Sports
Why USMNT’s Alex Freeman, Son of NFL Legend, Chose Soccer Over Football

You are certainly familiar with the name “Alex Freeman” now.
The U.S. men’s national team dominated Australia 2–0 in its second World Cup match on Friday, and the 21-year-old defender, making his World Cup debut this summer, put his cape on and played a major part in the crucial victory under the Seattle sun.
When Freeman wasn’t battling the Socceroos’ explosive counterattacks, he was slashing their midfield lines and igniting the U.S.’s attack. He made a Super Man-esque leap into the air, soaring above Australia’s 6’3″ goalkeeper to header the U.S.’s second goal in the 43rd minute, crushing Australia’s spirits and hammering home the victory.
The resulted, followed up by Paraguay’s surprise defeat of Türkiye, cemented the Stars and Stripes’ place atop Group D and punched their ticket to the knockout stages with a match to spare. Freeman left the pitch a hero with his first-ever World Cup goal.
Yet, before Friday, there was another “Freeman” whose name echoed throughout American households for nearly a decade: Antonio Freeman, Alex’s father. The former NFL wide receiver, now 54, starred for the Green Bay Packers, playing eight of his nine total seasons in Wisconsin, including back-to-back Super Bowl appearances (1996, 1997) and winning Super Bowl XXXI (1996). In 1998, the elder Freeman took the league by storm with 1,424 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns on 84 receptions, earning a Pro Bowl selection and First-Time All-Pro honors. It ultimately landed him in the Packers’ Hall of Fame.
Yet if Antonio dominated the game of “football,” why did Alex choose “fútbol” instead?
‘This Happiness on the Soccer Field’
Alex, born in 2004 as the youngest on the USMNT roster, started out playing both American football, soccer and even a bit of basketball growing up; however, it quickly became evident that soccer was his primary love.
“I had dreams of coaching him in football and basketball and showing him how to shoot a 3-pointer, make a pump fake and different things,” Antonio told ESPN. “But his joy was on that soccer field, and when he became a teenager, he just played more and more soccer.”
“It was soccer every day, all day. He was watching it on his iPad, he was kicking the balls around the house against the furniture, which you’re not supposed to do. He kicked everything. It didn’t matter what it looked like, he would just kick it. And he just grew into the sport.”
It didn’t hurt that Alex had quite a knack for soccer, too.
“It was almost mesmerizing going to his soccer games and just every other word from all of the kids, was ‘Freeman, Freeman, Freeman, Freeman, Freeman,’” Antonio added. “And he just had this smile and this happiness on the soccer field. Even though he was good at other sports, that one seemed to come the easiest.”
Antonio knew Alex was always going to choose soccer, yet the decision didn’t appear as crystal clear to his son.
“I had my doubts when I first chose soccer,” Alex told ESPN. “In my heart, I wanted to continue playing football, but I knew that if I wanted to be the best, I had to limit my area of concentration and I had to limit it all to soccer at that point.”
Alex joined Orlando City’s youth academy in 2020 as young teen, slowly working his way up the ranks of the MLS side before making his first team breakthrough in the 2025 season. His career skyrocketed from there, seeing him secure a spot in the 2025 MLS All-Star Game and debuting for the USMNT in June of that year.
He moved up to Spanish La Liga’s Villarreal this January for a transfer fee of $4 million with incentives up to nearly $7 million, becoming the third-biggest outgoing transfer in Orlando City’s history and the most expensive academy product that the club had ever sold.
Antonio had a limited knowledge of soccer, yet as a highly successful athlete, he still ingrained values in Alex that the young star relies on today.
“As a football player, I think they have so much competitiveness, and it just kind of rubbed off on me a lot,” Freeman told CNN Sports before the World Cup. “And for me, it was just to have that role model that I could always look up to for any questions, any motivation I needed and just to be able to have that guy to look up to. It meant so much.”
Antonio was overjoyed when he discovered that Freeman had made Mauricio Pochettino’s final World Cup roster, as the youngster certainly wasn’t a lock for this summer.
“You always want to see your kids do better and to reach the heights…that I reached, which is pretty high,” Antonio said. “And then you have your kid come along and not even go from a national superstar but go to a global star, that’s next level. We see coach on the video congratulate him on making the team. And man, I just went ecstatic, man. I just lost it, ran around the room, kind of crazy.”
Alex isn’t the only USMNT player with a famous athlete for a parent. Winger Timothy Weah’s father is soccer legend George Weah of Liberia, the only African to win the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year, winning both awards in 1995. Midfielder Giovanni Reyna’s parents both played for U.S. Soccer. Claudio Reyna was the captain of the USMNT and played in three World Cups (1998, 2002, 2006), while Danielle Egan Reyna was a star at the University of North Carolina before featuring six times for the USWNT in 1993. Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter’s father, Gregg Berhalter, is the former manager of the USMNT (2018–23, 2023–24) and played for the squad himself between 1994–2006.
