The annual tradition of Amazon Prime Day has been heavy with deals on Amazon’s “house brands” – from Alexa to Amazon Basics to Fire TVs, and so far Amazon Prime Day 2022 is following that playbook. The big event is Tuesday July 12 through Wednesday July 13.
We’ve combed these offerings for the best deals for Amazon’s 200 million Prime members (or those who willing to join or re-up at the new, higher price). Check out our picks; we’ll be adding more.
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TP-Link Deco Mesh WiFi System (Deco M3): Was $109.99, now $79.99
If you’re considering an upgrade from traditional router/extender combinations to a mesh system to improve wireless connectivity, this system’s sub-$100 price tag makes it an incredibly affordable upgrade. While pricier systems offer wider range and more features, this dual-band system beats the competition handily on cost alone, and reviews cite easy setup as a plus. - Kirk Shinkle Buy now
Amazon Basics Fire Resistant Security Safe with Programmable Electronic Keypad - 0.83 Cubic Feet. Was $185.80, now $152.99
If you’ve stayed in a hotel with a safe in the closet and thought, “hey, I should try that at home,” this option from the Amazon Basics line gives you the chance to protect your valuables for probably a lot less money than those items are themselves worth. While a home safe isn’t the solution for everything (some items are better in a safe-deposit box), having important documents like your passport, original copies of your will and other estate documents at hand is key.
Cash, of course, belongs in a safe like this, and several reviewers described its 0.83 cubic feet as being a perfect size for handguns. It weighs 55 pounds, so installing it is not unimaginable for people of mortal strength. You’ll want to use the four bolts supplied to tie it down to a surface. And remember, as a Prime member, that 55 pounds of safe will be shipped to your door for free. – David Muhlbaum Buy now
SanDisk 2TB Extreme Pro Portable Solid State Drive: Was $509.99, now $299.95
This pocket-sized drive offers quick uploads and downloads in a stylish, damage-resistant package, including up to 2 meter drop protection, IP55 water and dust resistance, and a handy carabiner loop. The Extreme Pro is a sturdy option for sharing large files, photos or videos, or backing up video game or laptop data. Mac and PC users note: this 4-processor unit includes both USB A and USB C cables, so you won’t need an adapter. While not the fastest drive on the market, the size, design, respectable performance and price make it the Extreme Pro a decent option for everyday sharing of large files. - Kirk Shinkle Buy now
Ninja Professional Blender with 1,000-Watt Motor (NJ601AMZ): Was $99.99, now $69.99
The Ninja NJ601AMZ Professional is an affordable workhorse that should last for years. This model includes the motor base with a 72-ounce (9 cups) capacity and a rotating blade. There are three settings for blade speed, as well as a pulse option.
Could a blender help you live longer? Well, it’s worth a try. I use my Ninja blender daily to make a smoothie full of fruits and vegetables. Smoothies are also a great way to encourage kids to get their recommended five fruits and vegetables a day. I like this particular blender for its easy clean-up.
Some other Ninja blenders like the Ninja BL660 Professional come with the option to blend single servings, rather than relying solely on the large blade and container. This option may work better if you want to be able to quickly blend and then take your drink with you, or if you use your blender daily. But at just under $120, this option will cost you. – Ellen Kennedy Buy now
JBL FLIP 5, Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker: Was $129.99, now $99.99
Buying a loudspeaker online is a bit of a gamble, as you can’t truly hear it. So trust us that this one offers the sweet spot of sound. Neither thin nor overcompensating with foompy fake bass.
The JBL FLIP 5 waterproof portable bluetooth speaker packs a punch, even though it's smaller than a cardboard canister of Quaker Oats and weighs just over a pound. With a battery life of up to 12 hours, you can work all day, and then chill with a glass of wine afterward. Bring it to the pool or tote it along on your boat. No worries if it gets a splash. The JBL FLIP 5 is waterproof up to 3 feet.
A neat trick if you’re willing to buy more than one (or have another JBL device with PartyBoost): You can allocate left or right channels to each the speakers for proper stereo separation, or chain devices together to spread the party wider. – David Muhlbaum Buy now
The Amazon Echo Show 8 (1st generation): Was $109.99, now $54.99
Depending on your needs, the Amazon Echo Show 8 can shine as a 4- or 5- or 6-in-one product, integrating itself into your daily routine as everything from a TV and music player to a combination baby monitor, picture frame, alarm clock and intercom (plus a host of other roles). Its most common use - streaming music or video - is simple enough via most popular platforms, though the Echo Show 8’s sound quality leaves audiophiles wanting more, and movie buffs won’t abandon their couches. But the breadth of integrations - such as with Ring doorbells or smart locks - allow for remote communication and monitoring from a smart phone or any room with a device. Plus, the compact size makes these small screens perfect for deskside or kitchen counter binge-watching. And at a steep 50% discount for Prime members, now may be the time to buy a few and experiment. - Sarah Stevens Buy now
Amazon is offering a free, 90-day trial period to existing Prime members. The offer is good through July 31st and you can cancel anytime during the trial period.
I honestly don’t think I would have kept my sanity through the Covid pandemic without my Audible subscription. As cases and tensions mounted, I calmed myself with meditation podcasts. As each day unfurled as bland as the last, I spiced it up with books by comedians like Mindy Kaling. And as the fogginess of lockdown settled upon me, I turned to my bucket list books. I read a beautifully narrated version of Tolstoy’s War and Peace, one of the longest books in literature, and then got on a Russian classics kick. I then explored modern titles, like Anne Patchet’s The Dutch House, read by Tom Hanks.
As I listened, I cleaned, walked the dog, organized paperwork, and exercised. I also found that the “sleep timer” function is a great way to fall asleep while being read to, one of life’s greatest pleasures in my opinion.
Of course, my favorite titles won’t be the same as yours. But I hope to share this feeling of having a portable, magical reading room. – Ellen Kennedy Buy now
GE Profile Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker with Side Tank Ice Machine: Was $579, now $429
If the ice maker in your fridge just isn't making enough for all the slammin' parties you host, this little gem from GE will do the trick. It's under GE's Profile lineup of appliances, so you know it's quality, as our home's kitchen full of Profile will attest. Of course, this countertop machine makes the good ice, opal, in case you didn't know what good ice is. Those nuggets, made from compacted ice flakes, look great in adult beverages and soda. They're also chewable and crunchable. Melted ice recirculates into the water container and ice automatically refills. – Bob Niedt Buy now
Amazon Fire TV 43-inch Omni Series 4K UHD smart TV, hands-free with Alexa: Was $409.99, now $239.99
Prime Day is always chock full of deals on Amazon-branded products and Prime Day 2022 delivers with this Fire TV at an amazing price. The voice functionality means you just ask it to turn on and tell it what you want to watch. Three HDMI inputs allow you to connect to cable or satellite, video game consoles and more. The HDMI eARC connection lets you add audio equipment for enhanced sound. – Bob Niedt Buy now
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