banner

News

Jan 21, 2024

Best Prime Day Deals Under $50

These already-affordable items are even easier on the wallet right now

When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. 100% of the fees we collect are used to support our nonprofit mission. Learn more.

If you’re looking to shop without spending too much, we’ve put together all the best Amazon Prime Day deals under $50. Not only that, but we’re also tracking down discounts from competing retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, and Target.

To help you find the deals faster, Consumer Reports’ experts search for the most promising offers on items including cookware, headphones, fitness gear, and more. We keep you updated on the latest offers, so check back often. And go to our Deals hub, where you’ll find the best sales on everything Consumer Reports tests.

Viewing on a mobile device? Click on the links below to skip to each section.

• Countertop Appliances• Kitchen Tools• Headphones• Speakers• Pet Water Fountains• Bed and Bath• Smart Home• Slim Wallets• More Deals

Get discounts, product recommendations, and buying advice from the shopping experts at CR. Sign up for our ShopSmart newsletter.

Mr. Coffee Single-Serve Iced and Hot (2153439)

This Mr. Coffee machine is designed for people who like a lot of different styles of coffee and prioritize flexibility in their coffee maker. It brews both hot and cold coffee in single servings, and it comes with a reusable tumbler, lid, and straw, a reusable coffee filter, and a dual-sided scoop. It’s worth noting that it didn’t perform particularly well in our tests: its brew performance passed muster, but our testers found it to be fairly difficult to operate and clean. The machine also required some time to cool off between runs—though if you’re only using this for single cups of coffee at a time, that shouldn’t be an issue.

NutriChef NCFP8 Multipurpose 12 Cup Multifunction

With variable speeds, dial controls, and a reversible shredding and slicing disc, the NutriChef NCFP8 is not one to miss. Although the model doesn’t fare as well when it comes to grating, it still manages a very good rating in overall performance in Consumer Reports’ tests. You’ll find a dough blade plus whipping and juicing attachments included with the food processor.

Black+Decker 2-Slice TR3500SD

This Black+Decker 2-slice toaster delivers excellent overall performance and features a cancel button, dial and pushbutton controls, cord storage, and specialized settings for bagels and frozen foods—details you don’t always get with toasters under $50. In our lab evaluations, this model did a very good job at browning a full batch toast, and delivered it with incredible timing. It’s also easy to use, and a cinch to clean.

Dash Clear View DVTS501GY

The Dash Clear View toaster’s clever see-through side panel makes it easy to monitor your slices, making charred toast a thing of the past. And you won’t have to wait too long for it to pop up; this model does very well in our toasting-time test. One downside: It gets only middling marks in our cleaning test, so you may have to put in a little extra effort to get crumbs out of its nooks and crannies.

Zwilling 8-Piece Stainless Steel Steak Knife Set

If you’re shopping for steak knives as a wedding or housewarming gift, look no further. This Zwilling set has a polished finish and a wooden case, too. The metal handles make them quite a bit heavier than you’d expect, but that weight is appreciated because it helps make cutting easier, without distorting the balance of the knife. While these knives are beautiful, they’re not the sharpest of the bunch—the tiny serrations on the blade make them best suited for more tender cuts, such as filet mignon, as opposed to tougher foods, like a lamb shoulder chop. On a table, they blend right in with other cutlery, and of all the options we’ve tried out, they look the least like a steak knife and more like a finely sharpened butter knife.

Zulay Kitchen Lemon Squeezer Stainless Steel

In evaluating the best manual citrus squeezers, this stainless steel Zulay Kitchen lemon squeezer proved to be particularly easier to use with more ripe lemons, and little pulp made it into the cup. Its sleek composition makes it ideal for storing in compact drawers, and it’s dishwasher-safe.

Dash Safe Slice Mandoline

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 models where the blade is stationary and exposed, this one has an internal guillotine that slices your food, not your fingers.

Pebble Premium Whetstone Knife Sharpener

The Pebble Premium whetstone is a double-sided sharpening stone with a coarse side and a fine side on the same stone. If the sharpening process is something you enjoy, this might be the way to go. You can sharpen any knife to the exact angle you want—a tool called a bevel gauge (sold at hardware stores) can help you find the angle. It put an edge on both of the knives our tester used to evaluate the sharpeners, which none of the electric or manual sharpeners could match.

ThermoPro Digital Meat Thermometer (TP19H)

Made by one of the most trustworthy thermometer companies in the grilling industry, the ThermoPro TP19H instant read meat thermometer offers handheld temperature reading with a single stowable probe. There’s a built-in LED and rotation lock for the display, and a magnetic backing allows you to store it on your refrigerator between meals. Perfect for checking oven-bound meats, this simple and affordable thermometer delivers reliably accurate readings within seconds of probing.

