Best Deals at Amazon Right Now
CR is helping you find the gems still on sale
By Samantha B Gordon
The Amazon Prime Early Access Sale may be over, but the retailer still has plenty of deals available. If you’re looking for something in particular or you just want to window shop and take advantage of a bargain, you can find early holiday sales on everything from headphones and TVs to vacuums and coffee makers, and even luggage. But with so many options, it can be a challenge to spot the best discounts on high-quality products.
So Consumer Reports combs through the myriad offers to find great prices on things that have performed well in our labs and homes. The best deal isn’t always the cheapest or the biggest discount, especially if the product doesn’t live up to your expectations. Every item in this list has been proved to do its job, and do it well, so you can add it to your cart with confidence.
Viewing on a mobile device? Click on the links below to skip to each section.
• TVs
• Kitchen Products
• Home Goods
• Bluetooth and Smart Speakers
• Headphones
• Laptops, Chromebooks, and Tablets
• Vacuums and Robotic Vacuums
• Smart Home
• Streaming Devices
• More Deals
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TVs
Pioneer PN50951-22U
If you’re looking for a budget 4K TV, this 50-inch set from Pioneer might do the trick. It gets above-average scores for picture quality and 4K UHD performance, and at this price, it’s a real bargain for a model this size. CR’s tests did reveal that the viewing angle is narrower than average and the HDR performance is limited, but given the impressive size, picture quality, and 40 percent discount, those details may be easy to overlook.
Why it’s a good deal: This is a good discount, and it’s actually $40 cheaper than it was yesterday during Amazon’s sale.
TCL 43S446
This 43-inch 4K smart TV from TCL is in an entry-level 4K series for 2022; sets it did well for overall picture quality, but like many lower-priced sets not as well for HDR.
Why it’s a good deal: Unlike a lot of the TVs in this article, it’s a new 2022 model, and it uses the newer Google TV system rather than Android TV. Plus it’s $20 cheaper than just a few days ago.
Toshiba 65C350KU
This 50-inch 4K set from Toshiba, a 2021 model that uses the Amazon Fire TV smart TV system, does well for overall picture quality, though not for HDR. These sets are sold mainly at Amazon and Best Buy, and Amazon has the better price right now.
Why it’s a good deal: The set performs well overall, and it’s priced about $30 lower than its usual selling price. It’s a plus if you’re a fan of the Fire TV smart TV platform.
Samsung QN55Q80A
This set, the Samsung QN55Q80A, is in the company’s top regular QLED series for 2021 that doesn’t include Mini LEDs in their backlights. But it still manages to deliver very good overall picture quality, top-notch HDR, and above-average sound.
Why it’s a good deal: This TV usually retails for around $1,000, so this isn’t as massive of a discount as it appears. And just yesterday, this set was $889, so the price could fall again during Black Friday sales.
Kitchen Products
Gorilla Grip Durable Cutting Board (Set of 3)
Even at its everyday price, this trio of plastic cutting boards from Gorilla Grip could be considered a steal. Our assessment found that these boards stayed all but glued to kitchen countertops while we prepped everything from parsley to poultry. They’re reversible, easy to transport, and dishwasher-safe.
Why it’s a good deal: At more than half off, you’re hardly paying more than $5 per board. This price dropped $5 from yesterday, making this an extra sweet discount.
Instant Milk Frother
When you think of the brand Instant Pot, its line of multi-cookers usually comes to mind, but the company has branched out into coffee makers and frothers. Its affordable Instant Milk Frother was one of the best models in our at-home review, offering performance almost on a par with the Nespresso Aeroccino4 milk frother, which costs more than twice as much. The only downside is that the Instant Milk Frother isn’t dishwasher-safe because its controls are built into the side of the carafe. Cleaning is still a breeze, though; you just need to hand-wash it with a wet cloth.
Why it’s a good deal: This is the best price we’ve ever seen for this milk frother by about $6.
Dash Safe Slice
If “safety first” is your motto, this stand-up mandoline from Dash can’t be beat. Its safety features are great for people who fear traditional mandolines or have mobility issues. Unlike other mandolines where the blade is stationary and exposed, this mandoline has an internal guillotine that slices your food, not your fingers.
Why it’s a good deal: This model hasn’t been on sale in a while, so a $7 discount is worth a look.
Müeller V-Pro 5 Blade Mandoline
We tried 11 mandoline slicers at home, and this one by Müeller was the most “extra,” and by that we mean it had the widest variety of attachments. It can make thick cuts, beautiful thin slices, and fun waffle cuts. The julienne blades are easy to use, too.
Why it’s a good deal: This is nearly $10 less than the price last week.
