logo
Shop our edit of the top Prime Day deals under $100: tools, tech, cookware and more

Shop our edit of the top Prime Day deals under $100: tools, tech, cookware and more

New York Post08-07-2025
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change.
The wait is finally over.
Each year, millions of shoppers wait patiently to strike when a sale is hot, and that time is now. Amazon Prime Day 2025 has officially kicked off, and the deepest discounts of the year are just a few clicks away.
This year's shopping marathon runs from July 8 through 11, providing shoppers with four straight days of some of the biggest deals of the season. With summer in full bloom, there's really no better time to snag all the essentials for inside and out — whether your eyes are on a brand-new espresso machine, a pair of trendy new sneakers, or you're ready to tackle some DIY jobs with a durable DEWALT toolkit.
Prime members have no shortage of products to choose from: from gorgeous home decor to fitness equipment, luxe cooking appliances, trendy apparel, Fourth of July hosting essentials, and much, much more. The Post Wanted team has spent hours sifting through thousands of deals and reviewing some of Amazon's best-sellers to curate a guide to the best deals under $100.
Below, find the best Prime Day deals worth shopping now. They won't stick around forever, so we recommend crossing off your shopping list before they're gone.
Shop this article by category:
Best Amazon Prime Home Deals | Best Amazon Prime Beauty & Wellness Deals | Best Amazon Prime Tech Deals | Best Amazon Prime Kitchen Deals | Best Amazon Prime Clothing Deals | Best Amazon Prime Fitness & Outdoor Deals | Best Amazon Prime Baby Deals
Amazon
Power up like a pro. The DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Drill/Driver Kit is the real MVP of any toolbox—lightweight, tough, and built for precision with 15 clutch settings and a 1.3Ah battery that keeps going. Even better? It's 45% off for Amazon Prime Day. DIYers, don't sleep on this deal.
Amazon
Do yourself and your electric bill a big favor. This floor fan will help you skip the A.C. in the humid summer. Offering four speeds and 90-degree oscillation, you'll love how quiet it is and how efficiently it cools a room. Best of all, during Prime Day, you can get one for under $100.
Amazon
Casper's genius pillow-in-pillow design wraps cloud-like fluff around a supportive core, so your head sinks in just right while your neck stays aligned (no creepy twists by morning). Stuffed with down-alternative microfiber and a breathable 100% cotton cover, they're a dream for hot sleepers.
Amazon
The BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner is a compact, powerful device designed to tackle tough stains on carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces. Its strong suction and stain-fighting formula make it ideal for quick cleanups. The lightweight design and included tools make it convenient for tackling everyday messes with ease and efficiency. Best of all? It's available for under $100 today on Amazon.
Amazon
These Best Choice Products lounge chairs feature adjustable zero-gravity positioning for ultimate relaxation and support. Made with durable steel frames and breathable mesh fabric, they're perfect for outdoor use. Lightweight and foldable, this two-pack is ideal for patios, beaches, or gardens, offering comfort and convenience wherever you go.
Amazon
Allergy season is in full bloom, which makes now the perfect time to take home a MOOKA Air Purifier to your cart. It's an air filter cleaner and odor eliminator bundled into one product — a best-selling device that's impressively discounted during Prime Day. For more options, check out our guide to the best air purifiers.
Amazon
If your list of summer projects is adding up, it may be time to invest in The Craftsman VERSASTACK Mechanics Tool Set. This set features a 72-tooth ratchet with a 5-degree arc swing, providing access in tight spaces. Crafted with a full polish chrome finish, the tools are corrosion-resistant and backed by a full lifetime warranty.
Amazon
Experience next-level home security with the Ring Battery Doorbell. This sleek, wire-free device delivers crystal-clear HD video and two-way audio, so you can see, hear, and talk to visitors no matter where you are. With smart motion detection and customizable alerts, you'll always know when someone's at your door—even before they knock.
Amazon
Stargazing just got a serious upgrade. The Gskyer Telescope brings the cosmos closer with crystal-clear views of the moon, planets, and beyond. Easy to use and perfect for beginners, it's your ticket to exploring the night sky without ever leaving your backyard.
Amazon
Consider a reliable solution for emergency preparedness. With 1,800 calories per day, this Food Supply kit includes a variety of meals such as soups, cereals, and entrées. Packaged in a durable, stackable pail, the kit ensures long shelf life, convenience, and peace of mind for natural disasters, emergencies, or off-grid living.
Amazon
Drift into luxurious sleep with the Tempur‑Pedic ProAir Sheet Set. Crafted from a premium blend of 65% cotton and 35% Tencel Lyocell, these sheets feature a breathable, fine-mesh weave that keeps you cool and dry all night long. Soft, stretchy, and easy to care for, this sheet set delivers the perfect balance of comfort, performance, and elegance, night after night.
Amazon
Keep an eye on what matters most with the Blink Outdoor 4 — a wire-free, weather-resistant security camera built for life outside. Capture crisp 1080p HD video, get real-time motion alerts sent straight to your phone, and enjoy peace of mind with long-lasting battery life. With easy setup and no messy wiring or required subscriptions, this latest model delivers powerful home protection 24/7.
