How to prevent Zoombombing in your video chats in 4 easy steps
Improve your Zoom security now.
Video-conferencing software Zoom has been drawing attention from researchers and journalists lately for a number of potential privacy and security issues, as use of the platform surges due to an increase in coronavirus-related remote working. One of the biggest security issues facing Zoom is the surge in "Zoombombing," when uninvited attendees break into and disrupt your meeting.
Similarly, rumors of security risks have circulated around other video-conferencing services. And the stakes are getting higher. Some have accused video-calling app Houseparty of enabling Netflix account hacks with loose security protocols. In response, the company has offered a $1 million reward for proof of security sabotage against what others argue is a viral misinformation campaign, saying that the problem is more likely tied to reusing login credentials and passwords.
Zoom CEO Eric Yuan recently responded to concerns, saying Zoom will freeze feature updates to address security issues, aiming to address them in the next 90 days. (You can keep up with all of Zoom's security issues in our timeline.)
It can be easy to Zoombomb a meeting. In many cases, a simple Google search for URLs that include "Zoom.us" can turn up the unprotected links of multiple meetings that anyone can jump into. Similarly, links to public meetings can be found scattered across organizational pages on social media.
Read more: 13 Zoom video chat tips, tricks and hidden features
While there are no guarantees against determined trolls, there are a few ways to hedge your bets and improve your overall privacy levels when using Zoom. Here's where you can start.
Coronavirus updates
Zoom settings you should change now
There are some easy settings you can change before your Zoom meeting begins that will allow you to reduce the likelihood of intrusion by uninvited guests, and generally bolster your privacy overall.
1. Don't use your Personal Meeting ID for the meeting. Instead, use a per-meeting ID, exclusive to a single meeting. Zoom's support page offers a video walk-through on how to generate a random meeting ID for extra security.
2. Enable the "Waiting Room" feature so that you can see who is attempting to join the meeting before allowing them access. Like many other privacy functions, a skillful disrupter can sometimes bypass this control, but it helps to put another hurdle in their route to chaos.
Zoom offers a support article here as well. To enable the Waiting Room feature, go to Account Management > Account Settings. Click on Meeting, then click Waiting Room to enable the setting.
3. Disable other options, including the ability for others to Join Before Host (it should be disabled by default, but check to be sure -- see below). Then disable screen-sharing for nonhosts, and also the remote control function. Finally, disable all file transferring, annotations and the autosave feature for chats.
To disable most of these features, click on the gear-shaped Settings icon on the upper-right side of the page after you've logged in. From there, you'll see the option to turn off most of the listed features.
Disabling screen-sharing is a bit different, but just as easy. Go to the host controls at the bottom of your screen, and you'll see an arrow next to Share Screen. Click the arrow, then click Advanced Sharing Options. Go to Who can share? Click Only Host, then close the window.
4. Once the meeting begins and everyone is in, lock the meeting to outsiders (see our tips below) and assign at least two meeting co-hosts. The co-hosts will be able to help control the situation in case anyone bypasses your efforts and gets into the meeting.
To deputize your co-hosts, go to the same Settings icon, then to the Meetings tab. Scroll down to Co-host and make sure it is enabled. If Zoom asks you for verification, click Turn On.
What to do if someone Zoombombs your Zoom video chat
It happened. Despite your careful efforts of prevention, some jackal has gotten into the meeting to cause chaos for kicks. Short of ending the meeting entirely, here are a few things you can do to try and get rid of them.
1. Lock them out. Go to the Participants List in the navigation sidebar, and scroll down to More. Click Lock Meeting to stop further participants from entering the meeting and to be able to remove participants.
2. Shut them up. Have yourself or one of your co-hosts go to the Participants List, again scrolling down to the bottom, and click Mute All Controls. This makes it so the unwelcome participant can't use their microphone to disrupt your audio.
Good luck out there in the wide world of video chatting. For more advice on how to use Zoom, check out these tips for getting the most out of your video chat apps, and how to change your Zoom background.
