The 17 Best Anti-Prime Day Deals: Best Buy, Walmart, Costco and More
If you have landed on this page, you probably already know that Amazon Prime Day 2024 will be back for its 10th anniversary in just two weeks. And just as the e-commerce giant is gearing up are offering great deals and discounts across shopping platforms, so does competition.
Also: Today’s Best Prime Day Deals
Right now, you can save big in many core categories, like tech, home, back to school, and more, at many other major retailers, including Best Buy, Walmart, Costco, BJ ofand more. Thanks to Prime Day, it’s a buyer’s market as retailers compete for you to buy a variety of top tech items by offering the same (or better) discounts.
That’s why we’ve rounded up the best anti-Prime Day deals you can shop right now. We’ll be updating this list regularly leading up to Prime Day and multiple times a day as the event progresses, so be sure to check back.
The Best Deals for Prime Day 2024
- Microsoft Windows 11 Pro License for $23 (save $176 at Stack Social): Software is not cheap. Now you can have it for life Microsoft Windows 11 Pro licensing through StackSocial saves you 88%. The system works great for users with refurbished computers that need an updated operating system. You also get Microsoft Copilot embedded in the software to answer queries and optimize your workflow.
- Google Nest Smart Thermostat for $170 (save $80 at Best Buy): If you’re upgrading your home to smart, make it easy with Google’s Nest Smart Thermostat, which is on sale for $80 at Best Buy. Control your home’s temperature from your smartphone and connect with other Google smart devices for the ultimate smart home setup.
- Get a Walmart+ Annual Membership for $49 (save $49 at Walmart): Walmart is offering 50% off their annual bill Walmart+ Membership ahead of their Walmart Deals event next week. Right now, you can sign up for just $49, get exclusive early access to next week’s sale, and enjoy perks like free shipping, gas allowance, car care, and more.
- Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II for $179 (save $100 at Best Buy): We love Bose QuietComfort II In-Ear Headphones for its powerful noise cancellation and unparalleled sound. Plus, with a $100 savings, this is a steal.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch SE for $99 (returnable) (save $100 at Samsung):ZDNET’s Kerry Wan says this is best WearOS deals right now, and we have to agree. Right now you can trade any smart watch in any qualify and receive a $100 promotional credit, creating a new brand Samsung FE Watch yours for just $99.
- Arlo Pro 5S 2K Indoor/Outdoor 3-Camera Kit for $350 (save $350 at Best Buy): Home security is expensive, especially for cameras designed to work indoors and outdoors, shoot 4K video, and more. This popular three-camera Pro bundle from Arlo is currently $350 off at Best Buy and ZDNET’s Maria Diaz say a discount These cameras make them the best value for your money.
- Nintendo Switch OLED Import Edition Bundle for $274 (save $76 at Walmart): Nintendo Switch devices don’t often go on sale, but right now you can get the OLED import bundle for just $274. The OLED display allows for incredibly clear gameplay and bright, vibrant colors.
- Apple iPad Air (5th generation) 64GB for $400 (save $200 at Best Buy): Our pick for Best iPad OverallThe iPad Air 2022 is on par with its competitors. ZDNET editor-in-chief Jason Hiner said it’s similar in functionality to the more expensive iPad Pro. “It’s essentially a slightly cheaper iPad Pro with just a few features missing,” he said.
- Apple MacBook Air (M2) for $849 (save $150 at Best Buy): Apple MacBook Air (M2) Laptop redefines portability and power with a stunning display, up to a 10-core GPU, and up to 24GB of unified memory. Right now, you can save $150 at Best Buy on the M2-equipped version and get rugged laptop for under $1,000.
- Dyson V10 Animal Cordless Vacuum for $240 (save $110 at Walmart): Dyson vacuums are pretty expensive. Save $110 on this cordless V10 model at Walmart right now.
- Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) for $189 (save $60 at Walmart): The Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) is the tech company’s basic smartwatch. It doesn’t have all the latest health and wellness features built in, but it gets the job done. I bought one at this discounted price in October and it is my favorite item hitherto.
- Current Price: $849
- Original price: $999
Apple’s MacBook Air (M2) redefines portability and power with a stunning display, up to a 10-core GPU, and up to 24GB of unified memory. Right now, you can save $150 at Best Buy on the M2-equipped version and get a solid laptop for under $1,000.
