Best Deals Under $50

The Echo Show 5 is Amazon’s smallest smart screen. Our testers report that the sound is subpar for a music-listening device, but that’s not why you should consider this one. It’s a utility machine that works well on a night table or desk. You get all the Amazon Alexa functionality featured in other Echo devices, plus some added value, thanks to the small screen and camera.

Why it’s a good deal: This has been on clearance at Best Buy for some time but recently dipped by about $8.

If you’re a walker who wants a very low-cost, basic fitness tracker, the Amazfit Band 5 should be on your shopping list. The model offers sleep- and stress-tracking capabilities but doesn’t have built-in GPS or the ability to load a music playlist. Our testers find the Amazfit Band 5 quite easy to use, and they report that it counts steps accurately. For heart rate monitoring, however, the Amazfit ranks near the bottom of our ratings, so if you rely on that data for training, you should consider buying a device that delivers better performance.

Why it’s a good deal: This is roughly the same price we saw during Prime Day.

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, straw, reusable coffee filter, and 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 using this only for single cups of coffee at a time, that shouldn’t be an issue.

Why it’s a good deal: Walmart has the best price we’ve ever seen for this model, and Amazon comes close.

College students, solo dwellers, or anybody who’s a tad tight on counter space—the Cosori Lite CAF-LI211 is for you. This measured 1.7-quart air fryer is packed with appealing features such as a dishwasher-safe basket, preprogrammed settings, and a digital display, but with a footprint of just 9x11 inches, it comes in a small package (and with a fairly small price, too). What’s more, this model was a standout in our tests, receiving high marks for being easy to use and clean, and remaining at low volume while cooking. The Cosori Lite comes with a two-year warranty.

Why it’s a good deal: This is the same price we saw during Prime Day.

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.

Why it’s a good deal: You can save on two of the color options right now. In fact, the grey option dipped $5 from last week’s price.

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 many other kettles. The warranty lasts two years.

Why it’s a good deal: This is about the same discount we’ve seen for weeks, but it’s certainly better than paying full price.

The Home Hero steak knives seem to work on the same principle as the jaw of a coyote. They’ll definitely separate meat from a bone, but it ain’t gonna be pretty. The knives have jagged, triangular teeth, almost like those on a handsaw. The result is a knife that can certainly cut, but it takes a bit of effort. They can easily tear up food, but they struggle to produce delicate slices. 

Why it’s a good deal: With the on-page coupon, you can get this knife set for just $1 more than its lowest price, still a great deal for eight knives.

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. 

Why it’s a good deal: This is a few bucks more than the lowest we’ve seen.

Henckels has been making knives in Germany for almost 300 years, and its expertise in design is on full display with this knife. The Premio was the Goldilocks of the eight knives we tested, and in the end it was the only one with a positive review from all four of our panelists. The handle is contoured, with no sharp edges, resulting in a knife that’s extremely comfortable to hold. One user said their hand became clammy during use, but the knife was well received overall. It also excelled at force transmission from handle to blade, which means you don’t need to exert as much effort when cutting.

Why it’s a good deal: This is just a few dollars more than the lowest price we’ve seen.

When you think of the brand Instant Pot, its line of multicookers usually comes to mind, but the company has branched out into coffee makers and frothers. Its budget-friendly Instant Milk Frother was one of the best models in our at-home review, offering performance almost on a par with the Nespresso Aeroccino4 milk frother, which costs more than twice as much. The only downside is that the Instant Milk Frother isn’t dishwasher-safe because its controls are built into the side of the carafe. Cleaning is still a breeze, though; you just need to hand-wash it with a wet cloth.

Why it’s a good deal: This matches the best price we’ve seen for this milk frother.

If you’re in the market for new cutting boards, this set of three could be the answer. It’s not only a good price for three boards (small, medium, and large) but also one of our tester’s favorites. They were among the most stable on the evaluator’s wood counters and rarely slipped while he was prepping.

Why it’s a good deal: This price is $3 lower than we saw for Prime Day.

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.

Why it’s a good deal: The sale price has fallen $8 since last week, matching the lowest we’ve seen.

The InkBird IBT-4DXS BT is the highest-rated digital meat thermometer CR 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.

Why it’s a good deal: This is back down to the same low price we saw for Prime Day.

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

Why it’s a good deal: With Amazon’s on-page coupon, this is the best price we’ve seen for this meat thermometer.

Have real estate to spare? This tiered option might just be an organizer’s dream. “If drawers are plentiful, this bamboo drawer insert can keep bottled spices orderly without taking up cabinet space,” says Janine Adams of Peace of Mind Organizing, who doesn’t like to see valuable counter space taken up by herbs and spices and prefers to keep them neatly out of sight.

Why it’s a good deal: You’re saving nearly 50 percent on this drawer spice organizer.

When it comes to pantry staples bought in larger quantities—such as cereal, oats, and rice—stackable canisters or basic jars can help maximize shelf space. This Chef’s Path storage set comes with four 4-liter airtight containers that are primed to keep your dry goods neatly in place and easily accessible. 

