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Best Costco deals to compete with Amazon's Big Spring Sale 2026
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Spring is finally making an appearance across much of the country, and with it comes a fresh crop of sales, including Amazon's Big Spring Sale, which runs into next week. If you're a Costco shopper like I am, you'll also find a bunch of new deals on top tech items, outdoor furniture, and the usual groceries and home goods.
Also: Amazon Spring Sale live blog 2026: Real-time updates on the best deals
Costco is a membership-based wholesale retailer. Non-members can shop with a guest account online, but only members can access the full savings for the store's sales events (non-members can expect a 5% markup on purchases, and some deals are members-only). Memberships start at $65 a year (and right now, Costco is offering a $45 gift card to those who join with promo code SPRING26, so it's like you're getting a membership for $20).
Personally, besides being a commerce editor, I'm a Costco Executive Member and a frequent Costco shopper. These are my favorite Costco deals right now.
Best Costco deals
- Current price: $1,100 (27% off)
- Original price: $1,499
We tested the Sony Bravia 5 last year, and were impressed by its enhanced color, contrast, and clarity. (Other size models are on sale as well.) Our reviewer called it "a formidable piece of home entertainment technology," and noted that "Its stunning picture quality, immersive scale, and excellent smart features make it a dream display for any cinephile or gaming enthusiast."
Review: I replaced my Samsung OLED TV with this Sony Mini LED model for a week - and didn't regret it
- Current price: $35 (22% off)
- Original price: $45
This nifty light switch cover installs easily with no wires or batteries, and turns on an LED light when the room is dark so you can always easily find your light switch.
- Current price: $299 (25% off)
- Original price: $399
Apple's newest baseline smartwatch offers upgraded health features and fantastic battery life -- especially at $100 off.
Review: Apple Watch Series 11
- Current price: $80 (38% off)
- Original price: $130
ZDNET reviewer Jack Wallen said the Liberty 5 earbuds "deliver a wonderfully agile, robust low end, buttery smooth mids, and crystal clear highs," especially for the price.
Also: These Anker earbuds have no business sounding this good for the price
- Current price: $1,399 (7% off)
- Original price: $1,498
The Samsung QN90F may be last year's model, but ZDNET TV reviewer Taylor Clemons says they still prefer it over several newer models thanks to its excellent picture and sound -- especially for the price.
Review: Why I prefer last year's Samsung QLED TV over pricier OLED TVs today
- Current price: $100 (23% off)
- Original price: $129
The Apple Pencil Pro incorporates advanced features like squeeze, barrel roll, and haptic feedback to make marking up, taking notes, and creating an artistic masterpiece more intuitive. It charges wirelessly and works with the newest iPad Pro and upgraded software, which makes it our top stylus choice for the newest iPad Pro and Air models.
Also: The best iPad stylus of 2026: Our top picks for writing and drawing on your tablet
- Current price: $469 (15% off)
- Original price: $549
The Insta360 X5 has become ZDNET reviewer Prakhar Kanna's go-to travel camera, thanks to its versatility and ease of use. "It is more expensive than its predecessor but offers better video quality, replaceable lenses, improved battery backup, and more," Kanna wrote.
Review: I took this 360-degree camera around the world - here's why
- Current price: $499 (17% off)
- Original price: $599
Our pick for the best iPad for creatives and students, the iPad Air runs on an M3 chip and features a stunning liquid retina display.
Also: I replaced my MacBook Pro with the M3 iPad Air - and I might never go back
- Current price: $999 (17% off)
- Original price: $1,199
Our pick for the best MacBook overall, the MacBook Air M4 is just the right size for work, easy to commute with, and the upgraded M4 Air processor is fast and battery-efficient. It also comes with more memory than past MacBook Airs, at up to 32GB.
FAQs
When is Amazon's Spring Sale?
Amazon's Big Spring Sale returns March 25-31, 2026. You can expect deals across all categories, as well as competing deals from retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, and Costco.
When does Amazon's Spring Sale end?
Amazon's Big Spring sale runs until March 31.
How did we choose these Costco deals?
ZDNET only writes about deals we want to buy -- devices and products we desire, need, or would recommend. Our experts looked for deals that were at least 20% off (or are hardly ever on sale), using established price comparison tools and trackers to determine whether the deal is actually on sale and how frequently it drops.
We also looked over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the deals we're recommending. Our recommendations may also be based on our own testing -- in addition to extensive research and comparison shopping. The goal is to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter.
Facts Only
ZDNET's recommendations are based on testing, research, and customer reviews.
Affiliate commissions support ZDNET's work but do not influence editorial content.
Amazon's Big Spring Sale runs from March 25-31, 2026.
Costco offers competing deals on tech, outdoor furniture, and groceries.
Costco memberships start at $65 annually, with a current promotion offering a $45 gift card for new members using code SPRING26.
Non-members can shop online but face a 5% markup and limited access to sales.
Featured Costco deals include a Sony Bravia 5 TV (27% off), Apple Watch Series 11 (25% off), and an iPad Air with M3 chip (17% off).
ZDNET selects deals with at least 20% off or rare discounts, verified through price tracking tools.
Customer reviews and expert testing inform ZDNET's recommendations.
The article includes disclaimers about potential errors and correction policies.
Executive Summary
Full Take
**STEELMAN:** ZDNET presents a well-researched, transparent guide to Costco's spring deals, leveraging expert reviews and price tracking to help consumers make informed decisions. The article acknowledges its affiliate model while emphasizing editorial independence, which builds trust. The focus on significant discounts and real-world testing aligns with the goal of delivering value to readers.
**PATTERN SCAN:** The article avoids overt manipulation, but the affiliate model inherently creates a tension between objective reporting and revenue incentives. The emphasis on "deals we want to buy" could subtly frame purchases as aspirational rather than purely utilitarian. However, the transparency about affiliate commissions and membership limitations mitigates potential concerns.
**ROOT CAUSE:** The narrative assumes that consumerism, guided by expert curation, is inherently beneficial. It operates within a paradigm where "smart shopping" is framed as empowerment, but it doesn’t interrogate whether the deals themselves are necessary or sustainable. The unstated assumption is that more consumption—even at a discount—is a net positive.
**IMPLICATIONS:** Readers benefit from curated, vetted recommendations, but the focus on deals may encourage impulsive spending. The second-order effect could be normalization of frequent upgrades (e.g., annual TV purchases) under the guise of "savings." Who benefits? ZDNET and retailers gain from affiliate revenue; consumers gain short-term savings but may overlook long-term costs.
**BRIDGE QUESTIONS:**
How might the emphasis on "deals" shape our perception of necessity versus want?
What perspectives are missing from this consumer-focused narrative (e.g., environmental impact, labor conditions in supply chains)?
If ZDNET’s revenue depended on fewer purchases, would their recommendations change?
**COUNTERSTRIKE SCAN:** A bad actor pushing this narrative might exploit the affiliate model to prioritize high-commission products over genuine value, or frame deals as "limited-time" to create urgency. However, ZDNET’s transparency and emphasis on testing mitigate this risk. The content aligns more with legitimate consumer advocacy than manipulation.
Patterns detected: none