Technology

OpenAI recently launched Instant Checkout in ChatGPT, giving the AI chatbot the ability to both recommend and purchase products for users.

In the world Sam Altman and OpenAI imagine, ChatGPT acts as your personal shopper, travel planner, secretary, life coach, and tutor. And Instant Checkout brings us one step closer to that vision. But whether you realize it or not, those shopping recommendations are being cribbed straight from shopping journalists, product reviewers, and vloggers. Take away those human voices, and ChatGPT will be left with nothing but its hallucinations.

In the world of agentic AI and large-language models, human voices are becoming more important, not less. Yet those human voice are in danger of being drowned out entirely.

As one of those human voices (I'm a long-time journalist and product reviewer), I obviously stand to lose if people turn to ChatGPT over traditional media. But I don't think ChatGPT users realize just how much the chatbot depends on journalists, authors, and human creators of all kinds.

Instant Checkout is a coup for OpenAI

The Instant Checkout feature is a smart move by OpenAI. The inability of agentic AI tools to actually add items to your cart and purchase them has been a major limitation. Rumor has it, Amazon isn't thrilled about the prospect of rival AI bots replacing actual human shoppers. It would certainly threaten Amazon's lucrative advertising business, as brands pay billions each year to appear at the top of Amazon search results. Take away the human visitors, and you take away those ad dollars.

Yet by working directly with Shopify merchants for Instant Checkout, OpenAI has done an end-run around Amazon and other retailers. It's quite the coup for the company, and soon ChatGPT will be able to make purchases from 1 million merchants, without users ever leaving ChatGPT.

Since ChatGPT can't test a pair of headphones, set up a robot vacuum, or compare the taste of two espresso machines, how does it decide which product to recommend?

The same way ChatGPT knows anything — by scraping vast amounts of data from the internet.

The process is invisible to the end user, but LLMs like ChatGPT are trained on countless product reviews, YouTube video transcripts, and human-written content — including content from Mashable. To win the AI arms race, AI companies are ingesting all the content they can find, and they're doing this precisely because human-created content is so valuable.

(Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.)

This copyrighted content is taken without permission or payment. In any other context, we call that stealing. And you don't steal something unless it has value.

AI companies are chipping away at the foundation of the internet economy

There's a catch-22 built into the AI industry. Chatbots like Gemini and ChatGPT are taking away the clicks, views, revenue, and advertising that publishers, journalists, YouTube creators, and other experts depend on. By laying claim to the sum of human knowledge and scraping the internet in the process, the AI industry is chipping away at the very foundation of the internet economy. If ChatGPT and Google can steal and summarize every single article published on sites like Mashable, then users never need to leave ChatGPT and visit our site. Already, many indie publishers and blogs are dying as the web changes. The Columbia Journalism Review calls it the Traffic Apocalypse.

But here's the catch: If the AI industry removes the incentive for real humans and journalists to publish new content online, then eventually the chatbots will run out of content for training. You may enjoy turning to ChatGPT for product recommendations or recipes, but those recommendations only have value if ChatGPT can keep absorbing the latest recipe blogs, cookbooks, and YouTube cooking videos.

So, how will AI chatbots provide answers in a post-human information economy? We have some idea.

Elon Musk has made it very clear that he believes X and Grok users can replace traditional journalism altogether. He's working on a Grokpedia right now. Instead of getting news from human journalists, with all their imperfections, Grok will simply scrape X to see what's happening in the world.

Meanwhile, Google is investing heavily in a partnership with Reddit. Reddit's visibility in Google Search has increased dramatically, and clearly, Google thinks Reddit will be a valuable source of training data for Gemini and AI Overviews.

Let's be clear: A world in which X and Reddit users are the primary source of information is a world on a direct collision course with the Idiocracy timeline — and I say that as a user of both platforms.

The irreplaceable power of human connection

No matter what the techno-utopians in Silicon Valley might think, there's still no replacement for actual human experience.

Already, we're seeing the limits of chatbots when they can't simply scrape the answer from human sources. During the Charlie Kirk shooting, AI chatbots struggled to provide answers to the most basic questions — like, "Is Charlie Kirk alive?" — and it's easy to see why. The event was so new that LLMs couldn't accurately predict the answers to users' questions.

We'll see the same problem when a new product launches. After the iPhone 17 Pro launch, reviewers and customers quickly discovered that the new aluminum body of the phone was extremely prone to scratching — exactly the kind of first-hand experience you need when making a purchasing decision.

Vivek Shah, the CEO of Mashable publisher Ziff Davis, recently tackled this topic in an appearance on the Channel media podcast. He summarized how many journalists feel about the AI era, when every word you write can (and almost certainly will be) taken by a chatbot.

"I think in the end, as humans, we read, we listen, we watch, at least in the context of content and media," Shah said. "And I still think we prefer words and sounds and videos from humans. Do I think that the robots will eat into some of that? I do. I think the real question is when do we crave a human voice?"

Shah added, "But I think that if the robot distillation takes away voice and tone and narrative and sources and all the things that I think make human-created content great, I think you’re going to want to go and dig in deeper."

And what about topics that demand in-depth investigation? AI chatbots can't interview sources. They can't contact experts. They can't call bullshit. They can only scrape, predict, and summarize, with a healthy side serving of ego stroking. That's a valuable skillset, no doubt, but it's also a very limited one.

The goal of most apps is simple — to keep your attention on the app for as long as possible (hence, the ego stroking).

And ChatGPT is very good at holding your attention. But as AI chatbots take on a larger role in society, don't forget to step outside the ecosystem.

It's worth remembering that ChatGPT depends on journalists and reviewers to answer your questions — and sites like Mashable depend on you.

This article reflects the opinion of the writer.

TL;DR: Get Microsoft Office 2019 Home & Business for Mac for the one-time payment of $39.97 (MSRP $229) through Oct. 19.

In reality, not everyone needs the newest AI bells and whistles to write a report, crunch some numbers, or put together a clean, killer presentation. If all you really want is a reliable, full-featured version of Microsoft Office that won’t keep charging you monthly, this deal is your guy.

You can get Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for just $39.97 (MSRP $229) through Oct. 19. It’s a one-time purchase that gives you lifetime access to the essential suite of Microsoft apps.

This version of Office has been optimized for modern Macs, with Retina display support, full-screen view, scroll bounce, and a refreshed interface. It includes everything most people actually use daily:

• Word 2019 – the classic word processor for everything from essays to business reports

• Excel 2019 – spreadsheets, charts, pivot tables, and all the core formulas you know and love

• PowerPoint 2019 – create clean, professional presentations

• Outlook 2019 – reliable email and calendar tools for staying organized

• OneNote 2019 – your digital notebook for work or personal projects

• Teams Classic 2019 – collaborate easily when you need to

This license connects to your Microsoft Account (not your device), and you’ll get instant delivery and download once you purchase.

Pick up this MS Office 2019 for Mac lifetime license while it’s just $39.97 (MSRP $229) through Oct. 19.

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Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac $39.97
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TL;DR: Secure your online life with a digital vault thanks to this lifetime subscription to the My-Legacy Bronze Plan, now just $49.99 (reg. $350).

Our lives are almost fully digital now. But what happens to all of your accounts if something were to happen to you? If you want to make sure your most important data will be taken care of and passed on to your loved ones, My-Legacy can help.

This AI-powered service makes it easy to safeguard your digital footprint, and a lifetime subscription to the bronze plan can currently be yours for just $49.99 (reg. $350).

Make sure your most important digital information is safe after you’re gone

Don’t leave your loved ones to desperately guess all your passwords in a difficult moment. My-Legacy lets you secure all of your important online information in a digital vault, making access to accounts, assets, documents, passwords, and more much easier for your family.

This lifetime subscription to the My-Legacy Bronze Plan gives you 50 assets and 5GB of secure storage. You’ll have an Emergency Binder, which you can think of as a digital bank locker, that your family can access when needed — but it will be kept locked until a minimum quorum agrees to open it.

Aside from storing your important assets like files and online accounts, you’ll also be able to create your own Time Capsule. This allows you to preserve your personal stories, wisdom, and final wishes for your loved ones to cherish when you’re gone.

You can also create legal documents with My-Legacy. Leave your will, medical power of attorney, guardianship, and social media will in the vault, so you can make sure everything is done as you would wish.

Join over 50,000 users resting easy with a lifetime subscription to the My-Legacy Bronze Plan, on sale now for $49.99 (reg. $350).

