5 cheap gadgets that will seriously upgrade your home (and they're on sale)

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Amazon Prime Day deals are here, and it's easy to fall for marked-up products, illegitimate discounts, and faux savings. That's why I vet and write about the best chances you can save on expert-tested products across nearly every major category, but particularly useful gadgets and gizmos.

Also: June Prime Day live blog 2026: We're tracking Amazon deals on SSDs, TVs, laptops, and more

And while you may wonder if Prime Day is a scam, as a shopping expert, I can confidently tell you that there are legit discounts to be had if you know where and how to look. But if you're looking to shop without catching a bout of buyer's remorse, there are a few deals I consistently recommend when I see proper savings. Here are my 5 favorite gadget deals to scoop up during Prime Day that you won't regret having in your home.

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5 Prime Day gadget deals you won't regret buying

Current price: $35 (22% off)

Original price: $45

Smart plugs are always some of my favorite Prime deals. You'll never regret adding function to your home or daily routine, and these are the easiest ways to do so. These Kasa smart plugs are a longtime favorite of ZDNET editors like myself and smart home reviewer Maria Diaz. I love using these for automating home lights, kitchen appliances, and more. There are dozens of uses for these plugs, and Kasa's 4-pack is my most recommended buy for upgrading everyday routines.

Also: 7 plug-in gadgets that make your wall outlets far more useful

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Current price: $17 (30% off)

Original price: $24

How could you ever regret buying lightbulbs that allow you to change the color of your room and set the best ambiance every time? Editor Allison Murray and I both love these GE Cync LED smart bulbs, which are compatible with both Google and Alexa. They're simple to use and install, and make a major upgrade to your home's atmosphere.

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Current price: $18 (55% off)

Original price: $40

Take it from an expert: The best time to buy a Fire TV Stick is during a Prime Day sale. That's when they're the cheapest. Right now, the newest 4K Select stick is on sale for nearly 60% off, and, though it's a basic model, it delivers 4K images (on 4K TVs) and comes with Alexa+. Fire Sticks streamline your entertainment experience, and I love that they bring congruency to my smart TVs -- no matter what brand or model TV I purchase.

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Current price: $18 (55% off)

Original price: $40

You can't beat saving over 50% on Blink's easy-to-use indoor security camera. This one's great for watching pets, doors, and more, and it's seriously on sale for under $20 now. I personally use these to keep an eye on my cat when I'm not home.

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Current price: $13 (48% off)

Original price: $25

If you want to keep your smart plug in Amazon's ecosystem, their smart plug is on sale for its best price again. For under $15 you can automate whatever you'd like in your home (here's how home expert Maria Diaz uses hers).

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When is Amazon Prime Day?

Amazon's Prime Day event will return Tuesday June 23 and run through Friday June 26. It has been an annual event since 2015.

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