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October Prime Day is just one day away — here are all the best deals to shop

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UPDATE: Oct. 7, 2024, 2:15 p.m. EDT This story has been updated with the latest early deals from Prime Big Deal Days, which starts on Oct. 8.

Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days event is back. Scheduled a little under three months after the retail giant’s flagship summer Prime Day sale, this 48-hour “October Prime Day” will present shoppers with an opportunity to get an extra-early start on their holiday shopping before the chaos of Black Friday.

Amazon started rolling out early Prime Big Deal Days doorbusters in mid-September, and we’ll be keeping track of them right here in the lead-up to its official start.

When is October Prime Day?

Prime Big Deal Days will run from Tuesday, Oct. 8 (starting at 3 a.m. ET) through Wednesday, Oct. 9 this year. Many of the sale’s best deals won’t go live until that exact start time, but again, certain doorbusters are up for grabs already — they’re basically appetizers for the main event.

What deals will we see during the sale?

Amazon previewed a selection of its top Prime Big Deal Days deals in a press release Thursday (Oct. 3), noting that new offers will drop “as often as every five minutes during select periods throughout the event.” These offers include “some of its lowest prices of the year so far” on products from brands like Dyson and Lego (to the tune of up to 40 and 30 percent off, respectively), plus hefty discounts across the following categories:

Once Prime Big Deal Days begins, we’ll also be keeping an especially close eye on tech from big-leaguers like Apple, iRobot, and Samsung. Based on our experience covering past Prime events, we expect many of their products to fall to new or year-round lows on Amazon during the event.

As a reminder, you don’t need to buy something just because it’s on sale. For more tips on how to shop smart, check out Mashable’s guides to finding the best deals and what not to buy.

What are the best October Prime Day deals that are already live?

So far, Amazon is reserving most of the best deals for itself: Select devices across its Echo, Fire, Kindle, Blink, and eero brands are on sale for up to 58% off ahead of Prime Big Deal Days. (For the record, its Blink home security bundles and dirt-cheap Fire tablets feel the most worth-it at this point.)

These deals were open to all shoppers at the time of writing, but we’ve spotted some others that are Team Prime exclusives. Members can snag four free months of Amazon Music Unlimited, three free months of Kindle Unlimited, and a $10 discount on one GrubHub order of $15 or more; don’t forget to use the coupon code PRIME10 at checkout.

Beyond that, we’ve seen a slew of TVs, laptops, tablets, robot vacuums, headphones, and fitness trackers go on sale on Amazon ahead of Prime Big Deal Days. We’re keeping a running list of the best early deals below — just keep in mind that things can (and probably will) get cheaper once the event formally begins.

Best Apple deal

Why we like it

The 9th-generation iPad is down to $199.99, back to its lowest price ever in late September. Even with this recent price increase, it’s still the most affordable iPad out there.

This tablet comes with the A13 Bionic chip, a powerful processor that lets you stream, browse the internet, and even game. Normally $329, the sweet price of $224 saves you $129.01.

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iPads

MacBooks

AirPods

AirTags and accessories

Best Amazon device deal

Why we like it

The Amazon Echo Show 5 works as a smart home hub that’s more than just a speaker. It displays music, recipes, and even video calls with its built-in camera. While we normally prefer the Echo Show 8 over the 5, ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, we’re thoroughly pleased with the $40 discount on the Echo Show 5.

Score the Amazon Echo Show 5 for just $49.99, taking 44% off.

More Amazon device deals

Echo smart speakers and displays

Kindles

Fire tablets

Eero WiFi devices

Best laptop deal

For more deals on MacBooks, scroll back up to the “Apple deals” section.

Why we like it

Read Mashable’s full review of the 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro (M3).

“With a super bright mini-LED display, a good amount of useful, creative-friendly ports, gorgeous-sounding speakers, and an M3 chip that supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing, the current-gen MacBook Pro is our No. 1 laptop for photo and video editing (regardless of operating system). It’s also the longest-lasting MacBook we’ve tested to date, clocking in at over 16 hours in our battery life test. It’s another Mashable Choice Award winner that earned a 4.5/5 rating.

We highly recommend bumping up to the 1TB variant with 16GB of memory, which is currently marked down to $1,699 (down $300 from $1,999), but the base configuration with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage is also on sale for $1,299 (down $300 from $1,599). Either way, you’ll be locking in an all-time low.” — Haley Henschel, Senior Shopping Reporter

Best headphones deal

Why we like it

Read Mashable’s full review of the Amazon Echo Buds (2nd gen).