Why You Can Trust CNETThe 36 Best July 4th Mattress Sales: Save on Your Favorite Brands Including Sealy, Saatva, Brooklyn Bedding and More
These deals can save you hundreds on top-rated mattresses, but many of these deals are going out with a bang.
If you can't sleep well, even when you're exhausted, dimming the lights and putting on a white noise machine might not be enough. It could be time to upgrade your mattress. Most mattresses last an average of six to 10 years, according to sleep experts. However, many people wait longer than that before replacing their mattresses because of the price of these big-ticket items. That's where we come in. Thanks to massive Fourth of July sales, we've compiled a long list of the best Fourth of July mattress deals at our favorite, top-rated mattress brands to help get you a better sleep at a lower price.
Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money.
From Cooling Sleep Masks to Pillows to Sunrise Alarm Clocks: All of CNET's Favorite Sleep Essentials
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If you need help choosing the best mattress for you, look through our comprehensive guide explaining how to buy a mattress online, as well as our lists of the best mattresses you can buy online and the best affordable mattresses. If you're in the market for a pillow or new sheets, we've got recommendations for those essential items, too. Keep reading to find the best mattress deals available right now, and check back often because we keep this article up to date with the latest sales events, deals and perks.
Best mattress on sale overall
Our top pick for the best mattress of the year, the Signature Hybrid mattress from Brooklyn Bedding is a steal for the current discount of $400 off. Available in soft, medium and firm options, this bed is sure to be a crowd pleaser, whether you just want a cheap, comfortable bed or are a couple with differing ideas of comfort.
Best mattress on sale for side sleepers
Side sleepers may need a little more pressure relief, and this dual-sided hybrid mattress from Layla offers an airy, cooling foam mattress with two firmness levels -- all you have to do is flip the bed over. While Layla's Hybrid Mattress isn't the most affordable option at its MSRP of almost $1,700 for a queen size, the brand's July Fourth sale brings the price down to a more feasible $1,499.
Best cooling mattress on sale
As the summer weather hits, hot sleepers can find a much-needed reprieve with Brooklyn Bedding's Aurora Luxe Cooling mattress, one of the best mattresses you can buy. With three firmness levels and a pillowtop option, you don't have to trade comfort for cooling. And the brand's current sitewide sale will earn you up to $680 off this model.
Best firm mattress on sale
For those who prefer more firm support throughout the night, you can snag the Saatva Classic for $300 less right now. While expensive, the mattress comes with white glove delivery, a durable dual-coil design and a plush resort-quality pillow top.
Best July 4th mattress deals
Nectar, the maker of the best memory foam mattress, is offering up to 40% off mattresses during their Fourth of July sale. This means you can save a whopping $450 on the brand's flagship mattress. Plus you can save up to 50% off bundles. Read more about its mattresses in our Nectar mattress review and Nectar Premier review.
Helix's big Fourth of July sale brings 25% off sitewide or 30% off Luxe and Elite models, plus two free pillows with any mattress purchase, with the offer code JULY30 at checkout. This knocks the price of the editor-favorite Sunset Luxe Mattress down by almost $600.
Read more about its beds in our Helix mattress review.
Brooklyn Bedding's current sale can save you 30% off everything it sells, including the best overall mattress, the Signature Hybrid, and our favorite cooling mattress, the Aurora Luxe -- both of which are hundreds of dollars off. Use code JULY30 through July 4 to save.
The more you spend, the more you save at Saatva's Fourth of July sale. For example, our favorite firm mattress, the Saatva Classic is $300 off, knocking the price down from $2,095 to $1,795. The pricier Saatva Rx, which is great for those who experience back pain, is priced at up to $400 off.
DreamCloud's July 4th sale features mattresses marked down by 50%, dropping prices to as low as $349. Just note that this offer is available only to new customers. Read more about the DreamCloud bed, which is just $665 right now, in our full DreamCloud mattress review.
