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Best Prime Day Deals on Electronics

Oct 13, 2023

You can save on TVs, laptops, headphones, and other popular tech gadgets

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With Amazon’s Prime Day upon us, plus sales from other retailers including Walmart+ Week, Target Circle Week, and Best Buy’s Black Friday in July event, this is a great time to score good deals on TVs, headphones, Bluetooth speakers, wireless routers, fitness trackers, laptops, and more.

Consumer Reports is here to help. We monitor the prices of everything we test to let you know when something is available for less than usual. Of course, the best deals involve more than a good price. You want the product you buy to work well, no matter how much you spend. So our experts look for price cuts on items that stand up to our rigorous testing. The list below features the top options available now.

And if you’re shopping for something else, check our Deals hub for the latest discounts on everything from coffee makers and air fryers to sheets and slippers. Consumer Reports will be keeping a close eye on all those items throughout the sales to help you find what you want for less.

Click on the links below to skip to each section.

• TVs• Streaming Devices• Laptops• Chromebooks• Tablets• Headphones• Printers• Fitness Trackers and Smartwatches• Smart and Bluetooth Speakers• Soundbars• Wireless Routers

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Sony XR-65A80K

The Sony XR-65A80K is a top-performing OLED TV with very good sound, though its HDR isn’t quite as good as the very best sets. Like other Sony TVs, it uses the Google TV smart TV system, and it’s only one of a handful of 2022 models that includes an ATSC 3.0 tuner for receiving NextGen TV signals—a new over-the-air standard—when they become available in your area.

Amazon B08T6JZTH4

The 75-inch Amazon B08T6JZTH4, a step-up model in the company’s own line of Fire TVs, did well for overall picture quality, though it had only limited HDR effectiveness. Compared with the entry-level 4-series Amazon sets, it has a slimmer design and support for Dolby Vision HDR, plus built-in far-field microphones for hands-free operation. The TV usually sells for a little over $1,000, so it’s about $300 cheaper during the sale.

Samsung QN55QN90B

The Samsung QN55QN90B, a 2022 Neo QLED TV from Samsung—which combines quantum dots with Mini LED backlights—is among the very best 55-inch TVs you can buy, thanks to top-notch overall picture quality and very effective high dynamic range (HDR) performance, among the best we’ve seen. It also has a wider-than-average viewing angle for an LCD-based set. We saw the price drop recently, but this is at its lowest level so far.

TCL 40S355

The TCL 40S355 is a 1080p TV, which is getting harder to find even in this screen size. It delivers very good overall picture quality, though its sound quality isn’t great and its viewing angle is fairly narrow. This set is a Roku TV, so you can access a lot of streaming services right from the TV. It’s about $20 less at Amazon now than elsewhere.

For more discounts: Best Prime Day TV Deals

Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen)

Like its predecessor, the Amazon Fire TV Cube is a mash-up of an Amazon Echo and a 4K Fire TV streamer. And also like the model it’s replacing, it has Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant built in, and its universal remote control capabilities lets you control a host of other compatible A/V gear, including TVs, soundbars, receivers, and even some cable and satellite boxes. Its new, faster processor can upscale lower-resolution content to 4K. Other features include WiFi 6E, support for both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ HDR, and an off button that disconnects the microphones if you don’t want the device in an always-listening mode.

Roku Streaming Stick 4K

Situated right below the Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ model, the Streaming Stick 4K has most of the same features—including improved WiFi, support for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision HDR, and the ability to work with Amazon Alexa, Apple AirPlay, and Google Assistant voice assistant—but not the new rechargeable Voice Remote Pro remote control. Instead, you get a standard Roku voice remote, which lacks the hands-free operation, a headphone jack for private listening, and a lost-remote finder feature found on the Voice Remote Pro.

Amazon Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen)

Amazon’s third-generation Fire TV Stick, which pops into your TV’s HDMI port, has once again been updated with a faster processor for quicker app starts. It comes with an Alexa remote, which has TV power and volume controls. Despite being limited to HD (1080p, not 4K) video, the Fire TV Stick supports the HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG HDR formats, as well as Dolby Atmos 3D audio.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max

The latest Fire TV Stick 4K Max is also its fastest, thanks to a more powerful processor, so apps launch quicker than on earlier models. Also, it includes WiFi 6, the latest WiFi version. (You’ll need a WiFi 6 router to take advantage of this feature, though it works with older routers.) This model supports the HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision HDR formats, as well as Dolby Atmos audio. It comes with an Alexa voice remote, so you can find, launch, and control content, or even change inputs, using voice commands.

Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 (256GB)

If you need a highly portable laptop that can easily slip into a bag without weighing you down, you might consider this 12.4-inch notebook from Microsoft, which has fallen in price $50 compared with yesterday. It has an Intel Core i5 processor, 8 gigabytes of memory, and 256GB of solid state storage. Given that “Go” is part of the name, you shouldn’t be surprised that it’s quite light (2.5 pounds) and has a battery that can last 11 hours while handling lightweight tasks like browsing the web.

Apple MacBook Air 13-Inch (2020, M1)

Thin, light, and powerful, the 2020 MacBook Air is still a great machine, even though there’s a newer MacBook Air for shoppers to consider. The older laptop provides a compelling combination of performance and battery life. Instead of using an Intel chip, as all Apple computers had done since 2006, it’s powered by Apple’s own M1 processor. In our tests, the processor performs with admirable speed, similar to devices powered by Intel Core i7 processors. The 2020 MacBook Air racks up an impressive 10.75 hours of web browsing per charge in CR’s testing.

HP Victus 16

This 16.1-inch HP Victus 16 laptop provides performance to rival some of the fastest models in our tests, and it’s appropriate for graphics-intensive tasks like gaming and video editing. It has an Intel Core i7 processor, 16 gigabytes of RAM, a 512GB solid state drive, and a Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card with 6GB of dedicated video memory. Its battery life should last you through most of a workday.

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go

This 14-inch Chromebook has an Intel Celeron processor, 4 gigabytes of memory, and 32GB of flash storage. The model we tested had 64GB of storage. Our testers point out the admirable battery life (almost 13 hours for web browsing and almost 8 for more demanding loads) and the comfortable keyboard. Performance is below average and the display is merely so-so, but as long as you treat this as a low-cost productivity device, you should be okay.

Lenovo IdeaPad 5i Gaming Chromebook 16

Lenovo’s 16-inch Chromebook offers a few special features that may appeal to gamers, especially at this price. The RGB backlighting makes the keys easier to see in the dark, and the high 120-hertz refresh rate of the display helps you respond quickly in fast-paced play. Though it lacks a dedicated graphics card like typical gaming laptops, this Chromebook is set up to run PC and console games on Chrome OS via online services such as Amazon Luna and Nvidia GeForce Now.

The IdeaPad 5i comes with specs you might expect on a midrange Windows laptop: an Intel Core i5 processor, 8 gigabytes of memory, and a 256GB solid state drive. CR’s testers praise the fast performance for both online gameplay and productivity tasks like word processing. The model weighs 4 pounds and delivers 14.25 hours’ worth of battery life for web browsing in CR’s testing. It features a full number pad—nice for people who work with spreadsheets or participate in role-playing games where that comes in handy—and a microSD memory card reader.

For more discounts: Best Prime Day Deals on Laptops, Desktops, Printers, and Routers

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ (5G, 128GB)

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ is a workhorse, earning a spot among the top non-Apple tablets CR has tested. It’s a great option if you want a tablet with a large 12.4-inch screen. It does have a shorter battery life than most, at just 7.3 hours for web browsing. It also has expandable storage with a built-in micro SD reader, and it gets high scores for performance, convenience, and versatility.

Apple iPad Mini (5G, 64GB)-2021

The 8.3-inch iPad Mini has a bright, sharp display with a large viewing angle, meaning you don’t need to hold it dead center in front of your face to see it clearly. The new A15 Bionic chip is blazing fast, so web browsing and watching movies seem smooth and stutter-free. The battery life is impressive, too. Other updates include a USB-C port, upgraded cameras, and optional 5G compatibility. The smaller size and lighter weight make the tablet easier to hold for extended periods.

Apple AirPods (2nd Gen) with Wireless Charging Case

Though the second-generation AirPods don’t get top marks for sound quality in Consumer Reports’ testing, there’s no denying the appeal of these true wireless earphones for many Apple fans—especially at a big discount. They’re even $10 cheaper than the sale price we’ve seen for the last few months.

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

Bose has been the go-to brand for noise-canceling headphones for years, and its impressive performance in our ratings bears out that reputation. The company’s flagship option, the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, is a top-of-the-line product, with great audio quality, adjustable noise-canceling, and a slew of other features, and because Bose products aren’t frequently discounted, this is a solid deal on a high-performance product.

