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Tag: Smart Home Devices

  • Early October Prime Day 2025 tech deals under $50: Save on gear from Apple, Anker, Ring, JBL and Roku

    We’re still a few days away from the official start to Amazon’s October Prime Day sale, but we’re already seeing plenty of discounts that are already live — including tech deals for under $50. You can snap up some of our favorite Mac accessories, smart plugs, power banks, security cameras and more. The gear here is pulled from our own guides and reviews — products and brands we’ve tried ourselves and currently recommend. If you want to stock up on smaller tech without spending too much, this list of the best Prime Day deals under $50 is a great place to start.

    Best Prime Day deals under $50

    Apple

    Apple MagSafe charger (25W, 2m) for $29 ($20 off): The latest version of Apple’s MagSafe puck is Qi2.2-certified and supports up to 25W of wireless power when paired with a 30W adapter. The two-meter cable length on this particular model gives you more flexibility on where you can use it: in bed, on the couch, at your desk and elsewhere.

    $35 at Amazon

    : Among the announcements for the new Echo devices, Amazon did not include new Echo Pop Kids models, so this is still the most current model for now. It’s good for smaller spaces, not necessarily audio fidelity, and it comes with six months of free access to Amazon Kids as well as early access to Alexa+.

    Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max for $40 ($20 off): Amazon’s most powerful streaming dongle supports 4K HDR content, Dolby Vision and Atmos and Wi-Fi 6E with double the storage of cheaper Fire TV sticks. It earned an honorable mention in our guide to streaming devices and also happens to make a good retro gaming emulator.

    Instant Pot Vortex 2-QT Mini for $38 ($22 off with Prime): The budget model from our may not be large but its two-quart basket is enough to reheat leftovers for two or cook up a batch of frozen appetizers. And, because of its small size, it doesn’t take up a ton of space on your countertops — ideal for a small kitchen.

    : True, Amazon just announced , but those won’t hit the market until after Prime Day is over. If you want a video doorbell right now at an impressively low price, this should serve. We’ve tested Blink before and have been impressed by what you get for such a small price.

    : Here’s a handy charger from our guide to the best . It’s comparable to the adapter Apple includes with its laptops, but it has four ports in total (two USB-C and two USB-A). Plus it’s cheaper than buying Apple’s brick, especially now.

    Ring Battery Doorbell for $50 ($50 off): At $49.99 this juuust qualifies as an under $50 tech deal. If you don’t have doorbell wires at your front entrance, you can still have a camera to capture all the package deliveries and neighborhood animal sightings with the Ring Battery Doorbell. It records video in HD with more vertical coverage than the last model, so you can see people from head to toe. Just note that newer Ring devices are on the way.

    Blink Mini 2 security cameras (two-pack) for $35 ($35 off): This is currently the top budget pick in our guide to the best security cameras. The Mini 2 is a great option for indoor monitoring or you can put it outside with a weatherproof adapter, but since it needs to be plugged in, we like it for keeping an eye on your pets while you’re away and watching over entry ways from the inside.

    Anker 622 5K magnetic power bank with stand for $34 ($14 off with Prime): This 0.5-inch thick power bank attaches magnetically to iPhones and won’t get in your way when you’re using your phone. It also has a built-in stand so you can watch videos, make FaceTime calls and more hands-free while your phone is powering up.

    Amazon Smart Plug for $13 ($12 off): We named this the best smart plug for Alexa users because it hooks up painlessly and stays connected reliably. Use it to control lamps or your holiday lights using programs and schedules in the Alexa app, or just your voice by talking to your Echo Dot or other Alexa-enabled listener.

    Levoit Mini Core-P air purifier for $40 ($10 off with Prime): This is the mini version of the top pick in our guide to air purifiers. It has a three-stage filter (pre, activated carbon and particle filters) though that particle filter is not a true HEPA filter. But it’s rated at 250 square feet and can help clear the air in your office or other small room.

    Echo Pop smart speaker for $25 ($15 off): The half sphere Pop is the most affordable Echo speaker in Amazon’s lineup. The sound won’t be as full as its larger siblings, but will do a fine job of bringing Alexa’s help to smaller rooms. Just note that it went as low as $18 for Black Friday and October Prime Day last year.

    Roku Streaming Stick Plus 2025 for $29 ($11 off): This is our top pick for the best streaming device for accessing free and live content. The dongle supports 4K video and HDR and doesn’t need to be plugged into the wall for power. It’s a great way to access any streaming service you could ask for: Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max and many more.

    : If you don’t care about 4K (or your screen resolution isn’t that high anyway) you can still get the same simple-to-use Roku OS with this device. The best thing about Roku streaming sticks is the access to all the free content — so this is an affordable way to get it.

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    Blink

    Blink Outdoor 4 security camera for $35 ($45 off): We named this the best choice for Alexa users in our guide to security cameras. It works seamlessly with Alexa devices like the Echo speakers and Show displays. Plus it can run for up to two years on a set of AA batteries and we found the motion detection to be spot on.

    $35 at Amazon

    Leebein 2025 electric spin scrubber for $40 ($30 off with Prime): This is an updated version of the electric scrubber we love that makes shower cleaning easier than ever before. It comes with seven brush heads so you can use it to clean all kinds of surfaces, and its adjustable arm length makes it easier to clean hard-to-reach spots. It’s IPX7 waterproof and recharges via USB-C.