Tuft & Needle's Fourth of July sale includes 20% off mattresses and 15% off select bedding and accessories. With the discount, prices for the Essential T&N Original start at just $516.
With Layla's current sale, you can save $200 on hybrid mattresses and $150 on memory foam mattresses plus you'll get two free pillows. This includes the best mattress for side sleepers, the Layla Hybrid Mattress, at $200 off.
See more info about the Original bed in our Layla mattress review.
Bear Mattress is currently offering a July Fourth sale of 40% off any mattress, with offer code 4DJULY at checkout. The Bear Original (aka the best all-foam mattress) is only $649 down from $998.
Amerisleep is offering $500 off any mattress with offer code JULY500 for its Fourth of July sale, meaning you'll see prices starting at just $799. Learn more about Amerisleep mattresses in our Amerisleep mattress review.
Avocado is hosting a major sales event where you can save up to $400 on its Green mattress and up to $170 off its eco-organic mattress. Plus you can save 10% on pillows and furniture.
Learn more about the Avocado Green mattress in our Avocado mattress review.
Awara's current sale is offering up to 50% off mattresses, with prices starting at $649 during the company's early Fourth of July sale.
Big Fig is having a July Fourth sale with $500 off mattresses, knocking the price of the Big Fig Mattress down from $1,899 to $1,399.
Birch Living is offering 25% off sitewide. Plus, you'll get two free Eco-Rest pillows when you buy a mattress. The brand makes our favorite organic, hybrid mattress, which you can have for up to $562 off. Make sure you use the code JULY25 to get the deal, which ends on July 4.
Casper is currently offering as much as 35% off on all mattresses and accessories, plus up to 35% off of bundles. Even one of the brand's more expensive beds, the Casper Snow Max, is a whopping $1,300 off.
Check out our review of the Casper mattress.
At Brentwood Home, you can currently save up to 10% sitewide including mattresses. Even the brand's kids mattress is on sale, starting at about $400 with the discount.
Save with Cocoon by Sealy's current mattress deals, featuring 35% off all mattresses, plus a free sleep bundle (up to a $199 value). This includes our favorite affordable cooling mattress, the Cocoon Chill Mattress, for almost $400 off.
Leesa's sale is currently offering 30% off mattresses, and you'll get a free sleep bundle with purchase, a $299 value. This includes two free pillows and a microfiber sheet set. While you're perusing the sale, check out our favorite cooling mattress for couples that's up to $990 off.
Read more in our full Leesa mattress review.
Emma's sleep sale knocks as much as 55% off all mattresses, pillows and bedding. Prices start at just $409 for the Emma Hybrid Comfort.
Lull is currently offering an up to 50% discount on all mattresses. For example, the brand's original mattress is up to $765 off.
Plus, get an additional 15% off (for a total of 65% off) on a second mattress when you buy two or more. Use discount code DBLCXKP to get the extra savings.
For a limited time, Nolah is offering 35% off select mattresses and two free pillows as well. If you're on the lookout for an organic mattress, Nolah's 11-inch Natural mattress is a whopping $735 off.
Now through July 4, you can save 30% sitewide at Plank with code JULY30, meaning it's the perfect time to save $460 on our favorite bed for back sleepers.
Puffy is offering hundreds of dollars in savings with code JULY4THSALE. Each mattress purchase includes a free gift of two pillows, a mattress protector and a sheet set. The brand's Puffy Cloud mattress is a good place to start, at up to $1,350 off.
Purple is offering savings up to $400 off Essential and Restore mattresses and up to $500 off Rejuvenate mattresses. You can also get 10% off bedding accessories like sheets and pillows. If you want to bundle a mattress and base, you can get up to $800 off the two.
Read more about Purple's beds in our Purple mattress review and our Purple Hybrid mattress review.
Siena is currently offering up to 50% off all mattresses, with prices for its Siena memory foam mattress starting as low as $199.
