Prime Day 2024: Early Deals on Tech, Home Goods, and More
It’s almost time for Prime Day 2024, Amazon’s biggest sale of the summer, running from July 16th to 17th. But you don’t have to wait until the official start date to snag some great bargains. Amazon always throws a pre-game party, and we’ve been meticulously tracking the best early deals to help you find the perfect items, before they’re gone.
With decades of experience in product testing, a host of price tracking tools at our disposal, and a proven track record of unearthing the best bargains, you can trust WIRED to sift through the tidal wave of Amazon deals and extract the best picks.
This Prime Day, we’re cutting to the chase, focusing exclusively on the best prices ever for each item (some may match prior discounts, but we haven’t seen them cheaper). Many of these deals will likely remain active throughout Prime Day and beyond, so don’t feel pressured to jump at the first opportunity.
Let’s dive into the deals, starting with some prime perks and moving on to the tech, home goods, and beauty products you’ll want to grab at these enticing prices.
Prime Perks: Unlock Your Benefits
Amazon Prime offers a suite of benefits, and Prime Day is a great time to explore them. Here’s a quick look at some of the most valuable:
- Amazon Music Unlimited: While not the undisputed champion of music streaming, Amazon Music Unlimited earns an honorable mention in our guide. Enjoy five months free for Prime members (three months for non-members). Unleash yourself on a vast collection of over 100 million tracks in high quality, minus the distracting ads.
- Audible Premium Plus: Easily the best audiobook service, Audible Premium Plus unlocks a treasure trove of Audible Originals, audiobooks, and podcasts. Prime members get three months for free (one month for non-members). With a monthly credit for any audiobook you desire and regular exclusive deals, this subscription is a steal. The best part? Purchased titles are yours to keep, even after your subscription ends.
Deals on Amazon Tech: Elevate Your Digital Life
Amazon’s own line of smart devices frequently boasts deep discounts, but the most substantial ones are reserved for Prime Day. Here are a few standout Amazon device deals you can grab right now:
- Kindle Scribe: This e-reader is more than meets the eye. The Kindle Scribe (8/10, WIRED Recommends) features a large screen and a stylus, letting you jot down notes, annotate text, or even doodle without carrying a separate notebook. It’s perfect for capturing thoughts between chapters or taking notes in class without getting distracted by notifications. While typically pricey compared to other Kindles, this early Prime sale (exclusive to Prime members) brings it to a much more competitive price.
- Fire TV Stick 4K Max: This is our go-to pick for folks who favor Amazon’s ecosystem. While we still favor Roku devices, this stick is a solid choice for those deeply immersed in the Prime Video and Freevee world. The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is on sale for $25 (a $25 discount), but we recommend shelling out the extra $10 for the Fire TV Stick 4K Max. It’s faster and better, offering additional features like Ambient Mode and picture-in-picture for compatible security cameras.
- Echo Show 8: This is our favorite smart display for those who prefer Alexa over Google Assistant. It strikes the perfect balance in size, comfortably fitting on a kitchen counter or front entry table. An Echo Show is a handy tool for reading recipes, catching up on shows, or serving as a "home base" for checking the weather or security cameras. We appreciate the built-in camera shutter for added privacy. Read our full story on all the capabilities of an Echo Show.
- Fire Max 11: This is Amazon’s premium tablet and the best upgrade if you’re dedicated to Amazon devices. While we don’t deem it worth its full $230 price tag, this sale matches the best price we’ve tracked. The Fire Max 11 is powerful, but it heavily prioritizes Amazon content, and we aren’t fans of the Fire OS operating system. Still, it’s capable of browsing the web and watching videos, just don’t expect the typical Google Play Store experience of Android tablets. If you don’t need the absolute latest and greatest, the smaller, more affordable Amazon Fire Tablet HD 10 will likely be on sale this week as well.
Apple Deals: Elevate Your Apple Experience
Apple devices are known for their premium quality, and these early Prime Day deals make them more accessible than ever. Here are some standout Apple deals for those in the Apple ecosystem:
- 10th-generation iPad: Still our top pick for most people, the 10th-generation iPad (7/10, WIRED Recommends) boasts uniform bezels and a USB-C port for charging, ditching Apple’s proprietary Lightning cable. The A14 Bionic processor (the same powering the iPhone 12) is fast enough that we experienced no sluggishness during testing. It’s already reasonably priced, and this deal makes it even more appealing. Unless you crave a super powerful tablet, this is the way to go.