READ THE LATEST USMNT NEWS, ANALYSIS AND INSIGHT FROM SI FC
Sports
Netherlands vs. Sweden prediction, odds, line, time: 2026 World Cup picks
The competitive Group F continues play on Saturday as Sweden and Netherlands get the 2026 World Cup action underway for the day. Netherlands are favored in the group, but Sweden posted a 5-1 victory against Tunisia in their opener, building a substantial goal differential that could come in handy for group tiebreakers. The Netherlands and Japan, meanwhile, battled to a 2-2 draw in their opener.
Kickoff for Netherlands vs. Sweden is at 1 p.m. ET in Houston. The latest Netherlands vs. Sweden odds from FanDuel Sportsbook list Netherlands at -140 (risk $140 to win $100) on the 90-minute money line, with Sweden at +370 and a draw at +290. The over/under for total goals is 2.5. Before locking in any Netherlands vs. Sweden picks, check out the Sweden vs. Netherlands predictions from SportsLine’s Martin Green.
After working in the sports betting industry for several years, Green became a professional sports writer and handicapper and has covered the game worldwide. Last year, Green was profitable in multiple areas on his soccer betting picks, including the Champions League (+211.25) and Bundesliga (+100). He’s also been red-hot in 2026, posting an 18-8 record over his last 26 UCL picks, returning nearly $1,000 in profit. Anyone wanting to follow his World Cup betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could see big returns.
Now, Green has studied Netherlands vs. Sweden and just revealed his 2026 World Cup picks and betting predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see his picks. Here are several World Cup odds and soccer betting lines for Sweden vs. Netherlands:
Top Netherlands vs. Sweden predictions
After examining Sweden vs. Netherlands from every angle, Green is leaning Over 2.5 total goals (-160). These teams combined for seven goals in their openers. Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari scored twice against Tunisia, and goals from Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres, and substitute Mattias Svanberg made up for the rest against Tunisia. Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville both found the net for Sweden against Japan.
Green notes that, on paper, Netherlands have some of the best defensemen in the world, but they were “surprisingly porous” against Japan. On the other end, “Sweden’s defense looks a little suspect,” Green notes. “The Swedes have conceded in their last seven games, so it’s hard to see them keeping the Dutch attack at bay for 90 minutes.” See Green’s best bets for Sweden vs. Netherlands at SportsLine, and you can bet the Over 2.5 goals at FanDuel here:
How to make Sweden vs. Netherlands picks
After studying Netherlands vs. Sweden from every angle, Green has found a critical x-factor and locked in two best bets. You can head to SportsLine to see what they are.
Sports
Germany vs Ivory Coast Predictions: Die Mannschaft tame Elephants
Our betting expert expects high-flying Germany to upset African giants Ivory Coast in arguably Group E’s most challenging fixture.
Best Predictions for Germany vs Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast Moneyline or tie @ -125
Over 2.5 total goals & BTTS – @ +110
Kai Havertz to score anytime @ +130
All odds are courtesy of US Sportsbooks, correct at the time of publishing and subject to change.
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Or look into our experts World Cup betting promos ranking for the major WC 2026 betting apps in the US
Learn how to bet on the World Cup with out in-depth guide for this summer’s tournament
Elephants to test Germany early
Germany stormed to the biggest win of the 2026 World Cup so far, but their toughest challenge is still to come. In a group featuring Ivory Coast and Ecuador, they need to be at their machine-like best to cruise through to the next round unbeaten.
Julian Nagelsmann’s men took a first-half lead against Curacao. However, they were left exposed at the back when Livano Comenencia historically equalised midway through the half.
Ivory Coast are a different beast altogether. The Elephants struggled to score early against Ecuador, managing a first-half xG of just 0.70 from six attempts. Still, with pacey talents like Yan Diomande and Amad Diallo in their ranks, they can land an early blow.
Both sides will go at each other from the outset. Defences will play a big role in a closely-fought opening half before the gates open after the interval. A first-half double chance in Ivory Coast’s favour makes sense.
Germany vs Ivory Coast Prediction 1: Ivory Coast Moneyline or tie @ -125
BMO Field braces for a treat
Germany’s thrashing of minnows Curacao marked the tournament’s biggest win so far. With a +6-goal difference after the first round, they are favourites to top the group and progress to the next round.
All of Germany’s previous six matches have gone over 2.5 total goals, with four seeing them net at least four times. At the same time, Ivory Coast have crossed the 2.5 mark in three of their last five games.
