Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photo: Lewis Osborne, Retailer
Prime Day is here, and once again there are gadget deals aplenty. If you need a new pair of earbuds, your first e-reader, or a keyboard that works with your iPad, you should snag the gizmo you’ve been eyeing while you can save yourself a few bucks. Yet with so many deals to sift through, finding those that actually save you money on products you’ll truly love can be a job all on its own. Don’t worry, though: I’ve done that work for you. As the Strategist’s tech writer, I’ve been testing gadgets — and interviewing experts about their favorites — for over six years. I’ve sorted through the good and the bad to find the best tech deals on gear that I’ve tested or that has been recommended by other Strategist writers or experts I’ve spoken with. I’ll be updating this story with even more deals as the day goes on, so be sure to keep an eye out.
Note: we’re done updating this post, but we’ve checked the stock and everything is still available as of the time of publish. This is your last chance to grab that item you’ve been eyeing, though, so act fast. And be sure to sign up for our newsletter so the next sale doesn’t pass you by.
At $40 off, this is the lowest price we’ve seen for Apple’s AirPods since last fall.
Google’s Pixel Buds Pro work better with Android phones than Apple’s AirPods, and right now they’re $60 off. They do work with iOS devices but are designed for Android phones and pair more easily with them.
This speaker, an older version of the speaker I recommend for parties and outdoor barbecues, is $130 off today. As with its successor, the handle makes carrying it outside or from room to room easy, despite its size.
This tiny speaker packs an impressive amount of sound into a backpack-friendly way to carry your tunes with you. It has been a Strategist favorite for years.
JBL’s true wireless headphones, with noise-cancellation, are down to $40 right now.
I’ve missed the Sony WH-1000XM4’s since I had to return my testing unit; their noise-cancellation is unmatched, and the sound quality is better than nearly any other headphones at their price. They best part? They’re $100 off right now.
You can also get the Beats Studio3 wireless headphones for 54 percent off right now, if you like your headphones with a little extra bass.
Don’t let the name fool you: the 2021 Kindle Paperwhite Kids edition of Amazon’s flagship e-reader is just as great for grown-ups as it is for kids. Unlike the regular Paperwhite, the Kids edition comes ad free (the regular model requires a $20 onetime purchase to remove them), and you get a free cover to go with it. Aside from that, the models are nearly identical with the added perk of a two-year warranty, while the standard Paperwhite has only one year. You can get it right now for $65 off.
Amazon’s smallest, most affordable Kindle is 35 percent off right now, and just like the larger Paperwhite, it can hold thousands of books while taking up minimal space in your bag.
If you want a Kindle you can write and doodle on, Amazon’s largest e-reader, the Kindle Scribe, is $85 off right now.
Google’s Pixel 7a is already a good deal at $500 for a phone that offers nearly the same set of features as the more expensive Pixel 7, and right now you can save an extra $15 on it.
If you’ve been looking for a hands-free way to control your thermostat and keep the energy bill down this summer, $45 off Google’s smart thermostat can scratch that off your to-do list.
These smart bulbs can be controlled from your phone or with your smart speaker of choice. If your house has a lot of lights, saving 10 percent on a pack of three will save your wallet a bit of grief. You can also program them to change colors to alter the mood of the room.
Amazon’s fifth-generation Echo Dot, which has a built-in display to tell the time, is half-off right now.
If you want a smart speaker that’s tailored more toward sound quality, Amazon’s Echo Studio is $45 off right now.
I use the Roomba j7+ to keep my floors squeaky-clean. It’s $150 off right now, so if you’ve been looking to get one, now’s the time.
Our best overall less expensive robot-vacuum pick is nearly half off right now. It can sweep your floors of dirt and debris at the press of a button (or a quick command to your voice assistant of choice).
This smart plug lets you toggle an on-off switch with just your voice, and it’s nearly 50 percent off right now.
At $18, this is the cheapest Alexa speaker you can get, and it comes in a few fun colors (lavender, teal, white, and black).
Save $142 on all the gear you need to start your home-security system (it also pairs with Alexa and Google Assistant).
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
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