Best Smart Home Deals from Amazon's Prime Early Access Sale
These top-performing smart home devices are on sale during this huge two-day sale
By Daniel Wroclawski
Today is the first Amazon Prime Early Access Sale, which Amazon is using to kick off the holiday shopping season. Similar to Prime Day in July, there are a ton of deals on smart home devices. If you’ve been thinking about installing a smart home security system, a video doorbell, or even smart lightbulbs, there are some impressive sales on these and other smart products that have performed well in CR’s tests.
CR’s experts have hunted through deals from Amazon and competing retailers, cross-checking them against our comprehensive ratings of smart thermostats, smart security cameras, smart locks, and more—to isolate the best sales on highly rated smart home gear on offer right now.
Viewing on a mobile device? Click on the links below to skip to each section:
• DIY Home Security Systems
• Home Security Cameras
• Smart Lightbulbs
• Smart Locks
• Smart Thermostats
• Video Doorbells
Looking for deals on other connected home devices? See our guides to the best Prime Early Access Sale deals on smart speakers, robotic vacuums, smart TVs, and Amazon smart home devices.
And don’t miss out on Walmart’s Rollbacks and More sale, which is running from now to October 13th.
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DIY Home Security Systems
Ring Alarm Security Kit 4K19SZ-0EN0 (2nd Gen)
The Ring Alarm (2nd Gen) is one of the best DIY home security systems in our ratings, performing well in our tests for ease of setup, ease of use, data security, security essentials, and more. The system works with Amazon Alexa for voice control, as well as Ring video doorbells and security cameras, allowing you to set them to automatically record any activity when the alarm goes off. If you sign up for optional professional monitoring, you’ll receive 60 days of cloud video storage for Ring cameras and doorbells, as well as access to Alexa Guard Plus, a set of security features for Amazon Echo smart speakers that includes an emergency helpline you can call hands-free just by saying, “Alexa, call for help.” This Prime Day, Amazon is discounting a number of Ring Alarm bundles, including a 5-piece kit, 8-piece kit, 14-piece kit, 5-piece kit with a Ring Video Doorbell Wired, 8-piece kit with a Ring Video Doorbell (2020) and Amazon Echo Show 5, and an 8-piece kit with a Ring Indoor Cam and Amazon Echo Show 5. To compete, Costco is selling a 14-piece kit with a Ring Stick Up Cam (Battery) for $250.
Why it’s a good deal: These full-featured security system kits are discounted anywhere from about 30 percent to 40 percent off list price.
SimpliSafe The Essentials SS3-01
The SimpliSafe The Essentials SS3-01 security system is one of the best options out there for DIY home security systems. It receives above-average ratings across the board, with the exception being a less-than-ideal rating for data privacy (a common result for a majority of systems we’ve tested). Of course, the system also works with SimpliSafe’s security cameras, the CR-tested SimpliSafe Doorbell Pro SS3 video doorbell, and the smart lock. You can opt for self-monitoring or pay a subscription fee for professional monitoring. And you can purchase extra contact and motion sensors to cover your whole home.
Why it’s a good deal: This is a nearly 50 percent savings.
Home Security Cameras
Arlo Essential Indoor Security Wired VMC2040-100NAS
The Arlo Essential Wired Indoor Camera isn’t the most affordable indoor-only camera, but it’s a great option for anyone who already owns other Arlo gear. In our tests, it offers decent video quality, speedy response time for alerts, strong data security, and plenty of features, such as monitoring zones and voice and app control via Amazon Alexa, Google Home/Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings. 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 inconspicuous security camera is $20 off its list price.
Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera
Arlo’s smart floodlight camera sets itself apart from other models in design alone. The sleek device doesn’t immediately give itself away as a security cam, and because it runs on a rechargeable battery, you won’t have to worry about pesky wires. The camera records a 160-degree angle in 2K (with high dynamic range, or HDR), though our tester found that the quality wasn’t quite as sharp as 2K ought to be. It also has two-way audio and color night vision. You have to pay for a subscription if you want motion detection alerts, though, and we found that setup was a little troublesome, resulting in a call to customer service to get things running smoothly.
