back into Amazon.

Whether that's worth doing is up to you. Given how much Amazon already infers from your browsing and buying, handing over a profile from another AI service is a choice worth thinking through. Either way, taking a few minutes to review your page and delete anything inaccurate or too personal is a simple way to see and shape what Amazon knows about you.

The Best Last-Minute Deals on Shokz Running Headphones Before October Prime Day Ends, up to $90 Off

7 October 2026 at 17:58

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

Amazon's October Prime Day sale ends tonight, which means you have a few more hours to snag some great deals on my favorite brand of workout headphones: Shokz. If you're unfamiliar with Shokz (and the world of bone conduction headphones in general), I could talk your ear off about the big selling points: better situational awareness, all-day comfort, and ears that stay free and open. If you want to join the club, or need an upgrade, these are the best Shokz deals from this year's October Prime Day sale.

The OpenRun Pro 2 are $90 off

For runners, the OpenRun Pro 2 are down to $109.95 in Rose Gold (originally $199.95). In other colors, they're discounted down to $119.95 (originally $179.95). This beloved bone-conduction model combines Shokz’s signature open-ear design with a bassy sound and long battery life (up to 12 hours), making it one of the most popular choices for outdoor workouts.

The regular OpenRun headphones are also discounted, dropping down to $89.95 (originally $129.95). They offer many of the same benefits of the Pro line at a lower price point, including a lightweight frame and open-ear design geared toward runners and all kinds of outdoor athletes.

For anyone with a smaller head size, the OpenRun Mini have 0.83-inch (21mm) shorter band than the standard size, and they're seeing the same discount—currently available for $89.95 (originally $129.95).

The trendy OpenDots ONE are $60 off

If you've been following the trendiness of clip-on-style earbuds, the OpenDots ONE are 30% off, dropping down to $139.95 (originally $199.95). One of Shokz’s newer designs, the OpenDots ONE sit outside the ear canal, offering a lightweight alternative to traditional earbuds while still maintaining that signature situational awareness. Plus, they're a strong alternative to the pricier Bose Ultra open earbuds.

These swimming headphones are $50 off

Swimmers can save 22% on the OpenSwim Pro, now $179.95 (originally $229.95). Unlike most workout headphones, this bone conduction model has an IP68 rating and is built for use in the water. They support onboard MP3 storage, allowing you to listen to music even when Bluetooth connectivity isn’t available.

October Prime Day FAQs

When is Prime Day in October?

October Prime Day is a two-day event that starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7.

Is Shokz a reliable brand?

Yes, Shokz is one of the best brands when it comes to bone conduction and sports headphones. The OpenRun Pro 2 model especially is a go-to pick for battery life, comfort, and situational awareness.

Do Shokz Prime Day discounts apply to all their product lines, or just select items?

Unfortunately, not all Garmin products are on sale. However, there are many Shokz products on sale, and you can find them all on the Amazon landing page.

What else goes on sale on Prime Day?

Since Prime Big Deal Days happens in the fall, you're likely to see more deals on gaming and indoor gym equipment. Amazon has already announced some of the 35 categories that will be on sale, including beauty, tech, kitchen, fashion, and home. Some brands Amazon has already mentioned are: Shark, Princess Polly, Soundcore by Anker, UGG, Nest New York, Sony, Tarte, Adidas, and Barefoot Dreams.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Prime Day Deals Right Now
Apple Watch Series 12 — $389.99 (List Price $389.99)
Sony WH-1000XM5 — $198.00 (List Price $248.00)
Deals are selected by our commerce team

My Favorite Set of Adjustable Dumbbells Is $60 Off for October Prime Day

6 October 2026 at 15:30

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

Amazon's October Prime Day sale is here, and I've been tracking the best fitness deals—and deals on adjustable dumbbells in particular. I love recommending adjustable dumbbells as a way to save time, money, and precious floorspace when you're trying to strength train at home.

Where buying individual pairs of dumbbells in five-pound increments up to 80 pounds would cost well over $1,500 (and take up your entire home gym), adjustable dumbbells deliver the same versatility for a fraction of that price. Right now, my favorite set, the PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells, is $339.99, down from its usual $399.99 price tag. That's a solid $60 savings.

