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Beyond Prime Day: The best deals for under $50
Amazon Prime Day is over for 2018. But there are still plenty of good deals to be had on tech products for less than $50.
Prime Day has ended, but...
Prime Day, Amazon's big Black Friday in July, has ended. Only a handful of straggler deals remain, but that doesn't mean that there aren't some everyday bargains still to be had. To that end, we've rounded up our favorite gadget deals for under $50.
(Disclaimer: CNET may get a commission from the retailers featured herein.)
Tribit Xfree Tune
You'd be hard-pressed to find a better sounding -- and better built -- full size sub-$50 Bluetooth headphone than the Tribit XFree Tune, which retails for $45 at Amazon (without case).
Amazon Fire 7 tablet
Amazon's smallest, most affordable tablet sold for a mere $30 on Prime Day (and Black Friday 2017). And while we still prefer the faster, better and larger 8-inch Fire HD 8 tablet for $80, this 7-incher still remains the best tablet you can get for $50. Just note that it'll likely drop back to $30 again this Thanksgiving.
JBL Endurance Sprint
JBL's Endurance Sprint sports headphones are like a modified version of Beats' popular Powerbeats 3, which have a hook that wraps over the top of your ear. The Powerbeats 3 cost more than three times as much as these guys.
Belkin WeMo Mini Wi-Fi Smart Plug
We already loved the $35 Belkin WeMo Mini, which turns any old lamp into a smart light with full Alexa and Google Home compatibility. And soon, it will complete the hat trick, adding direct support for Apple HomeKit, too. That means you don't need the WeMo HomeKit Bridge to sync it up with Siri anymore.
TP-Link Kasa
Another affordable smart-home device, the $25 TP-Link Kasa Wi-Fi Smart Plug Mini adds scheduling, voice commands and remote access to everyday devices. It works with Alexa and Google Assistant.
Roku Streaming Stick (2017)
We already loved this little $50 video streamer, which turns any HDMI-equipped TV into a gateway to online entertainment bliss: Netflix, Amazon, Vudu, YouTube, Sling TV, PlayStation Vue, HBO Now and literally hundreds of other streaming channels. The latest model (from 2017) adds a voice-activated remote that can also control your TV's power and volume. Get the 4K model if your TV is so-equipped; otherwise, this cheaper version does the job nicely.
Roku Express (2017)
If $50 is too pricey, check out the $30 Roku Express. It loses the Stick's voice remote, but it has all of the same channels, and the 2017 model is considerably zippier than than its underpowered predecessor.
Roku Express+ (2017)
Buying a gift for someone who's stuck with an ancient pre-HD tube television? Don't fret: You can still give them the gift of Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Amazon and all the other great streaming video options with the Roku Express+, which connects to old-school RCA jacks (yellow, red, white). And it still has an HDMI port, so it's good to go once they eventually upgrade.
Anker SoundBuds Slim
The Anker SoundBuds Slim Bluetooth Sports headphones can be had for less than $26. They sound decent and fit well.
Amazon Fire TV Stick with Alexa
It's not quite as good as the Roku Stick, but the 2017 version of Amazon's Fire TV Stick includes an Alexa-enabled voice remote. Just know that this $40 model sold for $25 on Black Friday 2017, and $20 on Prime Day 2018.
Google Chromecast (2015)
Embrace the mobile lifestyle with the $35 Chromecast video streamer. Connect it to any TV, and use your phone as the remote control for services such as YouTube, Netflix and many more. Just note that it doesn't offer Amazon Video -- and it isn't available on Amazon, either.
Google Chromecast Audio
The Chromecast Audio isn't a wireless speaker in and of itself, but this $35 Wi-Fi gadget adds streaming audio to any old stereo. It offers universal compatibility with Android phones, and some (but not all) iOS apps can stream to it, too.
Tribit XFree Color
Similar to the Anker Soundbuds Slim, the XFree Color is an in-ear wireless sports headphone that sounds good and fits securely for less than $25 (the headphone seems to be on sale right now, but it's hard to tell with Amazon pricing). As its name implies, it's available in a few different trim color options.
Amazon Echo Dot (second generation)
The Echo Dot was selling for a mere $30 on Prime Day. Still, even at its normal $50 price, this is the quickest on-ramp to the Alexa smart home experience. The audio quality isn't fantastic, but you can connect it to any other stereo or speaker system.
Google Home Mini
Google's most affordable smart home speaker isn't quite as impressive as the Echo Dot -- and it lacks a line out. But this $49 wonder sounds a bit better than the Dot, and it puts all the smarts of Google Assistant at your beck and call.
JBL Clip 2
The JBL Clip 2 can't respond to your voice, but this little waterproof Bluetooth speaker sounds great for its size. It's a great gift for anyone who does a lot of traveling. The newer Clip 3, which plays louder and has a little more bass, costs $60, while its older sibling is now generally sold at closer to $40.
Anker SoundCore 2
The SoundCore 2 is the best speaker value in Anker's lineup, balancing good sound and a water-resistant body for about $40.
Oontz Angle 3 Plus
It has a goofy name, but the Oontz Angle 3 Plus is arguably the sound quality champion for wireless Bluetooth speakers in the sub-$50 price range. In fact, you can usually find it for about $28.
Tribit XSound Go
Another candidate for best value wireless speaker, the Tribit XSound Go is one of the best ones for the money -- about $40 at Amazon.
Creative Sound Blaster Jam
If you want a lighter and more open budget wireless headphone than the aforementioned Tribit XFree Tune, the Creative Sound Blaster Jam is a solid go-to choice -- about $38 at Amazon.
iFrogz Impulse Duo
Prefer in-ear wireless headphones? The iFrogz Impulse Duo deliver good sound at an ultrabudget $30 price, and have a nifty design, too.
SanDisk Clip Jam
Yes, everyone's phone already doubles as a music player. But for as low as $30, this standalone mini MP3 player is useful for runners and gym rats who may want to set their phones aside for a workout. It works with both PCs and Macs, and -- best of all -- doesn't need to sync with iTunes: just drag and drop your music files. The 8GB storage is easily expandable with any microSD card, too.
BioLite PowerLight Mini
The $40 BioLite PowerLight Mini is a handy lantern, bike light and charger all in one. You clip it to a pocket or strap or mount to your bike (mount included) and its 1,350-mAh USB rechargeable battery provides up to 52 hours of light. It can also give your phone a backup boost. Lighting modes include white lantern, red night vision, red and white strobe and white point light. It's a great choice for ecominded students who enjoy camping or other outdoor activities.
BioLite Sunlight Solar-Powered Lantern
BioLite's new mobile light has a solar panel on the back so you can charge it during the day (you can clip it on the the backside of a backpack). It's only $25.