Why it’s a good deal: This camera is back down to the lowest price we’ve seen.
Blink Outdoor Security (3rd Gen)
Blink security cameras strike a good balance of price and quality. They’re among the lower-priced models that CR has tested, and they have above-average performance in a few areas. But they tend to fall short when it comes to features. The Blink Outdoor Security (3rd Gen) camera has top scores for data security and response time, and its video quality is above average. Video clips can be stored in the cloud with a Blink subscription plan or locally free of charge by plugging a USB drive into the included Blink Sync Module 2.
Why it’s a good deal: This camera is $10 off its list price and comes with a free Blink Mini indoor security camera, worth $35, which also performs decently in our tests. Amazon is also discounting its two-camera, three-camera, and five-camera kits, and throwing in a free Blink Mini with each kit.
Cync by GE Lighting Indoor Smart Camera
If the idea of buying a security camera from a lighting company gives you pause, know that GE Lighting was recently acquired by the high-end home automation company Savant, so it knows a thing or two about security cameras. This Cync indoor-only model offers great video quality, strong data security, and speedy response time in our tests. It also features a microSD card slot for local video storage and a manual privacy shutter, which you can close if you don’t want the camera watching you while you’re home. Other features include voice and app control via Amazon Alexa and Google Home/Assistant, person detection, and monitoring zones.
Why it’s a good deal: This camera is about 33 percent off its usual list price.
Eufy Solo Cam S40
The Eufy SoloCam S40 is the first security camera CR has tested with a built-in solar panel to recharge its battery. In our tests, it offers superb video quality and data security, as well as speedy response times. The camera doesn’t offer great data privacy, though, which is common among these devices. It features monitoring zones; person alerts; voice and app control via Amazon Alexa and Google Home/Assistant; a built-in siren; color night vision (thanks to its built-in spotlight); and 8 gigabytes of memory to store footage locally.
Why it’s a good deal: This security camera is back down to its Prime Day price, making now a great time to get in on the deal.
TP-Link Kasa Cam KC120
The TP-Link Kasa Cam KC120 is a CR Best Buy thanks to its combination of great performance and price. In our tests, this TP-Link offers impeccable video quality and response time, as well as strong data security. The camera’s features include monitoring zones, voice and app controls via Amazon Alexa and Google Home/Assistant, two-way audio, and a magnetic mount. Video clips can be stored in the cloud by subscribing to a Kasa Care plan, but this camera comes with a free two-year cloud storage plan that gives you a rolling two days of video storage.
Why it’s a good deal: This CR Best Buy camera is half off its list price.
Wyze Cam V3
The Wyze Cam v3 is a surprisingly strong performer given its low price. In our lab tests, it offers great video quality, strong data security, and speedy response times. It can be used indoors or outdoors and features monitoring zones, color night vision, a siren, two-way audio, and voice/app control via Amazon Alexa and Google Home/Assistant.
Why it’s a good deal: It’s already a great value at its $36 list price, but this deal includes three months of cloud video storage and smart alerts (worth $6).
Smart Lightbulbs
Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance A19 Three-Pack
In our hands-on review, the 60-watt-equivalent Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance smart LED bulb was the best bulb of 10 we evaluated, displaying bright, vivid colors and impressive dimming. These bulbs can be controlled via Bluetooth from your smartphone and some Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant smart speakers, but it requires a Philips Hue Bridge, $60, for full functionality (such as Apple Home compatibility).
Why it’s a good deal: The bulbs themselves aren’t cheap, usually retailing for $55 each. At this price, the bulbs cost less than $30 each.
TP-Link Kasa Smart WiFi Lightbulb Multicolor KL125
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 awfully 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 a two-pack of the TP-Link bulbs to just $17, essentially getting you a second bulb for just $2 more, and a four-pack to just $30.
