Massive OLED TVs and Sonos speakers might be stealing the Memorial Day spotlight, but there are also plenty of great deals that won’t set you back nearly as much. In fact, some of the best discounts we’re seeing are on gadgets that retail for $50 or less, from portable chargers and 4K streaming devices to cheap(ish) security cameras. There are even some solid deals available on outdoor gear if you plan to spend time camping, hiking, or otherwise enjoying the outdoors this summer.
To help you separate the good from the bad, we’ve taken the liberty to comb through thousands of deals to find an assortment of discounted products that have earned The Verge stamp of approval, whether it be a portable Bluetooth speaker, a video game, or a water filter. If you’re not beholden to $50, be sure to check out our definitive roundup of the best Memorial Day deals, which we’ll update throughout the weekend.
CMF Buds Pro 2
The Buds Pro 2 offer a surprisingly robust set of features for the price, including ANC and a transparency mode that lets you tune into your surroundings. Their included charging case also features a smart dial that lets you adjust the volume, while multipoint Bluetooth support lets them connect to two devices simultaneously.
Where to Buy:
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus
Amazon’s latest Fire TV Stick 4K features support for Wi-Fi 6, Dolby Atmos / Vision, and HDR10 Plus. It also runs on Fire TV’s updated OS, which offers personalized recommendations, quicker access to favorite apps, and Alexa Plus support.
Where to Buy:
- If you want more speed and storage than the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus offers, the 4K Max is on sale for $39.99 ($20 off) at Amazon and Best Buy, which is $5 shy of its all-time low. It, too, runs on the new and improved Fire TV OS and supports Dolby Vision, HDR10 Plus, and Dolby Atmos. However, it offers faster performance, double the storage (16GB), and Wi-Fi 6E support. It also comes with a more capable remote, the Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced, which adds a button for live TV channel listings. Read our review.
- If you want a small portable speaker, JBL’s Clip 5 is on sale for around $59 ($20 off) at REI, Amazon, and Best Buy, which is $10 shy of its all-time low. The Bluetooth speaker features an integrated carabiner that makes it easy to clip onto a backpack, bike, or beach bag, along with an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating. It also offers up to 12 hours of battery life per charge, so it should easily last you the day.
Sony SRS-XB100
Sony’s adorable SRS-XB100 speaker offers USB-C charging, a built-in strap, and great sound for the price, rendering it a terrific travel speaker or home office companion. Read our review.
Where to Buy:
Xbox Wireless Controller
Microsoft’s official Xbox Wireless Controller features a dedicated button for saving clips and screenshots, as well as sharing them online. It also offers Bluetooth support and a USB-C port for charging Microsoft’s play-and-charge rechargeable battery.
Where to Buy:
Star Wars Outlaws
Star Wars Outlaws is an original open-world adventure set in the vast universe of the iconic film series. It stars Kay Vess, a protagonist looking to steal from criminal overlords to gain her freedom. Read our review.
Where to Buy:
- You can buy the physical version of Assassin’s Creed Shadows for the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X at Best Buy and Target for $34.99 ($15 off). The open-world game follows a shinobi assassin and a powerful samurai caught in the midst of political unrest in feudal Japan. Its stealth mechanics are intuitive, and there’s a satisfying amount of action, too. Read our review.
Anker Nano Travel Adapter (5-in-1, 20W)
Anker’s jack-of-all-trades travel adapter packs enough ports to refill your devices during some downtime. It features one AC outlet, two USB-C ports (one tops out at 20W), and two USB-A ports. It’s not the fastest wall charger, but it’s a solid choice when you can find it at a discount.
Where to Buy:
Anker Nano Charger (45W, Smart Display, 180° Foldable)
Anker’s latest single-port USB-C charger offers up to 45W of power, foldable prongs, and a front-facing “smart display” that lets you see the charge level, power flow, and other useful information at a glance.
Where to Buy:
- If you need a reliable power bank, Anker’s Zolo Magnetic Power Bank (10,000mAh) is on sale for $39.99 ($10 off) at Amazon, which is $10 shy of its all-time low. The small battery pack can wirelessly charge iPhones at up to 7.5W, while the built-in USB-C cable delivers up to 30W fast charging for devices. It also doubles as an adjustable stand, making it handy for watching videos or keeping an eye on notifications while charging.
