Best Prime Big Deal Days Sales Under $100
Don't break the bank with these budget buys from the big sale
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Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days two-day sale is here, and there are deals on anything and everything. With so many neon signs pointing every which way, it can be hard to know where to look and what to buy. So the experts at Consumer Reports are here to help. We look closer at every offer to determine whether it’s worth your money, taking into consideration how much things usually cost and how well they actually work (using our lab results and hands-on evaluations).
This list focuses specifically on products that cost between $50 and $100, but we’re tracking deals on everything throughout the sale, whether you’re looking for items under $25, under $50, or your budget is a little bit broader and you want to find some new tech, home goods, or kitchen appliances. We’ll be tracking all of the deals throughout the two-day sale to bring you the latest offers. Plus, Amazon isn’t the only place to shop. Walmart’s Walmart Deals sale starts today as well, Best Buy’s Techtober sale began yesterday, and Target Circle Week kicked off on Sunday. That means, even though you do need to be a Prime member to get most of the sales on Amazon, you can usually find the same or similar prices at other retailers, too, even Home Depot and Lowe’s.
If you’re looking for something not on this list, check out the CR Deals Hub to see everything we’ve found so far, all in one place.
Coffee Makers
The Zojirushi Dome Brew Programmable EC-ESC120 coffee maker is especially convenient to use, based on our judgments of setup, operation, and cleanup. We also found its carafe was fairly easy to use, hold, pour from, and empty. Its brew performance fell short, though, with just a mediocre score in that test. Yet Zojirushi coffee makers earn excellent scores for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction in CR’s member surveys. That means its machines are less likely to break down than other coffee maker models within four years of purchase, and owners are more likely to recommend their coffee maker to friends and family.
The Ninja Single Serve Pods & Grounds PB051 dual coffee maker is perfect for college students sharing a dorm or an apartment. It’s virtually three machines in one: A pod coffee maker, a drip coffee maker, and a milk frother. For single-serve Keurig K-Cups, a speedy first cup is paramount, and our testers found this model excellent in that regard. For drip brewing, we found its brew performance to be very good, meaning the machine brewed at between 195° and 205° F for five or six minutes, the industry standard for optimal brewing and the best flavor. This Ninja model has a removable reservoir, water filter, and an indicator to tell you when you’ll need to clean it.
Pillows
The Tuft & Needle Original Foam Pillow, constructed from polyurethane foam and featuring a micro-polyamide and polyester cover, impressed testers with its exceptional breathability. Our lab tests indicate it’s an excellent option for side sleepers, though less suitable for back sleepers. Users can expect consistent firmness, height, and support over time.
Coop’s Original Pillow is one of the best in CR’s ratings, excelling in all of CR’s tests. The other pillow we tested from this brand, the Cool+ Adjustable Classic, does well too, giving you another option to explore if you have different style sleepers in your household. Coop’s sheets also earn CR’s recommendation.
Streaming Devices
The Amazon Fire TV Cube is a mashup of an Amazon Echo and a 4K Fire TV streamer. Its universal remote control capabilities let you control a host of other compatible A/V gear, including TVs, soundbars, receivers, and even some cable and satellite boxes. New features include HDMI 2.1 connections—one input and one output—for controlling other devices using your voice. (One cool trick is that the Cube will also upscale any content from a source connected to its HDMI input.) Other features include support for WiFi 6E, support for both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ HDR, and an Off button that disconnects the microphones if you don’t want the device in an always-listening mode.
Google is phasing out its older—cheaper—Chromecast streaming devices and replacing them with this new model. The Google TV Streamer (4K) features a sleeker design, a faster processor, and support for both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ HDR formats, as well as Dolby Atmos audio. The player—$100 everywhere a week ago—can also serve as a hub for Google Home or Matter, enabling control of smart home products. It supports Thread, so it can extend your WiFi network, too.
The updated Ultra—the most powerful 4K streaming player Roku makes—has a new, faster quad-core processor, quicker app launches, support for both the Dolby Vision and HDR10+ formats and WiFi 6 wireless. Other features include a lost-remote finder and a wireless mode that lets you pair with Bluetooth headphones. The new Ultra comes with Roku’s best remote control, which gets recharged via a USB-C connection.