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Opens in a new window Credit: My-legacy.ai My-Legacy Bronze Plan: Lifetime Subscription $49.99
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George Clooney delivers one of the best comedic performances of his career in Jay Kelly. As a long-time devotee of his Coen Bros' comedy O Brother, Where Art Thou?, I don't say that lightly. However, Noah Baumbach has created a role that feels tailored to Clooney's particular brand of star power. And Clooney struts, takes pratfalls, and soars with grace, goofiness, and pathos.

Clooney has built a career on his ability to pivot from swaggering dreamboat (Out of Sight, Ocean's Eleven through Thirteen) to rugged action star (From Dusk Till Dawn, The Peacemaker, Three Kings) to arrogant buffoon (O Brother, Burn After Reading, Hail, Caesar!). In Jay Kelly, he does all three. But more than that, he does all three to interrogate what it means to be a movie star. When you're a public figure known for playing larger-than-life action heroes, what's reality to you? Who are you to your family and friends when your career is dependent on presentation, and you're more focused on that than parenting or loyalty? 

Directed and co-written by Baumbach, who previously channeled his own life into the explosive divorce drama Marriage Story, Jay Kelly is more cutting than its bouncy name and beguiling leading man might suggest. With a supporting cast that includes Adam Sandler, Laura Dern, Billy Crudup, Patrick Wilson, Riley Keough, and Jay Kelly co-writer Emily Mortimer, this showbiz comedy brilliantly displays the highs and lows of working in movies, without losing sight of exactly how high those highs are. 

Far from a woe-is-me movie, Jay Kelly is a shrewdly winsome affair that shows many of the ways stars aren't just like us — and several crucial ways they are. 

Jay Kelly is all about that work-life balance, puppy. 

For decades, Jay Kelly (Clooney) has been a star, collecting fans, building his filmography, growing his entourage, and even having a couple of daughters and ex-wives along the way. You might think that with all the success and wealth he's attained, he'd welcome some time away from the sets and shooting schedules. But what would he do with that? 

Let alone, Jay must face that he's estranged from his eldest, Jessica (Keough), while his college-bound youngest, Daisy (Grace Edwards), is eager to bounce from his house to be on her own. He has no wife. His friends — including his manager, Ron (Sandler), and his publicist, Liz (Dern) — are all on his payroll. So when a run-in with an old friend (Crudup) sends him into an identity crisis, Jay joyously bullies his whole entourage into an impromptu trip across Europe, starting in Paris and ending up in an Italian film festival, where he'll get a lifetime achievement honor. 

Along the way, he'll encounter awestruck fans, ride in transit that has no first class, and be forced to look back on his life, whether he likes it or not. 

George Clooney is absolutely excellent as Jay Kelly. 

The film begins onset, with Jay playing out a death scene that naturally involves a mournful monologue, a fatal gunshot wound, and an adorable dog actor. Immediately, Mortimer and Baumbach gives us a taste of Jay's talent, onscreen and off. As soon as the camera cuts, he's quick to glad-hand and cheer individual members of the crew by name, and they all light up as he looks at them. He's that kind of star. 

Back home; however, he's a doofy dad to Daisy, who eye rolls as he whines he's lonely. "You're never alone," she chides as his security guard hands him a fresh, icy beverage. 

Even in accepting the glass, Clooney has a keen sense of comedic timing. He's long been brilliant at playing the dope. Here, he plays a man who's never been deep, but who has been able to fake it onscreen. So, when he's actually having this crisis of self-reflection, he throws himself into action — including being involved in a chaotic and comedic chase scene. However, nothing in this movie will unfold like the movies. Jay's sweeping gestures, carried off with Clooney's booming charisma, fall flat to those closest to him because they are all show, no substance. And in this, he's forced to face how he pursued his work — which is very image-oriented — over his family and friends, failing to foster deep bonds. And he's not alone in this. 

Adam Sandler and Laura Dern are shockingly well-matched in Jay Kelly. 

Having to wrangle Jay like he's a child (or a swarm of cats), Ron and Liz take on near-parental roles as they prep everything to guide and protect him. Where Ron's the gentle father, always cajoling and calling Jay by the loving nickname "puppy," Liz is the tough-love mom, forced to be frank because someone has got to be when the tabloids are circling. Far from archetypes, however, these characters exhibit complexity in scenes beyond their interactions with Jay. 

As the trip through Europe goes increasingly off the rails, Jay's entourage sheds one member after another as they make choices that aren't him — a bigger client, a sick dog, a child back home, and so on. There's a sense of a party coming to a close, and a question about who will be the last one standing.

Don’t miss out on our latest stories: Add Mashable as a trusted news source in Google.

Dern vibrates with frustration at every bump in the road, while Sandler is her foil, ever jovial, maybe even delusionally optimistic. They're a comedic duo who bounce off each other with an ardent emotional understanding. For all Academy Award winner Dern's drama chops, Emmy nominee Sandler's able to keep pace in a role that could get him some Best Supporting nominations. Imagine Uncut Gems with the intensity turned down and the facade of jolly calm cranked way up. Ron is a man desperate to make everything OK, even to the point where he himself is deeply not. And in that, Baumbach grows comedy and agony. Dern is the cherry on top, giving a cool sense of regret that lingers even after her character has gone. 

Jay Kelly is a showbiz comedy with heart.

Incredibly, Jay Kelly becomes an odd love letter to the industry, one that recognizes its warts and still declares devotion. Through this story, Baumbach explores how everyone involved, from movie stars to make-up artists and security guards, struggles to draw the line between their professional and personal lives. Sure, you love your family, but what if you love your job and the people who are a part of it? The line gets blurrier and blurrier. And what kind of life does that build? 

The answer Jay Kelly gives is unexpected and heartwarming rather than pat and sentimental. Clooney, Sandler, and Baumbach come to a conclusion that is both deeply Hollywood and yet sincere. In the end, Jay Kelly is a clever crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to amuse and make you think. 

Jay Kelly was reviewed out of the New York Film Festival. The movie opens in select theaters on Nov. 14, then comes to Netflix on Dec. 5. 

Happy Wednesday and welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, the Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move onto the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 4, 2025

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for October 4, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 8 Pips

Number (6): Everything in this space must add to 6. The answer is 6-3, placed horizontally.

Number (11): Everything in this light blue space must add to 11. The answer is 6-3, placed horizontally; 4-3, placed vertically; 1-0, placed horizontally.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add to 0. The answer is 1-0, placed horizontally; 0-0, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 8 Pips

Number (6): Everything in this space must add to 6. The answer is 6-1, placed vertically.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add to 3. The answer is 6-1, placed vertically; 1-0, placed vertically; 1-5, placed vertically.

Number (6): Everything in this orange space must add to 6. The answer is 5-3 placed vertically; 3-6, placed horizontally.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add to 6. The answer is 2-6, placed horizontally.

Number (12): Everything in this space must add to 6. The answer is 6-0, placed horizontally; 2-6, placed horizontally.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add to 0. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically; 6-0, placed horizontally; 0-4, placed vertically.

Equal (5): Everything in this red space must be equal to 5. The answer is 1-5, placed vertically; 5-4, placed vertically.

Number (18): Everything in this space must add to 18. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally; 6-4, placed vertically; 6-5, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add to 5. The answer is 6-5, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this orange space must be equal to 4. The answer is 0-4, placed vertically; 5-4, placed vertically; 6-4, placed vertically.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 8 Pips

Number (11): Everything in this purple space must add to 11. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally; 3-2, placed vertically.

Less Than (1): Everything in this space must be less than 1. The answer is 0-1, placed horizontally.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add to 1. The answer is 0-1, placed horizontally; 0-3, placed vertically.

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 0-3, placed vertically; 4-1, placed vertically.

Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 4-1, placed vertically; 5-1, placed vertically; 1-1, placed horizontally.

Equal (0): Everything in this red space must be equal to 0. The answer is 0-0, placed vertically; 6-0, placed vertically.

Number (1): Everything in this orange space must add to 1. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically.

Number (11): Everything in this purple space must add to 11. The answer is 6-0, placed vertically; 5-6, placed horizontally.

