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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.
Best wearable deals
If you’re rocking an Android smartphone, this is my favorite smartwatch for Android devices, and it’s $110 off right now.
The Series 8 has been my go-to smartwatch for the majority of this year, and at $100 off, it’s a tough deal to beat for a watch that looks great and has an IP6x rating for protection against water damage.
Amazfit’s smartwatches are cheaper than options from Apple, Samsung, and Google but offer all the basics in an attractive design. And this one is $30 off right now.
Best headphone and speaker deals
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.
Best smartphone and tablet deals
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.
Best smart-home deals
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).
Best tech-accessory deals
Charge your phone and your Apple Watch right from your desk without needing to use another cable. This Belkin charger can wirelessly charge an Apple Watch, an iPhone, and AirPods (if you have the wireless-charging model) all with only one cable. It’s $36 off right now, bringing it down to $84.
If you just need a wireless charger for your iPhone, this one has a built-in kickstand so you can watch a movie as you charge up.
The Backbone One controller can turn your iPhone or Android device into a mobile console with excellent controls. It’s $30 off right now.
I’ve been using this keyboard case to seamlessly turn my iPad Pro into a laptop for a couple of years now, and it’s worth every penny, especially when it’s on sale for $45 off.
This colorful cable is down to $14 right now, and it even comes with a built-in tie to keep things from getting tangled when you’re not using it.
Fellow Strategist writer Katherine Gillespie likes using this keyboard to turn her phone into a tiny typewriter when she’s away from home. I bought one after reading her recommendation.
If you’ve been waiting to nab a stylus for your iPad, Apple’s second-generation Pencil is $39 off right now.
Other tech deals
With this at nearly 50 percent off, you won’t find a better mouse with a more pleasant aesthetic. It’s the mouse I take with me when I’m going to work outside my house, and it hardly takes up any space in my bag.
Google’s Chromecast streaming puck is already the simplest way to stream to your TV for $50, but saving an extra $10 can make you feel better about having to open your own Netflix account.
I’ve been using the M1 MacBook Air nearly every day for the last two-and-a-half years, and it still hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down or losing too much battery life. For $750, you’d have a hard time finding a better computer.
This USB-C charging brick, which looks like a classic transparent iMac, is 20 percent off right now.
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.