Tablets
The newest version of Amazon’s Fire tablet packs a lot of value into a small, 8-inch package—and that’s before you take into account its low Black Friday price. It’s not the highest-end tablet out there, but if you’re merely looking to do simple “tablet-y” things like streaming video, reading books, or browsing the web on something a bit bigger than your phone, it’s hard to beat. We haven’t finished testing this latest model, but based on how well Fire tablets have done in the past, we’re confident it will serve you well.
The Amazon Fire HD10 isn’t a high-end tablet, but it offers plenty of power if you just want to tackle “tablet-y” things, like streaming video, reading ebooks, or browsing the web on something bigger than your phone. You can also snag a discount on the smaller 8-inch Amazon Fire HD8.
Soundbars
Anyone looking to save some space—or cut down on items to plug into their TV—may want to consider the Roku Streambar SE. It doesn’t go on sale all that often, and almost never less than this. This soundbar that includes a built-in Roku streaming player. Given its small footprint, it probably works best for smaller TVs, not that jumbo-sized set you’ve been eyeing.
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar
We didn’t test the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar (B0C4BZ28PG), but it’s a fairly basic, low-cost model at a very nice price that only tends to be available during big sales like this. As a 2.0-channel system, it features a single bar with stereo speakers and no separate subwoofer. It supports DTS Virtual: X, which attempts to create a more immersive experience using just the two speakers in the main enclosure. The model offers Bluetooth audio for streaming music from a smartphone.
Tech Gear
Looking for a really good, inexpensive small speaker? The Flip 6 is at a great discount at Walmart right now in a few colors. This speaker is very similar to the venerable Flip 5, and that’s a good thing. It’s water and dust-resistant, has a 12-hour battery life, and is just the right size to slip into a bag or even the water bottle pocket on a backpack.
Laser printers tend to be more reliable and less expensive to use than traditional inkjets, according to CR’s survey results. And if you don’t need to print in color, this Canon imageCLASS LBP122dw black-and-white laser is a winner in our labs, producing sharp text at a rapid clip.
You don’t need to spend a fortune on the latest tech for a huge WiFi upgrade, and the TP-Link Archer AX72 Pro is proof. A solid performer in our testing, this WiFi 6 router delivers speeds that are more than fast enough for most families, easily handling multiple video streams, online gaming, and a house full of connected devices. For anyone still using the basic router provided by an internet service provider, this is a sensible, low-cost upgrade
This is a good deal on a wireless router that does quite well in our ratings. It’s not a mesh router, but if a single-unit router is sufficient to envelop your home in WiFi, this one should do a good job. Our testers note high speeds (technically referred to as “throughput”) across near, medium, and far distances, as well as useful features like automatic firmware updating (which helps keep you and your data safe) and the ability to manage everything from a smartphone app.
Kitchen Appliances
The last time we saw a deal this good on the Instant Vortex Slim 140-3100-01 was around the winter holidays last year. This model earned very good scores across the board in our ease of use, ease of cleaning and noise tests. It has pre-programmed settings for specific foods and a reheat function. Like many other air fryers, this model’s actual capacity (4.9 quarts) falls well short of the manufacturer’s claimed capacity of 6 quarts, something to consider if you’re expecting to cook for a crowd.
A good piece of cast-iron cookware can last a lifetime when properly cared for, and this applies to the Lodge Essential Enamel Cast Iron Dutch oven as well. Cast iron is prized by its users for its reliably even heating, so it’s no surprise that this model receives a very good score in our heating evenness tests. Its speed of heating and bread-baking scores were equally good. Even better, this Dutch oven receives an excellent score for ease of cleaning, so thick sauces and gravies should be a breeze to wipe off. We’ve seen this particular Dutch oven go on sale several times in the past year, but if you’re looking for a new one before Thanksgiving, this is your chance to score a nice deal.
Of all the CR Recommended models, the Frigidaire Icemaker’s speed score is among the lowest, but it’s top in the efficiency category. The company claims it can produce up to 26 pounds of ice daily. It is comparable to all other models except the winner for capacity, the GE Opal. Smaller than the GE, it takes up less counter space and measures 14.88 inches high, 11.70 inches wide, and 14.44 inches deep. It has a one-year warranty.