    Jisulife Life7 handheld fan for $25 ($4 off with Prime): This handy little fan is a must-have if you live in a warm climate or have a tropical vacation planned anytime soon. It can be used as a table or handheld fan and even be worn around the neck so you don’t have to hold it at all. Its 5,000 mAh battery allows it to last hours on a single charge, and the small display in the middle of the fan’s blades shows its remaining battery level.

    Anker Soundcore Select 4 Go speaker for $26 ($9 off with Prime): This is one of our top picks for Bluetooth speaker. It gets pretty loud for its size and has decent sound quality. You can pair two together for stereo sound as well, and its IP67-rated design will keep it protected against water and dust.

    Amazon Echo Spot for $50 ($30 off): Amazon brought the Echo Spot smart alarm clock back from the dead last year with a new design and improved speakers. In addition to being able to control smart home devices and respond to voice commands, the Echo Spot can also act as a Wi-Fi extender for those that have Eero systems. It went as low as $45 for Black Friday last year.

    Samsung EVO Select microSD card (256GB) for $23 ($4 off): This Samsung card has been one of our recommended models for a long time. It’s a no-frills microSD card that, while not the fastest, will be perfectly capable in most devices where you’re just looking for simple, expanded storage.

    JBL Go 4 portable speaker for $40 (20 percent off): The Go 4 is a handy little Bluetooth speaker that you can take anywhere you go thanks to its small, IP67-rated design and built-in carrying loop. It’ll get seven hours of playtime on a single charge, and you can pair two together for stereo sound. The previous model, JBL Go 3 is on sale for $30.

    Anker Soundcore Space A40 for $45 (44 percent off): Our top pick for the best budget wireless earbuds, the Space A40 have surprisingly good ANC, good sound quality, a comfortable fit and multi-device connectivity.

    Blink Outdoor 4 security camera for $35 ($45 off): We named this the best choice for Alexa users in our guide to security cameras. It works seamlessly with Alexa devices like the Echo speakers and Show displays. Plus it can run for up to two years on a set of AA batteries and we found the motion detection to be spot on.

    Amy Skorheim

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  • Live smarter, more efficiently

    Live smarter, more efficiently

    In the scorching heat of the summer season, air conditioners and electric fans work overtime. The satisfaction of feeling a cool air breeze against your skin is an amazing experience. But the following electric bill can be a shock, potentially consuming a significant portion of your income.

    The culprits behind the surge in your electric bill are often the inefficient home appliances you have. Luckily, there are smart home appliances that can alleviate this burden. These appliances offer many benefits, from cooking and entertainment to cooling your home, all while keeping your electricity bill manageable.

    If you’re new to the world of smart home appliances, then let me welcome you to a more sustainable lifestyle. These energy-efficient solutions are trending as they can reduce energy consumption, lower your electricity bill, and decrease the carbon footprint around your home.

    Smart home appliances are equipped with built-in connectivity features that allow you to focus on work or other leisure tasks. You can even connect these appliances to your tech gadgets such as smartphones, tablets, desktops, and laptops, which turn into remote controllers. But, if you prefer convenience, voice commands offer a hands-free solution. For instance, you can control your home’s temperature with a smart thermostat from anywhere, set your desired comfort level, and receive automated energy usage reports, and even reminders to change its filters.

    The realm of smart home appliances extends far beyond the examples mentioned. These advanced appliances can effectively manage every aspect of your household. Consider lighting, for instance. Smart lighting systems can detect activity in an area and adjust illumination accordingly, providing energy efficiency. If you’re concerned about unexpected lighting changes, you can customize your smart lighting system to your preferences.

    In terms of security, smart door locks offer peace of mind by automatically securing your home when you leave. Plus, you can manage your smart door’s access control, allowing for playful interactions with friends by giving them unique and quirky passwords to unlock the door.

    In the kitchen, smart appliances are designed to make cooking easier and more efficient. For example, smart refrigerators monitor food freshness, create grocery lists, and generate recipes based on your inventory, transforming meal preparation into a seamless and enjoyable process.

    smart home appliances

    Moreover, smart home appliances extend their features beyond the kitchen. From floor-cleaning robots that automatically sweep and mop surfaces to smart laundry systems that optimize washing cycles, these appliances are equipped with advanced sensors. They make household chores effortless, leaving you more time for activities like watching the full first season of The Peaky Blinders on a smart TV. Smart TVs offer many entertainment options since you can connect them to your internet and other smart devices. You can even set a romantic mood in the living room by adjusting the smart lights and thermostat through voice command using the smart TV to watch a romantic comedy movie.

    Now, if you’re considering switching to smart home appliances, it’s advisable to approach this gradually. As large appliances for the kitchen and entertainment can be significant investments, it might be easier to start with smaller items such as smart lights, switches, plugs, smart hubs, and of course, WiFi. These small items play a crucial role in your smart home setup, especially the smart hubs and the WiFi. The smart hubs serve as the communicator to your other connected smart home appliances, allowing you to use your voice to give commands to your appliances as you move around your home.

    Switching from traditional and inefficient home appliances to smart ones is more than just a modern convenience. It’s a significant step towards a sustainable future. This technology offers countless benefits that extend far beyond mere convenience. You’re not just simplifying your daily routines but actively contributing to environmental conservation efforts.

    By minimizing our carbon footprint and reducing energy consumption, we enjoy a more comfortable and efficient lifestyle through energy-efficient functions, remote connectivity, and AI automation of smart home appliances.

    Gadgets Magazine 4

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