Yahoo News Prime Day 2020: The best deals from Apple, Microsoft and Lego and more
Amazon Prime Day is finally here and as one of the internet’s biggest shopping events, it’s known for offering customers an array of discounts on everything from TVs and tablets to coffee machines.
While the sale usually takes place in July each year, due to coronavirus, the online retailer postponed its Prime Day 2020 event to later now.
Lasting 48 hours, there will be more than one million deals available from big-name brands including Philips, Toshiba, Lego, Nintendo, Samsung, Under Armour, Sony, Le Creuset, to name just a few.
Last year, the retailer said it sold more than 175 million products, dubbing the sale the “largest shopping event in Amazon history.”
It surpassed results from the previous Black Friday and Cyber Monday events combined, and this year is set to be bigger than ever.
Read more: Amazon Prime Day live updates on the latest deals
Our IndyBest team hand-picks every deal we feature. We may earn some commission from the links in this article, but our selections have been made independently and without bias. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
Our top pick of the best Amazon Prime Day 2020 deals
Apple AirPods with charging case: Was £159, now £128
It’s incredibly rare for Apple to offer any discounts on its products, which is why it’s best to look to other retailers to grab a deal. This Prime Day, Amazon has slashed the prices of Apple’s AirPods by 19 per cent. We’d suggest you act fast as they are likely to sell out.
David Phelan, our technology critic, rated them highly in his IndyBest review of the best wireless earbuds, saying: “Apple’s distinctive earbuds have been massively successful since they first launched and they remain even now some of the very lightest in-ears you can find.
“The design is unchanged since day one, but improved electronics inside mean that you can say, “Hey, Siri” to invoke the virtual assistant without even touching the earbuds.”
Emma original mattress, kingsize: Was £579, now £387.93
This offering from the popular bed in a box brand, Emma, was crowned the best buy in our review of the best mattresses. Despite the name, this is the second version of the three-layer foam mattress, and our reviewer noted that it “uses a different kind of foam to the likes of Eve, Simba and Casper that the manufacturer claims is longer-lasting."
Praising it for being way ahead of the competition, our tester “found it more instantly comfortable than other bed-in-a-box mattresses we tried. It has significantly more bounce and is easier to turn over on – with no chance of disturbing your partner when you do.”
With our tester claiming this “is as good as it gets”, this mattress is a real no-brainer, especially with a 33 per cent discount.
Philips wake up light alarm clock with coloured sunrise - HF3531/01: Was £149.99, now £84.99
Now the mornings are darker, it’s harder to get up when the alarm goes off. Enter the wake-up light. Copying the gentle rising of the sun, the light brightens as it gets clsoer to your wake up time and helps you slowly wake up naturally, rather than abruptly to an agressive sounding phone alarm. This is ideal for anyone who suffers with seasonal affective dissorder. It comes with seven natural sounds and radio functions.
Samsung Galaxy S10 mobile phone: Was £799, now £469
If you’re looking for a new smartphone, this is an absolute steal. The sim-free, 128gb model has a curved edge screen and no home button for an uninterrupted viewing experience, with only a small dot for the front camera. You can also connect your Samsung galaxy watch to this device in order to charge it. There’s three rear cameras with an ultra-wide and ultra-zoom lens for all of your photography needs.
Braun IPL Silk Expert Pro 5 PL5124 Generation IPL: Was £599.99, now 274.99
A household name when it comes to at-home hair removal, Braun’s IPL machines are a firm favourite. Amazon has slashed the price of this model by a huge 54 per cent, so if you’re tired of waxing or shaving, now is the time to invest in a trusty laser hair removal machine.
The dermatologically accredited technology automatically and continuously adapts to your skin tone for the easiest and safest hair removal. A super speedy option, the brand claims that this device treats both legs in less than five minutes at the lowest energy level. The set comes with a precision head, a carry pouch and a Venus razor.
Amazon echo studio: Was £189.99, now £139.99
This took the crown in our review of the best smart speakers, with our tester praising its excellent versatility. Owing to the multiple speakers, our reviewer said: “The resulting experience is immersive and deeply impressive. Though larger than some of the speakers here, it’s still a surprise that so much sound comes from one small cylinder”. You can also connect this device to an Amazon TV streaming device to create a home cinema sound system.
Samsung galaxy tab A8: Was £129, now £99
Featuring in our review of the best kids’ tablets, this is a great choice if you’re looking to access all Android apps, and our tester praised the display for being “sharp and colourful”. With just less than 30 per cent off, this is an excellent option if you’re looking to give the gift of tech this Christmas. If you’re looking for a bigger screen, you can also save on the Samsung galaxy tab 1, which is 10.1in, and reduced from £199 to £186.43.
Apple iPad Air (10.5", wifi, 64BG space grey: Was £479, now £406.80
So rare is it that Apple has any discounts on its products whatsoever, that if you want to find a deal, you need to look to other retailers. This lightening deal will end either in 12 hours or when they’re all gone, so don't hang around. Features include 10.5-Inch Retina display, 8MP back camera, 7MP front camera and up to 10 hours of battery life.