Wyze Bulb Color
If you like a lot of light, the Wyze Bulb Color offers a higher 1,100-lumen count for brightness for about the same price as many competing 800-lumen bulbs. In our evaluation, it displayed impressively bright colors, as well as great white tuning (the ability to change from warm to cool white) and dimming. Its only downsides are its clunky setup process and somewhat laggy responsiveness. But if you can look past those flaws, the Wyze Bulb Color is still a great option thanks to its array of automation features and support for both Amazon Alexa and Google Home/Assistant.
Why it’s a good deal: Amazon is discounting the Wyze Bulb Color by about $6, getting you this full-featured bulb for less than $10 a pop.
Smart Locks
August WiFi Smart Lock AUG SL05-M01-G01
Interested in a smart lock but tired of hubs and dongles? The August WiFi Smart Lock is one of a growing number that connects directly to WiFi, with no hub needed. This August is also a retrofit model, meaning it replaces only the interior side of your deadbolt so you can keep your existing keys. It performs quite well in our tests, including those for ease of remote access and convenience features. Those features include auto-locking and unlocking, voice and app control (via Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit/Siri, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings), access logs, electronic keys, and a door sensor.
Why it’s a good deal: This smart lock is $46 off its usual list price.
Bosma Aegis Smart Lock SL0001
The Bosma Aegis retrofit smart lock receives high scores across the board in our tests, including high marks for its ease of remote access. It also comes with plenty of features, such as auto-locking, auto-unlocking, voice and app control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, electronic keys, an access log, a door open/close sensor, and a tamper alarm to warn you of a possible break-in.
Why it’s a good deal: This smart lock is at the best price we’ve ever seen.
Kwikset Premis 919TRL 15 SMT
The Kwikset Premis 919TRL 15 SMT 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 smart lock is 25 percent off its list price.
Wyze Lock WLCKG1
Wyze is known for making decent quality—and budget-friendly—smart home devices, and the Wyze Lock is no exception. This retrofit smart lock performs quite well in our tests and offers plenty of features, including auto-locking and unlocking, an access log, electronic keys, an integrated door sensor, voice and app control via Amazon Alexa and Google Home/Assistant, and an alarm to let you know if the door is left open after a set amount of time. If you’d like to use PIN codes with this lock, Wyze sells a separate wireless keypad for $24.
Why it’s a good deal: This smart lock works with your existing deadbolt and is about $50 off its list price.
Smart Thermostats
ecobee Smart with Voice Control EB-STATe5-01
The Ecobee Smart With Voice Control EB-STATe5-01 blends a simple interface with plenty of bells and whistles for precise programming. The thermostat learns your heating and cooling habits, and adjusts its programming accordingly. It also comes with a wireless remote temperature sensor to place in an area or room that runs hotter or cooler than the area around the thermostat (and adjust accordingly). Other features include vacation scheduling, a touch screen, built-in Amazon Alexa for voice control, and compatibility with Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings for app and/or voice control. Ecobee sells additional remote temperature sensors in a two-pack for $100 at Best Buy, Ecobee, and Lowe’s.
Why it’s a good deal: It comes with a remote temperature sensor in the box and is $42 off its list price.
Google Nest Thermostat G4CVZ
The Google Nest Thermostat is technically more of a WiFi-enabled programmable thermostat than it is a truly smart thermostat that learns your routine, but some people might prefer that. It offers great manual controls in our tests, as well as a few useful features, such as presence sensing to tell whether anyone is home, a smartphone app for remote control and programming, and voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Why it’s a good deal: This Energy Star-certified thermostat is the best price we’ve seen.
Honeywell Home T9 RCHT9510WF
The sleek Honeywell Home T9 RCHT9510WF does a great job of automating your heating and cooling (and has great manual control, too). This thermostat comes with a wireless remote temperature sensor for more precise heating and cooling throughout your home and offers a number of other features, including geofencing, a built-in occupancy sensor, a touch screen, vacation scheduling, and voice and app control via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings. Additional temperature sensors cost $40 each or $75 for a two-pack, and are available at Amazon, Best Buy, and Honeywell Home.