Chef'n FreshForce Citrus Juicer
One of CR’s cooking enthusiasts recently tried out popular citrus juicers at home to learn more about the pros and cons of each one. This squeezer model from Chef’n was given the distinction of Editor’s Choice because it’s easy to use and works well with little to no splatter. The handle provides a comfortable, sturdy grip, and it’s designed to sit flat on the counter without tipping over for less mess. Its deep-ridged well cleverly holds fruit in place when squeezed but also lets it seamlessly slide out when the task is done. The only drawback? That well is just a bit tricky to hand-wash.
Why this is a good deal: Though we’ve seen this price for a bit, it’s a solid $5 discount on an already low-priced favorite.
Nespresso VertuoPlus
The Nespresso VertuoPlus offers a superb brewing range as well as solid first-cup speed and temperature consistency. In terms of features, this machine comes equipped with a removable water reservoir, a height-adjustable drip tray, and an auto-shutoff function. And Nespresso pod coffee makers earn top ratings for owner satisfaction and reliability in our member surveys. This machine uses Nespresso’s VertuoLine pods, not the OriginalLine other models use, so make sure you choose the correct pods.
Why it’s a good deal: Nespresso machines don’t go on sale often, and though we’ve seen bigger discounts for major sales—including last week when it was $5 cheaper—it’s always nice to save a little if you need a new coffee maker now. Keep an eye on a future price drop on this model.
Oster DiamondForce Nonstick XL 5 Quart Digital Air Fryer
The Oster DiamondForce Nonstick XL 5 Quart Digital Air Fryer’s digital touchscreen is easy to read; and its programmed settings, easy to use—earning it a favorable score in our controls test. This model also doesn’t make too much noise, and cleaning the inside and outside doesn’t take a lot of elbow grease. Despite the air fryer’s name, the basket has a measured capacity of 3.6 quarts. Like other models we tested, this one comes with a one-year warranty.
Why it’s a good deal: At only $10 more than the best price we’ve seen, it may be worth it if you need it right away.
Calphalon Auto-Speed BLCLMB1
While this blender isn’t among our top-rated models, the Calphalon Auto-Speed BLCLMB1 is one of the most reliable in our tests. The 1,100-watt blender comes in dark stainless steel with a 68-ounce BPA-free Tritan jar, plus a 25-ounce smoothie cup you can take on the road. It weighs 8 pounds and has a pulse option and a removable blade.
Why it’s a good deal: This is about $22 more than we saw during Prime Day, but it’s still a sizable discount.
Home Goods
Blueair Classic 605
The Blueair Classic 605 is one of only four models that earn top scores for particle removal at both the high- and low-speed settings. That great performance does come with a few drawbacks. Although it’s whisper-quiet at low speeds, it is noisy at higher speeds. It’s also one of the most expensive air purifiers in our ratings when you take into account the initial cost, filter replacements, and energy use. Today, it’s almost half off.
Why it’s a good deal: This is one of the best-rated models in CR’s tests, and it’s now at its lowest price.
Skil DL529303
The 20-volt Skil DL529303 does fast work of drilling holes and driving fasteners. It’s also light and comfortable to hold, and weighs a little over 3 pounds. The lithium-ion battery it comes with charges up very quickly, and it has an LED work light and a belt hook. This model comes with a generous five-year warranty.
Why it’s a good deal: This is $20 less than the regular discount. It’s the first time we’ve seen the price dip this low in months.
Cuisinart CGG-306
This compact and portable two-burner Cuisinart portable gas grill is a strong performer that’s quick to heat. It’s also an exceptionally good price on a nicely finished stainless grill. The four folding legs make it easy to transport and unpack at a beach, tailgate, or campsite. One thing to note: The grill can be used only with larger, 20-pound propane tanks, not the small 1-pound cylinders that some other portable grills can take. So while the grill is portable, you’ll also need to bring a full-sized tank of propane wherever you’re headed.
Why it’s a good deal: This is a solid discount, but this grill was $30 less during the Early Access Sale, so the price could drop back down closer to Black Friday.
Bluetooth and Smart Speakers
Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen)
The Echo Show 5 is Amazon’s smallest smart screen. Our testers report that the sound is subpar for a music-listening device, but that’s not why you should consider this one. It’s a utility machine that works well on a night table or desk. You get all the Amazon Alexa functionality featured in other Echo devices, plus some added value, thanks to the small screen and camera.
Why it’s a good deal: Why it’s a good deal: This is $5 more than the best price we’ve seen, but still a great discount.
Sony SRS-XB13
For less than $50, the pocket-sized Sony SRS-XB13 is a solid deal. It’s a take-anywhere speaker that can go to the park or the beach without fear of an expensive piece of electronics getting lost, stolen, or destroyed. The Sony’s bass isn’t very strong, and it lacks the smoothness and detail of more expensive speakers, but the speaker’s sound can fill a small room.