The KitchenAid KHM6118CU 6-Speed shows nearly the same performance in our tests as the more expensive 7-speed KitchenAid Architect KHM7210, plus it has a flexible rubber-like sleeve on the bottom of each beater to help scrape up ingredients more easily and make quicker work of mixing. We’ve seen lower prices on this model before, but this is still quite a deal for a KitchenAid, and it’s a highly giftable item, to boot.
This is a great price for this mixer, at $5 less than it was during the July Prime sale.
The GE G8H1AASSPSS Blender is an immersion model that comes with a whisk and chopper, and it’s available now at a sweet price. It showed excellent performance in our soup puree tests, and the chopper attachment did a great job grating cheese. The whisk attachment allows you to quickly whip egg whites to stiff peaks and easily turn heavy cream into rich whipped cream.
Humidifiers
The low-priced, ultrasonic Levoit Classic 300S can humidify a room of up to 505 square feet, earning it a solid rating in our output test. It aces other evaluations, too. It has a variety of features, including automatic shut-off, a digital humidity display more accurate than those of most competitors, and the option to diffuse aromas. It’s been as low as $64, but this is the best discount we’ve seen in a few months.
The ultrasonic Babymoov Hygro (+), designed for small rooms of around 215 square feet, is top-rated for a reason: It shines in every one of CR’s tests. It’s easy to use, according to our evaluators, and emits enough moisture to sufficiently humidify a room. Features include a night-light that cycles through a rainbow of colors, automatic shut-off when the tank is empty, and a timer, as well as the option to diffuse aromas. One drawback: The 58-inch cord is on the short side.
Home Goods
This 3-inch queen-size memory foam mattress topper offers excellent support and a deeper, more cushioned feel than many others. Infused with cooling gel, it helps regulate temperature for a more comfortable night’s sleep. The flippable design adds versatility, though it lacks a cover and corner straps, which may lead to shifting. Temperature-sensitive foam means the topper feels softer when warm and firmer in cooler conditions. Weighing 15 pounds, it provides average warmth retention and a balanced blend of comfort and support.
This is a great deal on one of our highest-performing impact drivers, meant for heavy-duty jobs. The 24-volt Flex FX1351-2A delivers plenty of power, lasts sufficiently long on a single charge, and then recharges quickly. It’s not the lightest tool at 3.8 pounds, or the quietest, but it’s an excellent pick if you’re looking for a tool powerful enough to efficiently tackle big projects.
Pets
PetLibro Smart Pet Water Fountain
The Petlibro Dockstream Smart Pet Fountain is at a new low price ahead of Prime Big Deal Days. This is a WiFi-enabled device that lets you accurately monitor your pet’s water intake. It holds more than half a gallon of water, and the whole fountain is wireless. It even has a motion sensor, so it runs only when your pet approaches it, making the battery last even longer. The app can also alert you when water levels are low, which is especially nice because the container is opaque. I own the non-smart version and rely on the indicator light (and the pesky sound of the pump struggling to suck up water when the level is too low), which isn’t ideal.
Petlibro Granary Smart Feeder
The PetLibro automatic pet feeder was easy to use and has an app that makes setting schedules and dispensing food a breeze. It dispenses accurate amounts of dry food for dogs or cats and has a voice recording feature that allows you to call your pet for meals.
Le Sure Pet Bed
A comfortable bed for your pet that can add a fun pop of color to your space sounds like a win-win, and this one from Le Sure is back down to its best price. CR writer Jodhaira Rodriguez recommends this cat bed, which her cat Frank “barely fits in because he is a very big boy that I am way overfeeding, but I find him here every time I come home.”
The Cube is not specifically intended for pet tracking but to help people keep track of a range of possessions, including cars, luggage, and kids’ backpacks, as well as pets. That puts the Cube at a disadvantage as a pet tracker, despite its competent core tracking abilities. The device is relatively large and heavy, but most dog collars won’t fit through its thin slots, so you need to purchase an add-on collar clip for $25. More significantly, the app lacks pet-specific features like fitness and activity tracking and a light beacon for spotting your dog at night.
On the other hand, it does let you set a home “safe zone” and virtual fence, and does emit a fairly loud sound alert. It’s also very solidly constructed, creates detailed and easy-to-read location histories, and, like the Link, is capable of delivering high-temperature alerts.