You'd be hard-pressed to find a "best home dumbbells" list without these PowerBlocks near the top. The futuristic cubic look is stylish, but more importantly, it's a seriously economical, space-saving design—which is the whole point of going adjustable over a traditional rack of individual weights. The weights have flat edges so you can hold them on end on your lap, and unlike a lot of adjustable models, they're compact enough that they won’t bump into each other on shoulder or chest presses. The only real drawback is the frame design: You have to place your hand inside the dumbbell's structure to grip it, which can be awkward, especially if you’re wearing a large watch.

These dumbbells also come in 70-pound and 90-pound versions. If you go with one of the smaller sets, you can also buy expansion sets later to upgrade to the larger versions. The full 90-pound set is also on sale right now, down to $738.65 from an original $869. And if you're not yet sold on adjustable dumbbells as a concept, this 150-pound set of traditional dumbbells is also discounted—down to $149.99 from $189.99.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Prime Day Deals Right Now
Apple Watch Series 12 — $399.00 (List Price $399.00)
Sony WH-1000XM5 — $198.00 (List Price $248.00)
Deals are selected by our commerce team

This Is the Massage Gun I'm Buying During the October Prime Day Sale

6 October 2026 at 15:15

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

As a marathon runner, I take my recovery seriously. After trying out dozens of different products over the years, I've found what actually matters when shopping for massage guns and recovery tools. It's not hyperbole to say that massage guns have changed my life as an athlete—and TheraBody is a brand name I swear by.

During Amazon's October Prime Day sale, I've been keeping my eye on all the best fitness-related deals, and right now, the Theragun Therabody Prime (6th Generation) is too good to resist. It's just $199.99, down from an original price of $329.99.

TheraBody's signature triangular grip design is a fan favorite for good reason, as it allows for comfortable handling during long massage sessions. As far as Theragun options go, this is the pick for anyone looking for power and durability. Plus, its quiet operation makes it suitable for use in shared spaces without disturbing others. The battery life extends up to 120 minutes on a single charge, ensuring you won't be interrupted mid-session, right when you need it most.

If you're looking for other options, there are more Theragun deals in Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale:

Our Best Editor-Vetted Prime Day Deals Right Now
Apple Watch Series 12 — $389.99 (List Price $389.99)
Sony WH-1000XM5 — $198.00 (List Price $248.00)
Deals are selected by our commerce team

The Best Adjustable Dumbbell Deals Still Live After October Prime Day

8 October 2026 at 11:28

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

Amazon's October Prime Day is officially over, but I haven't stopped keeping my eye on all the best deals on home gym equipment that are still active right now. When it comes to building out a home gym, your best strategy for home gym shopping when you don't have a ton of room to work with is to focus on versatility and efficient use of space. That's why I'm keeping a close eye on adjustable dumbbells in particular.

Adjustable dumbbells are a favorite category of mine because they let you go from five-pound to 50-pound weights (or more!) without needing multiple shelves of equipment. Where individual pairs of dumbbells from five to 80 pounds in five-pound increments would cost well over $1,500 (and take up your entire home gym), adjustable dumbbells condense an entire weight rack into a compact, versatile system. Here are the best deals on adjustable dumbbells that you can still snag, at least for the next few hours.

My favorite deal right now is this set of Bowflex Results Series 552 dumbbells, $328.98 for a pair, normally $399.99. If you couldn’t guess from the name, they can adjust from five to 52 pounds. The curved design is stylish, but more importantly, it's a seriously space-saving—which is the whole point of going adjustable over a traditional rack of individual weights.

Here are some more adjustable dumbbells that are still active, even after Amazon's October Prime Day sale has officially ended:

  • NordicTrack Select-a-Weight Adjustable Dumbbells are $319, normally $399. Each dumbbell in this set can adjust up to 55 pounds, with 2.5, five, and 10-pound increments available.

  • Feierdun Adjustable Dumbbells are $169.99 for the 90-pound set, down from $219.99. I'm especially drawn to how this system can configure the weights as fixed barbells, kettlebells, traditional dumbbells, or individual weight plates. Incorporating kettlebell swings and goblet squats without purchasing separate equipment? That's a steal.

  • These UNNMIIY adjustable dumbbells are also $169.99 for the 90-pound set, normally $259.99. These can adjust from two to 45 pounds per dumbbell, and they have a five-in-one design so you can use them as dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, and even push-up stands.