Amazon
Transform birdwatching with the PETCAL Smart Bird Feeder, a solar-powered marvel with a built-in 1296p HD camera and advanced AI that can recognize over 11,000 bird species in real time. Motion-activated video capture sends instant alerts straight to your phone through an intuitive app, so you never miss an adorable visitor.
Amazon
Never get caught with low pressure again — the Dormzie Cordless Portable Tire Inflator delivers fast, accurate inflation wherever the road takes you. Compact and lightweight, it's perfect for cars, bikes, and sports gear, with a cordless design that means total freedom and zero hassle.
Amazon
ORDO's Sonic+ is a slick, travel-friendly power scrubber that zooms through your mouth with 40,000 sonic pulses per minute. Offering four different cleaning modes (Clean, White, Sensitive, and Massage), it caters to every dental need, from flawless whitening to gum TLC. The month-long battery makes it a jet-setter's dream.
Amazon
Ready for a hair tool upgrade? The CHI Original Ceramic Flat Iron is your go-to for silky, frizz-free styles that last. Its ceramic plates glide effortlessly through your hair, delivering a smooth, polished finish without the damage. Heats up quickly, so you can get ready faster — and right now, it's over $50 off for Prime Day
Amazon
Skip the salon. Yahi's LED Face Mask is lighting up TikTok feeds and vanity tables alike. This futuristic facial, packed with seven customizable LED colors, is designed to tackle everything from fine lines and hyperpigmentation to acne and puffiness— all from the comfort of your couch!
Amazon
Not all of us our blessed with long, full lashes. But, Grand Cosmetics has an ophthalmologist-tested serum that might be your solution. Thousands of reviewers agree that this formula increased the length and volume of their lashes over time, and some have even suggested they stopped wearing mascara, which might make it even more worth your buck (especially, on Prime Day).
Amazon
Tired of constant shaving? The Braun Silk-épil 7 is your at-home game-changer, removing unwanted hair from the root for silky skin that lasts weeks. With its smart pressure sensor and wide, gentle tweezers, this epilator targets even the tiniest hairs without the ouch. It works on wet or dry skin, and he cordless design means no tangled cords cramping your style.
Amazon
It's not always easy to grow luscious, long locks. For a little bit of support, consider starting the highly-rated Nutrafol supplements. This expert-formulated Hair Growth vitamin targets the root causes of hair loss, including stress, gut health, and nutritional gaps. We've tested it ourselves and saw results in as little as three months. Don't wait, we rarely see it go on sale!
Flossing is no fun, which is why we turn to the Waterpik. This handy tool offers a convenient and effective solution for maintaining oral hygiene on the go. With its powerful water jet, three pressure settings, and cordless design, it efficiently removes plaque and debris between teeth and below the gumline, ensuring a thorough and comfortable clean.
Sephora
Banging blowouts, but make it effortless. The Amika Hair Blow Dry Brush 2.0 is your secret weapon for big volume and sleek shine, and no salon required. With its oval barrel, frizz-fighting tech, and lightweight feel, it turns bedhead into bombshell in minutes. Less arm ache, more hair flip.
Amazon
Think your water's clean? Think again. The Filterbaby Skincare Filter 2.0 hooks right up to your faucet and kicks out chlorine, heavy metals, and all the nasty stuff that's secretly messing with your skin. Easy to install and looking sharp in Light Pink, White, or Chrome, it's the secret weapon skincare junkies have been waiting for.
Amazon
Flex your chef skills with the cult-favorite Always Pan, now on sale for Prime Day. The best-selling pan features a durable, non-toxic ceramic coating and oven-safe finish. Its versatile, do-it-all design means you can replace ten pieces of cookware in one stunning pan that we bet will become your new favorite piece of cookware.
Amazon
Cososri's 12-in-1 Air Fryer has all the cooking functions to take care of your tastes, whether you're looking to serve up some perfectly crisped fries, bake a batch of fresh cookies, or reheat last night's dinner. The iconic, quick-heating 360-degree heat circulation leaves all your dishes with crispy textures and extraordinary flavor.
Amazon
They may not have the hefty price tag, but CAROTE's collection of fine, nonstick pots is a fan-favorite on Amazon and features a stunning, smooth finish that blends seamlessly with a variety of kitchen interiors. It's durable, heats up quickly, and cleans up easily. And for under $100, you can have the whole set: two frying pans, a saucepan, a casserole pot, a saute pan, and a white silicone turner.
Amazon
We don't know where we'd be without the Keurig K-Supreme Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker. It's the space-saving, easy-to-use coffee maker of our dreams that delivers a fresh cup every time. Now, it's just shy of $100 for Amazon Prime Day 2025.
Amazon
This sleek wireless gizmo hooks into your phone and comes with ultra-thin probes that ditch the guesswork — three internal sensors plus one ambient, so juice stays locked in while perfection sneaks up on your meat. Long-range connectivity means you can remotely monitor cooking while hanging with friends or entertaining the kiddos.
