At NBC Select, we often say that not every deal is actually a good one. And that couldn’t be more true during an event like Prime Big Deal Days, which Prime members can shop through Oct. 9. Some products are at their lowest prices ever, while others…. not so much. I’ve spent hours sorting through thousands of deals to find ones that are genuinely worthwhile. For any item to make my list, it has to have at least a 4.0-star rating from hundreds of reviews, be at least 20% off, and be at its lowest price in at least three months.
I’ve covered Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday for five years as a reporter for NBC Select, so I’m no stranger to mega sales like this one. Prices change, products go out of stock, and if you’re lucky, something incredible sneakily drops in price. That’s why I’ll continue updating this article throughout October Prime Day, which is about halfway over — if you haven’t started shopping, what are you waiting for?
SKIP AHEAD Best Prime Day deals | More Prime Day sales | Best sales at other retailers | How I picked the best deals | Why trust NBC Select?
Best Prime Day deals
Amazon Smart Plug
4.7-star average rating from 564,467 reviews on Amazon
Once you connect devices like fans, air purifiers, and lamps to this smart plug, you can control them from your phone via the companion app, which also lets you set on/off schedules. The plug is compact, so it keeps your second outlet free.
Cascade Platinum Plus Dishwasher Tablets
4.8-star average rating from 99,066 reviews on Amazon
Lowest price ever
Cascade’s dishwasher pods are made with Dawn dish soap to help remove grease, powder detergent to scrub away grime, and enzymes to break down dried, stuck-on food. This set comes with 52 tablets, which all have a fresh scent.
Chamberlain Smart Garage Control
4.3-star average rating from 101,823 reviews on Amazon
Lowest price ever
This device lets you link your existing garage door opener to a companion app so you can control it from your phone regardless of where you are. You can also give loved ones access via the app. It’s compatible with garage door openers made after 1993, according to the brand.
Apple AirPods Pro 2
4.6-star average rating from 7,532 reviews on Amazon
These are some of the best wireless earbuds I’ve tested. Their active noise cancellation feature lets me clearly hear audio in noisy environments, and they’re water-resistant, so I never worry about wearing them outdoors or while exercising. The AirPods come with a USB-C charging case and four pairs of silicone tips to customize their fit.
Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects
4.6-star average rating from 89,017 reviews on Amazon
Crest’s at-home teeth whitening kit comes with 44 whitening strips, which is enough for 22 treatments — 20 45-minute sessions and two one-hour express sessions. The strips are made with hydrogen peroxide to brighten your smile and are enamel safe, according to Crest.
Waterpik Cordless Advanced 2.0 Water Flosser
4.3-star average rating from 62,763 reviews on Amazon
This ADA-accepted water flosser comes with four interchangeable tips, all of which rotate 360 degrees to reach each part of your mouth. You can choose from three pressure settings, and the reservoir holds enough water for 45-second cleanings. A full battery gives you up to four weeks of use.
Duracell Optimum AA Batteries
4.8-star average rating from 2,690 reviews on Amazon
It never hurts to have extra batteries at home, so you might as well buy them on sale. This pack comes with 28 AA alkaline batteries.
Afina Filtered Shower Head
4.7-star average rating from 150 reviews on Amazon
Lowest price ever
Afina’s filtered showerhead removes impurities like chlorine and heavy metals from water. While testing it (I received a sample from the brand), my hair felt softer and my skin was noticeably less dry. Plus, it didn’t impact my water pressure at all. Installing the showerhead took me less than five minutes since it comes with a mini wrench and plumber’s tape to help with setup. You have to change the fixture’s filter every three months.
Bagsmart The Space Saver Toiletry Bag
4.8-star average rating from 56,589 reviews on Amazon
Lowest price ever
“I love this toiletry bag because it has multiple compartments, so everything has its place, and I can separate my makeup, shower, and hair care items,” says Sadhana Daruvuri, NBC commerce social media editor. “Since the compartments are clear, I can spot what I need immediately. The elastic loops also help me stand products up to prevent spills.” The toiletry bag, which won an NBC Select Travel Award, also folds open and has a built-in hook.
Bissell Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner
4.5-star average rating from 87,142 reviews on Amazon
Bissell’s upholstery cleaner, which won an NBC Select Pet Award, sprays stains with cleaning solution and suctions them off surfaces like carpet, furniture, car interiors, and kids’ car seats. It has two 48-ounce tanks that separate its cleaning solution and dirty water. The Little Green machine is also lightweight, making it easy to move around.
