Best Deals Under $50

Crux meshes cooking, creativity, and culture to offer a line of products that are both easy on the eyes—fun colors and collaborations abound—and easy to use. This particular model is in partnership with American music producer Marshmello, pulling from his unique style for its design. It’s also the first air fryer from Crux to be engineered with the brand’s TurboCrisp technology, allowing foods to cook in a fraction of the time while still maintaining moisture. In our lab evaluation, we found this model’s controls legible, and the unit pretty easy to clean. But it did produce a fair amount of noise, which is why testers gave it a middling score in that assessment. The Crux Marshmello air fryer comes with four silicone cupcake molds, eight preset cook modes, and a two-year warranty.

Why it’s a good deal: This is an especially low-cost air fryer, making it a great option for anyone curious to try air frying without investing too much. The white model is at the best price we’ve seen, but you’ll pay a bit more if you want it in black.

This Mr. Coffee machine is designed for people who like a lot of different styles of coffee and prioritize flexibility in their coffee maker. It brews both hot and cold coffee in single servings, and it comes with a reusable tumbler, lid, straw, reusable coffee filter, and dual-sided scoop. It’s worth noting that it didn’t perform particularly well in our tests. Its brew performance passed muster, but our testers found it to be fairly difficult to operate and clean. The machine also required some time to cool off between runs, though if you’re using this only for single cups of coffee at a time, that shouldn’t be an issue.

Why it’s a good deal: This is now $10 less at Walmart than we saw during the last big sales.

College students, solo dwellers, or anybody who’s a tad tight on counter space—the Cosori Lite CAF-LI211 is for you. This measured 1.7-quart air fryer is packed with appealing features such as a dishwasher-safe basket, preprogrammed settings, and a digital display, but with a footprint of just 9x11 inches, it comes in a small package (and with a fairly small price, too). What’s more, this model was a standout in our tests, receiving high marks for being easy to use and clean, and remaining at low volume while cooking. The Cosori Lite comes with a two-year warranty.

Why it’s a good deal: This is the same price we saw during Prime Day.

The Dash Clear View toaster’s clever see-through side panel makes it easy to monitor your slices, making charred toast a thing of the past. And you won’t have to wait too long for it to pop up; this model does very well in our toasting-time test. One downside: It gets only middling marks in our cleaning test, so you may have to put in a little extra effort to get crumbs out of its nooks and crannies.

Why it’s a good deal: You can save on two of the color options right now. In fact, the grey option dipped $5 compared to last week.

The 7-cup Secura Original electric kettle is plastic on the outside, stainless steel on the inside, and nearly 11 inches high. It’s the only model to snag a top rating in our time-to-cool tests: It keeps 4 cups of boiled water warm for 75 minutes, longer than many other kettles. The warranty lasts two years.

Why it’s a good deal: This is about the same discount we’ve seen for weeks, but it’s certainly better than paying full price.

The Home Hero steak knives seem to work on the same principle as the jaw of a coyote. They’ll definitely separate meat from a bone, but it ain’t gonna be pretty. The knives have jagged, triangular teeth, almost like those on a handsaw. The result is a knife that can certainly cut, but it takes a bit of effort. They can easily tear up food, but they struggle to produce delicate slices. If that’s okay with you, this wallet-friendly choice might be the right one for you.

Why it’s a good deal: With the on-page coupon, this is the best price we’ve seen for this knife set since the beginning of the year, beating last week’s price by $3.

Henckels has been making knives in Germany for almost 300 years, and its expertise in design is on full display with this knife. The Premio was the Goldilocks of the eight knives we tested, and in the end it was the only one with a positive review from all four of our panelists. The handle is contoured, with no sharp edges, resulting in a knife that’s extremely comfortable to hold. One user said their hand became clammy during use, but the knife was well received overall. It also excelled at force transmission from handle to blade, which means you don’t need to exert as much effort when cutting.

Why it’s a good deal: This is now $6 less than we saw during Prime Day.