Why it’s a good deal: This is only a couple of dollars more than the best price we’ve seen for this set. Make sure to click the on-page coupon.

The Audio-Technica ATH-SQ1TW are top-scoring true wireless earbuds that provide stellar audio quality packed into a pair of sleek and unobtrusive earpieces available in a variety of colors. They offer a number of great features. They’re not noise canceling, but the silicone ear tips provide quite a lot of passive isolation. There’s even an ambient sound mode for when you want to keep an ear on your environment. They have easy-to-use touch controls for volume, playback, and skipping tracks, and they feature convenient USB-C charging. The headphones also include an unusual low latency mode, which reduces the slight lag you sometimes get with Bluetooth headphones, for better performance with games and videos. According to Audio-Technica, they have a 6.5-hour battery life, and the charging case stores an extra 13 hours of power.

Why it’s a good deal: This is just $6 more than the best price we’ve seen and nearly 50 percent off the list price.

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 you can treat yourself to your favorite holiday tunes.

Why it’s a good deal: The on-page coupon takes a nice 20 percent chunk out of the full price of this already budget-friendly pair of earbuds.

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

Why it’s a good deal: These earbuds are a great option for the money, especially at this discounted price.

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.

Why it’s a good deal: The sale price just dipped to $5 less than the best price we’ve seen all year.

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.”

Why it’s a good deal: You’re saving nearly 30 percent on this already lower-priced water fountain.

The cordless Black+Decker DustBuster Ion HHVI315JO42 is a great low-cost option for small messes, especially for pet owners. It’s top-notch at cleaning bare floors and pet hair, and earns an above-average rating for carpet. The crevice tool and dust brush are separate, not combination tools like those on other Black+Decker handhelds, and the lack of an indicator light makes it difficult to know whether it’s fully charged when plugged in or about to die when you’re using it.

Why it’s a good deal: This is the best price we’ve seen for this handheld vacuum.

The Momcozy Retractable mesh gate is unrolled by pushing down a button and sliding the latch to the open position. It earns top marks in our tests for ease of installation and security, which measures how well the gate resisted when being dislodged.

Why it’s a good deal: The sale price has dipped about $4 since last week, a new low price for this safety gate.

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.

Why it’s a good deal: These pillows are already some of the cheapest in CR’s ratings, and the discount makes it a great time to buy.

The Jall Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock is less than 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).

Why it’s a good deal: With the on-page coupon, you can score this alarm clock for under $30.

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’re 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. 

Why it’s a good deal: These Crocs were a standout deal during Prime Day, and you can still get them for about the same price.

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. She 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. 

Why it’s a good deal: This is the standard discount we’ve seen for this caddy, which could be great for anyone heading to a dorm in the next few weeks.

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. 

Why it’s a good deal: This is the standard sale price for this humidifier.

The CamelBak Mini M.U.L.E. Kids Hydration Backpack has two quick-release straps that allow you to attach a rain slicker or another light outer garment, and its rear pocket has decent internal organization, where you can store an energy bar, snacks, and a multitool. Keep in mind: Its reservoir—smaller than some others we tried—is harder to dry out, and sometimes its drinking tube would kink. Otherwise, it’s a great pared-down pack for a young person.

Why it’s a good deal: This is at or near the best price we’ve seen in months in most colors.

HydraPak’s Shape-Shift 2L is an oversized reservoir that fits into a hydration backpack. It has a top that seals with a sliding bar, and because its top opens wide, it’s easier to turn the whole thing inside out when it’s not in use, so you can hang it in a bunch of places, from a clothesline to a dish-drying rack. And if you expect hot weather, you can freeze the bag (another fun perk) to cool your back as you wear it. Its hose is easy to remove and reconnect when you’re cleaning it, too.

Why it’s a good deal: This sale price is only available for the 3L version, which is $3 cheaper than the 2L option and holds 50 percent more water.

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.

Why it’s a good deal: This set of lightbulbs usually costs $20. It was around $15 during Prime Day, so you’re getting nearly as good a deal right now.

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.

Why it’s a good deal: At this price, you can try out a video doorbell without spending too much.

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).

Why it’s a good deal: The on-page coupon puts the sale price a few dollars below the previous low price.

The TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim EP25 is very easy to use and set up based on our expert evaluations, and it offers decent data security. It’s also one of the most versatile smart plugs on the market, offering energy monitoring and compatibility with all four major smart home systems: Amazon Alexa, Apple Home/Siri, Google Home/Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings.

Why it’s a good deal: You can get this four-pack for just $8 more than it sold for on Prime Day.

This mat dries quickly but offers minimal cushioning. It has 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.

Why it’s a good deal: This is already a great option if you don’t want to spend too much on a mat, and the unique design sets it apart from traditional roll-up mats.

The Serman Brands 1.0 RFID Blocking Wallet wins hands-down in one category: the nicest packaging. In fact, the leather wallet’s elaborate box makes it an easy choice as a gift. It has 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. 

Why it’s a good deal: This modest discount makes an already lower-cost option even more wallet-friendly.