As far as the BTTS market is concerned, four of Germany’s last five games saw both sides score. In contrast, only two of Ivory Coast’s last five have followed that pattern. Both defences are likely to be breached in what is expected to be a high-intensity encounter.
BMO Field is in for an entertaining treat. Germany and Ivory Coast last met in a 2009 friendly that ended 2-2. This time, another high-scoring encounter is on the cards.
Germany vs Ivory Coast Prediction 2: Over 2.5 total goals & BTTS – @ +110
Havertz to continue impressive form
Kai Havertz has been in stunning form for Germany since the end of his club season with Arsenal. He earned man-of-the-match honours in Germany’s 2-1 friendly win over the USA with a goal and assist. This was followed by opening his World Cup account with a brace against Curacao.
His second against the minnows was particularly significant as it took Germany’s all-time World Cup tally to 239 goals, surpassing Brazil’s record. In doing so, he became the first German player to have a multi-goal game in consecutive World Cups since Miroslav Klose in 2006 and 2010.
Havertz has proven to be a big-game player, but he is yet to fully translate that for Germany on the biggest stage. Since his national team debut in 2018, Havertz has scored 24 goals in 59 games.
The 27-year-old can trouble the best of defences with his clever runs, blistering pace and clinical finishing. Back Havertz to cause Ivory Coast’s defence problems – a goal is never far away for the enigmatic forward.
Germany vs Ivory Coast Prediction 3: Kai Havertz to score anytime @ +130
Our analysis: Form of both teams
Score prediction: Germany 2-1 Ivory Coast
Goalscorers prediction: Germany: Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala; Ivory Coast: Yan Diomande
Germany stormed to an emphatic 7-1 victory over World Cup debutants Curacao in their opener. The “Blitzkrieg” marked the largest victory margin at the tournament so far, ahead of Sweden’s thrashing of Tunisia.
Die Mannschaft now sit atop Group E with a healthy goal difference. Their devastating attacking edge means they are already the top scorers in the tournament. The Germans carry strong momentum into this second-round clash.
Ivory Coast had already raised expectations before kick-off, having beaten France 2-1. The friendly victory in Lille served notice of Emese Fae’s Elephants ahead of the World Cup.
Unlike Germany’s comfortable win, Ivory Coast had to dig deep for three points against Ecuador. Amad Diallo struck a dramatic late winner to secure his first World Cup goal. In the process, they ended Ecuador’s 19-match unbeaten streak.
This clash in Ontario is arguably Group E’s most anticipated. Another comfortable German victory seems far-fetched as they prepare for their first real challenge this tournament.
Although the Africans are resilient, expect Die Mannschaft to pull through with a significant victory. Their superior team structure and disciplined defending should ultimately make the difference.
Probable lineups for Germany vs Ivory Coast
Germany expected lineup: Neuer, Kimmich, Rudiger, Schlotterbeck, Raum, Pavlovic, Nmecha, Sane, Musiala, Wirtz, Havertz
Sports
2026 U.S. Open Saturday live updates, leaderboard: Wyndham Clark in full control entering third round at Shinnecock
It’s Moving Day at the U.S. Open, and Wyndham Clark is in full control of the tournament.
Clark got to 7-under through 36 holes at Shinnecock Hills outside of New York, which set a new course record and gave fans a number that many didn’t expect to see the entire weekend, let alone through just two rounds. That ended up giving him a four-shot lead over the rest of the field in what’s been a remarkable comeback for the man who left the major championship last season in controversy.
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Matt Fitzpatrick, Xander Schauffel and Sam Stevens are tied in second at 3-under. Clark and Fitzpatrick will tee off in the final group today at 3:45 p.m. ET.
Only three players have ever finished under par at the previous five U.S. Opens held at Shinnecock Hills. After Friday, there are currently 10 players in the red, which is a terrifying stat for the USGA, which has already notified players that the greens will be quicker on Saturday.
If Clark can pull off the win, it’d mark his second U.S. Open victory after the one he claimed in Los Angeles in 2023. He won on the PGA Tour last month at The CJ Cup, too, and hasn’t finished worse than T11 since.
Notable Saturday tee times
All times ET
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2:01 p.m.: Scottie Scheffler, Brian Harman
2:12 p.m.: Maverick McNealy, Rory McIlroy
2:23 p.m.: Keith Mitchell, Akshay Bhatia
2:34 p.m.: Gary Woodland, Ryo Hisatsune
2:50 p.m.: Ryder Cowan (a), William Mouw
3:01 p.m.: Sahitih Theegala, Sam Burns
3:12 p.m.: Harry Higgs, Justin Thomas
3:23 p.m.: Collin Morikawa, Tom Kim
3:34 p.m.: Sam Stevens, Xander Schauffele
3:45 p.m.: Matt Fitzpatrick, Wyndham Clark
How to watch the U.S. Open
Saturday, June 20
USA Network: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. ET
NBC, Peacock: 12 – 8 p.m.