Number (11): Everything in this green space must add to 11. The answer is 5-6, placed horizontally; 5-1, placed vertically.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition features a letter used in multiple sports.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections: Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake — players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Head honcho

• Green: The first pick

• Blue: Defunct teams

• Purple: Defining "C"

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Leader of a Team

• Green: NFL Draft No. 1 Picks

• Blue: Former MLB Team Names

• Purple: What "C" Might Mean

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #380 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Leader of a Team - COACH, GAFFER, MANAGER, SKIPPER

• NFL Draft No. 1 Picks - GCARR, COUCH, LUCK, MANNING

• Former MLB Team Names - BROWNS, EXPOS, PILOTS, SENATORS

• What "C" Might Mean - CAPTAIN, CATCHER, CELTICS, CENTER

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

The NYT Connections puzzle today shouldn't be hard to solve if you're a music fanatic.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for October 8, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Top-notch

• Green: Heard on Guitar Hero

• Blue: Wall coloring

• Purple: Slept on

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Finest

• Green: Rock music subgenres

• Blue: Paint finishes

• Purple: Kinds of beds

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #851 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Finest: BEST, CREAM, ELITE SELECT

• Rock music subgenres: ALTERNATIVE, ARENA, CLASSIC, GARAGE

• Paint finishes: EGGSHELL, GLOSS, MATTE, PEARL

• Kinds of beds: FLOWER, NAIL, OYSTER, RIVER

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for September 29, 2025

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

Today's NYT Strands hints are important for concerts.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

Today's NYT Strands puzzle should be easy to solve, provided that you have a good ear.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 29, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 29, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Now, hear this!

The words are related to live shows.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe types of audio.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Soundcheck.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for October 8

• Feedback

• Midrange

• Bass

• Soundcheck

• Reverb

• Volume

• Treble

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Strands.

Today's NYT Wordle answer has one quality that sometimes trips players up.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 8, 2025 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for September 29, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To irritate.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter N appears twice.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter A.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

ANNOY

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for October 8, 2025

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Wordle.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025:

Across___ of personality

• The answer is Cult.

Spelling Bee rank achieved by getting 70% of total points

• The answer is Genius.

THC-infused gummy, e.g.

• The answer is Edible.

Grid with numbers

• The answer is Matrix.

Harvest

• The answer is Reap.

DownMoth-repellent wood

• The answer is Cedar.

Join together

• The answer is Untie.

Zodiac sign before Scorpio

• The answer is Libra.

Flower that caused the world's first economic bubble in the 1630s

• The answer is Tulip.

Rock on a band

• The answer is Gem.

It sells, in an old maxim

• The answer is Sex.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Mini Crossword.

This year has felt nothing like normal for countless reasons. But one thing is always reliable: Amazon Prime Day events. Several times a year, Amazon consistently shows up with some staple discounts that we've come to rely on.

Maybe there's some methodology to the classic Prime Day discounts, or maybe it's just throwing darts at a board, but we all save regardless.

And as a Prime Day veteran, I can assure you the 2025 October Prime Day deals are wild, and in a good way. Amazon clearly understood that we could all use something nice while dealing with life these days. October Prime Day has record-low prices on portable power stations, Ninja appliances, Kindles, TVs, outdoor gear, and even Lego Advent calendars. Mashable is busy tracking all the latest drops live, of course. But if you're in the mood to shop some tried and true deals, here are some staples that tend to show up for each and every Prime Day sale.

Apple AirTags Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTags (4-pack) $64.99
$99 Save $34.01 Get Deal

Initially marked down to $67.99, Amazon went even lower, and you can now pick up a 4-pack of Apple AirTags for just $64.99. Whether you use these Bluetooth trackers to keep track of your personal belongings or your toddler, it's time to restock.

Crest 3D WhiteStrips Opens in a new window Credit: Crest Crest 3D WhiteStrips teeth whitening treatment $27.86 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $22.13 Get Deal

My teeth definitely aren't whiter than they were in 2019, when I started covering Prime Day. At least I quit smoking.

Coleman camping tents Opens in a new window Credit: Coleman Coleman Sundome Camping Tent $84.99
$117.99 Save $33 Get Deal

As sure as the sun rises in the sky, Coleman will mark down their four-person tents to under $85 during an Amazon sale. This Prime Day is no exception.

LifeStraw emergency water filters Opens in a new window Credit: LifeStraw LifeStraw Peak Series Personal Water Filter Straw $18.70
$24.95 Save $6.25 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: LifeStraw LifeStraw Personal Water Filter Straw $9.45 at Amazon
$17.49 Save $8.04 Get Deal

In keeping with the outdoor theme, LifeStraw also has big discounts across the board come Prime Day. Their deals start cheap — for less than $10, you can grab their original personal water filter. And for a little bit more, their updated Peak Series straw is on sale for $18.

Kindles Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (ad-supported) $124.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal

Of course, Amazon marks down its own products for big shopping events, and Prime Day brings the best Kindle prices of the year. These e-readers typically go on sale but twice a year (Black Friday is your other chance to save), so don't miss your chance.

Apple AirPods Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $119 at Amazon
$179 Save $60 Get Deal

For at least the last couple of years, Amazon has used Black Friday and Prime Day as an excuse to drop the AirPods Pro down to a new record-low price. But they're being stingy during October Prime Day. Instead, snag the AirPods 4 for $119.

Bissell Little Green Opens in a new window Credit: Bissell Bissell Little Green $99.99 at Amazon
$123.59 Save $23.60 Get Deal

The upholstery cleaning powerhouse otherwise known as the Bissell Little Green can be found on sale year-round, but reliably, Prime Day brings it down to a decent, if not always fantastic, price point. Still, getting cleaner carpets for less than full price never hurts.

Echo speakers Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Pop $24.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal

Amazon Echo speakers provide the cheapest entry fee for smart speaker life. Just like with Kindles, Amazon doesn't miss a chance to mark them down during the big sale — the cheapest one you can grab is the Echo Pop at just $24.99.

SEE ALSO: Echo Dot vs. Echo Pop: Which Alexa speaker should you buy during Prime Day 2025? Therabody massage guns Opens in a new window Credit: Therabody Theragun Mini (2nd Gen) $149.99
$199.99 Save $50 Get Deal

The massage gun craze has died down considerably since COVID times, when we were all really bored and really stressed. But these percussion massagers are still beloved by athletes, and they're still classic Prime Day deals. The sale price of $149.99 matches the record low that we haven't seen since the spring.

Reusable water bottles Opens in a new window Credit: Yeti Yeti Rambler 42 Ounce Tumbler $31.50 at Amazon
$45 Save $13.50 Get Deal

Hydration is in big time in 2025. Maybe because it's something we can actually control? Whatever the reason, water is good for us and the Yeti Rambler Straw Mug is a great option from one of the top outdoors and camping brands.

Awesome Lego sets Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar $31.49 at Amazon
$44.49 Save $13.00 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Classic Creative Brick Box $17.99 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $17.00 Get Deal

The best-selling Lego sets for Prime Day 2025? The seasonal Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar and the classic Lego Brick Box are both on a major discount. Of course, you can find tons more Lego sets on sale this time of year, as per always.

Pro tip: Don't sleep on Walmart's Lego deals!

Cheap Beats headphones Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Solo 4 Headphones $129.95
$199.95 Save $70 Get Deal

Look, we love AirPods, but do you really have $429 to spare on AirPods Max headphones? For Prime Day, you can count on Beats and Amazon to deliver deals on noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds for about or under $100.

Instant Pots Opens in a new window Credit: Instant Pot Instant Pot Pro Crisp (8-quart) $229.95 at Amazon
$269.99 Save $40.04 Get Deal

Instant Pots may not really have the cultural cachet of a few years ago, but they're still a mainstay on the Prime Day deals page. This Pro Crisp model is a hybrid, serving as both a pressure cooker and an air fryer.

UltimateEars speakers Opens in a new window Credit: Ultimate Ears Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 $66.49 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $33.50 Get Deal

These tiny speakers are the best Bluetooth speakers under $100, even at full price, but Prime Day often brings them to a much, much lower price point. This year, you can grab them for as low as $66.49.

Philips Hue Opens in a new window Credit: Philips Philips Hue Smart Light Starter Kit $89.99 at Amazon
$142.99 Save $53.00 Get Deal

Philips Hue color-changing bulbs may not be cheap, but they definitely set a vibe. Prime Day is an excellent time to find them on sale — this bundle in particular gets you two bulbs and a Hue Bridge, so you can unlock these bulbs' full functionality.

Anker chargers Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Laptop Power Bank $89.99 at Amazon
$134.99 Save $45.00 Get Deal

Prime Day just wouldn't be the same without Anker marking down essentially its entire product line. The brand is especially known for its chargers, which can power up multiple devices at once with impressive speed. If you want to go all out, this power bank can charge up to four devices at once and includes its own retractable cables.