Makes mealtime effortless with the Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker, featuring customizable digital settings and ample capacity to serve the whole dinner party. Whether you're simmering soup or slow-cooking a roast, its convenient timer and auto-warm feature ensure perfectly cooked meals, ready when you are.
Amazon
The Professional Plus Blender dominates. With a 1400-peak-watt motor (basically a tiny kitchen bulldozer) and a 72-ounce pitcher that pulverizes ice like it's personal. Three preset programs make smoothies, frozen drinks, and even homemade ice cream almost too easy. And the best part? The pour spout actually pours. No drips, no mess. In 2025, that feels like luxury.
Amazon
These ZWILLING knives are sleek, sharp, and seriously show-off-worthy. Forged from high-carbon stainless steel with full-tang precision and micro-serrated edges that never need sharpening, they'll probably make all your other knives look (and feel) weak. Housed in a gift-ready black box, they scream 'wedding present'… but let's be real — you're keeping them.
Amazon
For a simple yet reliable fitness tracker, look no further than the top-rated Charge 6 by Fitbit. It's user-friendly, offers seven days of charge, and is water-resistant in most conditions.
Amazon
Tired of losing your s–t? Grab a pack of Apple AirTags. They work with the Find My app to keep track of your valuables. A built-in speaker that works with Siri provides extra help finding whatever you've lost in the clutter. Best of all, they can be set up with a single tap.
Amazon
Travel plans coming up? Here's a place to put all the beach reads. The basic Kindle got an upgrade in October to its lightest and most compact size yet. It comes with a brighter front light (25% brighter at max setting than the previous Kindle), dark mode, and the same glare-free display you know and love.
Amazon
Make listening limitless. With raving Amazon reviews, you can assume Beats are among the best headphones on the market. These buds boast a customizable acoustic platform that can switch between noise-cancelling and transparency mode, making them a fine choice for anyone who likes to tune out the background.
Amazon
A flash deal for a flashback! Meet the new and improved Polaroid Go Generation 2. This instant camera has been upgraded with a wider aperture range, precise light sensor, and on-point exposure settings for capturing all your favorite memories as crisp photos with the same desirable retro look and feel.
Amazon
Beats Solo 4 are back, and they're half off. These sleek, foldable headphones pack UltraPlush ear cushions, up to 50 hours of battery life, and crystal-clear audio whether you're wired in or rocking USB-C. With Personalized Spatial Audio and dynamic head tracking, it's like having a concert in your ears.
Amazon
Shine bright with the Swarovski Emily Tennis Bracelet. This dazzling accessory pairs sparkling crystals with a sleek metal band for effortless elegance. Adjustable and comfy, it's perfect for turning heads day or night. Gift it or keep it, luxury like this deserves to be worn every day.
Amazon
Step up your game with adidas' Samba Classic. This iconic soccer shoe blends timeless style with street-ready swagger. Now on sale, it's the perfect chance to snag a legend without breaking the bank. Lace 'em up, these kicks don't quit!
Amazon
Sun's out, straps off! The Terra Bralette Bikini is serving minimalist heat with a sleek, barely-there cut and just enough support to keep everything in place. Soft, stretchy fabric hugs in all the right places—poolside or beachside, it's a confidence boost in two pieces. Warning: You might tan, but you'll definitely turn heads.
It's that time of year. Country style is back in style. Featuring intricate decorative stitching, these leather Ariat cowgirl boots are the epitome of durability and style. The 4LR™ technology provides superior support and cushioning, making them ideal for all-day wear, whether you're on the ranch or out on the town.
Amazon
The Silver Jeans Co. Craig Classic Fit Bootcut nails that rugged, no-fuss vibe with a fit that's roomy where it counts and a bootcut that plays well with your favorite boots. Built tough with durable denim, they're ready for work or the weekend without missing a beat.
Amazon
The Samsonite Freeform 28″ Spinner is lightweight, spacious, and stylish — perfect for travelers who want it all. Smooth 360° wheels and a smart interior make it a breeze to use, and the 10-year warranty seals the deal. Available in sleek neutrals and bold hues, it's easy to spot and even easier to love, especially on sale.
Brooks Brothers Regular Fit Stretch Lightweight Advantage Chino Pants combine classic style with modern comfort. These chinos are made from a lightweight, stretch fabric that offers ease of movement and a polished look suitable for any occasion.
Amazon
These space-saving weights swap out plates with a quick twist, letting you level up your reps without cluttering your home gym. Built for everything from curls to presses, they're perfect for strength training at any fitness level. Bonus: no more tripping over a dozen mismatched dumbbells.
Amazon
This is no mistake. You can finally snag a waking pad for under $100. This nifty model is equipped with a 2.5 horsepower motor and can carry up to 250 lbs, making it a great choice for power walkers and joggers with summer goals to hit. Customs say assembly is a breeze, so you can spend less time building it a more time getting your steps in.
Amazon
Camping season is here! If you're ready to hit the trails or simply love to spend some time outdoors, this personal water filtration system from LifeStraw should probably be your next purchase. It works by filtering out bacteria, so you can drink straight from the source: a lake, a river, or a pond. Grab a four-pack and set the whole family up with their new favorite tool.