When you think of the brand Instant Pot, its line of multicookers usually comes to mind, but the company has branched out into coffee makers and frothers. Its budget-friendly Instant Milk Frother was one of the best models in our at-home review, offering performance almost on a par with the Nespresso Aeroccino4 milk frother, which costs more than twice as much. The only downside is that the Instant Milk Frother isn’t dishwasher-safe because its controls are built into the side of the carafe. Cleaning is still a breeze, though; you just need to hand-wash it with a wet cloth.

Why it’s a good deal: This matches the best price we’ve seen for this milk frother.

If you’re in the market for a new set of cutting boards, this set of three could be the answer. Not only is it a good price for three boards (small, medium, and large), but it’s also one of our tester’s favorites. They were among the most stable on the evaluator’s wood counters and rarely slipped while he was prepping.

Why it’s a good deal: This price is $3 lower than we saw for Prime Day.

In evaluating the best manual citrus squeezers, this stainless steel Zulay Kitchen lemon squeezer proved to be particularly easier to use with more ripe lemons, and little pulp made it into the cup. Its sleek composition makes it ideal for storing in compact drawers, and it’s dishwasher-safe. 

Why it’s a good deal: You’re saving nearly a third off the original price.

If “safety first” is your motto, this stand-up mandoline from Dash can’t be beat. Its safety features are great for people who fear traditional mandolines or have mobility issues. Unlike other models where the blade is stationary and exposed, this one has an internal guillotine that slices your food, not your fingers.

Why it’s a good deal: This is the only color that’s still on sale. We did see others going for around $30 during Prime Day, so it’s not the best deal ever, but it’s still a nice discount.

The Pebble Premium whetstone is a double-sided sharpening stone with a coarse side and a fine side on the same stone. If the sharpening process is something you enjoy, this might be the way to go. You can sharpen any knife to the exact angle you want; a tool called a bevel gauge (sold at hardware stores) can help you find the angle. It put an edge on both of the knives our tester used to evaluate the sharpeners, which none of the electric or manual sharpeners could match.

Why it’s a good deal: A discount of more than 30 percent is always worth a look.

The InkBird IBT-4DXS BT is the highest-rated digital meat thermometer CR tests. It offers app connectivity with estimated cook times, four separate probes, built-in alarms, and the ability to charge the device while actively monitoring temperatures. InkBird boasts decent range in outdoor environments, up to 150 feet.

Why it’s a good deal: This is only $5 more than its Prime Day price.

Made by one of the most trustworthy thermometer companies in the grilling industry, the ThermoPro TP19H instant-read meat thermometer offers handheld temperature readings with a single probe that stows away. There’s a built-in LED and rotation lock for the display, and a magnetic backing allows you to store it on your refrigerator door between meals. Perfect for checking oven-bound meats, this simple and affordable thermometer delivers reliably accurate readings within seconds of probing.

Why it’s a good deal: With Amazon’s on-page coupon, this is the best price we’ve seen for this meat thermometer.

Merrilee Reynolds, a professional organizer, prefers to use these turntables as a storage solution for the cabinet under the bathroom sink, where tall cans of hairspray, bottles of lotion, and various other supplies would otherwise tend to take up valuable real estate. “By utilizing a lazy Susan,” she says, “these items are condensed but still easily accessible.”

Why it’s a good deal: You can still get this organizer for its Prime Day price.

Have real estate to spare? This tiered option might just be an organizer’s dream. “If drawers are plentiful, this bamboo drawer insert can keep bottled spices orderly without taking up cabinet space,” says Janine Adams of Peace of Mind Organizing, who doesn’t like to see valuable counter space taken up by herbs and spices and prefers to keep them neatly out of sight.

Why it’s a good deal: You’re saving nearly 50 percent on this drawer spice organizer.

When it comes to pantry staples bought in larger quantities—such as cereal, oats, and rice—stackable canisters or basic jars can help maximize shelf space. This Chef’s Path storage set comes with four 4-liter airtight containers that are primed to keep your dry goods neatly in place and easily accessible. 

