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The 2nd-gen Amazon Echo Dot is now $30

Probably for good, as its third-gen successor is just starting to roll out.

Rick Broida Senior Editor
Rick Broida is the author of numerous books and thousands of reviews, features and blog posts. He writes CNET's popular Cheapskate blog and co-hosts Protocol 1: A Travelers Podcast (about the TV show Travelers). He lives in Michigan, where he previously owned two escape rooms (chronicled in the ebook "I Was a Middle-Aged Zombie").
Rick Broida
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Tyler Lizenby/CNET

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Last year's models are this year's bargains. It's true of phones, smartwatches and, now, mini smart speakers.

Indeed, Amazon's  second-gen Echo Dot has always sold for $50, though frequent sales would often see it at $40 and even $35. Now, the Echo Dot shows a price of $29.99, and I suspect that's permanent until supplies run out.

That's because the third-gen Echo Dot is close at hand, with an expected ship date of Oct. 11. Is it worth an extra $20 to get a fabric-covered exterior and louder speaker? That's up to you to decide.

Me, I think $30 for an Alexa-powered smart speaker is a mighty sweet deal. The only caveat I'll give is that Amazon might cut these even further for Black Friday and Cyber Monday -- assuming there are any left by then.

Read more: Amazon Echo Dot (2nd-generation) review

Read more: Turn your Echo Dot into the ultimate nightstand accessory


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