Amazon
Working out shouldn't cost you a fortune, or take up so much room in your house that you have to move the couch around every time you want to work up a sweat. For a simple, budget-friendly fitness find, consider the convenient Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper. It's a great way to get in some cardio and is small enough to slide right under your desk — a multitasker's dream!
Amazon
We reviewed the 23andMe Ancestry Service, and it remains one of our favorite DNA kits on the market. Along with making a great gift for loved ones, it's fun to use it yourself. With a simple saliva sample, you can discover your family's origins and distant relatives, all while building a digital family tree.
Amazon
Snooze smarter, not harder! The Hatch Baby Sleep Bundle is every tired parent's dream come true—literally. With a sound machine, night light, and sleep training system all in one sleek gadget, bedtime battles are officially canceled. Cranky babies become cozy sleepers, and exhausted parents? They finally get a break.
Amazon
New parents probably aren't novices to babywearing, but this simple, comfortable carrier is one of those early parenting finds that you'll wonder how you ever lived without. The Ergobaby Embrace Cozy Newborn Baby Wrap Carrier is lightweight, easy to put on, adjusts to every body type, and comes in an array of colors.
Amazon
Take advantage of a deep discount on the award-winning Evolur Zoodle High Chair that grows with your baby, featuring an adjustable feeding tray and two footrests. A five-point safety harness, padded shoulder belt, and removable seat cover make a safe and clean setting for your little one.
Amazon
Covzy, comfy, and absolutely adorable — the Delta Children Personalized Sherpa Cozee Chair is one of the sweetest kids' finds you can score during Amazon's Prime Day sale. It just so happens to be customizable, too, making it a phenomenal birthday surprise or bedroom refresh accessory.
Amazon
You're not alone if you've held your breath at night watching your baby shift around in his crib. New parent anxiety is real, and an Owlet Cam baby Monitor is one of the best devices that can ease some of your nerves. It delivers real-time health readings, including live pulse rate and oxygen, making it simple for parents to monitor their babies' sleep trends and patterns day and night.
Amazon
School's in session! The Fisher-Price Baby Learning Toy turns your tot into a mini genius with over 200 songs, sounds, and phrases packed into one fun-filled playhouse. With 360 degrees of interactive action, this electronic tutor keeps little hands busy and little brains buzzing.
Amazon
Coolest kid on the block. I repeat. Coolest kid on the block. The Best Choice Products 6V Kids Ride On Toy puts your little driver in the fast lane to fun. With working headlights, engine sounds, and easy-to-use controls, this mini car delivers max style and giggles per mile. Buckle up—playtime just hit the gas!
Amazon
Safe, sleek, and stress-free. The Cumbor 46-inch Baby Gate keeps your little explorers (and furry friends) exactly where they should be, without cramping your home's style. With one-hand operation, auto-close magic, and a sturdy build that fits most stairways, it's the gate that gets parenting (and pet-proofing) right.
Your Prime Day FAQs, answered
How long does Prime Day last?
In a new twist for 2025, shoppers have 4 days to take advantage of Prime Day discounts. This sale starts on July 8 at 12:01 a.m. PT and runs through July 11 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
When does Prime Day end?
Prime Day 2025 ends on July 11 at 11:59 p.m. PT, so east-coasters have until about 3 a.m. on July 12 their time to shop the deals.
Do you have to have Amazon Prime to shop Prime Day?
Prime Day is a member-exclusive sale event. Interested shoppers can grab a 30-day free trial to try Prime, and its many benefits, with no strings attached.
What are the best Prime Day deals?
From reporting on Amazon sales throughout the years, we can tell you for certain that it's the ideal period to stock up on household essentials, score great deals on vacuums, tech and appliances, refill your skincare empties, and comb through the massive catalog of Amazon best-sellers.
Is Prime Day worth it?
We certainly think so! Prime Day is a great chance to score Black Friday-worthy discounts on thousands of deals, including everything from big ticket items to Post reader-favorite trash bags. Our team diligently sorts through all the offers to find you the very best items to grab on sale.
When is the next Prime Day?
Already wondering when the next Amazon Prime Day is? Prime Day takes place in July each year, so it's safe to assume it will take place in mid-July 2026 — similar to previous years. Can't wait to shop more Amazon deals? Look out for Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale, which typically runs in October for shoppers looking to beat the holiday rush of Black Friday.
Don't miss Post Wanted's around-the-clock coverage. Click here to find all of the best deals.
Hunting for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping with Post Wanted.
For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America's go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We're not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren't already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we're known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Peace of mind in your kid's shoe: This AirTag holder can ease your back-to-school worries
Peace of mind in your kid's shoe: This AirTag holder can ease your back-to-school worries

