Prime Day Smart Home Deals: What to Consider Before Upgrading

As Prime Day approaches, WIRED has published a roundup of smart home deals it recommends, based on a year of testing and price tracking. The list spans categories from outdoor security to robotic lawn care, with an emphasis on devices that reduce subscription costs or automate routine tasks.

Security cameras without monthly fees Two Eufy outdoor cameras made WIRED's list of best outdoor security cameras. They can pair with a hub for local storage—16 GB expandable to 16 TB—and offer on-device AI detection for people, pets, vehicles, and faces. Video resolution reaches 4K, and solar panels help keep batteries charged. WIRED notes the AI isn't flawless and the frame rate is limited to 15 frames per second, but highlights that these cameras are subscription-free. That last point matters for anyone tired of recurring cloud storage fees.

Amazon's own devices Amazon devices are typically discounted during Prime Day, though WIRED observes that recent price hikes have made sales less attractive than in previous years. Still, it calls this the best time to buy. Two picks: the Echo Spot, described as a fun and affordable smart speaker that doubles as a bedside alarm and can show weather or calendar details on request; and the Show 11, positioned as a smart display suited to kitchen counters.

Blind and curtain automation Retrofit devices from SwitchBot (implied) add automation and remote control to Venetian blinds or curtains. You can connect via Bluetooth to open and close shades or set schedules. Solar panels keep batteries topped up, and a light sensor can close shades automatically when the sun is out. For voice control and distance operation, a SwitchBot Hub Mini or Hub 2 is required. This category is appealing for renters or anyone not ready to replace existing window treatments.

Robot lawn mowers and vacuums WIRED's pick for best budget robot lawn mower is currently cheaper than usual. It supports mapping multiple lawn areas and scheduling trimmings. Separately, the site's favorite robot vacuum is deeply discounted right now—a mop-and-vacuum combo with an extendable arm intended to reach dirt and dust in corners and along edges.

Pet-focused gadgets The best smart bird feeder comes with a lifetime subscription for AI identification, which tells you which birds are visiting, and a 1080p camera feed. For cat owners, WIRED's favorite automatic litter tray is described as roomy, effective with little input, and equipped with a camera to monitor pets.

Who should consider upgrading? The common thread is convenience and monitoring. If you want to watch your property remotely without paying monthly fees, the Eufy cameras may be worth a look. If you already use Alexa and want a bedside or kitchen display, the Echo Spot or Show 11 could fit. For renters or those with existing blinds, retrofit automation avoids a full replacement. Robot mowers and vacuums appeal to anyone who wants to offload repetitive chores. Pet owners may find value in AI-assisted feeding or litter maintenance.

What to keep in mind Prime Day discounts fluctuate, and WIRED warns that Amazon's recent price increases have tempered the value of some deals. Features like AI detection and bird identification are not perfect. Some devices require additional hubs for full functionality, and subscription-free operation is a selling point but not universal across the category. As with any sale, it's worth checking whether the discounted price is actually lower than typical street prices.

For detailed reviews and current pricing, refer to WIRED's full roundup.