Apple AirPods Pro

If you’re an iPhone fan, you might consider the latest AirPods Pro, noise-canceling earbuds that offer both solid performance and impressive convenience. Pairing the Pros with an iPhone or a MacBook is simple, so you can easily switch from listening on your phone to listening on your laptop. The Pros deliver great sound quality and improved noise cancellation. The new AirPods Pro case is water-resistant and has the same Find Me feature as the earbuds themselves.

JBL Tune 510BT

JBL Tune 510BT headphones feel like they’re built with quality in mind: They’re cheap, but they don’t seem cheap. This Bluetooth model delivers pretty good sound quality, it has a 40-hour advertised battery life, and we’ve seen it selling at remarkably low prices. The 510BT sits on the ears, which some people find more comfortable than being engulfed by the more common over-ear style. As an extra perk, you can also use them with a cable if you forget to charge them.

1MORE ComfoBuds Pro

Noise-canceling true wireless earbuds at a stocking stuffer price? No, that’s not a joke. The 1More ComfoBuds Pro channel Apple’s AirPods in terms of styling, and our testers report that they’re not far off in terms of performance at a small fraction of the price.

For more discounts: Best Prime Day Headphone Deals

HP LaserJet M209dwe

Black-and-white laser printers don’t get enough love from everyday shoppers. A machine like the HP LaserJet M209dwe can be far cheaper to operate than almost any inkjet, while spewing out very sharp, clear text at impressive speeds. Now, this is a barebones machine. It prints only in black-and-white. It’s pretty inept at producing graphics, and it lacks the ability to copy or scan documents. Oh, and about that six-month deal on cartridges: You’ll need to set up an HP account and maintain the printer’s internet access. (Note that the printer accepts only HP toner cartridges.) If you’re okay with all that, the HP LaserJet M209dwe can be a good deal. What it does, it does extremely well, while consuming a modest corner of a desk—and an even smaller slice of a household budget.

Epson EcoTank ET-2400

As with other reservoir- or tank-style printers, the EcoTank Photo ET-2400 does away with pricey replacement cartridges in favor of tanks that can be replenished with low-cost bottles of ink. Our estimates show the typical yearly cost to keep this printer running is just $5, a fraction of the figure for conventional inkjets. The model scores well for text and graphics quality, but it’s relatively slow compared with other inkjets and offers only basic features: WiFi connectivity, scanning and copying, and a 100-sheet paper tray. If you own the model for a few years, however, it becomes one of the cheapest printers in our ratings, especially for those who routinely churn out recipes, book reports, tickets, schedules, graphics-heavy school projects, and the like.

Epson EcoTank ET-2800

If you print in color frequently enough to justify buying an inkjet printer, consider a model that will save you money in the long run, especially when it’s on sale. The Epson ET-2800 tank printer has a reservoir you can refill with low-cost bottled ink instead of expensive ink cartridges. It uses only about $5 worth of ink a year, according to our estimates, instead of the $70 or more you might have to pay for a cartridge model. Those ongoing savings make the Epson’s purchase price far more palatable and give it a two-year cost of ownership that’s at the top of its class.

The ET-2800’s overall performance isn’t strong enough to earn a CR recommendation. But the text quality and speed are decent and should be fine for home use. The model doesn’t excel at printing photos, charts, or graphics; it does those jobs about as well as any ink-stingy inkjet.

Canon imageCLASS MF642Cdw

Need a color laser printer that can print out presentation-quality charts and web pages while still being fairly cheap to run? This Canon imageClass MF642Cdw multifunction printer could fit the bill. It doesn’t score quite high enough to earn a CR recommendation, but it’s among the few color laser printers to receive a top rating for graphics quality, and it has an above-average score for text quality. It lags behind other options in text speed, though.

A big printer with a relatively low starting price for a color laser, the MF642Cdw has an auto feeder and can print on both sides of a page with auto-duplexing. Connectivity options include USB cable, WiFi, and Ethernet cable. Note that the model can’t print if any color runs out.

Google Pixel Watch

Think of the elegant Pixel Watch as the Apple Watch of the Android world. It’s designed to integrate smoothly with Google’s devices, like the Pixel phone and earbuds, as well as those Google-owned services that dominate the internet. The watch sits near the top of our ratings, with strong grades for ease of use, readability in bright and low light, and heart rate accuracy. Battery life is a bit of an issue at only 24 hours.

