Home Security Deals Roundup: October Prime Day Must-Buys

The right security devices help monitor your home while also protecting your privacy, but sometimes, they can get expensive. That’s why it’s always exciting when a big event like Amazon Prime Day rolls around because so many of my favorite security devices go on sale. If you’ve been longing for a bit of extra protection, your time to buy has arrived.

Technically, Amazon Prime Day starts on October 6, but tons of deals start long before then, especially from Amazon’s own big security brands, like Blink and Ring. I’ve also spotted major discounts from companies like Arlo, SimpliSafe, Yale and others, many going above 50%. Take a look at my favorite picks below.

Read more: Best Cheap Home Security Systems

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Best home security cam deals

Save $115

Blink Outdoor 2K Plus: $35

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Expert Take

Blink’s latest Outdoor model keeps everything great about this compact camera while improving features such as resolution and two-way audio. Setup is particularly simple, and a Wi-Fi hub is included along with the cam. I really like this model as an all-purpose home security camera with an excellent app. As long as you have a spot to screw in a small mount, you can use this camera — and the batteries can last up to two years before needing replacement.

Save $30

Anker Eufy C35: $60

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Expert Take

Eufy’s cameras are known for their no-fee operation, offering a microSD card slot for local video storage and onboard human detection for free. This camera is also outside-ready, has a magnetic base for alternative installation options, comes with night vision and even supports solar panels if you don’t want to charge the battery all the time. That makes it an especially well-rounded camera. 

Save $78

Blink Wireless Floodlight Camera: $52

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Expert Take

This is a useful wireless floodlight camera because you don’t need a junction box to install it. Plus, on top of Blink’s performance being very reliable, it comes with an optional subscription for cloud video storage and AI features if you prefer. The 2K resolution is also higher than ever, and the camera has plenty of settings for motion zones, brightness, sensitivity and more. Blink’s batteries usually last a very long time, but keep the light at lower levels to avoid draining them fast.

Save $64

Arlo Essential Camera 2K 3nd-Gen, 2-Pack: $66

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Expert Take

We love Arlo’s high-end cams, but they’re too expensive for many buyers. The 3nd-gen Essential 2K cam is a perfect substitute for saving money while getting those excellent Arlo features. But with this deal, you can save even more, making it one of our favorite security cam picks of the sale. This model is especially durable for all kinds of outdoor weather and includes a spotlight as well as other smart bells and whistles. The two-pack means you can install one in the front and one in the back of your house. Just keep in mind you may need to get an Arlo subscription to unlock everything.

Save $8

Tapo TP-Link 2K C120: $32

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Expert Take

If an indoor cam is a little too restrictive for you but you long for a cheap, cheap budget model, the Tapo C120 is here with an excellent 2K resolution and indoor/outdoor capabilities. You get two-way audio, color night vision and totally free person/pet/vehicle detection. Also, with the microSD card slot, you’ll have no need to pay a subscription for video storage.

Save $44

Blink Video Doorbell 2K+ (Latest Model): $36

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Expert Take

Blink’s doorbell frequently makes our recommendations for a great cheap video doorbell, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen it quite this cheap! If you’ve been wanting a video doorbell but don’t have a lot of money to spend on one, this is your best choice. Blink’s model includes important features, like two-way audio, chime alerts, motion detection, live viewing from the app and Alexa compatibility — all this as well as an upgraded 2K resolution. You will need to add a subscription for online video storage, but you can upgrade to a larger Blink Module hub for local storage if you prefer.

Save $40

Ring Outdoor Cam: $40

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Expert Take

Ring’s outdoor cam is ready for action and includes valuable features, like color night vision, two-way audio, motion alerts and more. This discounted model is a battery version, too, so you can move it around to get the best angles or bring it inside if necessary. While Alexa is supported, you’ll need a subscription for cloud video storage.

Save: $100

Ring Battery Doorbell 4K Pro: $150

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Expert Take

Ring’s latest doorbell can do everything. It has a 4K resolution and enhanced zoom to watch your entire yard and a huge number of features to manage motion zones, AI recognition and lots more. It’s also one of the only doorbells to support Alexa Plus greetings, so Alexa can hold conversations for you and communicate instructions about where to leave packages and other details without you getting involved. Many of these advanced features require subscriptions, so it’s a good thing you can save so much on the initial cost.

Save: $60

Anker Eufy SoloCam S340 with Solar Panel: $140

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Expert Take

Eufy’s powerful 3K camera comes with a solar panel, so you can either connect it to the camera or put it on a nearby wall to capture sunlight and keep the battery charged. The cam offers 360-degree panning, plus free human detection and a microSD card slot for local storage, so you don’t need to worry about subscriptions. You don’t often find a camera this powerful with no extra fees. 

Best home security bundle deals

Save $57

Arlo Home Security System 2-Sensor: $143

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Expert Take

Two sensors may not seem like a lot for a security system, but Arlo’s kit ranks high on my suggestions for renters and anyone who wants an effective, minimalist system with great app controls. The secret is those sensors house eight different functions, from sensing motion and open/close situations to monitoring temperature, CO levels and even water leaks. Put them wherever you have an issue you want to target. The keypad has multiple disarm options, and you can include a fob that works with Arlo’s doorbell, too.