INKBIRD IBT-4XS BT Grill Meat Thermometer

The InkBird IBT-4XS BT is the highest-rated digital meat thermometer in CR’s tests. It offers app connectivity with estimated cook times, four separate probes, built-in alarms, and the ability to charge the device while actively monitoring temperatures. InkBird boasts decent range in outdoor environments, up to 150 feet.

Secura Electric Kettle SWK-1701DB

The 7-cup Secura Original electric kettle is plastic on the outside, stainless steel on the inside, and nearly 11 inches high. It’s the only model to snag a top rating in our time-to-cool tests: It keeps 4 cups of boiled water warm for 75 minutes, longer than any of the other kettles. The warranty lasts two years.

Viski Heavyweight Cocktail Shaker

This sophisticated-looking cobbler shaker from Viski is nicely weighted, with thick stainless steel craftsmanship. It holds 17 ounces and has a strong seal that can handle both a regular and a dry shake without leakage. At a little over 1 pound, it’s heavier than some other shakers, but the grip is nice and feels very ergonomic.

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 neither a joke nor a typo. 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. You might even think about a second pair so that you can treat yourself to your favorite holiday tunes.

Skullcandy Dime True Wireless

These earbuds offer remarkable performance for the price. Above-average sound quality and a decent battery life make them a good budget pick.

Sony SRS-XB13

For less than $50, the pocket-sized Sony SRS-XB13 is a bargain. It’s a take-anywhere speaker that you can bring 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.

Petlibro Pet Water Fountain

A cat water fountain was by far the most popular product pick for pet owners during the holidays, according to our colleagues. Joe Novotny, a CR marketing associate, recommends this version from Petlibro: “The pump has a five-level filtration system, a translucent container for seeing when water is running low, and comes with a cleaning brush as well.”

Wonder Creature Store Cat Water Fountain Stainless Steel

“I have two of these, and they’re great because they encourage the cats to drink more water,” says Amanda Arnold, senior manager of business analytics at CR. “Cats notoriously don’t usually drink enough water, so having these help keep their water cleaner and the kitties healthier!” The fountain comes with a filter inside and is dishwasher-safe to boot.

Catit Flower Plastic Cat Fountain (100-Ounce)

“I have a deep fear that my cat doesn’t drink enough water and will end up with kidney issues,” says Stephanie Davis, a senior marketing manager at CR. And if you’re a cat parent who shares that sentiment, a water fountain may be the answer. “She won’t drink still water from a bowl and wasn’t keen on one other fountain before this—the filters are also easy to change for this one—but she loves this one for some reason.”

Weekender Gel Memory Foam

Made of cooling gel memory foam, this Weekender pillow provides satisfying support for side sleepers and adequate support for those who sleep on their back. With prolonged use, expect this pillow to keep its shape, and retain its support and firmness. Per our tests, its resiliency is top-notch, as is its breathability.

Linenspa 2" Memory Foam Mattress Topper

This 2-inch memory foam topper provides great support while still allowing you to sink into it. And at 8 pounds, it’s not overly heavy to maneuver. It’s flippable, but this deal doesn’t come with a cover (though you can add one on yourself), and a lack of corner straps means it might shift around. You can return Linenspa products for a full refund within 30 days of purchase.

HIMOON Bed Pillows

This set of two microfiber pillows offers very good support for side sleepers, but it earns just middling scores in our back support tests. And its resilience is just so-so. But if you sleep on the warmer side, you can find comfort in knowing that this pillow has maximum breathability.

JALL Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock

The JALL Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock is at least half the price of other popular models like those offered by Philips and Lumie. But from an ease-of-use standpoint, this model comes out on top. It has two independent alarms (so that you can set them for different times, depending on your routine), seven alarm tones (including “wind bells” and birds chirping), an FM radio, and a fall-asleep mode that simulates a sunset (though it lacks a white-noise option).

Mellanni Brushed Microfiber 1800

Brushed microfiber isn’t as breathable as cotton, but if synthetic fibers aren’t a hang-up, this Mellanni sheet set is a top-notch pick. It offers a softer feel than most cotton options and is pretty resistant to wrinkling, and you can expect a great fit even after a year of laundering. You can also expect to have this set in rotation for a while, because it does pretty well in our strength test. The one area where these bedsheets miss the mark a bit is in our fit test. Though the packaging claims "deep pockets," this set is best suited for mattresses with a depth of 10 inches or less.

Crocs Lined Clogs

Three out of 4 evaluators found themselves head over heels with the Lined Crocs. These slippers are made with ethylene-vinyl acetate foam, a form of plastic that softens and molds to the foot with time, and they are lined with faux fur. These clogs, as Crocs calls them, feel stable and secure, with a thick, textured sole that doesn’t slip and provides ample distance and insulation from frigid floors in the winter. They’re also machine washable (in cold water only), though we haven’t tried washing these shoes ourselves.

mDesign Plastic Portable Shower Caddy

Bring the order back to your under-sink cabinet. According to Merrilee Reynolds, founder of Mode, a professional decluttering and home organization service, shower caddies can be practical for under-sink cabinet storage. The expert recommends using one to store cleaning supplies, for easier accessibility. Caddies are also a great way to keep chemical-based products separate from personal items, especially when used in the bathroom.

