Amazon Prime Day 2022: All the best early deals from Kiplinger publishers

The annual tradition of Amazon Prime Day has been rich in deals on Amazon’s “house brands” – from Alexa to Amazon Basics to Fire TVs, and so far Amazon Prime Day 2022 is taking place in this meaning. Yes, offers are available now, although the actual big event is Tuesday July 12 through Wednesday July 13.

We’ve combed through these early offers for the best deals for Amazon’s 200 million Prime members (or those looking to join or re-subscribe at the new, higher price). Discover our choices; we will add more as we reach the top of the sale.

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TP-Link Deco Mesh Wi-Fi

TP-Link Deco Mesh WiFi System (Deco M3): Was $109.99, now $79.99

  • Coverage up to 4,500 square feet
  • Replaces WiFi Router/Extender
  • Works with Alexa

If you’re considering upgrading from traditional router/extender combos to a mesh system to improve wireless connectivity, this system’s sub-$100 price tag makes it an incredibly affordable upgrade. While more expensive systems offer a wider range and more features, this dual-band system easily beats the competition on cost alone, and reviewers cite the ease of setup as a plus. -Kirk Shinkle Buy now

2 out of 7

Amazon Basics Fire-Resistant Security Safe

picture of the Amazon Basics Fire Resistant Security Safe

Amazon Basics Fire-Resistant Security Safe with Programmable Electronic Keypad – 0.83 Cubic Feet. Was $185.80, now $152.99

  • Right size for deterrence
  • Fire resistant (according to UL standard)
  • 1 year warranty
  • Electronic access keypad with emergency key

If you’ve stayed in a hotel with a safe in the closet and thought “hey, I should try this at home”, this option from the Amazon Basics range gives you the chance to protect your valuables for probably much less money than these items are worth on their own. While a home safe isn’t the answer to everything (some items are best in a safe), it’s essential to have important documents like your passport, original copies of your will, and other inheritance documents at your fingertips.

Cash, of course, belongs in a safe like this, and several reviewers have described its 0.83 cubic feet as a perfect size for handguns. It weighs 55 pounds, so setting it up isn’t unimaginable for people with lethal force. You will want to use the four bolts provided to attach it to a surface. And remember, as a Prime member, 55 Vault Books will be shipped to your door for free. – David Muhlbaum Buy now

3 out of 7

SanDisk Extreme Pro 2TB Portable Solid State Drive

photo of the SanDisk Extreme Pro 2TB portable solid state drive

SanDisk 2TB Extreme Pro Portable Solid State Drive: Was $509.99, now $299.95

  • Durable and well designed
  • High read and write speeds
  • 5 year warranty
  • Password protection and 256-bit AES hardware encryption

This pocket-sized drive offers fast downloads in a sleek, damage-resistant package, including drop protection up to 2 meters, IP55 water and dust resistance, and a convenient carabiner loop. The Extreme Pro is a robust option for sharing large files, photos or videos, or for backing up data from video games or laptops. Note for Mac and PC users: This 4-processor unit includes both USB A and USB C cables, so you won’t need an adapter. Although it’s not the fastest drive out there, its size, design, respectable performance, and price make it a decent option for everyday large file sharing. -Kirk Shinkle Buy now

4 out of 7

Ninja Professional Blender

ninja blender picture

Ninja Professional Blender with 1000 Watt Motor (NJ601AMZ): Was $99.99, now $69.99

  • 1000 watt motor easily crushes ice and is sturdy enough for everyday use
  • Dishwasher
  • 1 year limited warranty
  • Safe for hot liquids up to 180°F
  • No single serving option

The Ninja NJ601AMZ Professional is an affordable workhorse that should last for years. This model includes the 72-ounce (9-cup) capacity motor base and rotating blade. There are three settings for blade speed, as well as a pulse option.

Could a blender help you live longer? Well, it’s worth a try. I use my Ninja blender daily to make a smoothie full of fruits and vegetables. Smoothies are also a great way to encourage children to eat the recommended five fruits and vegetables per day. I like this particular blender for its ease of cleaning.