Why it’s a good deal: This is a great value for the quality and portability, but this model was $10 less during the Prime Early Access sale so the price may drop again for Black Friday.
Marshall Stanmore II Voice
The Marshall Stanmore II Voice is a super-stylish smart speaker, channeling the classic good looks of Marshall’s iconic guitar amplifiers. Our testers found it quite easy to use, with large, clearly labeled knobs. Its sound falls short of what you get from the very best wireless speakers, with bass that’s a bit boomy and a midrange that’s slightly congested. The Stanmore II does provide enough volume to fill a large room.
Why it’s a good deal: This is a decent discount, although it’s not the best we’ve seen. The price has dipped below $400 for major sales, so you may want to hold off if you’re interested but want to save more.
Headphones
Sennheiser HD 250BT
The Sennheiser HD 250BT headphones are a relative newcomer but make a mark for providing very good sound at a bargain price. The HD 250BT is an over-ear set with a sleek appearance and a price that often dips below $70, making this one of the best values among Bluetooth headphones in our ratings.
It has controls for volume, calls, and playback, a smartphone app for equalizer adjustments, and an advertised 25-hour battery life. It also charges over USB-C, the same cable that powers newer Mac laptops and tons of other devices. Sennheiser is a winner for reliability and owner satisfaction, too, earning superb ratings in both categories.
Why it’s a good deal: These headphones have been on sale for a while, but the price recently dropped an additional $5 or so at Amazon.
Sennheiser CX Plus
The Sennheiser CX Plus offers really good value in a true wireless noise-canceling earbud. According to our testers, the sound quality is more than solid, while the active noise-canceling performance is among the best we’ve tested and includes a transparency mode so you can hear traffic while you’re walking. Some users might find the buds a bit bulky, but our testers found the fit to be fine for most users.
Why it’s a good deal: This deal puts the CX Plus earbuds significantly below their list price.
1MORE ColorBuds 2
There are lots of great choices if you’re looking for budget noise-canceling headphones. One of our top picks is 1More ColorBuds 2, which offer the convenience of true wireless headphones, great sound quality, and superb noise cancellation, all for less than $100. 1More advertises a 6-hour battery life backed by a charging case that holds enough power for two full cycles.
Why it’s a good deal: These headphones are now $10 less than we’ve seen in months. Make sure to click the on-page coupon for the discount.
Laptops, Chromebooks, and Tablets
HP 14A-NA0023CL
The 14-inch Chromebook from HP is good for people who simply need a functional laptop to do things like browse the web and check email. It has an Intel Celeron processor, 4 gigabytes of memory, and 32GB of flash storage. As with other Chromebooks, the idea is that you’re going to be storing most files online. It scored okay in our tests, with our testers noting somewhat middling performance but highlighting its 13-hour battery life while browsing the web.
Why it’s a good deal: This is a significant discount on an already budget-friendly laptop, only $20 more than the lowest price we’ve seen all year.
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go (64GB)
Microsoft has several Surface devices to choose from, but the relatively inexpensive Microsoft Surface Laptop Go could be a good option for consumers looking for a smaller laptop, especially at this hefty discount. It has a 12.4-inch display, an Intel Core i5 processor, 4 gigabytes of memory, and a sparse 64GB solid state drive, which you can supplement with cloud storage.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go scores well in many of our tests, though the performance is a bit sluggish compared with other options. The model is lightweight (2.5 pounds), offers decent battery life (just under 12 hours in CR’s web-browsing test), and has a bright, color-accurate display. There’s a touchscreen for flipping through those photo galleries.
Why it’s a good deal: This is back down to the lowest price of the year, which we last saw during Amazon Prime Day in July.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7
The Galaxy Tab S8 is a great option for people who want an Android tablet with high performance. Just keep in mind that top performance isn’t necessary for simple tasks such as reading email, watching movies, and surfing the web. The Galaxy Tab S7 is also on sale if you need a fast device but want something a little cheaper.
Why it’s a good deal: The current sale price is about $10 cheaper than the previous best price of the year.
Vacuums and Robotic Vacuums
iRobot Roomba S9+
One of the latest iRobot models to hit the market, the Roomba S9+ is pricey, but it delivers great performance across the board. The vacuum earns top scores down the line in most of our cleaning tests, and it does nearly as well cleaning carpets. This is a self-emptying model that empties its dustbin into a bag, no hands required. And like some of its brandmates, the S9+ earns top marks for data privacy and data security.
Why it’s a good deal: Outside of a flash sale over the summer, this is the lowest price we’ve seen for this model all year.