Keep up with the entire third round of the U.S. Open with Yahoo Sports:
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2026 NBA Draft Player Comparisons: Projections for Top 10 including Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa
“Who does he remind you of?”
It’s a common refrain when talking about NBA Draft prospects. A player comparison is an easy way for someone unfamiliar with a player to get an idea of his style or potential. It’s also tricky because it’s hard to do accurately.
When talking to scouts or front office personnel, they are hesitant to make player comparisons (at least publicly) for two reasons. First, every player is unique and there is no perfect match, it’s always a little flawed. Second, the established player brings baggage to the comparison. In this year’s mix below, Darius Acuff Jr. gets compared in style to Kyrie Irving, but Irving is a Hall of Fame player, which is an unfair burden to put on any player.
Still, NBC Sports reached out to and spoke with a number of sources around the league in recent weeks (and longer in some cases), and here is what they said.
AJ Dybantsa, 6’9″ wing, BYU
Player comp: Bigger Jaylen Brown; Kawhi Leonard; Tracy McGrady
Dybantsa is one of the hardest players to find a good comparison for — he is a physical, powerful downhill driver with incredible coordination who can get into the paint and finish or draw the foul. However, what makes comparisons difficult are his size and physical profile, which is just otherworldly.
Jaylen Brown is the comp most used by the people NBC Sports spoke with — but more the current, All-NBA Brown than the guy who came out of college. What Brown and Dybantsa share is an ability to get to their spots and make shots, but Dybantsa is just bigger and a tough shot maker. It is his size that had one league source using Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady as a comp.
One other comp that comes up a lot with Dybantsa is Kawhi Leonard, because of the physicality and the level some backers think he can reach. There is no wing harder to keep from getting to his spot than a healthy Leonard. Dybantsa would do well to model his game after that.
Darryn Peterson, 6’5″ guard, Kansas
Player comp: Devin Booker; Jamal Murray with better defense
Booker is the name that comes up most often, and it’s easy to see why in some respects. Peterson is a big guard who can score from all three levels and can just take over a game that way, much like Booker (who has dropped 70 in a game). However, Peterson sees himself more as a point guard — even if Bill Self didn’t use him that way as much at Kansas (health was a factor) — which is why a comparison with peak playoff Jamal Murray makes sense. Or maybe a bigger Damian Lillard (with some defense).
One comp I like with Peterson, in terms of impact and style, is peak Paul George. It’s not apples-to-apples because George is taller and a wing, but the ability to get buckets, lift up teammates and defend all match up.
Cameon Boozer, 6’8″ forward, Duke
Player comp: Young Kevin Love
Much like Dybantsa, it’s hard to come up with a good Boozer comparison because he is already so polished as a player, and he doesn’t fit neatly into pre-existing molds. The first time I saw Boozer play in person, and a scout threw out Kevin Love’s name, it was easy to see the comparison (although Boozer is ahead of Love coming out of college). It’s the ability to pass, shoot, and use footwork to score around the bucket, but more importantly, just process the game faster than anyone else on the floor. Boozer just makes good decision after good decision.
Caleb Wilson, 6’9″ forward, North Carolina
Player comp: Chris Bosh; Bigger, more athletic Pascal Siakam
People tend to think of Chris Bosh as that other guy in Miami with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, and that sells him short. Way short. He was a five-time All-Star and All-NBA player who averaged 24 points and 10.8 boards a game while shooting 36.7% from 3 the season before he went to Miami. No player made a bigger sacrifice in Miami for that team to win than Bosh.
Wilson has unbelievable athleticism and can be a defensive force right away, but his ability to develop a perimeter game — as Bosh did — is the key to reaching his ceiling. Siakiam is another player who developed a perimeter game over time and is long and athletic, the model Wilson can follow.
Darius Acuff Jr., 6’2″ point guard, Arkansas
Player comp: Damian Lillard; Trae Young
In terms of pure style, Acuff’s game looks a lot like Kyrie Irving’s — great handles, plays the angles, is a below-the-rim player who can shoot — except he’s not as quick as Kyrie, and living up to Irving’s accomplishments (champion, Rookie of the Year, nine-time All-Star) is an unfair burden to put on Acuff. Also, Acuff is built a little more like Jalen Brunson, and that is another player Acuff’s style gets compared to.