Fitbit Charge 5

The Charge 5 has the workout-related functions of Fitbit’s other fitness trackers, while adding smartwatch-like features like stress tracking and heart rhythm alerts that are aimed at monitoring your overall wellness, even while you’re sitting at your desk. According to our testers, the Charge 5 performs well in ease of use, ease of interaction, versatility, and readability in bright light.

Apple Watch Series 8 GPS (45mm)

This latest Apple Watch Series 8 isn’t much different from the previous Series 7 version. The Series 8 features new body temperature sensors for retrospective estimates of ovulation and a high-speed g-force sensor for car crash detection. It also has an EKG function designed to detect unusual heart rhythms. There’s no change in battery size, though the latest version of the Watch operating system adds a new function that can double the life per charge, Apple says, albeit at the expense of some functionality. In our ratings, the Series 8 falls just a bit short of the Ultra, performing less well in the scratch test. But the Series 8 still ranks near the top of our smartwatch ratings.

Apple Watch SE (40mm) GPS

Apple introduced an updated version of its high-value SE watch in September, which has led to a series of solid deals on the first-generation Watch SE. The earlier version uses a less powerful processor than the new model, but it performs most of the functions that make the SE one of our highest-rated smartwatches. The major difference between the prior-generation SE and the Apple Watch Series 8 is that the SE lacks a blood oxygen sensor, which helps boost sleep-tracking accuracy, as well as a temperature sensor that can provide retroactive estimates of ovulation. The SE also lacks the high-speed g-force sensor that can sense when you’ve been in a car crash, a feature found on the latest SE, which starts at $249. But on your wrist, the earlier SE is almost identical to the new SE or even the Series 8.

Citizen CZ Smart

This retro-looking Citizen CZ Smart comes from a company best known for analog watches. The watch’s price is fairly high compared with other options, but the traditional styling will appeal to users who want smartwatch functionality in a model with the look of something made of chunky stainless steel. The watch performs very well in our labs, with solid scores in ease of interaction as well as accuracy monitoring heart rate and counting steps. The watch is compatible with both Android phones and iPhones. It has stand-alone GPS but lacks the blood oxygen sensor found on some smartwatches, which limits its sleep-tracking functionality.

JBL Charge 5

The Charge 5 is great for an outdoor dance party, even one that’s poolside. Our testers report that it has satisfying sound quality and enough volume for a midsized room, and JBL says the model is dust- and water-resistant, though CR doesn’t test those claims.

Bose Soundlink Flex

The Bose SoundLink Flex sounds quite good for a small, modestly priced portable speaker. But unlike most Bose speakers, it also has IP67 water and dust resistance, so you can take it to the beach or perch it by the pool. The Flex, which comes in four colors, can be positioned horizontally or vertically and adjusts automatically to the orientation. While the Prime Day discount is modest, Bose speakers don’t often go on sale.

Edifier S1000MKII

This is the best-sounding speaker we’ve tested (matching its identical siblings, the S1000DB and S1000W) at the lowest price of the year, so this is a deal to snap up. Sold in a stereo pair, the powered Bluetooth speakers have a flexible array of inputs on the back. Sonically, the Edifiers shine, with detailed bass, smooth trebles, and a truly magical midrange that can almost convince you the musicians are in the room with you.

Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3

The Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 features whimsical and colorful styling that says it’s time for fun. It’s a little larger than UE’s Boom 3, and our testers report that it sounds significantly better, too. The model also provides enough volume for use outside or in a large room. According to the manufacturer, the Megaboom 3 can survive immersion in 1 meter of water for up to a half-hour. The manufacturer claims that the Megaboom 3 floats, but it’s still probably a good idea to move it before the tide comes in.

Google Nest Audio

If you prefer Google Assistant to Alexa, the Google Nest Audio may be a good choice. Alexa smart speakers have a wider variety of skills and can be great for shopping on Amazon, but some users like Google’s powerful search function and find Google’s interface to be more natural and easier to use.

Google brags about the Nest Audio’s sonic performance, but our testers find that the gains are more modest. The speaker generates enough volume for a midsized room, but the midrange is a little hazy and there’s some sizzle on the high frequencies. While it’s better than the old Google Home, the Nest Audio still can’t compete with the best-sounding smart speakers. It also doesn’t sound quite as good as the similarly priced fourth-generation Amazon Echo.