Burst Sonic

Solid cleaning performance at a lower price is what the Burst Sonic electric toothbrush offers. This unit is quieter than most electric toothbrushes we’ve tested and comes with the valuable pressure sensor feature that lets you know when you’re pushing down too hard during brushing.

Crane Drop

The Crane Drop humidifier is intended for rooms up to 250 square feet and has a stellar overall rating in CR’s tests. This model comes with an empty-tank indicator and has an automatic shutoff. Easy to use and energy-efficient, this model also scores top marks for its low noise levels.

Frida 3-in-1 with Diffuser and Nightlight

The Frida 3-in-1 with Diffuser and Nightlight cool-mist humidifier is quiet, efficient, and works well even when filled with hard water. It’s also fairly convenient; for instance, it shuts off automatically when empty, and glows in the dark. You also can add essential oils for the unit to diffuse. However, we found it didn’t live up to the manufacturer’s claim that it could humidify areas up to 320 square feet—say a room of about 18x18 feet. So, it’s better off being used in a smaller area.

TP-Link Kasa Smart KL125

The TP-Link Kasa Smart KL125 smart bulb offers the best bang for your buck among the 10 smart lightbulbs we’ve 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.

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.

Blink Outdoor Security (3rd Gen)

Blink security cameras strike a good balance between price and quality. They’re among the lower-cost models CR tests and they have above-average performance in a few areas, but they tend to fall short when it comes to features. The Outdoor 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 for free by plugging a USB drive into the included Blink Sync Module 2.

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.

TP-Link Kasa Cam Outdoor KC420WS

The TP-Link Kasa Cam Outdoor KC420WS offers impeccable video quality, speedy alerts, and strong data security in our tests. Its many features include two-way audio, voice and app control via Amazon Alexa and Google Home/Assistant, monitoring zones, person alerts, a built-in siren, color night vision, and local video storage when you insert a microSD card (not included).

For more: Best Prime Day Deals on Smart Home Devices

Serman Brands 1.0 RFID Blocking Wallet

Serman Brands’ 1.0 RFID Blocking Wallet wins hands-down in one category: nicest packaging. In fact, the leather wallet’s elaborate box makes it an easy choice as a gift. It’s a very nice-feeling accessory with a suedelike feel. After only a few days of use, however, the material got pretty scuffed up just from inserting and removing cards from an outside slot. The money clip holds cash tight but adds thickness in the fold.

Nimalist Air Tag Slim Wallet

This Nimalist slim wallet accommodates Apple products by incorporating Apple’s puck-shaped, rounded-top tracking device, sold separately, into its design. AirTags aren’t the greatest shape for slim wallets, and the indent is very noticeable when put in the front or back pocket. But this is an otherwise great wallet, with soft leather and seven very thin pockets that hold up to 12 cards.

Back to the Roots Organic Mushroom Growing Kit

Compared with some of the other mushroom growing kits we’ve used, the Back to the Roots Organic Mushroom Growing Kit yields only 35 grams, but it’s reliable—and a good option for people who don’t have the time, money, or space to invest in a larger kit. The mushrooms produced by the kit have little taste and are pretty chewy. They’re also gray, with traditionally round mushroom heads. If you take a photo of the kit while you’re using it and share it on social media using the company’s hashtag, they’ll donate a kit to a classroom of your choice from across the country.

Gaiam Foldable Yoga Mat

This mat dries quickly but offers minimal cushioning. It offers only a fair amount of grip on the floor and on its dry top surface. Instead of rolling up, it folds into a 10x12-inch rectangle, which could be nice if you like to pack up quickly after your practice.

Hot Tools 24k Gold Professional Curling Iron

The Hot Tools 24k Gold Professional Curling Iron is one of the lowest-priced curling irons CR tried and liked, and our testers found that it resulted in looser curls. It has temperature control and heated up faster than the recommended wait time of about a minute.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

This stick-style streaming player from Amazon is also the company’s fastest because of a more powerful processor, so apps launch quicker than on earlier models. Also, it includes WiFi 6, the latest WiFi version. This 4K model supports the HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision HDR formats, as well as Dolby Atmos audio.

Phomemo D30 Label Maker

The Phomemo D30 Label Maker was the choice label maker in our evaluations. Using an app, you can produce labels in under 10 seconds or connect it to your printer for more elaborate jobs. The Phomemo offers extensive font options and a preview of what they will look like. The lithium battery comes charged and ready to print, and you can even print pictures, bar codes, and date and time stamps. The easy-tear labels can be separated with just one hand, and the device is smart enough to calibrate the paper roll to the proper position if you don’t align it perfectly.

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 newsletter
SHARE