Bose headphones Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra $329 at Amazon
$429 Save $100 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort $229 at Amazon
$349 Save $120 Get Deal

Bose's flagship QuietComfort Ultra are included in Prime Day this year and so are the more affordable Bose QuietComfort. In either case, you'll be in great shape for holiday travel with the ability to drown out the noise.

DeWalt drills Opens in a new window Credit: DeWalt DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Drill and Impact Driver $149
$259 Save $110 Get Deal

If you've always wanted to be handy around the house, then you need the proper tools. And DeWalt deals are always popular on Prime Day.

Cheap Fire TVs Opens in a new window Credit: Insignia Insignia 40-inch Class F40 Series Fire TV $94.97
$149.99 Save $55.02 Get Deal

Somehow, in the tariff era, TV prices keep getting lower. Why should TVs prove to be so immune to tariffs? Hey, don't look a gift horse in the mouth. This year, you can even grab a 40-inch smart Fire TV from Insignia for just $95.

Samsung's The Frame Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung The Frame TV (55 inch) $797.96 at Amazon
$1,497.99 Save $700.03 Get Deal

Prime Day is full of cheap TV deals, but if you're interested in a more elevated experience, Samsung's The Frame TVs double as artwork when you're not binging horror films. The Frame TVs are notorious for costing thousands, but you can save a massive 47% by shopping during October Prime Day.

A fancy espresso machine Opens in a new window Credit: Breville Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine $549.95
$749.95 Save $200 Get Deal

This is a newcomer in the category, but for the last few years, Breville's brushed stainless steel espresso machines have always gotten a sizable discount for Prime Day and Black Friday. With dark winter mornings ahead, now is a great time to buy a reason to stop hitting the snooze button.

Flagship Roborock robot vacuums Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock roborock Saros 10R $1,199.99 at Amazon
$1,599.99 Save $400 Get Deal

This is less so one product we see year over year, thanks to how often new robot vacuums hit the market year after year. Still, that paves the way for Prime Day to serve as the debut of many first-time discounts, including this one on the Roborock Saros 10R, Mashable's newly crowned best robot vacuum.

Samsonite luggage sets Opens in a new window Credit: Samsonite Samsonite Omni 2 hardside luggage set (2 piece) $195.50 at Amazon
$409.79 Save $214.29 Get Deal

You never realize how expensive good luggage is until it comes time to replace yours. Conveniently timed just ahead of holiday travel, Samsonite typically offers solid discounts on its luggage for Prime Day — like this two-piece Omni 2 hardside set. Usually $410, it's down to just $195.50, saving you over 50%.

Dyson products Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Airwrap Origin $399.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $150 Get Deal

We all know Dyson isn't known for its affordability. If you've been eyeing a Dyson gadget, whether it's a new vacuum or the fancy Dyson Airwrap, there's a good chance you'll see it on sale during Prime Day. The brand is a Prime Day staple year after year.

Fitbit trackers Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Versa 4 $132.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $67 Get Deal

Fitbit fitness trackers and smartwatches always get big price drops this time of year. If you like the sound of deeply discounted Fitbits, then it's always a good idea to wait until Prime Day, when you can score one for up to 38% off.

Free offers from Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: kindle unlimited Kindle Unlimited $0
3-Month Free Trial Learn More Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Music Unlimited $0
4-Month Free Trial Get Deal

Amazon tries to tempt Prime Day shoppers with extended free trials on its most popular services, including Amazon Music Unlimited, Audible, and Kindle Unlimited. Just don't forget to make a calendar event to remind you to cancel the subscription before the free period expires!

KPop Demon Hunters' Huntr/x have stepped out of their phenomenally popular Netflix film and into real life, giving a full live performance of their hit song "Golden" for the first time on the Tonight Show. 

EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami's performance didn't include Huntr/x's choreography from the movie, which isn't surprising considering that it can take months for K-pop idols to prepare their highly coordinated dances. The trio aren't even an official K-pop girl group, having only come together to provide the singing voices of Huntr/x members Rumi, Mira, and Zoey respectively. 

Even so, they were still sure to put on a show for Jimmy Fallon's audience, showing off their impressive vocal ranges — including nailing those high notes.

SAVE $220: As of Oct. 8, the Apple 2025 MacBook Air 15-inch is on sale for $979 at Amazon. That's an 18% saving and the lowest-ever price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple 2025 MacBook Air 15-inch $979 at Amazon
$1,119 Save $140 Get Deal

We didn't think the MacBook Air could get any cheaper than it already was, but Amazon Prime's Big Deal Days has surprised us once again. The two-day event kicked off on Oct. 7, and deals and discounts have been flying in. Everything from TVs to earbuds and headphones has been reduced, but we can't ignore this discount on the Apple 2025 MacBook Air 15-inch.

It's already seen some impressive discounts over the last few weeks, but as of Oct. 8, it's reduced further, bringing the price down to $979. That's a savings of $220, and its lowest-ever price. It's available in all the classic MacBook colors: starlight, silver, midnight, and sky blue, and this price is for the 16GB option without AppleCare+.

It truly is an excellent choice for a laptop, too. It's sleek, portable, and boasts up to 18 hours of battery life; it’s really built to go with you for all day use. The M4 chip is the real selling point, however. It makes everything run nice and smooth, whether you’re multi-tasking between apps, editing videos, or gaming on the go.

The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display is bright and crisp, and the 12MP camera with Spatial Audio makes you look (and sound) like a pro on every call. It also benefits from Center Stage, a feature that keeps you focused and in the center of the camera during calls. Plus, if you’re already in the Apple ecosystem, devices like your iPhone, iPad, or AirPods will work together seamlessly.

Get this great MacBook deal at Amazon while the sales still last.

Be the first to know about the best October Prime Day deals. Follow Mashable's Prime Big Deal Days live blog and keep checking back for the latest discounts, stock alerts, and deal drops.

I spend a lot of time reading. It's how I like to wind down in the evenings, but I also spend a lot of time thinking about reading in the context of Kindles. As an expert on e-readers, I use the devices near daily, and am always seeking out the best ways to maximize their use. That means finding all the best ways to read for free or just creating the most luxurious reading set-up.

With Amazon's October Prime Day now underway, my sights are set on deals for Kindle users. Amazon tends to be pretty fickle with its deals on Kindle devices — we don't usually see a ton of markdowns on the e-readers themselves — but this year I'm shocked at how good they are.

So whether you're new to Kindle or a longtime user, here are all of the best deals on products and services for Kindle users during Prime Big Deal Days.

Kindle Unlimited Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Unlimited $0 at Amazon
$35.97 Save $35.97 Try Kindle Unlimited for free for three months. Get Deal

Kindle Unlimited is one of the best ways to maximize your Kindle use. If you're running out of holds and loans on Libby, then for $11.99 a month, you can access Kindle Unlimited and borrow up to 20 books at a time. The library is massive and features bestsellers and BookTok sensations.

During Prime Day, Amazon is offering three months free, saving you $35.97. The best part is, this deal is available to new users and those who have already used their free trial. I'd already used up my free trial, but I was able to snag the trial again and am planning on using it to read Regretting You by Colleen Hoover and The Housemaid by Frieda McFadden before their upcoming movie adaptations.

Kindle Book Deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'Anxious People' by Fredrik Backman $3.99 at Amazon
$19.99 Save $16.00 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'Before the Coffee Gets Cold' by Toshikazu Kawaguchi $6.99 at Amazon
$63.97 Save $56.98 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'The Berry Pickers' by Amanda Peters $1.99 at Amazon
$17.95 Save $15.96 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'Dream Girl Drama' by Tessa Bailey $1.99 at Amazon
$18.99 Save $17 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'The Inheritance Triology' by N.K. Jemisin $2.99 at Amazon
$24.99 Save $22 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'The Last Wish' by Andrzej Sapkowski (Witcher Saga Book 1) $2.99 at Amazon
$18.99 Save $16.00 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'Matriarch' by Tina Knowles $2.99 at Amazon
$35 Save $32.01 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'Pictures of You' by Emma Grey $2.99 at Amazon
$14.99 Save $12 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'The Poisonwood Bible' by Barbara Kingsolver $1.99 at Amazon
$19.99 Save $18 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'The Reformatory' by Tananarive Due $2.99 at Amazon
$19.99 Save $17 Get Deal

If you want to do some book shopping during Prime Day, now's a great time. You can find bestsellers for as low as $2, so you can grab several books for the price of one standard e-book. Not to mention, during Prime Day, you'll earn triple Kindle Rewards on every purchase.

I'd go for classics like Barbara Kingsolver's The Poisonwood Bible or the newly released Matriarch by Tina Knowles.