- M2 Macbook Air: We loved the M2 Macbook Air (7/10, WIRED Recommends) when it launched in 2022, but the price was a sticking point. This laptop features a vibrant display, a MagSafe connector, and a powerful M2 processor, though it struggles under too many tabs. Now at a more reasonable price, it’s a reliable laptop for a full day of school or work.
- Second-generation AirPods: Apple has a diverse lineup of headphones perfect for iPhone and iPad users, but none are as iconic as the AirPods. The second-generation AirPods (7/10, WIRED Review) don’t rely on silicone ear tips, a preference for some. We like this generation better than the successor, the third-generation AirPods. Besides, the older model is more affordable.
Tech Deals: Upgrade Your Tech Stack
Prime Day presents a fantastic opportunity to upgrade your tech gadgets at incredible discounts. Here are some noteworthy tech deals:
- Motorola Razr+ (2023): Remember when hanging up the phone was dramatic and cool? The Razr+ brings that edge back. The newest foldable Motorola Razr+ (7/10, WIRED Recommends) just dropped, meaning its predecessor is at its lowest price ever. The 2023 model lets you flip it open to answer calls and boasts an external display for notifications and other useful info. The cameras aren’t stellar, but if you prioritize them, the new 2024 Razr+ is already on sale for $900 (a $100 discount).
- Baseus Retractable USB-C Cable: Avoid tangled cables with this clever retractable cable. Available in fun colors, it coils neatly inside a circular case. Pull the USB-C ends to extend it to preset lengths (1.1, 1.9, 2.7, or 3.3 feet). Release and pull, and it coils back up neatly. This is one of the best USB-C cables.
- HiSense U6N 4K TV: This budget variation of our favorite recent HiSense TV, the U8N (8/10, WIRED Recommends), still packs a punch. It lacks the higher refresh rate of the U8N, topping out at 60 Hz. While fine for single-player gaming, it won’t perform as well for competitive online games. It also reaches a peak brightness of around 600 nits, compared to the over 3,000 nits of the U8N. However, it retains the quantum dot technology and full-array local dimming we appreciate from its pricier counterpart. If you’re okay with "good enough" (but pretty dang good), this is a fantastic value.
- Baseus 10,000-mAh MagSafe Power Bank: Simply stick this power bank to the back of your MagSafe iPhone to charge it on the go. With a large capacity of 10,000 mAh, this is one of the best MagSafe power banks we’ve tested. It provides at least one full charge for any MagSafe iPhone.
- Tapo C120 Smart Security Camera: Clip the on-page coupon for the maximum deal price. This affordable security camera records decent-quality footage, boasts a starlight sensor for color night vision, microSD card support up to 512 GB, and an IP66 rating for outdoor use. It also features smart detection (people, pets, vehicles), supports (slightly laggy) two-way audio, and offers the optional Tapo Care subscription for 30 days of cloud storage starting at $3.50 per month. This is a superior option to the Tapo C110, our best budget camera pick.
- HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Gaming Headset: Fed up with charging your wireless gaming headset? The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless (10/10, WIRED Recommends) offers an impressive 300 hours of battery life between charges. This headset delivers rich, powerful sound, comfortable ear cups, and intuitive controls. It’s everything a gamer could want (except a headphone jack). This headset has been discounted to this price before, but typically holds closer to $170.
- Roku Streaming Stick 4K: This matches one of the best deals we’ve seen for our top 4K streaming stick recommendation. We love the Roku interface, free channels galore (including How It’s Made), and its user-friendly setup. While it’s easy to accidentally press the remote’s shortcut buttons, that’s an issue common to most streaming sticks.
- TCL QM851G 4K TV: TCL’s QM8 series has been a favorite in the mid-tier TV market, offering exceptional performance and features for the price. The 2023 QM8 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) was praised for its availability in large sizes, making it a cost-effective projector alternative. This new QM851G pushes the brightness even further, boasting a peak brightness around double its predecessor’s, while maintaining the same appealing features. Expect stellar value for this model, including brightness that rivals almost any TV on the market.
- Roku Pro Series: Roku’s Pro Series builds upon the well-received Plus Series, combining Roku’s simple interface with enhanced picture quality. It features a 120-Hz refresh rate and HDMI 2.1 support for gaming, a mini LED panel for deep blacks and impactful brightness, and quantum dots for vibrant, expansive color. While we found some shortcomings in motion handling and off-axis viewing (a common trait for LED TVs in this class), there’s little else to complain about. This TV is packed with handy features for an exceptional experience, now available at an unbelievable price.