- Current Price: $99 (watch exchangeable)
- Original price: $199
If you’re in the market for a smartwatch, ZDNET’s Kerry Wan says you won’t want to miss the best WearOS deal right now. Right now, Samsung is offering the base model Watch FE for just $99 with a qualifying trade-in program. That’s right. Galaxy Watch FEon sale for $199 can be yours for just $99 (50% off) when you trade in any smart watch in any status.
“This is definitely one of the best trade-in deals I’ve ever seen, so much so that I upgraded my mom’s Galaxy Watch 2 without hesitation. This is Samsung’s new smartwatch for $99, guys,” Wan said.
Also: Samsung’s $99 Galaxy Watch is today’s best WearOS deal — here’s how easy it is to qualify
- Current Price: $179
- Original price: $279
If you don’t want to buy the latest Bose headphones but still want to enjoy the brand’s benefits, an older model — like these Bose QuietComfort II headphones that happen to be on sale for $100 less at Best Buy — will definitely fit the bill. The headphones typically retail for $279, but you can find them for $179 right now. That’s cheaper than the price of our favorite Apple AirPods Pro 2, which retail for $250.
Also: Bose QuietComfort II Headphones Are $100 Off After July 4
- Current price: $49/year
- Original price: $98/year
Walmart is having a sale right now Walmart+ Membership Program 50% off. Instead of paying $98/year, you can sign up and pay just $49 and get early access to Walmart’s biggest savings event — Walmart Promotionwill start next week.
Additionally, Walmart+ membership offers a host of additional customer benefits, including free delivery from your store, free shipping with no minimum order, 10 cents savings per gallon at over 13,000 fuel locations nationwide, streaming video with Paramount+, auto care, home returns, exclusive early savings, mobile scan and use, and more.
Also: Get a Walmart+ Membership for Half Off Now. Here’s How
More Anti-Prime Day Deals Coming Early in 2024
Get a free gift card when you become a new Costco member.
Stack Social Network
- Costco Gold Star Membership + $20 Digital Costco Shopping Card (save $20 at StackSocial): This exclusive Costco Membership StackSocial’s offer comes with a $20 digital shopping card, essentially bringing the $60/year membership cost down to just $40.
- Google Nest Hub 2nd Gen Smart Speaker and Display for $75 (save $25 at Lowe’s): Still working on that smart home system? Add the Google Nest Hub 2nd Gen to your home setup for just $75. Use it as a speaker, display, and hub for other Google devices.
- Eufy Security 3-Piece Indoor/Outdoor 4K Wireless Security System for $500 (save $180 at Best Buy):Another security product on our list, this Eufy 3-piece camera kit can be used indoors or outdoors, records 4K video, and is currently just $500, thanks to a $180 discount at Best Buy.
- Apple AirPods (2nd generation) for $89 (save $40 at Walmart): Our Favorite Affordable AirPods even more affordable. Get the hang of it. AirPods (2nd Generation) with wireless charging case for just $89.
- Samsung Class QN90C Neo QLED 4K Smart Tizen TV 55-inch for $1,000 (save $500 at Best Buy):
- MacBook Pro (M3) for $1,400 (save $150 at Costco):ZDNET’s Jason Hiner says the new MacBook Laptop The line is aimed at creators and presenters, and Apple’s new M3 chip makes it great for desktop-class workloads. But it’s expensive. Right now, you can save $150 at Costco (membership required) on a new M3 model.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Amazon Prime Day 2024?
Amazon Prime Day 2024 will begin on July 16 at 12:01 a.m. PDT and run through July 17. Last year, Prime Day took place on July 11 and 12, closely following the July 4th holiday.
Are Prime Day deals really cheaper?
Deals are typically lower on Prime Day, especially on big-ticket items like TVs, Amazon products, laptops, etc. However, it’s also a great time to save on essentials and everyday products. You can also save on deals during other Amazon events, like Prime Big Deal Day in October and the Big Spring Sale in March, but the savings aren’t usually as high as they are on Prime Day in July. Plus, other major retailers like Best Buy and Walmart like to get in on the shopping action, often matching Amazon’s discounts, holding competing sales events, and more.
How did we pick these anti-Prime Day deals?
ZDNET only writes about deals we want to buy — devices and products we want, need, or recommend. Our experts look for deals that are at least 20% off (or that almost never go on sale), using price comparison tools and established trackers to determine whether a deal is actually on sale and how often it goes on sale.
We also look at customer reviews to learn what matters to people who have actually owned and used the deals we recommend. Our recommendations may also be based on our own testing — in addition to extensive research and comparison shopping. The goal is to provide the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter.