  • This BowFlex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell is $127.49, normally $149.99. With the turn of a dial, you can easily adjust from 8 to 40 pounds.

The bottom line: If you're looking to build strength at home, but you're worried about space constraints, adjustable dumbbells are the way to go.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now
Deals are selected by our commerce team

The Best Garmin Deals Still Live After October Prime Day

8 October 2026 at 11:29

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

Amazon's October Prime Day sale has come and gone, but there are still some solid Garmin deals—for now, at least. Garmin is the biggest name in the sports watch world for good reason: They deliver advanced metrics and reliable GPS tracking, usually with a multi-week battery life. There was a time when I ran full marathons totally watch-free, but now I keep my Garmin Forerunner 970 on my wrist at all times. If you want to join the club, or need an upgrade, these are the best Garmin deals from this year's October Prime Day sale that are still live.

Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS Running Watch
$149.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $50.00
Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS Running Watch
$149.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $50.00
Garmin Forerunner 165
$199.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50.00
Garmin Forerunner 165
$199.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50.00
Garmin Vivoactive 5 GPS Smartwatch With AMOLED Display (Black)
$199.15 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $100.84
Garmin Vivoactive 5 GPS Smartwatch With AMOLED Display (Black)
$199.15 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $100.84
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar Tactical Edition Rugged GPS Smartwatch
$319.99 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $180.00
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar Tactical Edition Rugged GPS Smartwatch
$319.99 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $180.00
Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire Edition 47mm Smartwatch
$529.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $470.00
Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire Edition 47mm Smartwatch
$529.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $470.00
Garmin tactix® 8, Premium Tactical GPS Smartwatch, 47mm (Renewed)
$919.99 at Amazon
Garmin tactix® 8, Premium Tactical GPS Smartwatch, 47mm (Renewed)
$919.99 at Amazon

These Garmin Forerunners are a great deal right now

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is $158, down from $199.99. This is the most basic Garmin running watch you can buy new. Don't be deterred by the word "basic." As my colleague Beth Skwarecki reports, it was good enough for Sabastian Sawe to wear to break the sub-2-hour marathon barrier earlier this year.

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is $196, down from $249.99. This is my favorite entry-level running watch. The music version is also on sale; as always, it runs $50 more than the standard.

The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is $100 off its original price

Garmin's Vivoactive line is probably its most underrated, according to my colleague Beth Skwarecki: "It's solidly good at running and fitness tracking, and convenient for everyday use with a touchscreen for most functions (but still uses physical buttons to start, stop, and lap workouts)." The Vivoactive 5 was originally $299.99 and dropped to $229.99 back when the Vivoactive 6 came out. Right now, it's just $198.

This Garmin Instinct Solar 2X is $180 off

The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar Tactical Watch is one of the brand’s best solar-charged options, and right now it's available for $319.99, down from $499.99. Compared to its predecessor, the Garmin Instinct Solar 2X produces up to 50% more energy from the sun thanks to the Power Glass lens, which is particularly helpful in GPS mode, which can drain the battery quickly. It’s also 0.8 mm thinner and has a built-in LED flashlight, a compass, and an altimeter.

If you're looking for an even more premium tactical watch, a renewed Garmin Tactix 8 is on sale for $919.99, down from $1,030.25. This model is full of dedicated tactical features, like a jumpmaster activity, landmark projection, dual-position GPS format, stealth mode, kill switch, night vision goggle compatibility, rucking activity, and a preloaded applied ballistics solver.

The second-generation Garmin Epix Pro is nearly half off

The Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition is marked down 47%, bringing its usual $999.99 price down to $529.99. The reason for such a major discount is that Garmin has since merged the Epix and Fenix product lines, and this model was replaced with the Fenix 8 series, which has since been replaced with the Fenix 9 series. Still, the Epix Pro holds up. It's got you covered for tracking your sleep and blood oxygen levels, measuring your VO2 Max, tracking 30 activities, offering a multi-sport mode, plus extras that most running-specific watches don't have, like golfing features, tides, and fish forecasts.

October Prime Day FAQs

When is Prime Day in October?

October Prime Day is a two-day event that starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7.

Is Garmin a reliable brand?

Yes, Garmin is one of the best brands when it comes to rugged sports watches and fitness trackers. The Forerunner line especially is a go-to pick for accurate and reliable GPS tracking for runners.