Roku Streambar

The Roku Streambar is an inexpensive, versatile two-in-one solution that combines built-in Roku 4K HDR (HDR10) streaming with a compact soundbar speaker that can be added to any TV. However, its sound is only fair, so it’s not the best choice for those looking for a higher-quality speaker for playing music and soundtracks.

JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam

The JBL Bar 5.0 Multibeam is a compact 5.0-channel soundbar speaker that delivers good overall sound quality. It has a good number of features, including built-in streaming via Amazon Alexa, Apple AirPlay, and Google Chromecast, plus Bluetooth. By default, the speaker is in Smart Mode, which adds some effects to create a wider soundstage; it can be turned off, which improves the overall sound but loses the wider soundstage.

Samsung HW-Q600B/ZA

The Samsung HW-Q600B 3.1.2-channel soundbar system, which supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D audio, delivers decent overall sound quality, so more casual listeners will probably find it sufficient for music and movie soundtracks. The main enclosure has two upfiring drivers for height. Like other Samsung Q-series soundbars and TVs, it can sync the soundbar and TV speakers to work together to produce a fuller soundstage.

Bose Smart Soundbar 300

The Bose Smart Soundbar 300 is a smaller all-in-one soundbar speaker that lacks a separate wireless subwoofer. Nonetheless, it delivers decent overall sound quality, though it lacks deep bass. Also, it can function as a smart speaker when used with the Bose Music companion app, which is also needed for some audio adjustments. Bose audio products don’t always go on sale, so this is a good deal.

LG S65Q

The LG S65Q is a midlevel 3.1-channel soundbar from LG, and one of the only models CR has tested that earns a very good score for sound, making it a fine choice for both movie soundtracks and music. It has a dedicated center-channel speaker, which can help improve dialog intelligibility, but otherwise is a fairly basic model without any smart features or support for Dolby Atmos/DTS:X audio.

LG SP8YA

Stepping up to the 3.1.2-channel LG SP8YA soundbar in LG’s lineup gets you support for both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive sound. In addition to WiFi, it has built-in Bluetooth for streaming from portable devices and for connecting to an LG TV, and it works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple AirPlay 2.

Asus AX2700 (RT-AX68U)

This WiFi 6 wireless router from Asus scores quite well in our throughput tests, it’s easy to set up via a smartphone app, and it has automatic firmware updates. But the throughput lagged a bit in our near-distance tests, so you might want to put a little space between the router and any devices that require top speed.

TP-Link AX5400 (Archer AX73)

This is a good deal on a wireless router that does quite well in our ratings. It’s not a mesh router, but if a single-unit router is sufficient to envelop your home in WiFi, this should do a good job. Our testers note high speeds (technically referred to as “throughput”) across near, medium, and far distances, as well as useful additional features like automatic firmware updating (which helps keep you and your data safe) and the ability to manage everything from a smartphone app.

TP-Link Deco X90 AX6600 (2-Pack)

Deco is TP-Link’s line of mesh routers, which use multiple units (here, two) working together to spread WiFi far and wide throughout your home. It scores well in our ratings: Speeds across a range of distances are fast, and extra features like automatic firmware updating and smartphone-based management are appreciated by our testers. There are even a generous four built-in Ethernet ports for connecting devices like video game consoles.

Google Nest Wifi (3-pack)

It’s hard to argue with a solid wireless router that costs less than $150, which is what Google WiFi is going for during Prime Day. It gets high scores across most of our tests and has features like automatic firmware updating and smartphone-based management. There are also two built-in Ethernet ports.

Samantha B. Gordon

Samantha B. Gordon is the deals editor at Consumer Reports. She has been covering the online marketplace for CR since 2019, helping readers save money and find the best prices on high-quality products. Previously, Samantha was the managing editor of the e-commerce team at Reviewed. In her free time, Samantha can be found crafting and playing her guitar. Follow her on Twitter @sam_the_editor.

Get discounts, product recommendations, and buying advice from the shopping experts at CR. Sign up for our ShopSmart newsletterFor more discounts: Best Prime Day TV DealsFor more discounts: Best Prime Day Deals on Laptops, Desktops, Printers, and RoutersFor more discounts: Best Prime Day Headphone Deals