That said, Trae Young and Damian Lillard are the best matches because both are offenses unto themselves (or Lillard was at his peak), but their defense limits their teams’ ceilings. That doesn’t have to be the case, Acuff can focus and become a better defender (Young has improved in recent seasons, Brunson is a good comp here) but that’s the way league sources talking to NBC Sports have projected Acuff.
Keaton Wagler, 6’5″ guard, Illinois
Player comp: Tyrese Haliburton (but slower); Josh Giddey
It’s not just me who thinks Wagler’s game has some shades of Haliburton, Wagler himself does. Here is what he said on ESPN during the NBA Draft Combine:
“I’d definitely say I watch a lot of Tyrese Haliburton. I think I can play a little bit like him just off of, you know, my passing ability, my shooting ability and just making the right read all the time.”
Wagler is not as quick or athletic as Haliburton, and Wagler is going to have to prove he can be as good a decision maker as Haliburton (one of the best in the game). What Wagler has is a game that’s a little unorthodox, he’s not going to be rushed, and that can be developed.
Kingston Flemings, 6’2″ guard, Houston
Player comp: De’Aaron Fox; Derrick White
San Antonio’s Fox comes up most often as a name because he is quick with the ball and his speed in transition or just getting downhill puts pressure on a defense. Flemings is dynamic on offense — he came in as a freshman to a Houston team that had just come off appearing in the national championship game and quickly became the guy with the keys to the offense.
Fox and White also both come up because Flemings works hard on the defensive end. He may not be as good a defender as either Fox or White because Flemings measured a little smaller at the combine (6’2″) and he’s thin and has to get stronger, but the effort is there.
Brayden Burries, 6’4″ guard, Arizona
Player comp: Desmond Bane; Derrick White
Burries projects as a physical two-way combo guard, which is why the names of Bane and White came up in comparisons for him. Burries will walk in the door of whichever team drafts him with an NBA body already, and he can contribute as a rookie. What Burries also brings, as do both Bane and White — as well as young players such as Brandin Podziemski — is grit and scrappiness. That will serve him well at the next level.
Mikel Brown Jr., 6’4″ guard, Louisville
Player comp: LaMelo Ball; Darius Garland
Brown is an elite playmaker who his supporters think can thrive in the pace and space of the NBA more than he did in a more clogged up offense at Louisville. That’s where the LaMelo Ball comparison comes in — both are dynamic, entertaining playmakers that can be hard to take your eyes off of, guys who can score or make a pass out. It also fits because both can be a little out of control or make poor decisions, leading to turnovers.
Brown is interesting heading into the draft because he’s a bit polarizing, but teams that believe they can develop his decision-making see a future All-Star in him. He could be taken anywhere from 5-10 in a wide open stretch of the draft.
Aday Mara, 7’3″ center, Michigan
Player comp: Zach Edey; Brook Lopez; Marc Gasol
Mara is interesting because he is not just a big body who can protect the paint using his size — think Edey — but he’s also a very good passer. Gasol, a former Defensive Player of the Year, is a little bit aspirational for Mara, but the idea that he can be the hub of an offense because of his passing skills is where the comparison comes from.
Sports
The best Prime Day tech deals are here: Shop Apple, Beats, Samsung and more for up to 55% percent off
Amazon Prime Day is just about here. The shopping event returns a little earlier than usual this year on June 23 through June 26, marking the second year in a row that Amazon has made it a four-day-long affair instead of just a 48-hour event. Amazon Prime members can get exclusive discounts on everything from clothing to household goods to tech, and we’re here to cover the latter. While most discounts are exclusively for Prime members, there are always a handful of deals that anyone can take advantage of, so it’s worth perusing Amazon’s site during Prime Day to see if there’s anything you can cross off your list while paying less.
But make no mistake — there are good Prime Day deals and bad ones. Plus, Amazon’s site will be awash with deals during Prime Day, so it can get overwhelming pretty quickly. We at Yahoo Tech can help — we’ve rounded up the best Prime Day deals available right now, and we’ll keep this page updated with new discounts as the event begins on June 23.
Trending early Prime Day tech deals
Apple Watch Series 11 for $299 (was $399): Smarter, thinner, more affordable than ever
Apple AirPods Pro 3 for $169 (was $249): This tech writer’s favorite earbuds
Lefant M210 Pro Robot Vacuum for $90 (was $200): Hands-free cleaning for under $100
Hopow Outlet Extender for $10 (was $16): Power up to 10 devices at once
Lisen Retractable Car Charger for $17 (was $20): Untangle your commute
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus for $25 (was $50): Stream everything in 4K for 50% off
Best early Prime Day deals
Apple AirPods Pro 3 for $169 (was $249): If I were buying AirPods for the first time, the Pro 3 would be the no-brainer pick. They’re a meaningful upgrade over the Pro 2, even before you factor in that those are sold out pretty much everywhere. You’re getting up to twice the noise reduction, longer battery life (up to eight hours with ANC) and bonus features like heart-rate monitoring and live language translation.