Kindle Case Deals Opens in a new window Credit: CoBak CoBak Clear Case for Kindle Paperwhite $7.19 at Amazon
$9.99 Save $2.80 Compatible with 2024 Kindle Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, Colorsoft. Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: CoBak CoBak Stand Case for Kindle Paperwhite $12.95 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $17.04 Compatible with 2024 Kindle Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, Colorsoft. Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Idlehands Idlehands Clear Case $4.79 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $25.20 Compatible with 2024 Kindle Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, Colorsoft. Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: MoKo MoKo Kindle Case $12.92 at https://zdcs.link/Qp4rYR
$39.99 Save $27.07 For Kindle Paperwhite 11th and 12th generations. Get Deal

I'm constantly inspired by the creativity of my fellow Kindle users, decorating their e-readers extensively. A clear case seems to be the best blanket canvas for decorations, and luckily, there are a ton on sale. If you're like me and want a case that's already got some style, the MoKo case is a great candidate.

Kindle Stand Deals Opens in a new window Credit: Magipea Magipea Gooseneck Stand $19.99 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $10 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Lamicall Gooseneck Stand $19.99 at Amazon
$28.99 Save $9 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Elekpopu Tablet Floor Stand $25.99 at Amazon
$34.19 Save $8.20 Get Deal

As the colder months creep in, and you spend more time indoors under a pile of blankets, a gooseneck stand is going to maximize your winter reading nook. Since testing the Magipea gooseneck stand for a guide to the best Kindle accessories, it's become an essential part of my reading routine. I clip the gooseneck stand onto the coffee table or nightstand, and using my page turner, I'm cozy as can be while reading my Kindle.

Right now, the Magipea gooseneck stand is on sale for Prime Day, but it's not the only option.

Kindle Page Turner Deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Datafy Kindle Page Turner $15.99 at Amazon
$19.99 Save $4.00 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Sycelu RF Kindle Page Turner $15.99 at Amazon
$24.99 Save $9.00 Get Deal

If you're getting a stand for a Kindle, you also need a remote page turner to go with it. That way, you can keep your hands bundled up under blankets in the chilly evenings. I use the Datafy page turner, which is on sale, but you can't really go wrong with any option.

The Prime Big Deal Days sale, Amazon’s mid-October follow-up to summer Prime Day, is also about less exciting yet vital household supplies, to go with all the fancy gadgets and smart TV bargains. 

Alongside snapping up the best new deals on Apple products, it’s also the perfect excuse to load up on the practical stuff: paper towels, cleaning wipes, laundry tabs, and batteries that disappear faster than your weekend.

If you’d rather skip the frenzy of last-minute restocks later this fall, these discounts make it easy to bulk up your supply closet for less.

The best boring but vital household essentials deals during October Prime Day Cascade Free & Clear Dishwasher Pods (47 Count) $13.29 Get Deal ARM & HAMMER Deep Clean Stain Formula Laundry Detergent Power Paks, Laundry Stain Remover, Sparkling Clean Scent, (44 Count) $7.99 Get Deal Energizer AA and AAA Batteries, 48 Count, Combo Pack $23.09 Get Deal Johnson's Baby Sleepy Time Bedtime Gift Set $11.24 Get Deal Fresh Step Clean Paws Cat Litter with Febreze Freshness (37lbs) $24.57 Get Deal Amazon Basics USB-A to Lightning Charger Cable, Nylon Braided Cord: 6 foot, Rose Gold $11 Get Deal Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects – Teeth Whitening Kit, 22 Treatments (20 + 2 Bonus) $29.99 Get Deal

We’ve scoured beyond the typical range of the best deals of Amazon's October Prime Day. Browse the perfect set of offers for everyday essentials, from kitchen workhorses to baby-care must-haves.

We’ll update this list all the way through to the end of Prime Day on Oct. 8, so keep this page bookmarked for more unmatched deals to keep your cupboards full.

SEE ALSO: 200+ October Prime Day deals: Save on Apple, Sony, Samsung, and Lego Best household essentials deal Opens in a new window Credit: Georgia Pacific Georgia-Pacific Angel Soft Toilet Paper (Bulk Case of 80 Rolls) $71.93 at Amazon
$84.95 Save $13.02 Get Deal Why we like it

If you’re ever going to buy toilet paper in bulk with a top-tier household essentials brand, this is the time to do it. This Georgia-Pacific Angel Soft Professional Series case includes 80 individually wrapped rolls, each with 450 two-ply sheets, and it’s currently marked down to around $71.93 (was $84.95); that’s about 15% off the typical price. 

That works out to roughly 20 cents per 100 sheets, which is excellent for a premium-grade paper that’s soft, strong, and septic-safe. Made from sustainably sourced trees and packaged neatly for long-term storage, this is the kind of “unexciting” deal that actually pays off every single day. 

More household essentials deals for Prime DayKitchen essentials & cleaning supplies

• Cascade Free & Clear Dishwasher Pods (47 Count) — $13.29 $19.99 (34% off)

• Garbage Disposal Cleaner Deodorizer Tablets (24 count) — $15.16 $24.89 (39% off)

• Dawn Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray, Fresh Scent Bundle, 1 Spray + 3 Refills — $11.63 $17.50 (34%)

• Glad Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags - Odorshield 13 Gallon, Febreze Fresh Clean (110 Count) — $14.24 $23.49 (39% off)

• Bounty Quick-Size Paper Towels, 8 Family Triple Rolls (27 count) — $26.34 $30.99 (15% off)

Laundry supplies

• Arm & Hammer Deep Clean Stain Formula Laundry Detergent Power Paks, (44 Count) — $7.99 $13.99 (43% off)

• Lysol Disinfectant Laundry Sanitizer & Scent Booster, Lavender Scent, 90 Fl Oz — $9.72 $12.97 (25% off)

• Downy Unstopables In Wash Scent Booster Beads, Fresh Scent, 24 oz — $11.99 $15.99 (25% off)

Batteries

• Energizer AA and AAA Batteries (48 Count) Combo Pack — $23.09 $38.98 (41% off)

• Amazon Basics 48-Pack AA Alkaline High-Performance Batteries — $11.74 $14.99 (22% off)

• Duracell Coppertop AA + AAA Batteries (56 Count) — $39.99 $48.49 (18% off)

Baby care

• Johnson's Baby Sleepy Time Bedtime Gift Set with Relaxing Natural Calm Aromas — $11.24 $18.72 (40% off)

• Pampers Diapers 104 Count — $41.42 $51.77 (20% off)

• Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy Nighttime Body Balm (11oz) — $18.69 $26.74 (30% off)

Cat litter

• Fresh Step Clean Paws Cat Litter with Febreze Freshness (37 lbs) — $24.57 $35.10 (30% off)

• Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter, 30-Day Odor Control (17.5 lbs) — $12.24 $17.49 (30% off)

• Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Platinum Cat Litter (18 lbs) — $14.36 $17.99 (20% off)

Toilet paper

• Amazon Basics Soft and Strong 2-Ply Toilet Paper, 6 Ultra Rolls — $6.45 $7.60 15% off

• Quilted Northern Ultra Soft & Strong Toilet Paper (32 count) — $26.23 $32.79 20% off

Chargers

• Amazon Basics USB-A to Lightning Charger Cable, Nylon Braided Cord: 6 foot, Rose Gold — $11.00 $14.36 (23% off)

• Anker 313 Wireless Charger (Stand) — $13.58 $19.99 (32% off)

• Anker iPhone 17/16 Charger, 2-Pack 20W Fast USB C Charger Block — $11.72 $17.99 (35% off)

Health & beauty

• Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects – Teeth Whitening Kit, 22 Treatments — $29.99 $45.99 (35% off)

• ELEMIS Superfood Midnight Facial, Moisturizer Face Cream — $37.20 $62.00 (40% off)

Best October Prime Day Dyson deals Best cordless vacuum deal Dyson V12 Detect Slim $429.99 (save $300) Get Deal Best upright vacuum deal Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean Upright Vacuum $659.99 (save $260) Get Deal Best hair tool deal Dyson Supersonic Origin $299.99 (save $120) Get Deal

Whether you’re a Dyson stan or not, you’d probably still agree that Dyson products have become somewhat of a “gold standard” within the industry. (I mean, that 2023 New York Times article on how Dyson’s cordless stick vacuum became a “status symbol” still lives rent-free in my head.) But premium quality usually comes with a premium price tag to match. That's why we recommend waiting for a major sales event to splurge.

SEE ALSO: Will the laser-equipped Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai solve Dyson's robot vacuum problem?