Why it’s a good deal: This is only a couple of dollars more than the best price we’ve seen for this set. Make sure to click the on-page coupon.

These earbuds offer remarkable performance for the price. Above-average sound quality and a decent battery life make them a good lower-cost pick.

Why it’s a good deal: These earbuds are a great option for the money, especially at this discounted price.

JBL Tune 510BT headphones feel like they’re built with quality in mind: They’re cheap, but they don’t seem cheap. This Bluetooth model delivers pretty good sound quality, it has a 40-hour advertised battery life, and we’ve seen it selling at remarkably low prices. The 510BT sits on the ears, which some people find more comfortable than being engulfed by the more common over-ear style. As an extra perk, you can also use them with a cable if you forget to charge them.

Why it’s a good deal: While we’ve seen these headphones selling for $40 in recent weeks, a $5 discount on an already lower-priced item may still be worth it if you need a new pair of headphones now.

The Tractive GPS Dog LTE is the top-scoring model in our testing and is especially easy to set up and use. Light and compact yet sturdy, the slender unit easily attaches to any dog collar and would fit comfortably on most small dogs and even cats. The app is among the best of the bunch, with a clean and intuitive interface. It’s also worth noting that the Tractive’s claimed battery life is seven days. That’s a fairly long time, and recharging is easy.

Why it’s a good deal: You’re saving about 30 percent for this GPS tracker.

The Momcozy Retractable mesh gate is unrolled by pushing down a button and sliding the latch to the open position. It earns top marks in our tests for ease of installation and security, which measures how well the gate resisted when being dislodged.

Why it’s a good deal: This matches the best price we’ve seen for this safety gate, which sold for $11 more during Prime Day.

“I have two of these, and they’re great because they encourage the cats to drink more water,” says Amanda Arnold, senior manager of business analytics at CR. “Cats notoriously don’t usually drink enough water, so having these help keep their water cleaner and the kitties healthier!” The fountain comes with a filter inside and is dishwasher-safe.

Why it’s a good deal: The on-page coupon takes a little more than 10 percent off the price.

This set of two microfiber pillows offers very good support for side sleepers, but it earns just middling scores in our back support tests. And its resilience is just so-so. But if you sleep on the warmer side, you can find comfort in knowing that this pillow has maximum breathability.

Why it’s a good deal: These pillows are already some of the cheapest in CR"s ratings, and the sale price has dipped $5 compared to last week’s discount, making it an exceptional time to buy.

The JALL Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock is at least half the price of other popular models, like those offered by Philips and Lumie. But from an ease-of-use standpoint, this model comes out on top. It has two independent alarms (so that you can set them for different times, depending on your routine), seven alarm tones (including “wind bells” and birds chirping), an FM radio, and a fall-asleep mode that simulates a sunset (though it lacks a white-noise option).

Why it’s a good deal: With the on-page coupon, you can score this alarm clock for under $30.

Three out of 4 evaluators found themselves head over heels with the Lined Crocs. These slippers are made with ethylene-vinyl acetate foam, a form of plastic that softens and molds to the foot with time, and they’re lined with faux fur. These clogs, as Crocs calls them, feel stable and secure, with a thick, textured sole that doesn’t slip and provides ample distance and insulation from frigid floors in the winter. They’re also machine washable (in cold water only), though we haven’t tried washing these shoes ourselves. 

Why it’s a good deal: These Crocs were a standout deal during Prime Day, and you can still get them for about the same price.

Bring the order back to your under-sink cabinet. According to Merrilee Reynolds, founder of Mode, a professional decluttering and home organization service, shower caddies can be practical for under-sink cabinet storage. She recommends using one to store cleaning supplies for easier accessibility. Caddies are also a great way to keep chemical-based products separate from personal items, especially when used in the bathroom. 