Do Garmin's Prime Day discounts apply to all their product lines, or just select items?

Unfortunately, not all Garmin products are on sale. However, there are many Garmin products on sale, and you can find them all on the Amazon landing page.

What else goes on sale on Prime Day?

Since Prime Big Deal Days happens in the fall, you're likely to see more deals on gaming and indoor gym equipment. Amazon has already announced some of the 35 categories that will be on sale, including beauty, tech, kitchen, fashion, and home. Some brands Amazon has already mentioned are: Shark, Princess Polly, Soundcore by Anker, UGG, Nest New York, Sony, Tarte, Adidas, and Barefoot Dreams.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Prime Day Deals Right Now
Apple Watch Series 12 — $389.99 (List Price $389.99)
Sony WH-1000XM5 — $198.00 (List Price $248.00)
Deals are selected by our commerce team

The Best Budget Treadmill Is Even Cheaper During Amazon's October Prime Day Sale

6 October 2026 at 13:00

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

Amazon's October Prime Day, known as Prime Big Deal Days, is a two-day sale that starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7. Already I've been tracking the best deals on home gym equipment, always keeping an eye on compact cardio solutions. Foldable treadmills are all the rage, and with today's deals, you can save even more on existing budget options. Right now, one of the most trusted name in treadmills, the NordicTrack T Series 5, is on sale for $449. That's a 25% markdown from its typical price of $599.

If you are looking for something more high-tech, the T Series 16 is on sale for $1,299, down from its typical price of $1,499. The main draw of this model has got to be its 16-inch touchscreen with a pivot display. Otherwise, the T Series 5 is the perfect starter treadmill for anyone who needs a minimalist option to get your run in, rain or shine.

The NordicTrack ecosystem gives you access to over 10,000 workouts when you sign up for an iFIT membership. For $39/month (or $396/year), you can follow expert trainers through global runs, hikes, strength training, yoga sessions, and more. When you choose a desired workout, your NordicTrack hardware automatically adjusts the speed and incline to match the workout. And for those of us who like to track our progress across multiple platforms, iFIT syncs with your Strava, Garmin, and Apple Health.

Amazon October Prime Day FAQ

When is Prime Day in October?

October Prime Day is a two-day event that starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7.

What goes on sale on Prime Day?

Since Prime Big Deal Days happens in the fall, you're likely to see more deals on gaming and indoor gym equipment. Amazon has already announced some of the 35 categories that will be on sale, including beauty, tech, kitchen, fashion, and home. Some brands Amazon has already mentioned are: Shark, Princess Polly, Soundcore by Anker, UGG, Nest New York, Sony, Tarte, Adidas, and Barefoot Dreams.

Is Prime Day once a year?

Prime Day happens every summer. Prime Big Deal Days (or October Prime Day) happens every October. Big Spring Sale happens every spring.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Prime Day Deals Right Now
Apple Watch Series 12 — $389.99 (List Price $389.99)
Sony WH-1000XM5 — $198.00 (List Price $248.00)
Deals are selected by our commerce team

Three Reasons Not to Use ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ During the Amazon Prime Day Sale

30 September 2026 at 15:00

Prime Big Deal Days (or October Prime Day) starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7, and as usual, we'll be keeping you updated on all the best deals leading up to and throughout the mega-sale. As you're adding item after item to your cart during the sale, you might be tempted by Amazon's "affordable monthly payment system." Also known as "buy now, pay later" (BNPL), the pitch is a tempting one: Buy what you need now, and pay later, "on your own timeline." But as convenient as it sounds, you should think twice before using buy now, pay later options, whether during Prime Day or at any other time.

While BNPL plans can allow you to pay for purchases in installments without interest, they come with a cost that can easily outweigh any big discounts. Let's take a look at the hidden costs of BNPL, and why you're better off paying upfront for all your Prime Day purchases.

How does Amazon's buy now, pay later program work?

To be clear, Amazon doesn't have its own buy now, pay later program, and the company is not uniquely misleading on this front. The process is straightforward: you choose your items, select Affirm (a third-party lender) at checkout, complete a quick application, and receive an instant decision on your loan terms. Individual transactions initiated through Affirm are limited to $25,000, with a daily maximum of $100,000 across multiple purchases—but of course, your Prime Day splurge will be nowhere near that big, right? (Right?!)