Amazon’s October Prime Day (officially “Prime Big Deal Days”) kicked off Oct. 7, and a bunch of Dyson deals are live across the internet. We're tracking the prices across Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Dyson's own online storefront to find the absolute best savings. Here are the top Prime Day Dyson deals you can shop right now:

Best cordless vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson V12 Detect Slim $429.99 at Walmart
$729.99 Save $300 Get Deal Why we like it

If you’re trying to get into the Dyson fam for less than $500, the Dyson V12 Detect Slim is undoubtedly the best way to do that. This is the cheapest Dyson vacuum with the laser that illuminates invisible dust and hair on hard floors — Mashable’s vacuum cleaner queen and senior shopping reporter, Leah Stodart, says it's the best Dyson vacuum for most people for this reason.

The Dyson V12 Detect Slim can run for up to 60 minutes on one charge and weighs just over five pounds, making it a great compact vacuum choice for small spaces. Aside from the fluffy laser cleaning head, you'll also find a Motorbar cleaning head, a motorized mini pet tool, and a few other attachments in the box.

The best price on this model is currently at Walmart, where you can get it for $429.99 (a savings of $300). That's just $30 over Amazon's sale price on the Dyson V11 that doesn't have the laser. It's easily the best $30 you'll spend this year.

• Amazon: $599.99 (Note: This is technically slightly on sale, but not officially "on sale" on Amazon's website.)

• Dyson: $429.99 $729.99 (save $300)

• Target: Unavailable

More Dyson cordless vacuum deals

• Dyson V15 Detect Plus Cordless Vacuum — $569.99 $849.99 (save $280)

• Dyson V8 Origin Cordless Vacuum — $299.99 $439.99 (save $140 with Target Circle)

• Dyson V11 Origin Cordless Vacuum — $399.99 $629.99 (save $230)

Best upright vacuum deal Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean Upright Vacuum $409.99 at Amazon
$659.99 Save $250 Get Deal Why we like it

If you need the kind of deep clean that only an upright vacuum can provide, the Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean Upright Vacuum is the way to go. It's especially ideal for pet owners or anyone with a larger home, and it comes with eight different accessories to tackle any job. The vacuum features a self-adjusting cleaner head, a motorized brush bar, and whole-machine filtration to catch and destroy allergens on site. You’ll also get a five-year limited warranty and lifetime support when you register your vacuum on the MyDyson app.

The best price on this model is currently at Amazon. As of Oct. 7, you can get it for $399.99, down from the $409.99 sale price seen before the sale officially started.

• Amazon: $409.99 $659.99 (save $250)

• Walmart: $589.99 $659.99 (save $70)

• Dyson: $659.99 (not on sale)

• Target: Unavailable

Best hair tool deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Supersonic Origin $299.99 at Amazon
$419.99 Save $120 Get Deal Why we like it

Mashable's hair tool expert and lead shopping reporter, Bethany Allard, would probably recommend just getting a Dyson Supersonic dupe over the real thing in just about any situation. The outlier? Any time you can snag a variation of the Supersonic for less than $300, like the $299.99 sale price on the Supersonic Origin during Prime Big Deal Days.

The only difference between the Supersonic Origin and other versions lies in attachments: The Origin only comes with the Styling Concentrator Nozzle. Other than that, it has the same motor for high-speed drying without frying wet hair with heat.

The best price on this model is currently at Amazon. As of Oct. 7, you can get it for $299.99, a 29% drop from its original $419.99.

• Walmart: Unavailable

• Dyson: $419.99 (not on sale)

• Target: $419.99 (not on sale)

More Dyson hair deals

• Dyson Airstrait Straightener — $454.99 $549.99 (save $95)

• Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long — $493.05 $619.99 (save $126.94)

Even more October Prime Day Dyson deals

• Dyson OnTrac Headphones — $249.99 $499 (save $249.01)

• Dyson Hot+Cool AM09 — $299.99 $499.99 (save $200)

• Dyson Purifier Cool TP07 — $399.99 $649.99 (save $250)

• Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10 — $429.98 $579.99 (save $150.01)

The best October Prime Day streaming deals at a glance: BEST Overall Starz annual subscription $11.99/year for your first year (save $58) Get Deal Best for movie lovers The Criterion Channel annual subscription $79.99/year for your first year (save $20) Get Deal Best Prime Video add-on deal AMC+ and MGM+ ad-free bundle $5.99/month for two months (save $12) Get Deal

Amazon's Prime Day events are no longer just a time to score TVs and laptops at a discount. Back in July, Amazon also dropped a ton of streaming deals. Now, during October Prime Day — formally dubbed Prime Big Deal Days — we're seeing some sweet discounts on streaming services once again. So it's safe to say that Prime events are now a good time to diversify your streaming lineup.

There's a bit of fine print, however, when it comes to Prime Day streaming deals. Typically, most of the deals you'll find during these shopping events are in the form of Prime Video add-ons. In other words, you need to be a Prime member or a Prime Video subscriber to take advantage of them. (Not a member? Sign up here.) Add-ons still give you full access to the streaming service you choose; they just happen to live inside the Prime Video app, keeping all of your content under one roof.

Lucky for us, some other streaming services outside of the Prime Video umbrella have also tossed their hats in the ring for October Prime Day, which officially runs Oct. 7 and 8. While we're not expecting Black Friday-level streaming deals, we'll certainly be keeping our eyes peeled for anything that pops up during the event.

Below, we've rounded up all the best options so far, but stay tuned as Prime Big Deal Days plays out.

Best October Prime Day streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Starz Starz annual subscription $11.99/year for your first year (save $58) Get Deal Why we like it

While it may not be the most popular streaming service, Starz is still stacked with some excellent content, including originals like the female serial killer story Sweetpea, the historical drama Outlander, and the Lisa Taddeo book adaptation Three Women. It's also where you'll find Lionsgate films like From the World of John Wick: Ballerina and Americana right out of the theater. For an unspecified limited time, you can sign up for an entire year of the streamer for $1 per month. That's an outrageous 83% in savings — easily the best streaming deal this season. FWIW, that's less than a single month of ad-free streaming on Netflix, Hulu, Peacock, or HBO Max.

Best streaming deal for movie lovers Opens in a new window Credit: The Criterion Channel The Criterion Channel annual subscription $79.99/year for your first year (save $20) Get Deal Why we like it

The best streaming subscription for movie buffs, a Criterion Channel annual plan gives you access to the films in the Criterion Collection and Janus Films' library of more than 1,500 films. Instead of a fixed library with algorithmic programming, it hosts constantly rotating thematic programming, which ranges from mass-market to niche indie films. Subscribers can also enjoy over 500 shorts and 5,000 supplementary features, like trailers, introductions, behind-the-scenes documentaries, interviews, commentary, and rare archival footage. It's a cinephile's paradise, and it's typically just $100 for a full year. Through Oct. 5, however, you can sign up for your first year for just $79.99, saving you 20%.

Best Prime Video add-on streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: AMC+ / MGM+ MGM+ and AMC+ ad-free bundle (Prime Video add-on) $5.99/month for 2 months (save $12) Get Deal Why we like it

Two streaming services for less than the price of one? That's unheard of in the streaming world, but that's exactly what Amazon is offering with this Prime Video add-on deal. For a limited time (likely through the end of Prime Big Deal Days), you can sign up for two months of ad-free MGM+ and AMC+ for just $5.99 per month. That's a grand total of $11.98 for two months of streaming on two different platforms. Actually, since AMC+ includes the Shudder library, it's technically three streaming services.

MGM+ is home to lots of movies we love, like Challengers, Better Man, Blink Twice, and Nickel Boys, as well as its own original series, like Godfather of Harlem, From, and Hotel Cocaine. Meanwhile, AMC+ is home to The Walking Dead universe, as well as Mad Men, Killing Eve, and Portlandia. It also includes full access to the entire Shudder, Sundance Now, and IFC Films catalogs as well, making it a must-have for horror fanatics this fall.