Stearns & Foster is currently offering $400 off the Lux Estate, Reserve and Lux Hybrid mattresses. Plus, you can save an instant $200 if you buy an Ease Power Base as well as a mattress, using the code 200GIFT at checkout.
SweetNight is celebrating July Fourth by offering up to 70% off sitewide and an additional 10% off when buying two items. The brand's Twighlight Hybrid Mattress is up to $680 off.
Titan is offering 30% off sitewide during its summer sale. Use offer code JULY30 to get the savings. The Titan Plus, usually priced at about $1,250, is only $874 during the sale.
You can save $300 on any Vaya mattress right now when you use the promo code VAYA300 at checkout. The brand's namesake mattress starts at just $449, thanks to the sale.
Right now at Zoma you can take 25% off on any mattress and get free shipping with the coupon code SLEEP25, which should be automatically applied at checkout. Hot sleepers should try out the Zoma Boost, which is more than $400 off.
Shoppers can get 50% or up to $750 off on Molecules's hybrid mattress and the Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress during the brand's July Fourth sale. Use offer code JULY4th to get the deal.
A couple other select mattresses are 40% off in addition to a comforter, percale sheets, pillowcases and more. You can even score 30% off pet beds to pamper your pup.
Zinus is currently offering up to 40% off of their mattresses, featuring $200 off our favorite cheap mattress for side sleepers, the Zinus Green Tea Mattress. In addition, select items like bases, pet steps and more are discounted as much as 25%.
Just in time for summer heat, Tempur-Pedic is offering $500 off its Tempur-Breeze mattresses. You can also get 40% off the Tempur-Cloud mattress topper, pillow bundles of two for $69 and more.
If you buy a qualifying mattress and add a base to your cart, you will get an automatic discount of $300.
Sealy is now offering up to $200 off the Posturepedic Plus mattresses, plus a free sleep bundle. Or opt for 35% off any Cocoon by Sealy mattresses.
Sleep Number's Fourth of July sale brings discounts on mattresses, bedding, bed frames and more. Two of the brand's smart beds, the C2 and i8 Smart Beds, are $200 and 30% off respectively.
Nest Bedding is offering as much as 50% off its mattresses and bundles. For example, one of our favorite mattresses, the Sparrow Signature Hybrid, is marked down from $2,132 to $1,599 in the queen size.
Winkbeds is offering $300 off all mattress purchases of any size right now, including the best mattress for stomach sleepers.
July 4th mattress sales compared
| Mattress | Sale | Original price | Sale price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nectar Mattress | Up to 40% off | $1,099 | $649 |
| Helix Midnight | 30% off + two free pillows | $1,332 | $999 |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature | 30% off sitewide | $1,332 | $932 |
| Saatva Classic | Up to $600 off orders starting at $1,000 | $2,095 | $1,795 |
| DreamCloud | Up to 50% off | $1,332 | $665 |
| Layla Memory Foam | Up to $200 off + two free pillows | $1,099 | $949 |
| Bear Original | Up to 40% off mattresses | $998 | $649 |
| Casper One | 35% off sitewide | $1,245 | $870 |
| Purple | Save up to $800 on mattresses + base | $1,499 | $1,399 |
How we test mattresses
Our CNET sleep team has been testing mattresses for years. With over 200 mattresses collectively under our belts, we've established testing methods we put each bed through to assess key performance factors like firmness, motion isolation, edge support and construction.
We use the data we gather to recommend the best mattress for different body types, sleeper styles and health considerations.
With our extensive testing experience and mattress knowledge, we can also tell the difference between a good mattress sale and one you can skip.
Factors to consider when choosing a mattress
With sales like these, spring is always a good time to think about upgrading to a new mattress. Some of the best mattress brands like Brooklyn Bedding and Leesa offer big discounts on popular beds. When everything is on sale, it's easy to go with the best mattress deal, but that might not be the right bed for you. Yes, you should consider sales, but there are a few other key factors to consider when shopping for your next mattress.