The main draw of these programs is the ability to "pay at your own pace." If you are required to pay a down payment, that is due at the time of the transaction. From there, your first monthly payment is usually due one month after your purchase is processed. Each following payment will be due one month later, on the same day of the month.

You can choose your own timeline, usually spanning 3, 6, 12, or 24 months, depending on the purchase amount and your creditworthiness. Unlike traditional credit cards, Affirm shows you the exact payment amount and total cost upfront, and claims no hidden fees or compound interest.

You need a separate Affirm account in addition to your Amazon Prime membership. The application process requires basic information, including your name, mobile phone number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Affirm performs a soft credit check initially, which doesn't impact your credit score, though they may conduct a hard inquiry for some loans.

BNPL plans are helpful if you really need to finance something big, but whenever possible, it’s best to avoid taking on debt for everyday expenses.

It makes impulse spending easier

The ease of this sort of financing can make expensive purchases feel more affordable than they actually are. When you can buy a $1,000 tablet for "just $67 per month," it's easy to lose sight of the total cost, as well as your overall financial picture. In turn, this makes it all too easy to overspend on items you might not have purchased otherwise. You're better off taking a breath, stepping away from your shopping cart, and setting alerts to be notified when a product hits a price you can stomach, at a time you can afford it.

It can impact your credit score

Despite what you may have heard in the past, BNPL purchases can now affect your credit score. For Amazon specifically, all Affirm payments (including on-time, late, and missed payments) are now reported to the credit bureau Experian. So if you miss payments or default on the installment plan, it will cause damage to your credit score—making it even harder to get approved for mortgages, auto loans, credit cards, and other financing down the road.

You'll have limited purchase protections

When you use a credit card, you get valuable purchase protections like extended warranty coverage, price protection, and the ability to dispute fraudulent charges. BNPL plans generally don't come with these safeguards. This means you're on the hook if something goes wrong with your Prime Day purchase and the retailer doesn't make things right. The smarter move is to only buy what you can afford during a sale, no matter how tempting those deals may seem.

Although installment plans are helpful if you really need to finance something major, it’s best to avoid taking on debt for everyday expenses. Better to wait for a good price for something you truly need and can afford to pay for right now.

The bottom line

If there's a big-ticket item on sale for Amazon Prime Day but it's still out of your budget, consider these two questions before you turn to BNPL through Affirm:

  • Is this really an essential purchase? BNPL should really only be used on completely necessary purchases that you can’t afford right now, but can afford in six weeks. On that note...

  • Will I be able to pay this off within six weeks? When a bigger payment gets broken down into smaller installments, you might find yourself overspending in the long run, because it "feels" like you can afford it. Stay on top of how much you’re actually spending—especially if you're considering multiple BNPL purchases—and how it will impact your overall budget going forward.

For more information about deals and discounts, keep an eye on all of Lifehacker’s Amazon Prime Day coverage.


Amazon Prime Day FAQs

When is Prime Day in October?

October Prime Day is a two-day event that starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7.

What goes on sale on Prime Day?

Since Prime Big Deal Days happens in the fall, you're likely to see more deals on gaming and indoor gym equipment. Amazon has already announced some of the 35 categories that will be on sale, including beauty, tech, kitchen, fashion, and home. Some brands Amazon has already mentioned are: Shark, Princess Polly, Soundcore by Anker, UGG, Nest New York, Sony, Tarte, Adidas, and Barefoot Dreams.

Is Prime Day once a year?

Prime Day happens every summer. Prime Big Deal Days (or October Prime Day) happens every October. Big Spring Sale happens every spring.

Deals are selected by our commerce team

How Often You Need to Order From Amazon to Cover the Cost of Prime

30 September 2026 at 14:00

We may earn a commission from links on this page.

Prime Big Deal Days (or October Prime Day) starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7, and as usual, we'll be keeping you updated on all the best deals leading up to and throughout the mega-sale. In order to take advantage of all the discounts Prime Day has to offer, you'll need to be a Prime member. But is the cost of that membership going to be worth it for you?

Millions of Amazon Prime users currently pay $14.99 per month or $139 per year for their memberships—though other plans cost less if you qualify. For example, the Amazon Prime Student program allows young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 to get all of the Prime perks for half the cost—$7.49 per month or $69 annually.