Tineco Pure One S11
The Tineco Pure One S11 cleans impressively in all our major tests and has many features to boot. An LED panel shows how much battery life you have left as well as the suction level, which varies when you switch from bare floors to carpet. A sensor detects the amount of debris and adapts the suction power accordingly. If you’re so inclined, you can connect to a Tineco app that indicates cleaning performance, such as battery life, on your smartphone. In CR’s tests, it ran for 22 minutes per charge when using both the high and low settings.
Why it’s a good deal: If you need a vacuum now, this is a good discount for this model. However, we saw it sell for a lot less during Prime Day, so if you can wait, you may be able to get it cheaper in the next big sale.
Smart Home
TP-Link Kasa Smart Bulb
The TP-Link Kasa Smart KL125 smart bulb offers the best bang for your buck among the 10 smart lightbulbs we evaluated. It retails for $15 per bulb and offers a great array of colors and dimming performance that comes very close to the pricier Philips Hue. The bulb also works with Amazon Alexa, Google Home/Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings for voice and/or app control.
Why it’s a good deal: Amazon is discounting this two-pack of the TP-Link bulbs to $17, essentially getting you a second bulb for just $2 more. This is the same deal we saw during Prime Day.
Kwikset Premis 919TRL 15 SMT
The Kwikset Premis smart lock is best for iPhone users because it works with Apple’s HomeKit smart home ecosystem and Siri digital assistant. In our tests, the Premis is very resistant to kick-ins and lock picking, but it’s susceptible to attack from a cordless drill. Still, this lock comes with some very helpful features, including an access log to keep track of who comes and goes, a tamper alarm, an auto-lock feature, and the ability to create and share PINs with others. Just note that because this lock uses Bluetooth and HomeKit, you’ll also need an Apple TV, Apple HomePod, or Apple iPad (that’s constantly plugged into an outlet) in your home to control the lock remotely.
Why it’s a good deal: This model, which hasn’t been discounted since Prime Day, is now $3 less than what we saw during that sale.
Arlo AVD1001-100NAS
The Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell doesn’t perform as well as the battery-powered wire-free version in our lab tests, but the wired doorbell is still a worthy contender for your front door. It offers superb data security, decent video quality, and a good amount of smart features. Its only weaknesses are its sluggish response time for alerts and loading live feeds and its lackluster data privacy, but that’s a common issue with most doorbells we test. Its features include high dynamic range video, voice and app control (via Amazon Alexa, Google Home/Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings; Apple HomeKit requires an Arlo base station), monitoring zones, and prerecorded messages that will play if you can’t answer the door. Cloud video storage and additional features (such as person, package, vehicle, and animal detection) require an Arlo Secure subscription.
Why it’s a good deal: This doorbell was about $40 less during Prime Day, but we haven’t seen it go on sale in a while. If you need a new doorbell right now, it’s a decent discount.
Streaming Devices
Apple TV 4K (32GB, 2021)
The latest Apple TV 4K has a few new notable features, including a redesigned Siri remote with a clickpad rather than the love-it-or-hate-it touchpad. (It is still touch enabled for directional swipes, though). It also has a new processor for improved graphics and video, including support for high frame rate (60fps) Dolby Vision HDR. A unique feature is a color-calibration feature that works with your iPhone so you don’t have to tweak the TV’s settings.
Why it’s a good deal: Apple TV has always been among the priciest of players, and doesn’t often get discounted this much. Only the 32GB version is still on sale, however.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
If you’re not picky about having the fastest speeds and WiFi 6 compatibility, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K delivers a solid performance at a better price. The 4K stick-style player has a nice array of content and features—including voice control and Dolby Vision HDR. You can control it from Alexa-enabled devices such as the Echo and Dot, and use the included remote to control power and volume on many TVs and soundbar speakers. The player comes with an Alexa remote control with dedicated buttons for Amazon, Disney+, Hulu, and Netflix.
Why it’s a good deal: This is five dollars more than the best price you’ll find for this model.
Amazon Fire TV Cube (2nd Gen)
The Fire TV Cube brings Amazon’s smart speaker and streaming player technology together in one device that acts as a universal remote, allowing you to control your TV as well as other compatible devices, like a stereo, soundbar, receiver, and even some cable and satellite boxes, with voice commands. And if you don’t want to use your voice, there are buttons on top of the cube to adjust the volume and mute the microphone.
Why it’s a good deal: This matches the best price we’ve seen for the Fire TV Cube.
More Deals
Hum by Colgate Smart Electric Toothbrush
The Hum by Colgate Smart Electric Toothbrush does a very good job at cleaning teeth, and it comes with a timer to help ensure that you brush for the full recommended 2 minutes. Its battery life and ease of use are outmatched by some other electric toothbrushes, but it will get the job done.
Why it’s a good deal: This is a great, reasonably priced way to upgrade to an electric toothbrush.
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Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2022, Consumer Reports, Inc.