Firmness
One of the most important things to think about is the firmness you need for comfortable sleep.
- Side sleepers need a soft to medium mattress that will provide plenty of cushion along the pressure points of the shoulders, hips and knees.
- Back and stomach sleepers generally want a medium to firm mattress that promotes natural spinal alignment. You don't have to get the firmest mattress, but you want to ensure you have the support you need.
- Combination sleepers have the most flexibility in what they choose. It's a good idea to choose a firmness based on the position you spend the most time in.
Body type
Your body type will help you decide what bed type and firmness to choose. Generally, we recommend that people over 230 pounds skip all-foam options and choose a hybrid mattress with a supportive steel coil base.
Petite body types will put the least pressure on the mattress, meaning a bed will feel firmer to them than the average person. People over 230 pounds will experience the opposite: Beds will feel softer.
Budget
The average online mattress will cost between $800 and $1,200, although prices can go as low as $200 and well over $3,000. With so many mattresses out there, defining your budget will go a long way in narrowing your options.
When should I upgrade my mattress?
If you can't recall how long you've had your mattress, then it's probably time for an upgrade. Experts recommend you replace your mattress roughly every six to 10 years for the best results and not just flip your mattress. Whether you're looking for a mattress deal on a pressure-relieving memory foam model, an all-natural hypoallergenic latex model, a super comfy hybrid mattress or a customizable adjustable mattress set, the above roundup has got you covered.
If you're ready to take advantage of the tons of amazing mattress deals currently available but aren't sure which mattress type is right for you, most online mattress companies offer an at-home sleep trial lasting from a few months up to a full year. If you're unhappy with your purchase, you can get a full refund and have the company collect the mattress from your home. You can't go wrong, and hopefully, you get a much better night's sleep.
CNET is always covering a wide array of deals on tech products and much more. Start with the hottest sales and discounts on the CNET Deals page, and sign up for the CNET Deals Text to get daily deals sent straight to your phone. Add the free CNET Shopping extension to your browser for real-time price comparisons and cash-back offers. And peruse our gift guide, which includes a full range of ideas for birthdays, anniversaries and more.
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Cut Out Spam and Trolls With Close Friends on Instagram Live. Here's How
The new live-streaming setting makes it easier to connect with your besties.
Instagram wants to help you trade in Instagram Live spammers and trolls for real connections. The platform just announced a new update to its live streaming feature that will let you choose to broadcast only to your Close Friends -- a private, small group of users you can curate.
You can ensure only your best friends or closest family can see your livestream by easily adjusting your audience settings. You can also add up to three additional co-hosts from your Close Friends list.
Instagram's Close Friends feature was initially launched in 2018 as a private way to share Stories. This newest update expands on its original purpose to help you connect directly with those closest in your social circles, though being able to block out trolls in advance is a nice bonus. Recently, some social media users have been seeking out smaller spaces online to better connect with their communities, like Discord servers. Close Friends on Instagram Live is a new way for users to connect with those smaller groups without leaving the platform.
In addition to Close Friends live streaming, Instagram also unveiled three new, smaller features. You can now add music to carousels with videos in them (instead of just photo carousels) and use your Notes to temporarily replace your profile picture with a short video. And if you use Notes to wish someone a happy birthday -- you can tag them or just type out the message -- you'll see a new confetti animation. Instagram has been expanding its Stories and Reels features recently, including new stickers like Frames and Reveals which can help you create more interactive content.
Read More: Meta AI Just Slid Into Your DMs: What to Know
How to do an IG Live with your Close Friends list
Starting an IG Live with your close friends is similar to starting a regular one. Here's how.
