Amazon just unleashed its October Prime Day deals, and the real action is happening in the under-$100 space. From half-price video doorbells to premium earbuds at steep discounts, WIRED's team found 75+ deals that prove you don't need to spend big for serious tech upgrades during the October 7-8 event.
Amazon is betting big on budget-conscious shoppers this October Prime Day. While the headlines focus on flashy $500+ discounts, the real value lives in the under-$100 category where everyday essentials get meaningful price cuts.
The standout deal? Blink's Video Doorbell dropping to $30 - a full 50% discount that makes smart home security accessible to apartment renters and budget-wary homeowners. The 1080p doorbell normally commands $60, but Amazon is clearly using it as a loss leader to hook customers into their ecosystem.
Audio gear is seeing particularly aggressive cuts. The Nothing Ear (a) earbuds, which WIRED called "the best cheap earbuds for both iOS and Android," drop from $99 to $69. That puts them in direct competition with Apple's entry-level AirPods while offering better Android compatibility and a distinctive transparent design.
Amazon's own devices dominate the deals list, with the Echo Pop hitting $25 (down from $40) and Fire HD 8 tablets starting at $55. The pricing strategy is classic Amazon - sacrifice hardware margins to build Prime subscriber loyalty and ecosystem lock-in.
Streaming hardware shows the maturity of the market. Roku's Streaming Stick 4K dropping to $30 reflects intense competition from Google, whose TV Streamer 4K also hits $80 (down from $100). Both devices support 4K HDR streaming, making them genuine alternatives to pricier streaming boxes.
The kitchen category reveals how brands are using Prime Day to clear inventory. Instant Pot's Vortex air fryers see deep discounts - the 6-quart Slim model drops from $140 to $80. These aren't new products struggling to find an audience; they're established winners that brands are discounting to maintain market share.
Smart home security cameras show the commoditization of surveillance tech. TP-Link's Tapo cameras start at just $18, while higher-end options like the Eufy Indoor Cam S350 drop to $80 from $140. The message is clear: 2K video quality and smart features are no longer premium luxuries.
Wireless charging solutions highlight the maturation of the Qi standard. and Anker MagSafe-compatible chargers see 30-40% discounts, reflecting how standardization has driven down manufacturing costs and increased competition.
