Prime Day is full of fake markdowns. These 5 items reliably drop, and here's how low

The Echo Dot is the easiest way to add Alexa to a room. The 5th Gen model sounds fuller than earlier versions, according to reviewers, and it includes a built-in temperature sensor that can trigger smart home routines. Owners use it for timers, music, weather and controlling smart plugs and lights. The trade-off is that it ties you to Amazon's ecosystem and sound is still best suited to small rooms. Because Amazon cuts its own devices so deeply during Prime events, paying full price for a Dot rarely makes sense. For a speaker with a screen, look at our best smart displays.

The Fire TV Stick 4K plugs into an HDMI port and gives you every major streaming app, plus an Alexa Voice Remote that can also control your TV's power and volume. It supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and Wi-Fi 6, which matters if you have a newer TV and router. Owners like how quick it is to set up. The downside is Amazon's interface, which leans heavily on ads and its own content. Compare it with Roku and Google options in our best streaming devices guide. During Prime events, this is one of the most reliable deals you will find.

The Paperwhite hits the sweet spot in Amazon's Kindle lineup. The current model has a 7-inch glare-free display, an adjustable warm light for reading at night, waterproofing for the bath or the beach, and USB-C charging. Amazon rates battery life in weeks, and owners consistently say it outlasts their expectations. The trade-offs: the base version shows lock-screen ads unless you pay to remove them, and it reads Amazon's formats best. It also makes an easy gift, which is why it appears in our gifts for women guide. Wait for the deal price if you can.

The BL610 has stayed popular for years because it delivers strong blending for the money. The 1,000-watt motor and stacked blade assembly crush ice and frozen fruit quickly, and the 72-ounce pitcher handles big batches. Owners like how simple it is. There are just a few buttons. The trade-offs: it is loud, and the stacked blade is sharp and needs careful handling when cleaning. It is less suited to small single-serve smoothies than a personal blender. If you are setting up a healthier kitchen, our best meal prep containers pair well with it. Below the deal price, it is hard to beat.

The Theragun Mini packs Therabody's percussive massage into a palm-sized device that fits in a gym bag. Owners use it on calves, shoulders and quads after workouts or long days at a desk, and reviewers praise its build quality compared with cheaper look-alikes. It has three speed settings and a simple one-button design. The trade-off is reach. It is harder to use on your own back than a full-size gun, and it costs more than many generic options. Compare it with other models in our best massage guns guide. At the deal price, it is a strong gift too.