It’s Earth Day, and in honor of the occasion, we’re starting today’s roundup with great deals on Amazon’s eco-friendly smart thermostats. Smart thermostats like Amazon can reduce and in some cases track your energy consumption. And they’re also a great option for bargain hunters, as they can lower your monthly energy bills.
In honor of today’s holiday season, some retailers are discounting a range of smart thermostats, including Amazon’s budget-friendly options. Right now, you can get the smart thermostat for $47.99 instead of $59.99 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Kohl’s, the lowest price yet. Also, depending on where you live, you may be eligible for rebates of up to $50 from your local energy provider.
Despite its relatively low price, Amazon’s smart thermostat is one of the best thermostats our reviewers have tested. Like more expensive thermostats, it learns and adapts to your habits. It also comes with a panel and has a nice, minimal design that doesn’t look cheap and has enough controls for frequent use. However, its budget-based price does mean it lacks some features. The thermostat doesn’t integrate with voice assistants other than Alexa like others, and it lacks a native temperature sensor. It also doesn’t offer the same climate control as Google’s third-generation Nest Learning Thermostat.
Amazon Smart Thermostat
Amazon’s smart thermostat, developed in partnership with Resideo, allows you to control the temperature in your home remotely via Alexa voice control and via an app.
Traders looking for a great desktop computer can currently grab Apple’s M1-powered Mac Mini in two configurations at all-time lows. When looking at the desktop, we found it outperformed an Intel-based Mac, or even the M1-equipped 13-inch MacBook Pro, thanks to its efficiently cooled chassis. If you don’t mind that it only offers two UCB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and no monitor, keyboard and mouse, you can get the 256GB model right now at Costco for $569.99 ($129 off). The deal is also available to non-members, but they must pay an additional 5% surcharge of $33.50.
If you need the extra storage, you can save $149 on the 512GB version, which sells for $749.99 at Amazon and Costco (note that the discount applies at checkout). Non-members can also purchase it at Costco for a 5% surcharge for $793.49.
Apple Mac Mini
Apple’s most affordable Mac desktop computer features a custom M1 chip. Its base model comes with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, but it can be configured with up to 16GB RAM and 2TB storage.
A small portable charger like Anker’s PowerPort III Nano can be a lifesaver when your smartphone’s battery is running low. The USB-C charger is about a quarter wide and weighs about an ounce, but it also delivers 20W of power. That means it can quickly charge a variety of devices, including recent phones like the iPhone 13 and Samsung Galaxy S22, as well as iPads, AirPods, and more. It’s a handy accessory, and today, the white model at Amazon or Target is just $13.59 instead of the usual $16.99. It’s a modest discount, but the best we’ve seen this year. Note, however, that you will have to provide your own cable to use with the charger.
Anker PowerPort III Nano
Anker’s compact 20W charger charges your smartphone quickly and efficiently, and is small enough to carry around in a small bag.
We’re big fans of the iPad Mini’s big screen.Photography: Vjeran Pavic / The Verge
As we mentioned earlier this week, Amazon has dropped some deals on the 2020 iPad Air and 2021 iPad Pro, but it looks like it’s not stopping there. Once again, the retailer is dropping the price of another iPad: the latest iPad Mini. If you prefer a smaller tablet, you can grab a 64GB, LTE-equipped iPad Mini for $589.99 instead of Amazon’s $649, the lowest price we’ve seen for this configuration. Costco also offers members the same discount, which non-members can get for a 5% surcharge.
With an 8.3-inch screen, the new iPad Mini is larger than its predecessor, and it’s designed to resemble the look and feel of Apple’s latest tablet. Like the 2021 iPad Pro and iPad Air, it’s also compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil, which charges wirelessly while magnetically attaching to the side of the tablet. It also boasts a 12MP rear camera and Apple’s Center Stage feature, which allows the front-facing camera to digitally pan and zoom during video calls. The 2021 model also features a USB-C port and Apple’s A15 Bionic processor, which is fast but admittedly not as powerful as anything in the Apple M1 chip. Read our review.
2021 iPad Mini (64GB, LTE)
Apple’s revamped iPad Mini ditched the home button and opted for a larger bezel-less display. It also comes with a faster processor, support for USB-C, and a top-mounted power button that doubles as a Touch ID sensor.
If you’ve been in the market for a smart video doorbell, Google’s new Nest Doorbell is on sale at its best price yet. Amazon, Adorama, Best Buy, Google, and B&H are now selling the Smart Video Doorbell for $149.99 instead of $179.99, $20 off its Black Friday price.
As Google’s first battery-powered smart video doorbell, you can install it in more homes than older wired versions. This attractive device also features a camera capable of recording HDR and night vision at 30 frames per second, and it can detect people, animals, vehicles and packages. While its video resolution is limited to 960 x 1280 pixels, and it has a narrower field of view than the older model, image quality is still decent. Additionally, its tall oblong shape allows for better head-to-toe viewing of people standing outside the door.
Note, however, that recent reports suggest the battery-powered Nest won’t be able to charge in temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, which could be a big disadvantage for those living in colder climates. Then again, the battery lasts six to eight weeks, which is worse than many video doorbells, but not as convenient as the wired models. Read our review.
Google Nest Doorbell (Battery Powered)
Nest’s latest generation of battery-powered video doorbells are tall and available in a variety of colors: white, ivy, off-white, and linen. The wireless device records 960 x 1280 resolution at 30 frames per second with HDR and night vision, and can detect people, animals, vehicles and packages.
Other deals we’re mining today
- TP-Link’s Kasa Smart Plug Wi-Fi Power Strip features six smart sockets and three USB ports that you can use to remotely control devices and arrange which sockets you can turn on with your smartphone. It works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa and is currently on sale at Amazon for $46.99 ($33 off), which is pretty much the best price ever.
- Eufy’s Security Solo IndoorCam P24, an indoor home security camera, is now on sale at Amazon for $39.19 instead of $51.99 when you use the on-page coupon. This wired, budget-friendly camera offers 2K video, a 125-degree field of view, features like intelligent motion detection and motion tracking, and supports Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant.
- Want to make your home smart? Amazon’s smart plug is currently on sale for $19.99 instead of $24.99, which is the second-best price yet. Convenient plugs allow you to remotely control or schedule lights and other equipment, as well as add voice control to any outlet.
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