Amazon Fire TV Stick HD for $16 (was $35): Stop dealing with multiple remotes every time you watch TV. With the Fire TV Stick, you’ll be able to effortlessly switch between the news, sports, live TV and your favorite streaming platforms for easy access to millions of shows and movies. And at 54% off, this is the lowest price we’ve seen since the new model launched this past spring.
Lisen Retractable Car Charger for $16 (was $20): On a recent road trip, my wife and I realized we had two USB ports but only one charging cable, and both of our phones were dying. She won. You don’t need to worry about that with this charger, because it has two cables — a USB-C and a Lightning cable — built right in, perfect for our iPhone 14 and iPhone 16. Have two newer phones? You can still plug your own cable into either the USB-C or USB-A ports.
RedTiger 4K Dash Cam for $110 (was $130): Imagine this: You’re stopped at a red light when the car in front of you starts to back up. Before you have time to think, let alone react, bam! They hit your car, but claim you rear-ended them. Unfortunately, these kinds of insurance scams are all too common, and unless you have a dashcam that shows what actually happened, you might be shelling out a lot of dough to make this problem go away.
Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station for $429 (was $799): This power station is an absolute steal right now at $370 off. With a massive 1,070 Wh capacity and multiple ports, it’s great for powering everything from your camping gear to essential appliances during a power outage. Lightweight and reliable, it’s an easy way to stay charged and prepared without breaking the bank.
Best early Prime Day Apple deals
Apple AirPods 4 for $99 (was $129): Don’t like the feel of AirPods Pro or other earbuds that wedge into your ear canals? These are more traditional hard-plastic ‘buds, the kind that hang gently just outside. Some users find these a lot more comfortable, while also enjoying the benefit of added awareness, as there’s no noise-cancelling to interfere with sounds you might actually need to hear. Plus, you’ll save $30 by buying from Amazon versus the Apple Store.
Apple iPad, 11-Inch, 128GB for $299 (was $349): Out of stock for now, but check back — it usually restocks quickly and at $299, the price has only been lower during Black Friday sales. The latest iPad is an ultra-light, thin tablet that’s powerful enough to replace your laptop for most tasks but slips into your bag with room to spare. With a spacious 11-inch Liquid Retina display, you’re swiping and scrolling in vibrant color and sharpness that makes any screen that came before it feel like an old tube TV. It’s also our pick for the overall best iPad for most users. Not bad for $300.
Apple Watch SE 3 for $219 (was $249): The latest version of the SE comes with an always-on display, wrist-temperature sensing and a sleep score — features that were previously reserved for higher-end models. It’s also a favorite of Yahoo Senior Tech Writer Rick Broida — check out his full Apple Watch SE 3 review.
Apple AirPods Max 2 for $499 (was $549): You can snag a pair of Apple’s latest headphones, the AirPods Max 2, at a discount. We’re seeing some colorways on sale for $50 less than usual, which isn’t a huge discount but a notable one considering these cans just came out. Yahoo Tech’s Rick Broida tested them out and found them to have excellent audio quality, good controls and solid build quality. They’re probably still too expensive for most, but for serious Apple fans, they might be a good option.
Apple MacBook Air, 13-Inch (M5, 512GB, 16GB) for $950 (was $1,099): This latest MacBook Air is $149 cheaper than what you’ll find at your nearest Apple Store. If you’ve been waiting for this release to upgrade an aging machine, this discount is nothing to scoff at, especially for a MacBook.
Apple MacBook Neo, 256GB for $590 (was $599): While the base model isn’t discounted (very few Apple products are immediately after they’re released), the Neo is undoubtedly a deal, considering it’s the most affordable laptop the Cupertino company has ever sold. While the entry price point is a sweet sub-$600, we’d be remiss if we didn’t recommend spending the extra $100 to upgrade for more storage and Touch ID.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 for $700 (was $799): I’ve only seen the Ultra 3 dip lower than this (to $679) for a single day during Black Friday and Cyber Monday last year, making $700 a great deal on this top-of-the-line smartwatch. With a fast S10 chip, 5G and satellite SOS connectivity, a slightly larger display with thinner bezels, 42-hour battery life, and faster charging to 80% (45 minutes rather than 60), the Ultra 3 is the watch to get if you want a top-tier wearable.