USA Today

time18 minutes ago

  • USA Today

Peace of mind in your kid's shoe: This AirTag holder can ease your back-to-school worries

Find out why this clever AirTag accessory deserves a spot at the top of your school shopping list. We are sending our four-year-old off to school for the first time and are admittedly very nervous about it. I know that I'm not the only parent out there feeling similar anxiety around back-to-school season, but I made one Amazon purchase that is giving both my husband and I a little bit more peace of mind. We purchased an Apple AirTag and a hidden holder shoe insole that fits neatly inside my son's shoes. AirTags have been a common device for parents to keep an eye on their child for a few years now, but kids can lose watches, the tracker can come detached from clothes and your little one can even be separated from their backpack, rendering the device fairly useless. The odds of my son losing his shoes in an emergency are lower, so that's where our comfort comes from. Here's how to shop the hidden AirTag holder insole before you send your kiddos off to school this year. Give yourself peace of mind sending your kids back to school with an Airtag in their insoles Pro-tip: Prime members can save 10% when they apply the on-page coupon! AirTags are a great option for anything you frequently misplace, or just need that extra peace of mind with a tracking-capable device. Here are some more accessories that might be of use: Save 20% on a 4-pack of AirTags

Crowded by EV Rivals, Tesla Preps For Critical Earnings Report
Crowded by EV Rivals, Tesla Preps For Critical Earnings Report

Yahoo

time41 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Crowded by EV Rivals, Tesla Preps For Critical Earnings Report