“While Apple, Sony, and Bose tend to get most of the hype around earbuds, there are plenty of other brands that sneak in there and surprise us. Amazon happens to be one of them with their 2021 Amazon Echo Buds. They provide excellent noise cancellation and are compatible with any system.

Normally $139.99, they’re already a steal for a pair of earbuds with active noise cancellation. But ahead of Prime Day, they’re down to $44.99, saving you $95 for 68% off.” — Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

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Headphones

Earbuds

Best Bluetooth speaker deal

Why we like it

“Maybe your Bluetooth speaker kicked the dust this summer after one too many pool parties. If you find yourself in the market for a new one, Prime Day is an especially great time to hit add to cart.

If you need a speaker for a party, the JBL PartyBox is just that. Despite its large size, the shoulder strap makes it easy to carry. Plus, six hours of battery life keeps it running all night long. Built-in lights and a microphone really keep things turning up all night long.

Ahead of Prime Day, you can find the JBL PartyBox down to $299.95, saving $50 for 14% off.” — Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

More Bluetooth speaker deals

Soundbar deals

Best TV deal

Why we like it

“Who says you need to spend a grand to get a nice (and decently sized) 4K TV? With the early 35% discount that Amazon slapped on the 55-inch version of its most affordable Fire TV, Prime members could actually get one for two different rooms for way less than $1,000.

As Amazon’s most basic in-house Fire TV, the 4-Series would be best suited for people who aren’t super picky about saturation or brightness levels as long as it’s a step up from their old LED TV — and this definitely will be. With the intuitive Fire TV platform built-in, the 4-Series can access all of your favorite streaming apps, which you can arrange in whatever layout makes sense to you.” — Leah Stodart, Senior Shopping Reporter

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50- to 55-inch TVs

65-inch TVs

75-inch TVs and up

Best streaming deal

Why we like it

Is the Amazon Fire Stick 4K the best streamer we’ve ever tested? No, Roku takes the cake there. However, it still works perfectly fine, and not to mention, it’s hard to turn away from its delightful $30 price tag ahead of Prime Day. Having tested the Amazon Fire Stick TV, set-up is easy, as simple as plugging it into an HDMI port in the back of your TV.

While the home screen is a little clunky and slow, full of ads and promotions for Prime Video content, it is a dream for those who primarily stream on the site. The Amazon Fire Stick 4K is down to $24.99, saving you $25 and 50% off.

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Best gaming deal

Why we like it

“The Nintendo Switch Lite (Gray) is $179.99 at Amazon right now. It might go down in price during Prime Day, but its record-low is $196.80, and that was back in February 2022, so this deal (even at just $20 off) is still worth considering. If you want to save even more, you can buy a renewed model for $165.

The Nintendo Switch Lite is a portable version of the original Nintendo Switch. You can play classic games like Super Mario Bros and Zelda on the go and purchase and download other Switch games straight to the console.

If you prefer gaming on a TV, the Nintendo Switch is $264.97, down from $299.99. That’s not a massive discount, but it’s a decent price for a new Nintendo Switch.” — Tabitha Britt, Mashable Shopping Contributor

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Best drone deal

Why we like it

“If you’re really into drones, the name Holy Stone should be on your radar. This brand is known for making high-end drones that are feature-packed and, at times, super affordable.

The Holy Stone GPS drone HS175D RC Quadcopter is currently $169.99 at Amazon, which is $60 off the listing price. It’s a solid mid-range drone option that shoots 4K videos, has a 46-minute flight time, and a special flight mode where you can direct its movement — whether you want it to follow you or fly along a specific path.” — Tabitha Britt, Mashable Shopping Contributor

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Best robot vacuum deals

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Best fitness tracker deal

Why we like it

“Ideal for smaller wrists, the Garmin Venu 3S is about .2 inches smaller in diameter and .3 oz lighter than the standard Venu 3. It still offers the same advanced features, like a built-in speaker and microphone to take calls, the ability to store music, and an abundance of health and fitness tools and insights. The only real difference besides the size is that the 3S has a slightly shorter battery life (about 10 days in smartwatch mode versus the 3’s 14 days), but it still blows the Apple Watch battery out of the water. It’s usually $449.99, but you can save $55 ahead of the October Prime event and get it for only $395. That’s a new all-time low.” — Christina Buff, Mashable Shopping Contributor