Best early Prime Day under $25
Hopow 6-Outlet Extender for $10 (was $16): This extender is already marked down a few bucks, but the real benefit is the extra usable outlet space it provides compared to a standard wall outlet. It’s also cheaper than most power strips, and it takes up less space. That makes it a worthwhile deal even at full price.
Iniu 15W Wireless Charging Station for $15 (was $20): If all you’re looking for is a simple charging stand to juice up your phone every night, you needn’t spend more than $20. That may even be too much, as this $15 option will do the job and also act as a phone stand, whether you’re FaceTiming your family or catching up on The Pitt while doing the dishes.
Lisen Magsafe Airplane Phone Holder for $15 (was $25): Getting on a plane soon? This handy device will make it easier to comfortably watch your phone while flying. It’s one of our favorite MagSafe accessories and even beats the more expensive versions we tried.
Fyy Travel Cable Organizer Pouch for $10: USB-micro, USB-C, lightning. Keeping all of your cables organized when traveling can be a herculean task unless you snag one of these pouches. There’s room for every cable under the sun, plus card readers, chargers, power banks, you name it.
Baseus Bass BP1 Pro Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds for $24 (was $40): A pick from Rick Broida’s guide to the best earbuds, these won out as the best you can get for under $40. They have great ANC and sound quality for the price — especially during this Prime Day sale.
Best early Prime Day under $50
Kasa Smart Plug Mini 15A, 4-Pack for $24 (was $30): This is the light switch for lazy people — or efficient ones, depending on how you spin it. I use mine to schedule my non-smart lamps and automate the coffee maker, which means my cup of joe brews before I wake up. Easy control via Alexa and Google Home is just the icing.
Anker USB-C Smart Display Charger for $30 (was $40): This handy little charger can fast-charge the latest iPhones thanks to its 45W support, and its built-in display will show you real-time charging information. We also like that the foldable prongs make it easy to safely toss in a bag before you leave the house.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max for $35 (was $60): The Max is the top of the Fire TV Stick lineup, doubling the storage of the Plus and running on Wi-Fi 6E for the most stable streaming connection Amazon offers in a stick form factor. It also supports Xbox Game Pass cloud gaming, making it the pick if you plan to use your TV as a gaming screen.
MyQ Smart Garage Door Video Keypad for $36 (was $80): The MyQ is one of those smart-home gadgets that I wish I had bought years ago. I can open or close the garage from anywhere, get notifications if the garage door is left open and even schedule a time in the evening for it to automatically close. It’s simple, reliable and genuinely helpful, no subscription necessary, and thanks to Prime Day, more than 50% off.
Anker 65W 3-Port Fast Charger for $30 (was $40): If you hate cable clutter, this is your hero product. It powers my laptop, AirPods and phone from one small hub — no cord spaghetti, no outlet gymnastics. Whether I’m at my desk or on the road, I can plug in once and be done. The peace of mind (and desk space) it saves is worth way more than its price tag.
Anker Zolo Magnetic Wireless Charger, 2-Pack for $26 (was $40): You can never have too many chargers around the house, and these magnetic charging pads will power up the latest iPhones quickly and efficiently. We also like that they have 5-foot cables, so you can more easily use your phone while it’s powering up.
Best early Prime Day under $100
Beats Studio Buds for $90 (was $150): Want Beats Studio (or better yet, AirPods Pro) features like active noise cancelling and transparency mode in a smaller, lightweight package? Then these buds are for you. Plus, eight hours of listening time can be extended to 24 thanks to the charging case.
Ultimate Ears WonderBoom 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker for $70 (was $100): This could be the only portable speaker you need for the summer. It’s waterproof, dustproof and floatable thanks to its IP67-rated design. It has 14 hours of battery life, and you can pair two together to get fuller, stereo sound.
Best early Prime Day TV deals
Insignia 50-inch F50 Series LED 4K Fire TV for $160 (was $300): While we’re loving all the deals in our roundup, this 50-inch 4K TV is a standout. This is an insane price on a model that delivers everything you need: a manageable size, top-tier picture quality and all the apps, shows and movies that the Fire TV platform brings to the table. Want bigger? The 85-inch model is currently down to just $550. Yep, you read that right.
Sony 65-Inch 4K Bravia 3 Smart TV for $748 (was $800): Sony is one of the best names in the TV business for a reason, and this Bravia set offers a nice balance of affordability and great features. It’s a 4K set with support for HDR and Dolby Vision, and a 120Hz refresh rate makes it great for gaming and sports. It even includes some exclusive features for the PlayStation 5, if you happen to have one.