- If you own an older iPhone with a Lightning port, you can grab InfinityLab’s InstantGo 10,000 Power Bank for just $41.93 (about $28 off) at REI. The portable battery features a 10,000mAh capacity and a built-in Lightning cable, making it a solid all-in-one option for days when you won’t be near an outlet. It also supports passthrough charging, allowing you to charge your phone and the power bank simultaneously.
Twelve South PowerBug
Part wall wart, part magnetic wireless charger, the StandBy-ready PowerBug is about as unique as chargers come. The simple device can top off MagSafe and Qi2-compatible devices — including the latest Google Pixel models — while supplying 35W charging speeds to a second gadget via USB-C.
Where to Buy:
LifeStraw Peak Series Straw
LifeStraw’s redesigned Peak Series Straw features a durable, leakproof design that’s great for backcountry treks. It can remove unwanted viruses, bacteria, and microplastics as you drink — just like the base model — but benefits from an increased flow rate and more premium materials.
Where to Buy:
- If you’re looking for a more convenient, all-in-one solution, the LifeStraw Go Series 1L is also on sale for an all-time low of around $32 ($13 off) at REI and Amazon. The BPA-free water bottle features a built-in two-stage filtration system, including a carbon filter that’s designed to reduce odors and improve taste, making it a solid pick for everything from travel to your daily commute.
- It’s not the most exciting thing in the world, but the GoBites Bio-Uno Long spork is on sale at REI in multiple colors for a cool $5.93 (about $3 off). The Verge’s Brandon Widder has used the sturdy, BPA-free utensil in the backcountry numerous times over the years, mainly because it’s relatively lightweight and saves you from having to pack more than one tool for devouring whatever freeze-dried concoction you opted for.
Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp
Black Diamond’s 400-lumen headlamp offers adjustable brightness, a red night vision mode, and an IPX8 waterproof rating, so it can handle rainy nights. It’s also dual-fuel compatible, meaning you can use standard AAA batteries or use it in tandem with Black Diamond’s rechargeable BD 1500 Li-ion battery for added flexibility.
Where to Buy:
Zippo HeatBank 6 Pro Rechargeable Hand Warmer
Zippo’s rechargeable, IP57-rated hand warmer offers three heat settings and up to six hours of runtime. It can also serve as a 24-lumen flashlight or a 5,200 mAh power bank in a pinch, though, unlike most warmers, it’s only sold as a single unit.
Where to Buy:
- You can get the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol starting at $37.39 (about $13 off) at REI right now. It’s a relatively lightweight, compact sleeping pad with an accordion-style design that lets you attach it to your backpack. The closed-cell foam also provides comfort after a long day of hiking, while the sleeping pad’s surface helps reflect radiant heat back to your body, so you can stay warm in the fall.
- REI is selling GCI’s Freestyle Rocker Chair for $47.93 ($32 off). It’s a more comfortable alternative to your average camping chair, one that rocks and can handle both hard and soft ground. It also features padded armrests, a built-in beverage holder, and a foldable design, which makes it easy to throw in the back of your car before heading out the door.
Cotopaxi Tech Bucket Hat
Cotopaxi’s technical nylon hat — a pick from our upcoming Father’s Day gift guide — is pretty basic, but it features an adjustable cord chin strap and comes in an array of fun colors that are fit for the summer season.
Where to Buy:
Mpowerd Luci Solar String Lights: Color
Mpowerd’s solar-powered string lights are perfect for camping or a backyard shindig. The 18-foot string can display six colors and last up to 15 hours on a single charge; the case also doubles as a charger, allowing you to top off your phone in a pinch.
Where to Buy:
- The Nite Ize Radiant 314 — which is currently down to $25.73 (about $19 off) at REI — provides 314 lumens of brightness, an impact-resistant design, and an IPX4 rating for water resistance. The rechargeable lantern can also last up to 96 hours on a single charge, while the built-in power bank can provide an extra boost of power to your phone in a pinch.
- The Petzl Tikka is on sale at REI for $19.73 (about $15 off). The basic headlamp is a great option that features a max output of 350 lumens, tilt functionality, and an IPX4 rating, making it safe to use in light rain. It also features a lock function that prevents it from accidentally turning on when packed.
Black Diamond Moji Plus Lantern
The Moji Plus offers 200 lumens of warm, dimmable light and adjustable brightness, along with an IPX4 rating for water resistance. It also features a double-hook design and the same dual-fuel tech as the Spot 400 Headlamp, meaning you can use it with standard AAAs or Black Diamond’s rechargeable BD 1500 Li-ion battery.