For what feels like the third or fourth time in a row now, Tesla is gearing up for what may be the most important earnings call in its history. The electric vehicle maker reports after the bell today, holding its first call with analysts and investors at the dawn of a new era that finds the company squeezed between increased competition and a high-stakes feud involving its enigmatic CEO and the US federal government. At stake are billions in lucrative tax credits. Buckle up, things could get pretty bumpy. READ ALSO: Tariffs 'The World Can Live With': US-Japan Trade Pact Pushes Markets to Record Highs and Amazon, Meta Wear AI-mbitions on Their Wrists Credit Score After something of a shareholder mutiny earlier this year sparked by his divided attention while serving as an aide to President Trump, Elon Musk has seemingly quelled the critics. Now, Tesla must confront its myriad headwinds. First and foremost: The regulatory credits Tesla sells to combustion-engine carmakers to offset their tailpipe emissions. Selling the credits has been big business for Tesla, generating more than $10 billion in revenue since 2019 and accounting for a substantial portion of its free cash flow in 2024. Recent legislation, however, eliminates the hefty fines that traditional automakers face for failing to reach emissions standards, thus reducing the demand for Tesla's carbon credits. Tesla's credit sales already dipped in the first quarter, generating revenue of just $595 million compared with $692 million in the final quarter of 2024. Analysts at William Blair and Co. recently projected that revenue in the category might fall by 75% next year, and be virtually eliminated by 2027. Analysts at Piper Sandler, meanwhile, are slightly more bullish, recently projecting that 'Tesla will still book around $3B in credits this year, followed by $2.3B in 2026.' Many legacy automakers have long-term contracts for carbon credits from Tesla. Still, those same legacy automakers are suddenly catching up to Tesla in the EV realm: While Tesla remains the EV king in the US, its sales are shrinking just as rivals' are growing. The Automotive News Data Center estimates that Tesla sold 125,000 EVs in the US in the second quarter, down almost 17% year-over-year (Tesla doesn't break down its delivery figures by region). GM, meanwhile, reports that it sold 46,280 EVs in the second quarter and 78,167 EVs so far this year, representing a 111% increase from 2024. That puts GM's domestic EV market share at around 13%, while most estimates peg Tesla's once-dominant US market share at just 43% now. 'GM is quietly building trust while Elon burns it,' Paul Waatti, director of industry analysis for AutoPacifi­c, recently told USA Today. Bleep Bloop: Still, Tesla has a sky-high forward price-to-earnings ratio for a reason. Thus far, at least, Musk has been able to sell investors on a future of self-driving cars and robotics. A robotaxi pilot program launched in Austin, Texas, earlier this summer. 'Outside of guidance, the market will likely be focusing on the robotaxi business, which had to navigate a slew of weather problems,' David Wagner, head of equity and portfolio manager at Aptus Capital Advisors, told The Daily Upside. 'The company has a 'hopes and dreams' multiple, so anything focusing on [autonomous vehicles], robotics and the other innovative products should be the focal point.' This post first appeared on The Daily Upside. To receive delivering razor sharp analysis and perspective on all things finance, economics, and markets, subscribe to our free The Daily Upside newsletter. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

macOS 26 beta preview: Spotlight's time to shine
macOS 26 beta preview: Spotlight's time to shine