Hisense 50-inch Hi-QLED S7 CanvasTV Art TV for $750 (was $1,300): “One of my favorite TVs ever is within a stone’s throw of its all-time low price,” says Broida. “The Hisense CanvasTV is an affordable alternative to Samsung’s popular Frame series, which turns the screen into a museum piece — a showcase for great works of art — when it’s not showing new episodes of Slow Horses. This Hisense model includes a wood frame (Samsung charges extra) and an art library of over 1,000 works, no subscription required.”
Samsung 55-Inch The Frame 4K QLED Smart TV for $800 (was $1,098): Want big but not too big? This 55-inch screen is the Goldilocks of The Frame lineup, and it’s Yahoo’s best-tested art TV. It delivers an impressive 4K experience suited for larger living rooms or entertainment spaces — and at $200 off, it’s among the best deals for anyone who doesn’t want to go big with the 85-inch. Its ability to turn your TV room into an art gallery is just icing on the cake.
Best early Prime Day headphones deals
Beats Solo 4 Headphones for $130 (was $200): These stylish cans are 35% off — the lowest they’ve been since last summer — so you can snag all the signature Beats features for a steal. Expect rich, balanced audio with clear highs and punchy bass that’ll make your playlists pop. They pair seamlessly with Apple devices, offer up to 40 hours of battery life and are as portable as they are comfortable — just the ticket for life on the go.
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds for $199 (was $299): These open earbuds bring a fresh twist to wireless audio with an open-ear design that keeps you connected to your surroundings — ideal for runners and outdoor enthusiasts. Despite the no-tip design, they deliver rich sound, while the comfortable fit makes them perfect for all-day wear. They’re built to withstand sweat and rain, so workouts and unexpected weather are no problem. Plus, the battery life is a solid seven hours, ensuring they last through your day.
Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise-Canceling Headphones for $398 (was $460): Sony’s flagship headphones are some of the best you can buy right now thanks to their excellent noise cancellation and sound quality. These also have up to 30 hours of battery life and a comfortable design.
Beats Studio Pro Headphones for $170 (was $350): With personalized sound profiles and Apple’s H1 chip, these top-sellers deliver seamless connectivity, especially with Apple gear, making switching between devices a breeze. Active noise cancellation and transparency mode let you control how much of the world you hear, whether you’re on a plane or at the gym. Plus, with up to 24 hours of battery life, they’re built to keep up with your day. If style and sound are priorities, these won’t disappoint. Snag them now at nearly 50% off.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones for $329 (was $429): Take everything you love about the Bose QuietComfort — industry-leading noise cancellation, ergonomic design and incredible sound quality — and turn it up to 11. Your music won’t just sound like it’s coming from the headphones; it’ll feel like it’s all around you, fully enveloping you wherever you are, whether on a plane, train or in your very own listening room (I’ve always wanted a listening room). Get them now, while they’re $100 off.
Amazon Prime Day FAQs
Do you need a Prime Day membership to participate in the sale?
The short answer is yes, because most Prime Day discounts will be exclusively available to Prime members. However, the long answer is that, because there are always some deals happening in parallel with Prime Day that are available to all, you may still be able to save while shopping on Amazon even if you don’t pay for Prime.
How long does Prime Day last?
This year’s summertime Prime Day will last four days, from June 23 through June 26.
Will there be another Prime Day in 2026?
While Amazon hasn’t officially announced another Prime Day for 2026, the company typically has a “fall Prime Day” in October.
What deals do you typically see on Prime Day?
You can find deals across all categories of items on Amazon on Prime Day: everything from clothing to shoes to household goods to outdoor gear to tech can be discounted. In the tech space, we’ve seen as much of 50% to 60% off gadgets during Prime Day, with some of the best deals being on Amazon’s own devices like Kindles ereaders, Blink cameras and more.
What’s better, Prime Day deals or Black Friday deals?
Black Friday deals are usually better than Prime Day deals. Not only do we tend to see steeper discounts across the board during the Black Friday shopping season, but they are more widespread — you don’t need to be a Prime member to get Black Friday discounts, and many of those sales are offered by multiple retailers. To its credit, Prime Day has gotten bigger over the years and that has resulted in more deals available on Amazon during Prime Day that everyone can grab, plus competing retailers like Walmart and Target matching Prime Day deal prices.
Does Prime Day include discounts on subscriptions?
You can sometimes save on Amazon subscriptions during Prime Day like Audible and Kindle Unlimited. Amazon Prime Video channels are also sometimes included in the sale, giving you a couple of dollars off their monthly prices.
How can I track Prime Day deals?
Yahoo Tech will be tracking all of the best Prime Day deals on tech, so make sure to follow our content for the latest and greatest deals. Otherwise, we recommend either adding items you may want to buy either to your wishlist on Amazon, or even to your Amazon cart, ahead of Prime Day. That way you can easily buy them quickly if you see their prices drop.
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