Why it’s a good deal: It comes with a remote temperature sensor in the box and is $42 off its list price.
Video Doorbells
Amcrest Wired Video Doorbell AD-410
Amcrest isn’t a well-known brand, but the company knows how to make a decent doorbell. In our tests, the Amcrest Wired Video Doorbell AD-410 offers middling video quality, but strong data security and impressively fast response times. It features a microSD card slot for local video storage, person detection, monitoring zones, and voice/app control via Amazon Alexa.
Why it’s a good deal: It doesn’t require a subscription and it’s $30 off its usual list price in this Lightning Deal.
Arlo Essential Video Doorbell (Wire-free) AVD2001-100NAS
Want a battery-powered video doorbell that isn’t made by Amazon or Google? This Arlo model is a great alternative. In our tests, it receives high scores for its video quality and data security, but we found it to be a bit slow when it comes to its response time for alerts and loading live video feeds. Its features include a rechargeable battery, optional wiring contacts to wire it to a home’s doorbell circuit, high dynamic range for clear video in brightly lit or dark spots, and voice and app control via Amazon Alexa, Google Home/Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings. 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 video doorbell is at its usual sale price.
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 pre-recorded 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: It’s a few dollars less tan the usual sale price right now.
Eufy Video Doorbell Dual 2K (Battery)
The Eufy Video Doorbell Dual 2K (Battery) is one of a few video doorbells with two cameras, one pointed straight out to spot visitors (or intruders) and one pointed down to keep an eye on package deliveries. In our lab tests, it offers decent video quality, strong data security, and middling response time for alerts and loading live feeds. In addition to its two cameras, this Eufy features high dynamic range (HDR) for more vivid video, monitoring zones, three-second video previews (to show what happened before the camera detected motion), 8 gigabytes of built-in memory to store footage locally, facial recognition, person detection, and package detection. Notably, the last three features don’t require a subscription, which is common for other doorbells.
Why it’s a good deal: It’s on sale for $80 off its list price.
Ring Gen 2 2020
It wouldn’t be an Amazon sale without a discount on Ring’s popular $100 video doorbell. In our tests, this doorbell offers terrific video quality, response time, and data security. Its free feature set is a bit sparse, though, only offering monitoring zones and voice control via Amazon Alexa. Cloud video storage and additional features (such as person alerts and photo snapshots between recordings) require a Ring Protect subscription. Existing Ring Protect subscribers can also receive an additional 10 percent discount either at Ring.com or Amazon (provided you’ve linked your Amazon and Ring accounts together).
Why it’s a good deal: This popular doorbell is $30 off its usual list price.
Ring Doorbell Wired
The Ring Video Doorbell Wired receives high scores for its video quality and data security, but its response time and free feature set are a bit lacking. The latter mainly includes monitoring zones and voice control via Amazon Alexa. And while this doorbell needs to be wired for power, it will not ring your home’s existing doorbell chime. However, if you already own an Amazon Echo smart speaker or display, it can act as a chime for the doorbell. Cloud video storage and additional features require a Ring Protect subscription. Existing Ring Protect subscribers can also receive an additional 10 percent discount either at Ring.com or Amazon (provided you’ve linked your Amazon and Ring accounts together).
Why it’s a good deal: This doorbell normally costs $65 and it’s now on sale for $25 off.
TP-Link Kasa Smart KD110
The TP-Link Kasa Smart KD110 is a great video doorbell for the money, with strong data security, fast response times, and decent video quality. It comes with a plug-in doorbell chime and features monitoring zones, voice and app control via Amazon Alexa and Google Home/Assistant, person detection, and local video storage using a microSD card (sold separately). Video clips can also be stored in the cloud by subscribing to a Kasa Care plan.
Why it’s a good deal: This doorbell is on sale for just $42, netting you a savings of $18 and undercutting Amazon’s budget-friendly Ring Video Doorbell Wired.
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