Most Amazon Prime Day device deals are crap — these are the 13 deals on Blink, Kindle, Echo and Fire TV that will actually upgrade your home

Amazon smart home products
(Image credit: Amazon / Edited by Gemini)

Prime Day is here. I've seen countless deals on Amazon hardware in the run up to the event, but for the next four days, prices are at their lowest. From Fire TV Sticks to Kindles, everything is discounted.

But what should you actually buy? There are tons of options on Amazon that aren't actually all that great. For example, unless you have a HD TV, you really shouldn't be buying the Fire TV Stick HD. Luckily for you, Tom's Guide has reviewed dozens of devices from Echo Speakers to Blink security cams, and I've spent the last five years filling my brain with knowledge on the subject.

Below, I'm cutting out the mediocrity and sharing the Amazon device deals you should actually buy. To see deals across all categories as they arrive, check out our Prime Day deals live blog.

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Blink Deals

Blink  Mini
Save 63%
Blink Mini: was $24 now $9 at Amazon

There are newer and better Blink cameras now (the Blink Mini 2K+) but I can't ignore the Blink Mini now that it's on sale for just $9. You get 1080p video, motion detection and 2-way audio.

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Blink Outdoor 2K+
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Blink Outdoor 2K+: was $99 now $34 at Amazon

The Blink Outdoor 2K+ is Amazon's newest outdoor security camera. Unlike its predecessor, it now records in 2K video resolution and lets you store video locally (or in the cloud). It offers color vision in low light and it features two-way audio with noise cancellation. With an optional Blink Subscription Plan (sold separately), you'll also receive smart notifications for person and vehicle detection. We currently rank the Blink Outdoor 4 as the best outdoor security camera, but I expect the Blink Outdoor 2K+ will take its place in the rankings.

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Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+
Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+: was £79 now £39 at Amazon

The Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ is our new winner for the best video doorbell on a budget. You get sharp 2K video and incredible battery life that lasts up to 22 months. Right now you can get it for 50% off — that means this deal is pretty much a no-brainer.

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Amazon Smart Home

Amazon Smart Plug
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Amazon Smart Plug: was $24 now $12 at Amazon

We all have electronic devices in our house that aren't smart. However, if they plug into the wall, they can get smart features thanks to this Amazon Smart Plug. It's a great way to turn your old lamps and other basic devices into smart ones — all with Alexa support.

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Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select: was $39 now $17 at Amazon

For fast and affordable 4K streaming performance, the Fire TV Stick 4K Select is a good bet. Its new operating system offers faster loading speeds and access to all the streaming apps you could want.

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Echo

Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen): was $49 now $34 at Amazon

The 5th Gen Echo Dot is the cheapest Alexa speaker you can buy right now. In the past, it has sold for as low as $22, but unfortunately with prices on the rise I don't think that deal will come back. At $34, it's still a solid value as it comes with full-bodied sound and lots of useful Alexa features. If you have Eero Wi-Fi, this device works as a built in extender and it also has a temperature sensor — allowing you to set up Alexa routines based on the temperature of your room.

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Amazon Echo Dot Max
Amazon Echo Dot Max: was $99 now $64 at Amazon

The Echo Dot Max is the best smart speaker you can buy right now. Equipped with Alexa+, you can now have more complex conversations with Amazon's virtual assistant and set up more complex routines with your other smart devices. And it's small, but offers big sound.

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Amazon Echo Show 8 (4th Gen)
Amazon Echo Show 8 (4th Gen): was $179 now $124 at Amazon

Taking the top spot in our best smart displays guide, the Echo Show 8 balances viewing comfort with counter space perfectly. You also get access to useful new Alexa+ features and Omnisense for smarter communication with your other devices.

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Fire TV Deals

Insignia 32" F20 1080p Fire TV
Insignia 32" F20 1080p Fire TV: was $129 now $69 at Amazon

This 1080p TV won't win any awards for best picture quality, but it fits perfectly in smaller spaces, and it comes with Amazon’s Fire TV experience built right in. You’ll get thousands of channels, apps, and Alexa skills, along with an Alexa Voice Remote for quick control.

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Amazon 65" Fire TV Omni 4K QLED TV
Amazon 65" Fire TV Omni 4K QLED TV: was $849 now $709 at Amazon

Amazon's Fire TV Omni QLED (AKA Amazon Ember) comes with built-in Fire TV streaming capabilities and Alexa functionality. I don't recommend picking it up at full price — it's outperformed by similarly priced rivals. However, it's better value when on sale, especially if you are already invested in Amazon's ecosystem. It'll work with your other smart home devices and you'll feel at home with the Fire TV OS.

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Kindle

Amazon Kindle (16 GB)
Amazon Kindle (16 GB): was $109 now $84 at Amazon

The Amazon Kindle is one of the smallest and most lightweight e-readers around. With a crisp display and 6-week battery life, this is the Kindle to buy for shoppers on a budget. We wish this Kindle was waterproof, but you can't beat that low price.

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Kindle Paperwhite (16GB)
Kindle Paperwhite (16GB): was $159 now $124 at Amazon

The Kindle Paperwhite is our choice for the best Kindle you can buy. It delivers 16GB storage (around 15,000 books), 12 weeks of battery life, an IPX8 waterproof rating (meaning it'll survive being dropped in the bath), and a fantastic anti-glare screen.

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Ring Deals

Ring Alarm 5-Piece Kit
Ring Alarm 5-Piece Kit: was $199 now $119 at Amazon

The Ring Alarm is one of the best DIY home security systems, especially if you want to add smart home security cameras (like the $39 Ring Outdoor Cam.) It's affordable, easy to set up and the alarm sound is loud and clear.

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Ring Battery Doorbell Pro Retinal 4K
Ring Battery Doorbell Pro Retinal 4K: $249 at Amazon

This is the Ring doorbell I recommend buying on Prime Day — even though it isn't on sale. The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro Retinal 4K made our list of the best video doorbells because it has some of the sharpest video quality around, day or night. Our reviewer reported that the battery drained by less than 25% after two weeks of use — meaning you should get months of battery life without needing to charge.

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Millie Davis-Williams

Millie is a Deals Editor at Tom's Guide specializing in deals content. She also covers the latest tech news and and creates how-to articles about everything from phones, streaming devices, and headphones to apps and video games. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, gaming on her Nintendo Switch and creating digital art.

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