The Apple iPad Air was crowned the best buy in our round-up of the best tablets. David Phelan, our tech critic, said: “The iPad air sits in the middle of the iPad range and offers a faster processor and better, larger display than the entry-level model. In other words, it’s a great balance of value and power.”
When it comes to the display, he added: “It is the same resolution as the iPad but adds better colour fidelity and something called ‘true tone’, which monitors the ambient light in the room and adjusts the colour temperature accordingly so colours always look right.”
Bosch 06039A3371 PSB 1800 LI2 cordless combi drill: Was £104.99, now £57.99
We all went DIY mad during lockdown, so whether you’ve got a taste for it and want to upgrade your tools, or worked yours into the ground and need to replace them, this combi battery operated drill could be just what you need, from screwdriving to drilling. It has two a two speed gearbox and 20 pre-selectable torque, drill and impact drill settings along with that all-important LED light, so you can see exactly what you’re doing.
Amazon echo dot: Was £49.99, now £18.99
If you’re looking for an affordable and compact smart speaker, this is the one for you. When reviewing the echo dot in our round-up of the best smart speakers, our tester said: "It can do all the Alexa-related stuff that the most advanced speakers can do, such as answering questions and turning smart home gadgets on or off”.
Plus, it can play the radio, podcasts and audio books with clear vocals, and if you have multiple echo devices in your house, they can make audio calls to one another. With a whopping 62 per cent off, this is one of the most impressive deals we’ve found so far.
Foreo Luna 2 facial brush: Was £169, now £135
We’re huge fans of Foreo’s face tools here at IndyBest, and as they are a bit of an investment, now is the time to save some pennies during the Prime Day sale.
Changing the game in the world skincare, this cleansing brush-turned massager will become your new self-care best friend. The device gives a two minute cleanse and massage through gentle pulsations, unclogging pores and removing dirt and make-up, while diminishing pores and refining skin texture.
While we can’t testify to this specific model, we love the Luna 3, which works in a very similar way. Our sensitive skinned reviewer noticed that the brush helped with acne scarring, noting that it’s “an expensive treat but a genuine investment for your skincare regime.”
Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner: Was £379.99, now £184.99
If you’re ready to get your Mrs Hinch on, snap up a vacuum cleaner from her favourite brand. With a huge 51 per cent off, this upright corded model has anti hair wrap technology that removes hair from the brush-roll. Ideal for pet owners, the additional tool removes embedded hair from sofas and stairs. It also comes with a car detailing kit, making this excellent value for money.
Echo Show 5: Was £79.99, now £39.99
For a smart speaker with a larger display, look to the echo show 5. In our review of the best smart home devices, our reviewer said: “It has a 5.5in display so you can see the weather forecast as well as hearing it, and the small size of the device makes it perfect as a bedside table gadget. It works as an alarm clock, too.
"There’s a camera on board for video calls to other Echo users, for instance, but a physical shutter ensures privacy. Audio playback is pretty good, enough to make this a fun music player.”
If you’re looking for a device with an even bigger screen, the echo show 8 has an 8in display and is also on offer for just £35.99, meaning you’ll be saving a massive £60.
Amazon echo buds: Was £119.99, now £79.99
Rivalling the likes of Samsung and Apple, Amazon has launched its own wireless earbuds and they are currently on sale. With immersive sound and Bose technology that reduces background noise, these earphones allow you to use Amazon’s smart assistant, Alexa, hands-free, as well as other smart assistants such as Google Assistant and Siri. These earbuds will play up to five hours worth of music with a full charge, up to two hours with a quick 15-minute charge and up to 20 hours with the charging case. They also have a customisable fit for optimum comfort and sound quality.
‘The Roald Dahl Centenary Boxed Set’, published by Puffin: Was £100, now £40
With a huge 60 per cent off, this would make the perfect gift for a keen young reader, as it contains 10 of Roald Dahl’s literary classics including; Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator, Danny, the Champion of the World, Fantastic Mr Fox, George's Marvellous Medicine, James and the Giant Peach, Matilda, The BFG, The Twits and The Witches. All come in hardback with dust-jackets in a pretty box that will stand pride of place on any bookshelf.
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 12.3” Tablet: Was £899, now £659.99
Designed to be more of a laptop, this tablet is so versatile and allows you to type, touch, draw, write, work and play more naturally. A more powerful and faster model than its predecessor, it has a laptop-class Intel Core processor and improved graphics. It’s ultra slim and weights just 771g and the battery lasts 10.5 hours.
In our round-up of the best tablets, our tech critic, David Phelan, said: “It becomes a full-on laptop if you attach an optional keyboard cover… and becomes a lightweight, powerful laptop that’s easy to carry and use.”
He also notes that: “One design trademark of the surface series is the kickstand which folds out of the back and adjusts to hold the tablet in the various positions, near-upright for viewing video or almost flat to write on with the optional stylus.”