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Best kitchen deal

Why we like it

“Trying to break your Starbucks habit? Invest in a fancy brewer for your home, like the Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker. It happens to be on sale for just under $100 ahead of October Prime Day, which is 41% in savings and matches its Black Friday price from last year. It features four brewing styles (classic, rich, over ice, and specialty brew), six brewing sizes (cup, XL cup, travel mug, multi-serve travel mug, half carafe, and full carafe), and a fold-away milk frother. That means you can create anything from hot or ice lattes and macchiatos to cappuccinos and iced coffee from the comfort of your kitchen.” — Christina Buff, Mashable Shopping Contributor

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Air fryer deals

Blender deals

Coffee maker deals

Multicooker deals

Stand mixer deals

Best book deal

Why we like it

“If you’re not into self-help books, James Clear’s Atomic Habits might not be on your radar. But this is one of the best nonfiction titles to come out within the past few years, and it’s currently 49% off in hardcover.

This book is all about teaching yourself to build good habits, break bad ones, and generally become more focused, productive, and successful in your daily life. And at just $13.79 for the hardcover, it’s a steal.” — Tabitha Britt, Mashable Shopping Contributor

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Best home security deal

Why we like it

“If you could put a price tag on peace of mind, it’d be pretty close to this Blink Whole Home Bundle deal. It includes the Blink Outdoor 4, Mini 2, Video Doorbell, and Sync Module 2, all for just $89.97. That’s 55% off the retail value and the lowest price we’ve seen on this particular bundle. The Blink Mini 2 can take care of the inside of your home, day or night, while the Outdoor 4 can keep an eye on things outside. Paired with the Blink app, the video doorbell can show you who shows up at your door (even at night). And the Sync Module 2 will let you keep track of all the action in one place (and store your clips locally). It’s one of the most affordable ways to keep an eye on every part of your home.” — Christina Buff, Mashable Shopping Contributor

More home security deals

Video doorbell deals

Single security camera deals

Home security bundle deals

Best printer deal

Why we like it

The HP ENVY 6055e wireless color inkjet printer can print quickly, going through five pages a minute in color, and eight and a half pages in black and white. It also comes with three months’ worth of ink through HP+. You just have to activate your subscription to get it — it’s pretty easy to do through the app. This compact printer is ideal for at-home printing or dorm room use.

More printer deals

Best Samsung Galaxy deal

Why we like it

Samsung’s Galaxy A35 is a ‘strong buy for the price,’ as our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) said in their review. The budget-friendly Galaxy phone was released as a more affordable alternative to the Galaxy S24. As a budget phone, it doesn’t offer the same speed and performance as the S24, but it also doesn’t cost over $1,000. It packs a gorgeous 6.6-inch display, Samsung’s Exynos 1380 processor, a 50 MP wide-angle camera with optical image stabilization, and a long-lasting 5,000mAh battery that supports fast charging. It’s not the most impressive phone on the market, but on sale for just $313.99, it’s a pretty hard deal to beat. That’s 22% in savings.” — Christina Buff, Mashable Shopping Contributor

More Samsung Galaxy deals

Galaxy Book deals

Galaxy Buds deals

Galaxy phone deals

Galaxy Tab deals

Galaxy Watch deals


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The Controversial, R-Rated Sci-Fi Thriller That’s Better Than The Book

By Joshua Tyler
| Published

In 2006, the Wachowskis, the minds behind The Matrix, poured the proceeds of their success into a lie. A lie they hoped would reveal the truth.

At first, it seemed to work. People bought tickets, critics liked it, and there was hope that their idea might lead to change on a significant scale. Now, 20 years later, the exact opposite has happened. The dark future their movie predicted is closer than ever. 

This is why V For Vendetta failed.

V For Vendetta Was a Conventional Success

By any conventional measure, V for Vendetta was not a failure; it was a moderate success. It got generally positive reviews, performed solidly at the box office, and more than made its budget back.

But V for Vendetta isn’t a conventional film. So before we determine why it failed, let’s define what V for Vendetta is. 

V’s Truth And His Vendetta

Based on the same-named comic series written in 1982 by Alan Moore and David Lloyd, V for Vendetta tells the tale of a near-future England run by an oppressive government and a man, known only as V (Hugo Weaving), who sets out to destroy it. V is a terrorist, and he achieves his goals by murder, subterfuge, and blowing things up. He bursts onto the scene clad in dark clothes, hidden behind a Guy Fawkes mask, and spouting dialogue so complex and full of high-dollar words that it’s nearly another language. 