For frequent Amazon shoppers, Prime can quickly pay for itself—mostly thanks to the free shipping perk. But how does the math shake out if you aren't regularly ordering from Amazon? Is it worth signing up if you only shop during Prime Day events? If you’re on the fence about signing up for (or renewing) your Prime membership, here’s how to judge whether or not the benefits outweigh the $139 cost.

The benefits of Amazon Prime

Here are the main perks of Amazon Prime that make it worth the cost for so many users.

  • Free two-day shipping on millions of items: This is the main draw of Prime. If you shop frequently on Amazon and want quick free delivery, the shipping perks alone may make Prime worthwhile. Prime members also get free same-day delivery on over 3 million items in eligible areas. The ultra-fast (and morally suspect) shipping usually costs $9.99 per order for non-members, though you can choose lower-cost or free shipping options if you're willing to place larger orders and wait longer to receive them.

  • Access to Prime Video: Prime includes unlimited streaming of movies, TV shows, and Amazon Originals. If you ask me, the content library isn’t as robust as Netflix or Hulu, but this is still an added value.

  • Other Prime benefits: You also get Amazon Music for streaming songs, Prime Reading for ebooks, magazines, and audiobooks; Prime gaming, free photo storage, and occasional exclusive discounts/deals.

  • Amazon Prime Rewards Visa card: Cardholders get 5% back on Amazon/Whole Foods purchases. Prime members who use this card extensively can earn rewards that offset the annual fee.

  • Number of users: Prime benefits can be shared with other members of your household. The more users, the more value per person.

Is an Amazon Prime account worth it?

Let's say you don't care about Prime Video, Amazon Music, or free e-books, and just want to know if you'll save money you would otherwise be spending on shipping.

For non-Prime members, Amazon requires a minimum order of $35 to qualify for free shipping on eligible items. The average shipping costs for non-members aren't publicly listed, and can vary by item and shipping speed, typically ranging from $5 to $10.

For our purposes, I messed around on my non-shared, non-Prime Amazon account to find an average shipping cost of around $6 per order (assuming the order total fell below the $35 threshold, of course). Of course, shipping costs will vary depending on the item and how quickly you want it, but let’s compare the cost to the appeal of Prime’s two-day shipping option. So, we have the cost of individual online orders (around six bucks) compared to the free delivery that comes with an $139 annual fee. This means the costs you’d save on shipping alone make Prime worth the cost as long as you place more than two dozen orders in a year.

In other words: The $139 annual fee pays for itself as long as you order from Amazon Prime at least twice a month.

Of course, this conclusion is strictly in terms of shipping costs. How it stacks up ethically is between you and the person in the mirror.

And then there's this important caveat: You can still get free shipping from Amazon without a Prime membership, provided your order has $35 or more of eligible items. However, this won't grant you Prime shipping speed—your order will typically take five to eight days to be delivered. But you can place fewer, larger orders and wait a little longer, and still never pay for shipping.

What about Prime Day?

Also worth considering is how much of that membership cost you'll be able to recoup via exclusive Prime Day offers. During the sale, some items will be heavily discounted only for Prime members—but whether the Prime Day price is really a "deal" will vary greatly based on the item you're buying. Some of those "big discounts" aren't any greater than what the item typically sells for. The Prime Day price can even be higher than other sale prices throughout the year. That's why it's important to make sure what you're ordering is something you planned to buy anyway—and that the sale price is actually a true bargain—before you order.

The bottom line

The cost of a Prime membership is a solid value for anyone using Amazon 23 times per year or more—especially if you're also watching shows on Prime Video or purchasing something that is deeply discounted for Prime Day. But if you only shop on Amazon a few times a year and don't take advantage of Prime Day offers or the other benefits, then that $139 annual fee isn't necessarily paying for itself.

Of course, if you are interested in Prime Day bargains, you can always sign up right before the start of the sale and then cancel your membership after Prime day is over—but Amazon doesn't always make it easy on you. For more information about deals and discounts, keep an eye on all of Lifehacker’s Amazon Prime Day coverage.

When is Prime Day in October?

October Prime Day is a two-day event that starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7.

What goes on sale on Prime Day?