1. Open Instagram and tap the plus button from the bottom menu.
2. Select Live.
3. Select Close Friends from the top Share With menu or select Close Friends from the pop-up half-page.
4. Edit your Close Friends list if needed and add other Live settings like a title or co-host.
5. Tap Done to go live.
You can't add people to the live stream once you've begun streaming, so make sure your Close Friends list is updated before you start, including your co-hosts. Once you're live, the people on your list will receive a notification inviting them to the stream. Buttons and icons on the video stream will be in Close Friends' recognizable shade of green rather than Instagram's normal purple/pink hue. Live stream viewers won't be able to share the live stream, but co-hosts can.
For more, check out what we know about Instagram's unskippable ads and how to mute specific words from your Threads feed.
Best Microphones for Zoom, According to the CNET Staff Who Use Them
Check out our favorites -- tried and tested with Zoom -- to pick a great external microphone for your work-from-home setup.
Our Experts
- 6 years working professionally in the 3D printing space / 4 years testing consumer electronics for large websites.
Our Picks
Are your work calls plagued by comments like "Can you hear me?," "You're really quiet," and "What was that you said?" These phrases may be all too familiar if you regularly attend Zoom meetings for work. While some of it might be due to internet issues, the problems often lie with the microphones we're using for these calls.
Investing in an external microphone can help upgrade your sound quality for Zoom meetings so that your coworkers can properly hear you. Even relatively cheap USB microphones can make a huge difference in terms of clarity, so you don't necessarily have to spend a ton of money to get a good microphone.
Here at CNET, we've been working in a hybrid model since before the pandemic, so our team has plenty of experience with Zoom meetings and finding the best microphones for video calls. With that said, here are some of the microphones we use every day when on these calls.
We've found the best external microphone options, including USB mics, headsets and low cost selections. And while you're at it, consider upgrading your remote work setup with one of the best webcams on our list.
I've tried all kinds of Bluetooth single-sided headsets with boom microphones and none of them sound very good. Corded headsets really excel for Zoom, and how far do you really need to walk away from a video call anyway? The Sennheiser SC635 is a premium corded headset available in either 1/8-inch plug or USB versions -- I use the former for the best audio quality. Skip the wireless earbuds, they put microphones on the sides of your head, too far from the hole where the words come from.
-- Brian Cooley
Best USB mic to use with a boom
Steel Series Alias
Steel Series is best known for its gaming gear, but did you know it makes excellent mics too? The Alias is a dark grey pill-shaped microphone that works well with a stand. I found it worked best on a boom. The sound quality is excellent. If you plug your headphones in, you can use the monitoring feature to hear yourself as well as your team. It has a simple touch mute button that shows you a big red X so you know you're on mute. There's also some cool lighting underneath because at heart it's a gamer.
I love the Alias, and it's my current favorite standalone mic for Zoom calls.
Best lavalier mic
Hollyland Lark Max
Not all conference calls involve sitting down in front of a laptop. Sometimes you're the person giving a presentation and you need a little freedom of movement. A lavalier mic connects to your collar and wirelessly streams to a small control unit attached to your laptop.
The Lark Max comes with two mics, with noise cancellation and a controller unit that'll easily connect to your iPhone, Android, or laptop (via USB-C). The sound quality is excellent, though you'll need to speak a little louder than with a desk mic. The drop in volume is well worth it to have the freedom of movement and the sound quality you get from the Lark Max. As an added bonus, the case also charges the mics and controller so you'll have them ready to go when you need them.
A brand name you can trust
Blue Yeti USB microphone
I've been using my Blue Yeti microphone for quite a while now and have loved every second of it. Mine sits on a no-name arm that I picked up from Amazon as I was reorganizing my desk, and that's actually made it even more useful for me. There's a volume knob and mute button on the front of it so I can easily mute myself on a call without reaching for a software feature on my Mac.
The quality has been great and it's never given me an issue. I wish that it used USB-C instead of Micro-USB, but since it's something I leave plugged in all the time and don't really fuss with, I'm not overly worried about that.