Where to Buy:
Tile (2024)
The latest Tile can help you keep track of your personal belongings from up to 350 feet away, which is 100 feet more than its predecessor. The handy location tracker is also platform-agnostic and can send SOS alerts, though only if you pay for Life360’s Gold subscription ($14.99 a month).
Where to Buy:
- BioLite’s Luci Charge 360 is available for $44.89 ($16 off) from Amazon, REI, and BioLite, which is a terrific price for the inflatable lantern. Its collapsible design makes it easy to pack, and it offers up to 360 lumens of adjustable brightness. The waterproof gadget also lasts for 50 hours on a single charge, and when it dies, it’s easy to recharge via solar power or USB-C. Plus, you can use it as a power bank, allowing you to top off your phone or other small devices when outlets aren’t nearby.
- Owala’s FreeSip Sway, a frequent recommendation in our gift guides and my personal water bottle, is on sale at Amazon and Target in several vibrant hues for $27.99 ($7 off), matching its lowest price to date. Personally, I consider the 30-ounce drinking vessel to be the best of both worlds, as it features a built-in straw and a wide-mouth spout for when you prefer a swig. It’s also tapered just enough at the bottom that it fits in your standard cupholder, which was my biggest gripe with prior models.
Eve Energy Smart Plug
Not only does this smart plug offer the most detailed energy monitoring of any we have ever tested but it also works with Matter-over-Thread and is an especially good choice for Apple Home users.
Where to Buy:
SwitchBot Bot Rechargeable
SwitchBot’s latest button presser sticks onto existing buttons and rocker switches, letting you control coffee makers, lights, and other gadgets from your phone. Unlike the standard model, though, it charges via USB-C and can last up to six months per charge.
Where to Buy:
- You can pick up a four-pack of Govee’s Smart A19 LED Bulbs for $32.99 ($7 off) from Govee when you use promo code LB7H6008 at checkout, which is $9 shy of its all-time low. Govee’s color-changing smart bulbs offer 800 lumens of brightness and sync to the beat of music. The Wi-Fi-enabled bulbs are also compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Home, so you can control them with your voice in addition to Govee’s mobile app.
- If you’re looking for an outdoor security cam, the battery-powered Blink Outdoor 4 is down to $43.99 ($36 off) at Amazon and Best Buy, its best price of the year. The 1080p camera improves on the prior model by adding person detection while retaining features such as motion detection, infrared night vision, and two-way audio. It also comes with Blink’s entry-level Sync Module Core, which, unlike the company’s other hubs, doesn’t offer local storage.
Ring Indoor Cam (second-gen)
The second-gen Ring Indoor Cam lets you keep an eye on your place in 1080p, with support for motion detection alerts, a live feed, and color night vision.
Where to Buy:
Twelve South AirFly Pro 2
The AirFly Pro 2 plugs into the auxiliary jack on most in-flight entertainment systems, allowing you to listen with two pairs of wireless earbuds or headphones at once.
Where to Buy:
- The Twelve South AirFly SE is also available for $29.74 ($5 off) from Amazon and Twelve South. Like the AirFly Pro 2, it lets you use your own wireless headphones with in-flight entertainment systems, but it supports only one pair of headphones instead of two, and it offers slightly shorter battery life.
- The Thermacell E90 Rechargeable Mosquito Repellent is down to $38.49 (about $17 off) at Amazon, which is the lowest price we’ve seen this year. The device’s 20-foot protection zone is probably one of the best solutions we’ve found for keeping unwanted bugs at bay, though we wish it came with more than one 12-hour cartridge and a charging dock like the E65 (also on sale at Amazon for $39.99). Still, you do get about nine hours of use per charge once topped off via a USB cable, which is plenty for surviving most summer evenings.
MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove
The PocketRocket 2 is a single-burner canister stove that can boil water in as little as three and a half minutes. It’s lightweight, foldable, and compatible with most isobutane-propane fuel canisters, making it a great pick for backpackers looking to shed weight.
Where to Buy:
Borderlands 4
Borderlands 4 is an amusing looter-shooter that supports solo play or up to four-player co-op. Players take on the role of one of four Vault Hunters searching for mythical vaults while trying to take on the planet’s immoral dictator. It’s full of great characters and has the mindlessly fun vibe of a dumb action movie. Read our review.
Leave a Reply