Since Prime Big Deal Days happens in the fall, you're likely to see more deals on gaming and indoor gym equipment. Amazon has already announced some of the 35 categories that will be on sale, including beauty, tech, kitchen, fashion, and home. Some brands Amazon has already mentioned are: Shark, Princess Polly, Soundcore by Anker, UGG, Nest New York, Sony, Tarte, Adidas, and Barefoot Dreams.

Is Prime Day once a year?

Prime Day happens every summer. Prime Big Deal Days (or October Prime Day) happens every October. Big Spring Sale happens every spring.

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The Best Fitness Equipment Deals Still Live After October Prime Day

8 October 2026 at 11:15

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

Amazon's October Prime Day event may officially be over, but I'm still keeping an eye on all the best discounts for major brands like Peloton, PowerBlocks, Therabody, and more. Below are my favorite fitness deals that are still active even after Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale has ended.

The best October Prime Day deals on cardio equipment

  • The NordicTrack T Series is a foldable treadmill, normally $799, currently on sale for $616. For cardio, your options get trickier in an apartment setting or a home without a ton of extra space, but foldable equipment like this is a nice solution.

  • This Sunny Health treadmill is $699.99, normally $899.99. This treadmill comes fully assembled, goes up to 10 mph and a 15% incline, and folds up for storage.

  • This YOSUDA PRO magnetic exercise bike is $289.99, normally $329.99. With magnetic resistance, you can count on the bike to be quiet enough for a home gym setup.

  • This Chaoke walking pad is on sale for $149.99, down from $229.99. Designed to fit under your desk and be easy to store, this walking pad still gets up to a decent 9% incline at speeds up to 6.2 miles per hour.

The best October Prime Day deals on adjustable weights

  • Bowflex Results Series 552 dumbbells are $328.99 for a pair, normally $429.99. These can adjust from 5 to 52 pounds.

  • These UNNMIIY adjustable dumbbells are $169.99 for the 90-pound set, normally $259.99. These can adjust from 2 to 45 pounds per dumbbell, and they have a 5-in-1 design so you can use them as dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, and even push-up stands.

  • These FEIERDUN adjustable dumbbells are $269.99 for the 110-pound set, normally $349.99. These have my favorite type of adjustment mechanism: a one-hand rotating dial.

  • This BowFlex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell is $127.49, normally $149.99. With the turn of a dial, you can easily adjust from 8 to 40 pounds.

  • This cast-iron adjustable kettlebell is $47.99, normally $59.99. This kettlebell starts with a 15-pound weighted handle with four non-weighted removable spacer disks, a five-pound bottom plate, and a center pin to support additional weight plates up to 50 pounds.

The best October Prime Day deals on home gym staples and accessories

  • These resistance bands are $37.97, normally $49.95. A solid pair of resistance bands like these is the perfect addition to home gyms, travel workouts, or hotel rooms.

  • This 12-pound weighted vest from Zelus is $27.89, normally $49.99. Other weights are available for various prices, most discounted.

  • This 3-in-1 Plyo Jumping Exercise Box is $59.97, normally $69.99. Two sizes are available: 24 x 16 x 20 inches and 30 x 20 x 24 inches.

  • The Therabody Prime 6th Gen Deep Tissue Massage Gun is $199.99, normally $329.99. As a marathon runner, it's no hyperbole to say that massage guns utterly transformed my post-workout routine, and TheraBody is a brand name I swear by.

October Prime Day FAQ

When is Prime Day in October?

Amazon Prime Day is an annual event held in June or July. Amazon's October Prime Day event, known as Prime Big Deal Days, is a two-day sale that starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7.

What goes on sale during October Prime Day?

Since Prime Big Deal Days happens in the fall, you're likely to see more deals on gaming and indoor gym equipment. Amazon has already announced some of the 35 categories that will be on sale, including beauty, tech, kitchen, fashion, and home. Some brands Amazon has already mentioned are: Shark, Princess Polly, Soundcore by Anker, UGG, Nest New York, Sony, Tarte, Adidas, and Barefoot Dreams.

Is Prime Day once a year?

Prime Day happens every summer. Prime Big Deal Days (or October Prime Day) happens every October. Amazon's Big Spring Sale happens every spring.

Is Amazon Prime Day worth it?

Yes, we’ve done the math, and it’s worth it for most people.

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