More streaming deals

• A&E Crime Central (Prime Video add-on) — $1.99/month for 2 months $4.99/month (save $6)

• A&E Crime Central and Lifetime Movie Club bundle (Prime Video add-on) — $2.50/month for 2 months $6.99/month (save $8.98)

• AMC+ annual plan — $95.88/year $119.88/year (save $24 with code PLUS20)

• aspireTV+ (Prime Video add-on) — $1.99/month for 2 months $4.99/month (save $6)

• BET+ Essential (Prime Video add-on) — $1.99/month for 3 months $5.99/month (save $12)

• BET+ Premium (Prime Video add-on) — $3.99/month for 3 months $10.99/month (save $21)

• Criterion Channel — $79.99/year $99.99/year (save $20)

• Curiosity Stream (Prime Video add-on) — $1.99/month for 2 months $4.99/month (save $6)

• Daily Burn (Prime Video add-on) — $1.99/month for 2 months $14.95/month (save $25.92)

• France Channel (Prime Video add-on) — $1.99/month for 2 months $7.99/month (save $12)

• Kino Film Collection (Prime Video add-on) — $1.99/month for 2 months $5.99/month (save $8)

• KOCOWA (Prime Video add-on) — $1.99/month for 2 months $6.99/month (save $10)

• Marquee TV (Prime Video add-on) — $1.99/month for 2 months $8.99/month (save $14)

• MGM+ and AMC+ ad-free bundle (Prime Video add-on) — $5.99/month for 2 months $11.99/month (save $12)

• MUBI (Prime Video add-on) — $1.99/month for 2 months $14.99/month (save $26)

• MyOutdoorTV (Prime Video add-on) — $1.99/month for 2 months $9.99/month (save $16)

• NBA League Pass (Prime Video add-on) — $12.74/month for 2 months $16.99/month (save $8.50)

• NBA League Pass Premium (Prime Video add-on) — $18.74/month for 2 months $24.99/month (save $12.50)

• Qello Concerts (Prime Video add-on) — $1.99/month for 2 months $7.99/month (save $12)

• Screambox (Prime Video add-on) — $1.99/month for 2 months $4.99/month (save $6)

• Starz (Prime Video add-on) — $2.99/month for 3 months $10.99/month (save $24)

• Starz annual plan — $11.99/year $69.99/year (save $58)

Digital movie deals

• Buy 2 horror films, get a $5 Prime Video credit

• A Complete Unknown — $7.99 $19.99 (save $12)

• Captain America: Brave New World — $9.99 $19.99 (save $10)

• I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) — $13.99 $24.99 (save $11)

• Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning — $9.99 $19.99 (save $10)

• The Materialists — $9.99 $19.99 (save $10)

• Sinners — $7.99 $19.99 (save $12)

• Smurfs (2025) — $9.99 $19.99 (save $10)

• Sorry, Baby — $11.99 $19.99 (save $8)

Let's say you already have one of the best Kindles or a pair of headphones you really like. You may not be in the market for a physical item this October Prime Day, but you still have an opportunity to score a few free months of the entertainment you consume on devices.

The free Amazon deals for Prime Big Deal Days: Music deal 3 free months of Amazon Music Unlimited $0 (save $10.99/month) Get Deal Reading deal 3 free months of Kindle Unlimited $0 (save $11.99/month) Get Deal Audiobook deal x free months of Audible $0 (save $14.95/month) Get Deal

Taking advantage of these free Amazon subscriptions is one of our favorite money-saving hacks during any Prime event — here are the music, audiobook, and book deals live for Prime Big Deal Days:

SEE ALSO: Kindle Paperwhite review: I’ve tried every Kindle and the Paperwhite is the only one you need Free Amazon Music Unlimited deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Get 3 free months of Amazon Music Unlimited $0 at Amazon
$43.96 Save $43.96 Typically $10.99/month Get Deal

You can be an obnoxious Spotify or Apple Music loyalist for the rest of the year — but when a Prime event rolls around to unlock a few free months of Amazon Music Unlimited, it'll pay off to temporarily ditch your comfort interface. The Prime Big Deal Days promo gives any new Amazon Music Unlimited subscriber three free months, regardless of whether you pay for Prime or not.

That'll save Spotify users $35.97 (which costs $11.99 per month) or Apple Music listeners $32.97 (which costs $10.99 per month) across three months. You probably won't find any holes in the Amazon Music Unlimited song library compared to those apps, and there are even high-quality audio options. One free audiobook per month is also included.

Free Kindle Unlimited deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Get 3 free months of Kindle Unlimited $0 at Amazon
$35.97 Save $35.97 Typically $11.99/month Get Deal

It's not exactly another Stuff Your Kindle day, but it's kind of the next best thing: Three free months of Kindle Unlimited. For the books you can't seem to find for free on Libby, Kindle Unlimited's library of over four million book titles (and some audiobooks) should keep you busy for a while. It usually costs $11.99 per month, so you'll save $35.97 over the course of those three months.

Kindle titles do disappear if/when Kindle Unlimited is cancelled, but at least you can chip away from any of your devices while you do have the subscription.

Free Amazon Audible deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Get 3 free months of Audible $0 at Amazon
$44.85 Save $44.85 Typically $14.95/month Get Deal

For the true audiobooks-over-reading crowd, Audible has a more robust variety of titles than Kindle Unlimited does. An Audible subscription lets you choose one audiobook per month, bestsellers and new releases included. And unlike Kindle Unlimited, your audiobooks stay on your devices even if you cancel after your free trial expires.

The best October Prime Day book deals at a glance: Best hardcover book deal Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez $10.98 (save $17.02) Get Deal Best paperback book deal Deep End by Ali Hazelwood $8.09 (save $11.91) Get Deal Best Kindle book deal The Perfect Divorce by Jeneva Rose $1.69 (save $8.30) Get Deal

Amazon's October Prime Day event is here (officially running from Oct. 7 through 8), and we've been blessed with deals galore. Book deals, in particular, are outrageously good. So if you're looking to stack your TBR list for cozy season, it's time to get going.

This Prime Big Deal Days event is shaping up to be an excellent shopping holiday for book lovers. Not only is Amazon offering its annual Kindle Unlimited Prime Day deal (three months for free) and 99-cent Audible subscriptions to new members, but we're also seeing some of the best discounts on hardcovers, paperbacks, and Kindle books we've seen all year — up to 65% off. And that includes some of 2025's bestsellers. Whether you hope to load up your Kindle with e-books or hold a physical stack of crispy new pages in your hands, there's definitely a deal waiting for you. If you're interested in more Kindle user deals, specifically, be sure to check out our expert's favorite deals.

We'll be tracking all the best October Prime Day book deals below and updating the list with the latest and greatest price drops throughout the event.

Best October Prime Day paperback book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Berkley Publishing "Deep End" by Ali Hazelwood $8.09 at Amazon
$20 Save $11.91 Get Deal Why we like it

One of Goodreads' top 10 books of 2025, Ali Hazelwood's latest romance follows a competitive diver and an ace swimmer as they tread forbidden waters. It's a steamy yet thoughtfully written love story with character chemistry that's off the charts. This edition features a glistening cover and illustrated four-color interior art. Typically $20, you can grab the paperback for only $8.09 during October Prime Day.

Best October Prime Day hardcover book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Forever Publishing "Say You'll Remember Me" by Abby Jimenez $10.98 at Amazon
$28 Save $17.02 Get Deal Why we like it

The queen of contemporary romance, Abby Jimenez has done it again with Say You'll Remember Me, published earlier this year. It has an average of over 4 stars on Good Reads and is currently number six on the list of the most popular 2025 releases. A feel-good read, it follows veterinarian Dr. Xavier Rush and social media manager Samantha Diaz, who fall in love but are separated when Samantha moves to care for her mother with dementia. The hardcover version is currently just $10.98 at Amazon for October Prime Day — a total steal.

Best October Prime Day Kindle book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Blackstone Publishing "The Perfect Divorce" by Jeneva Rose $1.69 at Amazon
$9.99 Save $8.30 Get Deal Why we like it

The Perfect Divorce is another Goodreads favorite of 2025. From Jeneva Rose, the author of the multimillion-copy bestselling thriller The Perfect Marriage, it's the second in the series and picks up eleven years after high-powered attorney Sarah Morgan defended her husband, Adam, against murder charges. It's filled with page-turning suspense and plenty of twists and turns, which is hardly surprising if you read the first book. If you have a Kindle device — or don't mind reading on your phone or tablet — you can pick up a digital copy for less than $2 during the Prime Big Deal Days sale.

