Bargain seekers, relax — for as soon as the sale is done with, there are more sub-$100 tech deals left standing than you would think. Retailers frequently ride the “halo effect,” maintaining aggressive pricing while inventory exists. In past years, Adobe Analytics found that electronics discounts stayed high in the days after big shopping events, and this year has been no exception. Here, the best of the buys worth scooping up now, and what makes each one a savvy spend.
Streaming and TV Upgrades Less Than $100
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K for about $30 is the easy upgrade if you want a faster interface and better picture formats without swapping out your TV. It offers Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos passthrough support, and the 2020 model includes Wi‑Fi 6 for faster streaming on crowded networks. At this price, it’s one of the least expensive ways to update a guest room or an older set.
Roku Streambar at $69 is still a ridiculous value because it’s a 4K streamer and a compact soundbar in one. You don’t have to settle for tinny TV speakers — and you get Roku’s app-rich platform and voice search. If you don’t have room for a full-size soundbar, this is a tidy, all-in-one fix that sounds better than its dimensions suggest, especially with dialogue handling.
Audio Deals That Sound Better Than Their Price
Beats Studio Buds falling to around $80 remain a strong contender for casual listening. You’re getting active noise cancellation, a useful transparency mode for having quick conversations, and an IPX4 rating for workouts. They also pair easily with iOS, but they also work well with Android, which is part of what makes them such a strong option at this level. If you can put up with some of the compromises, these are still a crowd-pleaser in my book with buds that stay compact and just work.
When they regularly drop to $98, Sony’s WH‑CH720N provides over‑ear comfort and solid active noise cancelling for less than $100. They’re relatively lightweight, last up to 35 hours on a charge with ANC enabled, and are powered by the same V1 processor as the Sony WH-1000XM4s for cleaner sound than many budget competitors. Independent testing outfits like RTINGS have lauded their battery life and comfort, which makes them a smart travel or WFH pick when you don’t want to spring for expensive flagship cans.
Smart Security and Energy Efficiency Deals Under $100
Google Nest Thermostat ($99) is one of the few smart upgrades under $100 that can pay for itself. It’s compatible with most 24‑volt systems, allows you to adjust schedules from your phone and has energy usage insights. Google claims that it sees average savings in the low double digits on heating and cooling for homes that adopt smart scheduling; results will certainly vary, but Consumer Reports has pointed out for years now that simpler programming tools generally lead to better homeowner compliance — and it’s really compliance where the savings come from.
Arlo Video Doorbell 2K, about $60, offers crisp HDR video and a wide field of view in a small body. You won’t get the same level of person and package detection without a subscription, but the increased clarity over these already high-quality budget 1080p cams is immediately apparent, especially in low light. If you’ve been on the fence about a competent (but not costly) doorbell, this price puts you squarely in impulse territory.
Creator Gear and Portable Speakers on Sale
Logitech Blue Yeti (save $49, 33% off) hits that $100 price point and is still the starting mic to beat for podcasters, streamers and hybrid office workers. Four pickup patterns (cardioid, omni, bidirectional and stereo) accommodate everything from solo voice to interviews to picking up everyone in a room. It’s plug‑and‑play via USB, and can level up quality fast by implementing easy adjustments such as speaking off‑axis or using a basic pop filter. For anyone upgrading from a laptop mic, the leap to warmth and clarity is just about instantaneous.
Marshall Emberton II, around $100, is a small speaker with big-room presence; Marshall supplies a voice port to provide the impression of more bass. It’s rated IP67 for dust and water, good for up to 30 hours on a charge, and has the mild tuning Marshall fans expect. If you’re looking for a throw‑in‑a‑bag speaker that still fills a patio, this is a fine alternative to staples like JBL’s Flip series at similar sale prices.
How To Verify You’re Getting A Real Deal
Before you click buy, track the price history. Tools like Camelcamelcamel and Keepa monitor historical lows across major marketplaces and can show you if a “sale” is just the regular price. Adobe Analytics and Numerator have repeatedly said that tech categories tend to generate strength in discounts around major shopping events and that many deals stick around for days — though not every seller plays by the rules with strikethrough “was” pricing.
Cross‑shop major retailers like Best Buy, Target and Walmart so you don’t fall victim to marketplace markups, double-check model numbers so you’re not comparing older generations, and check out the return window in case the price drops again. For smart home gear, include subscription costs for cloud features; and for audio, think about more than brand alone — keep an eye on battery life and codec support. A little patience transforms a good post‑Prime Day price into, well, just a great deal.