While skulking London’s deserted, under-curfew streets, he rescues a waifish girl accosted by Fingermen, the government’s assault-hungry secret police. The girl is Evey (Natalie Portman), and it’s the 5th of November, a day the people of Britain will remember.

V takes Evey under his wing as he embarks upon a strategy of governmental destruction. He’s a terrorist, but he’s not terrorizing the people. Instead, his goal is to awaken and empower them, while striking fear into the heart of England’s totalitarian government. “If you want to see who is responsible, look no further than a mirror,” he tells the country’s citizens. “I understand, you were afraid,” he says by way of forgiving them. 

It’s the people who put Britain’s corrupt, hate-driven government in power, and it’s the people who must stop it. “People should not be afraid of their governments,” pronounces V, “governments should be afraid of their people.”

V for Vendetta is a visually rich, dark, and resonant film; one that uses style to convey substance under the guise of pure entertainment. The Wachowski brothers’ script is a faithful adaptation of its source material, tweaked just enough to update it and properly translate it to the screen.

Is the movie political? Yes, but not necessarily in a way specific to any modern political party. It was, after all, written in 1982. These are the same political paradoxes that have been plaguing man for centuries. If you’re British, you’ll almost certainly find a way to apply it to Keir Starmer or Tony Blair, but that’s only because the film’s themes are universal.

Hugo Weaving is incredible as V, acting underneath a stiff, somewhat silly mask that completely covers his face, his eyes, or anything else he might use to convey the slightest emotion. Yet somehow, V is the film’s most passionate, powerful character. 

Hugo uses his voice and physicality to convey that, to bring an awkward, faceless creation to electrifying life. V calls himself an idea, and with Weaving playing him, he’s a very powerful idea.

But Natalie Portman’s Evey becomes the real heart of the movie. V is an unstoppable force; Evey is a real person, caught up in his deadly rebellion. Her conversations with V, not the movie’s one or two action bits, are the driving force of the Wachowskis’ script. Evey resists V’s crusade against oppression; her mind rebels at what he says out of fear and self-preservation. So will you.

V For Vendetta’s Forbidden Message

Referencing the still unseen film back in the days before it was released, one member of a politically minded film forum was quick to declare: “You can’t make a movie about a terrorist now without endorsing bin Laden.” It’s that mindset that makes V for Vendetta so unsettling. 

Sometimes, it almost feels like you’re watching something forbidden, like you’re seeing something you shouldn’t be allowed to see. It’s shocking that a movie like this ever actually got made. It’s even more unbelievable that a major Hollywood studio made it. Would the Wachowskis have been allowed to make it if they were making it now? I doubt it.

It’s fun to accuse Hollywood of excessive activism. Most of the modern message-pushing they do isn’t bravery; it’s adopting a trend and claiming to be a rebel. Not so with V for Vendetta. It’s a purposefully uncomfortable film, one that will affect different people differently depending on what you bring in with you.

Yes, V for Vendetta is rebellious and risky, subversive and dangerous. But it’s not cynical. V’s naïve take on the world is one that believes in the basic strength and goodness of people as strongly as it believes in the intrinsic corruptness of big government. It’s a viewpoint that almost certainly has no basis in reality, but that’s alright. 

What makes the film great is that you’re not asked to subscribe to its philosophy, only think about it and take note. It’s not a call to rise up against your rulers, but a warning about the way fear can be used to give a person or organization too much power. It’s an old lesson, but one that bears frequent repeating. 

Why V For Vendetta Failed

“By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.” – V’s personal motto

V for Vendetta is an idea. An idea’s success or failure must be measured by its impact on the world around it. V for Vendetta had none.

The movie planted a few quotes in the minds of those who saw it. People love repeating that “governments should be afraid of their people” one. But at no point did V for Vendetta cause anything to change.

By any measure, governments have only grown more powerful and less afraid of their people since 2006. In response, people have rushed to hand off even more power to centralized authority figures, citing safety, equity, or some other concern as justification.

Had V for Vendetta flopped and become a cult classic, people would be whispering its words in secret late-night showings. Had it been a box-office juggernaut, it would have cemented its place as a permanent fixture in our culture. It did neither, so it fades away, taking not just its message, but the message of the comic on which it’s based, along with it.

V for Vendetta’s idea has been neutered, and mid-level success was the tool used to do it.