- Samsung 65-inch QN90C: For a premium TV experience that outshines OLED without sacrificing great contrast or wide viewing angles, Samsung’s QN90C (8/10, WIRED Recommends) hits the sweet spot. This QLED TV (LED with quantum dots) boasts a fantastic combination of performance, style, and features. It impressed us with its picture processing, producing incredible detail in our favorite shows and movies. The QN90C’s mini LED panel features minor blooming in specific situations, but the downsides are overshadowed by its numerous strengths.
- Roku Plus Series: This is one of the best affordable TVs due, in large part, to its intuitive Roku operating system. Expect effortless setup, simplified streaming, accurate voice search, and even a remote finder button. The TV’s picture offers good brightness, black levels, and vibrant quantum dot colors. While its 60-Hz refresh rate isn’t ideal for high-performance gaming, it’s a minor drawback for such an affordable 4K HDR TV.
- TCL Q7: This was our favorite affordable TV last year, combining great features, a clean Google TV interface, and picture quality that stands out in its class. Although it lacks a mini LED display like some competitors, hundreds of dimming zones deliver impressive contrast. It also offers bright, flashy colors, quantum dots for depth and expansiveness, and a 120-Hz refresh rate that supports VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) for smooth gaming. This TV provides a well-rounded package at an incredible price.
- JBL Authentics 200 Smart Speaker: This retro-styled smart speaker (9/10, WIRED Recommends) supports both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, letting you easily switch between them or use both concurrently for many tasks. This makes it perfect for folks with diverse smart products at home. We love the speaker’s clear, powerful sound, which rivals some of the best in the market, including Sonos 100 and 300. This speaker offers excellent value with its diverse skills and unique design.
Home and Beauty Deals: Enhance Your Everyday Life
Prime Day is a fantastic opportunity to snag everyday essentials and self-care products at attractive prices. Here’s a look at some outstanding deals:
- KitchenAid Series 5 Stand Mixer: Is any kitchen truly complete without a 5-quart stand mixer from KitchenAid? This mixer is incredibly useful and long-lasting. It effortlessly mixes, kneads, whips, and whisks virtually anything. You rarely see this mixer at such a low price, making it a great time to invest.
- Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine: A quality espresso machine is an investment. Every morning (and afternoon, and sometimes evening) you depend on your coffee machine to fuel your day, so it might as well be a good one. The Breville Barista Touch goes all out for an exceptional coffee experience. It features a built-in burr grinder, a hot water spout, and most importantly, a touchscreen display that stores custom drink orders.
- Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet Elite Cordless Vacuum: This lightweight and powerful cordless vacuum picks up everything from cereal crumbs to litter with a single pass on its medium setting. It also stands up on its own, a rare feat for cordless vacuums. This vacuum was a top pick in our Best Cordless Vacuums guide and remains a strong midrange option. While battery life is a slight drawback, you can always purchase a spare battery. This is the lowest price we’ve ever seen for this vacuum.
- Philips Norelco OneBlade Pro Beard Trimmer: Stylish and compact, this beard trimmer is one of our favorites. It has a digital display showing the battery level as a percentage, boasts a long 120-minute battery life, and recharges in just one hour. It excelled in testing for sharp lines and a close shave near the neck. Although Philips recommends replacing the heads every four months (you might not need to), this is still a great deal.
- Cosori Pro III Dual Blaze Air Fryer: Air fryers offer quick and potentially healthier cooking. This Cosori is our favorite smart air fryer because you can control it remotely using a smartphone or tablet (it also has a digital control panel). We were impressed by the sleek design, smooth cooking drawer slide, and cool handle. The only caveat is the sides can get hot, so ensure sufficient space around the appliance.
- Hbada Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair: This is our top budget pick in our Best Office Chairs guide. It often dips to this price but rarely goes lower. It boasts a breathable mesh fabric on the back and seat, and it’s sturdy enough to withstand years of use.
- Dyson Airwrap Complete Long (Amazon Exclusive): The Dyson Airwrap (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is an incredible styling tool, but its price tag is a serious deterrent. This bundle makes the Dyson Airwrap more accessible, and the Amazon Exclusive version includes a bonus storage bag and a detangling comb. It’s one of our favorite curling irons, using hot air to wrap hair around the barrel and set curls. While there’s a learning curve, once mastered, it speeds up your routine and is gentle on your hair.
Prime Day 2024 is a prime time to snag some incredible deals across a wide array of products. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your tech, find some amazing home goods, or treat yourself to some beauty essentials, this sale is not to miss. Don’t wait any longer—jump on these early deals and get ready for Prime Day!