Save $111

Blink Outdoor 4 XR 2-Pack: $59

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Expert Take

Blink’s Outdoor 4 camera still holds up especially well. Mine lasted for over a year and a half without needing the battery changed. It’s a reliable outdoor cam to watch a backyard while getting alerts about human movement or more if you want to add a subscription plan for a few bucks a month. While I’m highlighting this two-pack version as an especially good deal, you can also choose larger kits like a four-pack of cameras for more complete coverage — also at a major discount. 

Best smart lock deals

Save $41

Tapo Smart Door Lock: $109

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Expert Take

Tapo is known for its budget smart devices that still typically deliver solid performance. This doorbell is a good example, with its keypad and fingerprint combination that supports Alexa and Google Home. You can create guest access, set auto locks, view log histories and manage other important lock features. The only thing I don’t like here is the rechargeable battery, which requires a USB-C charge every so often, but that’s a small price to pay if you want to save money.

Save $63

Yale Security Assure Lock 2: $197

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Expert Take

Yale’s Assure lock is rugged and powerful, with Wi-Fi capabilities built in and control via the Yale App or Apple Watch. It includes important features like autolocking as well as a keypad, making it an excellent choice for a first smart lock on a home. If you want to keep your existing deadbolt, consider the Yale Approach retrofit lock instead, which is also on sale.

Save $50

Yale Approach Retrofit Smart Lock: $90

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Expert Take

A retrofit lock is much easier to install, and you can keep most of your deadbolt while still getting very useful smart features. This Yale version is below $100 and offers those big Yale benefits, including access management, autolocking, and more. It’s all powered with four basic AA batteries. 

Save $50

Philips Wi-Fi Smart Lock Bundle: $150

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Expert Take

This complete lock set lets you reinvent your front door, adding a smart deadbolt and stylish handles inside and out. You can use fingerprints, the app, a code, voice assistants or an old-fashioned key to unlock as desired. There are also plenty of smart features like autolocking and detailed app controls. The lock is made to fit standard front doors.

Best security add-ons

Save $20

GoveeLife Water Leak Detectors (4-pack): $60

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Expert Take

Leak detectors are helpful sensors for nearly any home. You can pop them under sinks, in crawlspaces, next to water heaters, by air conditioners or anywhere else you might get leaks in your home. They use phone alerts and sirens to let you know if water is pooling. This pack of four sensors is enough for whole-house protection and includes a hub, so there are no separate purchases.

Save: $10

Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip: $40

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Expert Take

Did you know that surge protectors tend to wear out after a few years of blocking surges from storms? That means it’s probably time to replace yours, making it a great time for a deal. This Tapo model is a smart power strip (which functions like a series of smart plugs you can control individually on your phone). Voice assistant support is included using common apps like Alexa or Google Home. Plus, you can monitor the energy use of anything you plug in to potentially save money.

Save: $61

MyQ Smart Garage Door Video Keypad + Rechargeable Battery: $45

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Expert Take

This device acts as both a keypad for garage access and a security camera, so you have two security additions at once for an affordable price. It also works with a wide variety of garage doors, although you will want to check your model. The cam comes with motion detection, notifications and an optional subscription for AI alerts and storage. There are also extra battery packs in this kit. 

Best security platform pick

Save: $92

SimpliSafe Home Security Kit: $132

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Expert Take

SimpliSafe is one of my favorite picks for a DIY home security system. The self-monitoring plan is affordable (and may be optional depending on what you need), and the sensors all perform well. This particular kit includes a motion sensor, several door/window access sensors, a panic button/siren and a hub with a keypad. That’s a very complete package to outfit your home. 

When’s the best time to buy home security devices?

When a sale like this one rolls around, it’s usually the best time to check out any smart home device for discounts, including home security. The only tricky part is nabbing a great deal before supplies run out. So if you see a notable deal, make that buying decision sooner rather than later.

How we choose the best security device deals 

At CNET, we have a team of expert shoppers and deal hunters with years of experience. Our goal is to make sure buyers understand which major sales and deals — such as Black Friday, Prime Day, Memorial Day and countless other shopping events — are legitimately good and which are more routine. We’ve gotten good at weeding out scams and superficial deals, so you see only the best offers on security devices from retailers all over. 

We look for real discounts, quality reviews and remaining sale time when choosing a deal to show you.

  • Real discounts mean exactly that. We look at the price history for that product to make sure no manufacturers are inflating prices to make the discount seem more substantial than it is.
  • Reviews are important for any product, but especially for deeply discounted items. If an item breaks the first time you use it, the deal isn’t a good one at any price.
  • Remaining sale time is a huge part of our vetting process. If a deal seems like it will be around for only a short while or will be available only for the remaining stock, we’ll let you know up front so you don’t come back to the deal later only to be disappointed.

We keep our articles as up to date as possible to bring you the best current prices.