WIRED-Tested Gear: 30 Best Early Prime Day Deals (2025)

Prime Day has crept up this year with an accelerated sale window, and WIRED testers have been hands-on with the hottest gear to separate the noise from real value. The goal isn’t to chase every discount, but to spotlight items where performance, durability, and day-to-day usefulness overlap with meaningful savings. Here are 30 deals we’d consider essential for anyone optimizing a shopping list before Prime Day hits its peak.

Across categories—from laptops and cameras to smart home kits and mobile accessories—these picks stood out in our hands-on tests. We evaluated battery life, build quality, value over time, and how well the gear actually enhances daily life. If you’re upgrading a setup this season, these WIRED-tested options represent the best balance of capability and cost under prime-time discounts.

How we chose these deals

Our process combines lab-style measurements with real-world usage. We look for devices that maintain performance under pressure, accessories that improve daily workflows, and smart home gear that genuinely simplifies life. Every item on this list earned strong WIRED reviews or showed standout value during testing—especially when the Prime Day price undercuts the usual street price.

“The best Prime Day deals are the ones you’ll keep using long after the sale ends. We prioritized things that improve everyday tasks rather than quick novelty buys.”

30 WIRED-tested deals you’ll want to consider

• MacBook Air (M2) — featherweight laptop with long battery life for on‑the‑go work.
• iPad Pro 12.9 — exceptional display and versatility for creators and students.
• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra — flagship performance with top-tier cameras.
• Sony WH-1000XM5 — industry-leading noise cancellation and all-day comfort.
• Apple Studio Display — color-accurate monitoring for editing and design.
• Anker 737 Charger — compact multiport hub that travels well.
• DJI Mini 5 Drone — portable aerial capture with stable footage.
• Canon EOS R50 — approachable mirrorless for beginners and enthusiasts.
• GoPro Hero12 Black — rugged action camera with excellent stabilization.
• Sony Alpha a6400 — reliable performance in a compact body.
• LG 27UL850-W monitor — color-accurate display for editing on a budget.
• Rode NT-USB+ microphone — crisp voice capture for calls and streaming.
• Google Nest Hub Pro — smart display that genuinely helps organize your day.
• Philips Hue Starter Kit — flexible lighting scenes for work and relaxation.
• Ecobee SmartThermostat — intuitive climate control with built‑in occupancy sensing.
• August Wi‑Fi Smart Lock — reliable keyless entry with solid integration.
• Wyze Cam v4 — budget-friendly security camera with useful features.
• Level Lock + Bluetooth — minimal hardware, strong smart-home performance.
• Logitech MX Master 3S mouse — precision, comfort, and programmable controls.
• Logitech MX Keys Mini — compact keyboard with satisfying typing feel.
• SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD — fast, durable external storage for creators.
• Samsung T7 Shield — rugged portable SSD with solid read/write speeds.
• WD My Passport 2TB — dependable portable storage for backups and travel.
• Belkin 3‑in‑1 Wireless Charger — neat desk setup with multiple devices charged.
• Garmin Forerunner 965 — advanced GPS watch for runners and athletes.
• GoPro MAX 360 — immersive capture with rugged versatility.
• AirPods Pro (2nd gen) — refined ANC and comfortable fit for daily wear.
• JBL Flip 6 — rugged portable speaker with surprisingly robust sound.
• Ring Alarm Security Kit — scalable home protection with easy setup.
• Osprey Daypack 26 — durable, comfortable pack for day trips and commuting.

These deals underscore a simple truth: the best Prime Day savings aren’t about chasing the biggest discount, but about locking in gear you’ll actually use and enjoy. If you’re eyeing upgrades this season, start with a few of these WIRED-tested picks, monitor the Prime Day prices, and strike while the total value is compelling.

Remember, the window can be brief, and stock shifts quickly. The smarter move is to identify a handful of must-haves, set reminders, and pounce when a deal aligns with your workflow and budget.