VTech action cam HD action camera for kids: Was £52.99, now £31.49
For children aged five years and older, this is the ideal first camera, especially if they’ve had grand ideas of a GoPro, which cost considerably more. It’s shockproof and can be used in water, so no matter how boisterous they are, it will still film in HD definition and encourage their creativity. It also comes with a mount which can be attached to toys, bikes, scooters and skateboards and a built-in rechargeable battery.
Lego city police station building set: Was £89.99, now £53.99
Known for its high prices, there’s lots of Lego sets available in this year’s sale, but this is our favourite. It comes with a two-storey police station, a jailbreak explosion, two trucks, a motorcycle and a drone, with lights, sirens, the lot. Not only that, there’s seven figures that little ones can play with to explore their imagination, including a cute bulldog. Made up of 743 pieces, building and playing with it will provide hours of fun.
Fitbit inspire HR tracker: Was £89.99, now £59
Calling fitness fanatics, this is the deal for you. This is a fantastic price for a great piece of kit. In our review of the best fitness trackers, our tested noted the guided breathing sessions as working well for when you need a little bit of calm. Plus, it automatically recognises when you make any movement.
Philips Hue white and colour ambience starter kit: Was £149.99, now £89.99
Taking the crown in our guide to the best smart lights, this is a fantastic choice, particularly if you are new to smart tech. Philips is known to be the brand when it comes to lighting, and this offers a cost-efficient way to illuminate a room in a myriad of colours – change from WFH bright lights to a calming ambience when relaxing at the weekend. Ingenious.
Ring video doorbell pro: Was £229, now £149
Making your home more secure has never been easier, and Ring should be your go-to brand if you’re looking for peace of mind. This particular model featured in our review of the best doorbell cameras and our tester noted the “high-quality video” and “slim design”, and that the app is both easy to use and effective. Featuring two-way audio, you’ll also be able to tell the delivery person where to leave your parcel if you’re out. If you’ve been considering this nifty piece of kit, now’s the time to buy – with 35 per cent off, we don’t think you’ll find a better deal elsewhere.
Sage The Barista Express Machine: Was £599.95, now £399.99
Get your caffeine fix in style with this professional level machine. Allowing you to truly customise your cup of Joe, the integrated conical burr grinder delivers the perfect amount of freshly ground coffee directly into the portafilter, working with any bean, depending on your tastes. It also features a digital temperature control for optimal espresso extraction, and you can even create latte art with the micro foam milk texturing function.
Nespresso vertuo plus: Was £179.99, now £69.99
With more than 60 per cent off, this deal is a no-brainer, particularly if you’re looking to barista-style coffee at home. This Nespresso machine is a relatively new release from the brand, and it offers five different coffee styles, with pods coming in sizes ranging from a standard single shot espresso (40ml) to a large mugful (414ml). You can also claim two months’ coffee subscription for free – snap this up now.
Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9000 Black Electric Toothbrush: Was £340, now £129.99
Save a whopping £200 on this electric toothbrush from the popular electronics brand, Philips. The brand claims that it will give you whiter teeth after just one day of use, and it even alerts you when it’s time to replace the brush head. It features four modes: clean, white+, gum health, and deep clean+, with three different intensities. The toothbrush comes with a charging travel case, charging base and one brush head.
How can I take part in Amazon Prime Day?
The discounts aren’t on offer for everyone who visits the site but is exclusively for those who have an Amazon Prime membership.
Membership costs £7.99 a month or £79 for a year, and subscribers are eligible for perks including same-day delivery, over 800,000 free e-books and access to Prime Video and Amazon Music services.
If you're already a Prime member, you will automatically get access to the deals, but if you’re not yet a member and want to take advantage of the huge savings on offer, you can sign up for a 30-day trial anytime before the sale begins.
Can students take part in Amazon Prime Day?
Students can also take advantage of Amazon Prime Day by signing up to Amazon Student.
Perks of the student subscription, which costs £3.99 a month, include unlimited premium delivery, unlimited reading on any device i.e. an iPad or Kindle, access to Prime Video and unlimited photo storage.
There are other benefits too, including 10 per cent off selected fashion products and £30 off select Samsung galaxy tablets and earbuds.
If you have a valid email address from a recognised institution to qualify, you can sign up here for a lengthy six-month trial.
How to get a free Prime account for 30 days to use for Prime Day 2020
If you have yet to become an Amazon Prime member but want to get in on the action ahead of the big event, you can sign up for a 30-day trial to gain access to the sale.
While you won’t be charged for the trial period, you will need to input your card details when signing up, as Amazon automatically converts you to a paid membership after the 30 days. But, if you decide to cancel ahead of the trial ending, you won’t be charged, which means you can get free access to the Prime Day event.
How to get the best Amazon Prime Day deals
The IndyBest team will be rounding up the best deals to help you navigate the array of discounts that will be on offer, so make sure to keep checking back here.
Another way to ensure you get the best deals is to download the Amazon app. This will give you a head start, as you will be able to track Lightning Deals – discounts that are only available for a few hours at a time – and set up alerts that will notify you when certain deals go live.
For more deals on Amazon Prime Day, read our guides to the best tech deals, the best kids deals and the best Amazon devices deals