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Grab the Magic: The Gathering Foundations Jumpstart Booster Display Box on sale for under $100 at Amazon

TL;DR: Amazon has the Magic: The Gathering Foundations Jumpstart 2025 Booster Box on sale for $99.62, down from its current standard price of $105.59. That gets you 24 ready-to-mix Jumpstart boosters, with every pack including 20 cards, all the lands needed to play, and at least one Rare or Mythic Rare card.

Credit: Magic: The Gathering

$99.92
at Amazon

$105.59
Save $5.67

If you’ve been thinking about getting into Magic: The Gathering without immediately needing to learn every corner of deckbuilding, Jumpstart is still one of the easiest ways to get started with the trading card game, and you can now do so with its biggest box on sale. 

As of June 3, Amazon lists the Magic: The Gathering Foundations Jumpstart 2025 Booster Box for $99.62, with the item shipped and sold by Amazon itself rather than a third-party seller. This is a 90-day low price; Amazon’s typical price for the 24-pack box is $105.59, saving you $5.97 with this sale price. 

On the other hand, you can save even more when shopping outside of Amazon. TCGplayer listings starting at $89 with shipping included, dropping below its $89.09 market price. Slightly higher, Walmart sits at $89.99 via Flipside Gaming.

Magic: The Gathering Foundations Jumpstart Boosters are built around the idea of getting started simply by opening two boosters, shuffling them together, and starting to play — with no drafting, no decklist research, and no digging through your bulk box for lands required. 

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Each of the included 24 Jumpstart boosters contains 20 Magic cards with all the lands already included. Every booster also comes with one anime-inspired card and at least one Rare or Mythic Rare, which is a plus for collectors. 

There are over 46 possible themes, too, including Goblins, Dinosaurs, Ninjas, and other chaotic little pairings that can make each game feel different. 

To get ready for what’s to come in MTG, you can preorder the 30-pack Marvel Super Heroes Play Booster Box for under $140 — a record low price. Right now, though, you can also buy the Magic: The Gathering Aetherdrift Bundle on sale for $40. 

If you’re also a Pokémon TCG fan, although it is currently not available on Amazon, the newly announced Pitch Black expansion — Booster Packs, ETBs, Display Boxes, and Booster Bundles — is available to preorder at TCGplayer.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable’s Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

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Samsungs 32-inch Odyssey G5 QHD gaming monitor has dropped to a record low price on Amazon

TL;DR: Amazon has slashed the price of the Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G5 (G50F) QHD gaming monitor to $219.99, $130 off its original $349.99 price; that’s its lowest price with the retailer ever, and it still offers a 1440p gaming display with a 180Hz refresh rate.

$219.99
at Amazon

$349.99
Save $130

With the rise of OLED and 4K gaming monitors, HD and QHD models are getting more affordable than ever — and you can now score $130 off a top-tier 32-inch unit from Samsung.

As of June 3, the Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G5 (G50F) QHD gaming monitor is on sale at Amazon for only $219.99, down 37% from its usual list price, and is sold and shipped by Amazon directly. With that $130 drop, this gaming monitor is now at its lowest Amazon price ever, as confirmed by price-tracking site camelcamelcamel.

For this massively lower price, the G50F offers QHD 2560 x 1440 resolution, similar to standard HD but with 1.7 times the pixel density for a fuller display, without making the more expensive jump to 4K. Whether you’re catching up on RPGs like Crimson Desert or linear action-adventures like 007: First Light, everything will still be sharper and pleasing to the eyes. 

For lovers of fast-paced multiplayer games like Fortnite, the fast IPS panel also brings a 178-degree viewing angle to help keep the picture clear, while the 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms GtG response time keep gameplay both buttery smooth and far more responsive

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Despite not being 4K, the Odyssey G5’s display still includes HDR10 for brighter highlights and deeper-looking shadows. Plus, the included AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility helps keep any visuals intact by reducing screen tearing as much as possible. 

On the off chance you’re open to diving into 4K, LG’s 32-inch OLED UltraGear monitor has been cut to just under $800 on Amazon, too.

For a model that’s a bit smaller, the 27-inch, 1440p LG OLED UltraGear gaming monitor is now only $500, down nearly half. 

If you’re also a Pokémon TCG fan, although currently not available on Amazon, the newly announced Pitch Black expansion — Booster Packs, ETBs, Display Boxes, and Booster Bundles — is available to preorder at TCGplayer.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable’s Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

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