Engadget

timean hour ago

  • Engadget

macOS 26 beta preview: Spotlight's time to shine

I've learned not to expect much from macOS updates — not through sheer cynicism, but from the obvious reality that Apple pays far more attention to iOS and iPadOS than its desktop platform. I get it. macOS is a thing of the past, while smartphones and tablets are Apple's profitable present and future. But still, I think Mac users deserve more than just widgets, or the ability to merely mirror their iPhones (a feature that's not only genuinely useful, but also cements how crucial iPhones are to Apple and its users today). Now with macOS 26, Apple is finally showing a bit more love to its laptops and desktops. After testing the macOS Tahoe 26 developer beta for a few weeks, it definitely feels like a more substantial update than the last few versions. The revamped Spotlight alone will likely delight Mac diehards, since it makes it easier to find apps and perform all manner of tasks without requiring your fingers leave the keyboard. Add in a lovely visual refresh thanks to Apple's Liquid Glass design, as well as enhanced iPhone continuity features, and you have an operating system that feels like a genuine step forward for the Mac faithful. (Ed. note: Apple just released the public betas for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26 and watchOS 26 . This means you can run the preview for yourself, if you are willing to risk potentially buggy or unstable software that could cause some of your apps to not work. As usual, we highly recommend backing up all your date before running any beta, and you can follow our guide on how to install Apple's public betas to do so.) I've never been a heavy Spotlight user, aside from the few times I've needed to quickly look for an app or file. But in macOS Tahoe 26, it's suddenly a lot more useful. Now Spotlight can also help you find specific files; search cloud file services and websites; run Apple shortcuts and automations; and even run basic commands, like looking up your recent screenshots when you type "/screenshot." Spotlight has become more than just a search engine for your Mac, it's practically a super-powered command line. (And notably, it has no real equivalent on Windows. So once again, Mac power users will be able to gloat about the supremacy of macOS.) Over the course of my testing, tapping the command key and space bar to trigger Spotlight practically became second nature. I'd bring it up to find files, as usual, but I noticed that it was better at unearthing what I was looking for than before. Spotlight also replaced my usual practice of typing in search strings in Safari or Chrome's address bar. It takes just a few seconds to bring up Spotlight, type "YouTube," hit tab to trigger the search box and type in the video I'm looking for. This intelligent site searching also works for Amazon and IMDB — hopefully, Apple will add more commonly used sites over time (or perhaps just the ability to map a site's internal search engine to Spotlight). If you're often buried by tons of tabs in your web browser, Spotlight can also quickly search through them. That helped me avoid getting distracted by social media and Slack conversations. I could just stay in my productivity flow, since I didn't have to sift through multiple app windows and tabs. The ability to trigger actions from Spotlight was similarly useful — it's a cinch to pop it up, start typing "Send Message" and jot out a quick text to my wife. Spotlight also learns your most common commands over time, so now I just have to type "se" for the Send Message action to pop up. I'm sure for a certain type of Mac power user, Spotlight will give them far fewer reasons to ever touch their mouse or trackpad. While Spotlight is the most powerful upgrade in macOS Tahoe 26, you'll notice the spiffier Liquid Glass interface first. As with iOS 26, it basically amounts to more transparencies and visual flourishes spread throughout the OS. The menu bar at the top of the screen is now fully transparent, instead of looking foggy like before. It's not much, but it does make your Mac's screen seem a little bigger (or perhaps that may have just been extra noticeable on the cramped 13-inch MacBook Air I've been testing on). Similarly, widgets and the Control Center dropdown have more glass-like visual elements that make them look a bit more modern. There's no real practical advantage, but to paraphrase a classic Marge Simpson quote, I just think it's neat. Apple Silicon-equipped hardware has more than enough graphics power to spare, so these visual upgrades also don't hinder performance at all. I didn't notice any slowdown during my testing, and according to Activity Monitor, there didn't seem to be a big hit to CPU or GPU usage. Even though you've been able to make phone calls on Macs for a while now through FaceTime, it's taken until macOS Tahoe 26 for Apple to debut a dedicated Phone app. The app itself is nothing special — it gives you a quick glance at your contacts and recent calls, all in a compact Liquid Glass window — but at least it's a more logical place for phone calls. Even better than the standalone app, though, is the addition of iPhone Live Activities appearing in the macOS Tahoe 26 menu bar. That makes it easier to keep track of an inbound Uber or Doordash order, without whipping out your phone. And if you need to tap into a specific activity, macOS will also automatically launch the app from your phone via iPhone mirroring. It's the sort of usability feature you'd expect from Apple, and notably it's also not easily replicable on Windows. (And sure, you can also view it as a way to keep iPhone users from straying to the dark side too.) The more I dug into macOS Tahoe 26, the more intriguing it became. Here are a few other updates worth highlighting: The Shortcuts app seems a lot more powerful now, especially with the addition of custom automations and Apple Intelligence-powered actions. You can have an automation trigger writing tools or Image Playgrounds, and there's also a new "Use Model" command that can tap into on-device AI models and ChatGPT. I'm still trying to wrap my head around building a complex automation, but conceivably it could let you do something like compare an audio transcript to text notes, according to Apple. Safari has received a Liquid Glass redesign that looks pretty polished. It's not nearly as transformative as the Safari iOS upgrade, which makes it easier to read websites on a small phone screen, but at least it looks nice. The Notes app now has Apple Intelligence-powered reminders whenever you share content to it. That could help you unearth some key tasks from a large email. The Photos app has also received the Liquid Glass treatment, and you can finally use Pinned Collections on Macs to keep your favorite photo groups handy. The Apple Music app can now use AutoMix to intelligently blend songs together, similar to a DJ. I've been using this feature on iOS 26 a lot, and it's honestly delightful — so long as you're not a total gapless playback purist.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store