Physical book dealsPaperback

• A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson — $5.03 $10.99 (save $5.96)

• Summer of '69 by Elin Hilderbrand — $6.69 $19.99 (save $13.30)

• Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler — $6.75 $19.99 (save $13.24)

• Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez — $6.91 $16.99 (save $10.08)

• The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood — $6.95 $16 (save $9.05)

• The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden — $7 $17.99 (save $10.99)

• People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry — $7.04 $16 (save $8.96)

• The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston — $7.10 $17 (save $9.90)

• The Crash by Freida McFadden — $7.10 $17.99 (save $10.89)

• Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica — $7.18 $16.99 (save $9.81)

• The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman — $7.36 $18 (save $10.64)

• First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston — $7.44 $19 (save $11.56)

• The Coworker by Freida McFadden — $7.58 $17.99 (save $10.41)

• The Inmate by Freida McFadden — $7.91 $17.99 (save $10.08)

• The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna — $7.91 $19 (save $11.09)

• Just the Nicest Couple by Mary Kubica — $7.93 $18.99 (save $11.06)

• Deep End by Ali Hazelwood — $8.09 $20 (save $11.91)

• Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know by Adam Grant — $8.36 $20 (save $11.64)

• Redeeming 6 by Chloe Walsh — $8.50 $14.99 (save $6.49)

• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman — $8.53 $22 (save $13.47)

• The Reformatory by Tananarive Due — $9.44 $19.99 (save $10.55)

• One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune — $9.48 $19 (save $9.52)

• The Conditions of Will by Jessa Hastings — $9.48 $18.99 (save $9.51)

• Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez — $9.65 $17.99 (save $8.34)

• Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton — $9.78 $18.99 (save $9.21)

• Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler — $10.06 $19.99 (save $9.93)

• Lock Every Door by Riley Sager — $10.58 $19 (save $8.42)

• The Lies They Told by Ellen Marie Wiseman — $10.80 $18.95 (save $8.15)

Hardcover

• Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi — $7.53 $19.99 (save $12.46)

• Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Brené Brown — $10.76 $28 (save $17.24)

• Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez — $10.98 $28 (save $17.02)

• Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt — $11.38 $29.99 (save $18.61)

• Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry — $12.23 $29 (save $16.77)

• Matriarch by Tina Knowles — $12.62 $35 (save $22.38)

• Playground by Richard Powers — $12.90 $29.99 (save $17.09)

• Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix — $12.92 $30 (save $17.08)

• The Names by Florence Knapp — $14.11 $30 (save $15.89)

• Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI by Ethan Mollick — $14.23 $30 (save $15.77)

• Hooked by Emily McIntire — $14.70 $30.99 (save $16.29)

• The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien — $15.14 $30 (save $14.86)

Kindle book deals

• The Perfect Divorce by Jeneva Rose — $1.69 $9.99 (save $8.30)

• The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters — $1.99 $17.95 (save $15.96)

• Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman — $1.99 $18 (save $16.01)

• The Guest List by Lucy Foley — $1.99 $16.99 (save $15)

• This is Why We Lied by Karin Slaughter — $1.99 $10.99 (save $9)

• Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka — $1.99 $18.99 (save $17)

• Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad — $1.99 $20 (save $18.01)

• Neon Gods by Katee Robert — $1.99 $14.99 (save $13)

• Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty — $1.99 $19 (save $17.01)

• In The Likely Event by Rebecca Yarros — $2.49 $4.99 (save $2.50)

• Keep Your Friends Close by Lucinda Berry — $2.49 $4.99 (save $2.50)

• Life's Too Short by Abby Jimenez — $2.99 $17.99 (save $15)

• Matriarch by Tina Knowles — $2.99 $35 (save $32.01)

• Society of Lies by Lauren Ling Brown — $2.99 $18 (save $15.01)

• Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand — $2.99 $10.99 (save $8)

• Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout — $2.99 $18 (save $15.01)

• Think Twice by Harlan Coben — $2.99 $19.99 (save $17)

• Anxious People by Fredrik Backman — $3.99 $19.99 (save $16)

• Count My Lies by Sophie Stava — $3.99 $28.99 (save $25)

• The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger — $3.99 $19.99 (save $16)

• Throne of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalco — $3.99 $19.99 (save $16)

Best October Prime Day deals on portable power stations Best overall deal Anker Solix C1000 portable power station $379.00 at Amazon (save $360) Get Deal Best bundle deal with a solar panel EcoFlow Delta 2 portable power station with 220W solar panel $649 (save $650 + get a free 45W solar panel and a free carrying bag) Get Deal Best small portable power station deal Jackery Explorer 240 v2 $179 (save $70) Get Deal

Portable power stations are here to save the day, and that's not even an exaggeration. These puppies pack in the power to recharge your phone, laptop, keep the refrigerator cooling, and the WiFi router powered on during a storm. Portable power stations come in tons of sizes with various specialties like being great for camping or coming with enough juice to power your entire home for days should a major storm roll through.

Amazon's October Prime Day sale is here, and there are great deals already on offer. Some of my favorite portable power stations are already sitting at record-low prices at Amazon. Others come with freebies like solar panels and carrying cases. Whatever your portable power needs are, Amazon likely has a model in stock and on sale before Big Deals Days kicks off. Here are some highlights.

Best overall deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C1000 portable power station $399 at Amazon
$799 Save $400 Get Deal Why we like it

Read our full review of the Anker Solix C1000 portable power station.

In my testing for the best portable power station, the Anker Solix C1000 emerged as the best overall option for most situations. It comes with a solid 1,056Wh of battery storage, it's easy to carry, is pretty lightweight, and comes with a super useful light bar. Thanks to this Amazon pre-Prime Day sale, it's already at a record-low price of $399 which is a sweet 50% off the normal price of $799.

The Anker Solix C1000 takes just one hour to recharge and it's expandable, should you decide you'd like more power. When testing, I used the Solix C1000 to power a projector for outdoor movie nights, cook dinner in the air fryer, and power up the coffee maker. The Solix C1000 comes with six AC power ports, two USB-A, and two USB-C ports, so there are plenty of options.

Best bundle deal with solar panel Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti AC180 Solar Generator with 200W Solar Panel $645.03 at Amazon
$1,099 Save $453.97 Get Deal Why we like it

Need a power station that's going to keep you going when you're not near an outlet? Bluetti AC180 has your back with this 1153Wh bundle of power alongside a 200W solar panel bundle. Plugging this badboy into a wall socket before going on your big adventure will charge up to around 80% in 45 mins, no there's no worries if you forgot (we've all been there). You can also charge it with the included Solar Panel, power generators and car ports, so there's plenty of versatility for an emergency situation.

This will charge anything without breaking a sweat. You've got 4 x AC outlets, 1 x car outlet, 1 x wireless charging pad, 1 x USB-C and 4 x USB-A. Even the solar panel has four panels and three sturdy kickstands to make sure you're getting the most of that sunny goodness hitting your power station. This bundle being over $400 off, you'd be missing out not having this on your next camping trip.

Best small portable power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 240 v2 $174 at Amazon
$249 Save $75 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're in the market for a portable power station that will keep phones and laptops charged during a power outage that doesn't cost a bunch, the Jackery Explorer 240 v2 could be the best option during Prime Day. Instead of paying the list price of $249, it's on sale for just $174. This smaller model offers two USB-C ports, one USB-A, and one AC. There's also a light that'll assist with plugging things in should you be in the dark.

Anker portable power station deals

• Anker Solix C300 DC Portable Power Station — $149.99 $249.99 (save $100)

• Anker Solix PowerHouse 535 Portable Power Station — $299 $499.99 (save $200.99)

• Anker Solix C800 Plus Portable Power Station — $399 $649 (save $250)

• Anker Solix F2000 Portable Power Station — $799 $1,999 (save $1,050)

• Anker Solix C1000 Portable Power Station with 400W Solar Panel — $849 $1,998 (save $1,149)

Bluetti portable power station deals

• Bluetti Elite 30 V2 Portable Power Station — $189 $249 (save $60)

• Bluetti AC200L Portable Power Station — $699 $1,599 (save $1,300)

• Bluetti Apex 300 Portable Power Station — $1,499 $2,399 (save $900)

EcoFlow portable power station deals

• EcoFlow Trail 300 DC Portable Power Station — $139 $538 (save $399 + get a free EcoFlow USB-C charger)

• EcoFlow River 2 Portable Power Station and River 3 Plus — $369 $538 (save $169)

• EcoFlow Delta 3 Portable Power Station — $483 $699 (save $216)

• EcoFlow Delta 2 Portable Power Station with 220W Solar Panel + free 45W solar panel + free carrying case — $649 $1,299 (save $650)

• EcoFlow Delta 2 Max Portable Power Station + free 45W solar panel — $899 $1,699 (save $800)

Jackery portable power station deals

• Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station — $159 $259 (save $100)

• Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 — $349 $799 (save $450)

• Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station — $699 $1,499 (save $800)

• Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus Portable Power Station — $1,499 $1,799 (save $300)