At-Home Massagers
HoMedics Cordless Shiatsu Massage Pillow With Heat
The HoMedics massager sets itself apart from the other models we evaluated because it’s wireless and rechargeable. This normally makes it a bit pricier, but the discount and on-page coupon help make it a more reasonable purchase. Because it’s more of a pillow shape, our evaluator said it was harder to use on shoulders, but it was comfortable on their back. The only downsides are that the heat function doesn’t get quite as hot as other models, reaching only 93º F, and there is no way to control the speed.
Renpho R3 Massage Gun
The Renpho R3 massage gun might be the best all-around device for most average users because it’s small, lightweight, and quieter than other devices. But it’s not the ideal choice for people who want the most intense massage or the best model to massage areas on the back. The pistol grip could add some more postural stress than other devices, though its light weight and small form could help alleviate stress for some. As a bonus, this can be charged with a standard USB-C charging cable.
Renpho R4 Pro Massage Gun
The Renpho R4 Pro massage gun’s triangular shape makes it easy for users to get a good grip for those hard-to-reach spots on their body. It’s not particularly powerful, but its moderate massage should still be sufficient for many users. It’s straightforward to use, with one button to change speeds. It also did very well in our evaluations for handle ergonomics, postural stress, and ease of use, but changing out the attachments was a bit clunky and required a little bit of effort.
Smart Home
The TP-Link Tapo MagCam C425, back to its best price, is a compact, battery-powered security camera that performs well in our tests. It offers local storage with up to a 512-gigabyte microSD card (sold separately) and features person detection, pet detection, vehicle detection, monitoring zones, and more. Best of all, you don’t need a subscription to use any of these features. TP-Link also sells a $40 solar panel that can be connected to the camera to keep its battery charged.
This camera was $30 less during Prime Day, but you won’t see that price again until the fall sales start in October, most likely.
The Arlo Video Doorbell 2K is one of the best video doorbells you can buy. It provides the flexibility to install it wherever you need it. You can run it using the rechargeable battery or hardwire it to a home’s doorbell wiring for continuous power. Features include geofencing and voice/app control via Amazon Alexa and Google Home/Assistant. Cloud video storage and additional features (such as alerts for people, packages, animals, and vehicles) require an Arlo Secure subscription. The price has fallen $20 below the previous best price.
Twinkly Strings
No matter what holiday you want to decorate for, to make your light display really pop this year, consider the Twinkly Strings. We tried out these lights a few years ago and found them to be a fun way to put on an elaborate light show. The lights connect to WiFi, so you can customize them from your smartphone, but they also work with Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, and Google Home. You can currently get a 200 LED color set for 49 percent off, or a 600 LED set that can display colors and pure white light for 12 percent off. The 200 LED set can display white light by blending its colors, but it can’t display pure white light as it lacks the dedicated white LEDs found in the other set.
Eve Water Guard
The Eve Water Guard is a great leak detector, but it only works for Apple Home users at this time. When it detects water, it triggers a siren and sends you a smartphone alert. The device plugs into an outlet for continuous power and comes with a 6.5-foot water-sensing cable that you can run from the detector along floors and around pipes. To increase the reach, you can add a 6.5-foot cable extension for $20.
Baby
This HelloBaby model is one of the lower-priced video monitors to earn CR’s recommendation, and it’s at the lowest price we’ve seen for this model, making it a smart buy. The device has its own 5-inch display and handles the video feed locally. It can show the room’s temperature in addition to visuals of your baby, with functions to remotely pan, tilt, and zoom. It also has built-in lullabies and can be used in audio-only mode. It lacks a night light, but that’s hardly a deal breaker.
Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Milk Spa
Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Milk Spa uses a warm water bath to warm bottles, but setup is a bit more involved than with other models we tested. Once that’s done, it warms bottles with no sign of overheating long after the warming program has ended. The controls on this model allow users to select the type of bottle and starting temperature of the milk or formula (frozen, refrigerated, or room temperature) and to adjust the time of the program. Even though the display is a bit crowded, according to our usability expert, it was relatively easy to use and understand. If you like to reuse settings, this model remembers any adjustments to the time that are made for your next bottle warming.
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