Why it’s a good deal: This is the standard discount we’ve seen for this caddy, which could be great for anyone heading to a dorm in the next few weeks.

Solid cleaning performance at a lower price is what the Burst Sonic electric toothbrush offers. This unit is quieter than most electric toothbrushes we’ve tested and comes with the valuable pressure sensor feature that lets you know when you’re pushing down too hard during brushing.

Why it’s a good deal: Already a more affordable electric toothbrush, this model gets even better with a $40 discount.

The Crane Drop humidifier is intended for rooms up to 250 square feet and has a stellar overall rating in CR’s tests. This model comes with an empty-tank indicator and has an automatic shutoff. Easy to use and energy-efficient, this model also scores top marks for its low noise levels. 

Why it’s a good deal: This is the standard sale price for this humidifier.

The TP-Link Kasa Smart KL125 smart bulb offers the best bang for your buck among the 10 smart lightbulbs we’ve evaluated. It retails for $15 per bulb and offers a great array of colors and dimming performance that comes very close to the pricier Philips Hue. The bulb also works with Amazon Alexa, Google Home/Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings for voice and/or app control.

Why it’s a good deal: This set of lightbulbs usually costs $20. It was around $15 during Price Day, so you’re getting nearly as good a deal with the on-page coupon.

The TP-Link Kasa Smart KD110 is a great video doorbell for the money, with strong data security, fast response times, and decent video quality. It comes with a plug-in doorbell chime and features monitoring zones, voice and app control via Amazon Alexa and Google Home/Assistant, person detection, and local video storage using a microSD card (sold separately). Video clips can also be stored in the cloud by subscribing to a Kasa Care plan.

Why it’s a good deal: At this price, you can try out a video doorbell without spending too much.

The TP-Link Kasa Cam Outdoor KC420WS offers impeccable video quality, speedy alerts, and strong data security in our tests. Its many features include two-way audio, voice and app control via Amazon Alexa and Google Home/Assistant, monitoring zones, person alerts, a built-in siren, color night vision, and local video storage when you insert a microSD card (not included).

Why it’s a good deal: The on-page coupon puts the sale price a few dollars below the previous low price.

Serman Brands’ 1.0 RFID Blocking Wallet wins hands-down in one category: the nicest packaging. In fact, the leather wallet’s elaborate box makes it an easy choice as a gift. It has a suedelike feel. After only a few days of use, however, the material got pretty scuffed up just from inserting and removing cards from an outside slot. The money clip holds cash tight but adds thickness in the fold. 

Why it’s a good deal: This modest discount makes an already lower-cost option even more wallet-friendly.

This Nimalist slim wallet accommodates Apple products by incorporating Apple’s puck-shaped, rounded-top tracking device, sold separately, into its design. AirTags aren’t the greatest shape for slim wallets, and the indent is very noticeable when put in the front or back pocket. But this is an otherwise great wallet, with soft leather and seven very thin pockets that hold up to 12 cards.

Why it’s a good deal: This wallet has been at this price for months, and we’ve never seen it dip any lower.

This mat dries quickly but offers minimal cushioning. It has only a fair amount of grip on the floor and on its dry top surface. Instead of rolling up, it folds into a 10x12-inch rectangle, which could be nice if you like to pack up quickly after your practice.

Why it’s a good deal: This is already a great option if you don’t want to spend too much on a mat, and the unique design sets it apart from traditional roll-up mats.

The Phomemo D30 Label Maker was the choice label maker in our evaluations. Using an app, you can produce labels in under 10 seconds or connect it to your printer for more elaborate jobs. The Phomemo offers extensive font options and a preview of what they will look like. The lithium battery comes charged and ready to print, and you can even print pictures, bar codes, and date and time stamps. The easy-tear labels can be separated with just one hand, and the device is smart enough to calibrate the paper roll to the proper position if you don’t align it perfectly.

Why it’s a good deal: The sale price for this label maker is usually around $25, so you’re getting a bit of a better deal with the coupon.