Some other Ninja blenders like the Ninja BL660 Professional offer the ability to blend individual servings, rather than relying solely on the large blade and container. This option may work best if you want to be able to blend quickly and then take your drink with you, or if you use your blender daily. But at just under $120, this option will set you back. – Ellen Kennedy Buy now

5 out of 7

JBL FLIP 5, Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Photo of JBL FLIP 5, waterproof portable Bluetooth speaker

JBL FLIP 5, Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker: Was $129.99, now $99.99

  • Enough battery to go from workday to playtime
  • Well-balanced sound from a big name in audio
  • Chain them together for more volume/coverage
  • Do you need the latest version? Then get the FLIP 6

Buying a speaker online is a bit of a gamble, as you can’t really hear it. So trust us this one delivers the sweet spot in sound. Neither thin nor overcompensating with fake foompy bass.

The JBL FLIP 5 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker packs a punch, even though it’s smaller than a cardboard box from Quaker Oats and weighs just over a pound. With up to 12 hours of battery life, you can work all day, then relax with a glass of wine afterwards. Take it to the pool or carry it on your boat. No worries if there are splashes. The JBL FLIP 5 is waterproof up to 3 feet.

A neat tip if you’re willing to buy more than one (or have another JBL device with PartyBoost): you can allocate left or right channels to each of the speakers for proper stereo separation, or daisy chain devices to spread the party more widely. – David Muhlbaum Buy now

6 out of 7

Amazon Echo Show 8

Echo Show Photo

The Amazon Echo Show 8 (1st Gen): Was $109.99, now $54.99

  • Versatile smart display for work or entertainment
  • Seamless Alexa integration
  • Works well with other technologies
  • Need the latest model? Get the latest Echo Show 8 for $129.99

Depending on your needs, the Amazon Echo Show 8 can shine as a 4, 5, or 6-in-one product, fitting into your daily routine as everything from a TV and music player to a monitor combo for baby, photo frame, alarm clock and intercom (plus a host of other roles). Its most common use – streaming music or video – is pretty straightforward through the most popular platforms, although the Echo Show 8’s sound quality leaves audiophiles wanting more, and movie buffs won’t give up. not their couches. But the breadth of integrations — like with Ring doorbells or smart locks — allow for remote communication and monitoring from a smartphone or any room with a device. Plus, the compact size makes these small screens perfect for binge-watching on the desk or kitchen counter. And with a hefty 50% off for Prime members, maybe it’s time to pick up a few and experiment. -Sarah Stevens Buy now

7 out of 7

Audible Premium Plus

photo of a woman listening with headphones

Amazon is offering a 90-day free trial to existing Prime members. The offer is valid until July 31 and you can cancel at any time during the trial period.

  • Listen to books, podcasts and audio pieces with multiple actors
  • Thousands of newly released, classic and original titles to choose from
  • High quality performances, some with actors like Benedict Cumberbatch, Samuel L. Jackson and Emma Thompson
  • One free book per month is included
  • Premium subscription includes the “Plus” catalog, which offers free access to many titles and Amazon Originals
  • If you don’t like a book, you can return it for
  • After trial, subscribers pay $14.95 per month
  • Additional credits can be purchased in sets of three for around $35. These fees can really add up if you’re a bookworm.

Honestly, I don’t think I would have kept my sanity during the Covid pandemic without my Audible subscription. As cases and tensions mounted, I calmed down with meditation podcasts. As each day unfolded as bland as the last, I spiced it up with books by comedians like Mindy Kaling. And as the fog of lockdown settled over me, I turned to my to-do list books. I read a beautifully narrated version of Tolstoy’s “War and Peace,” one of the longest books in literature, and then got a kick out of the Russian classics. I then explored modern titles, like “The Dutch House” by Anne Patchet, read by Tom Hanks.

While I listened, I cleaned up, walked the dog, organized the paperwork, and exercised. I’ve also found the ‘sleep timer’ feature to be a great way to fall asleep while reading, one of life’s greatest pleasures in my opinion.

Of course, my favorite titles will not be the same as yours. But I hope to share that feeling of having a portable and magical reading room. – Ellen Kennedy Buy now

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