-- Jared DiPane
Even better Apple noise-canceling wireless earbuds
Apple AirPods Pro 2
While not specifically a microphone, the AirPods by Apple is a great way to take Zoom calls. I normally have a giant microphone in front of my face for large meetings, but when you're having a small Zoom meeting that's more personal, a set of AirPods is more than enough. Most people already have a set of AirPods if they own an Apple phone, so why spend extra money if you don't have to?
-- James Bricknell
An all-in-one solution
Razer Kiyo webcam and mic
I wish I used my Yeti Blue microphone more, but my Razer Kiyo webcam has been my workhorse mic throughout the pandemic. That's mostly because the Blue is too good, picking up clacky keystrokes from where it sits over my mechanical keyboard, while the Kiyo just gets my voice from its perch above my monitor.
That's not a dig at the Kiyo itself, which is better than internal microphones and most headphones. It's a convenient all-in-one, and, given how annoying it is to switch between microphones on the half-dozen video chat platforms I use, it's nice to have a reliable mic always plugged in and ready.
-- David Lumb
Professional sound quality
Shure MV7
I need one microphone for Zoom calls, for podcasting, for presenting videos and for doing voice-over work and the beautiful audio quality of the Shure MV7 provides all of that. Unlike a lot of professional condenser mics, it connects via USB straight into my computer so I don't have to mess about with audio interfaces or any of that nonsense. It's totally just plug-and-play, making it simple to get professional-quality recordings.
-- Andrew Lanxon
More recommendations from CNET staffers
- Best Monitors According to the CNET Staff Who Use Them
- Best Office Chairs, According to the CNET Staff Who Sit on Them
- Best Apple Watch Bands, According to the CNET Staff Who Wear Them
- Best Desks, According to the CNET Staff Who Use Them
- Best Printers, According to the CNET Staff Who Use Them
- Best Carry-On Luggage, According to the CNET Staff Who Use Them
- Best Heating Pads, According to the CNET Staff Who Use Them
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Why You Can Trust CNETBest Fourth of July Home Security Sales: Take Advantage of Hot Summer Savings
Celebrate your freedom with big discounts on important security devices including video doorbells, cameras and whole-home security systems.
Ready for Fourth of July security deals? Now is an excellent time to buy security kits, cameras and other protective devices for your home, with discounts that can help you hang on to some money. Here are the best Independence Day deals on gadgets for protecting and monitoring your surroundings.
We keep our list current with the latest sales for the summer, where you can save 30% to 50% on home security tech from our top-recommended brands. Before you buy, make sure the discounted product is compatible with your current smart home setup (for example, Google Home or Apple's HomeKit) and your overall privacy goals. You'll also want a strong home router for connecting any outdoor cams.
For more, check out our lists of the best home security systems for renters, best value video doorbells and best smart locks in 2024.
Best Fourth of July home security cam deals
Ring has a whole crop of video doorbells, but this 1080p, battery-powered option is one of the most affordable, no-nonsense versions that's still received updates to get the latest Ring features. Those include customizable privacy zones and audio privacy for two-way talking, as well as improved night vision. It works particularly well with Alexa, too. A Ring Protect plan will be necessary to store video footage and get smart alerts.
Tapo's C210 is our favorite budget indoor cam model, a powerhouse that can see anywhere and goes for an incredibly affordable price. It includes options for local or cloud storage, and it works with both Google Home and Alexa. Two-way audio, a siren and night vision are all included.
While it's a little more expensive than budget cams, this EufyCam is 40% off for Prime members, with an unprecedented opportunity to get rare features like Apple Home compatibility and object recognition with no additional fee. It also offers a 2K resolution and IP67 weatherproof rating, as well as night vision. You don't usually see a high-end outdoor cam at this price, but keep in mind, if you want video storage, you'll need to buy a Eufy hub and microSD card. Or you could choose this two-cam Eufy package that comes with a hub and is $110 off thanks to a similar deal.
Did you know? We have an Amazon Storefront with some of the best deals available.
Best Fourth of July home security bundle deals
Blink combines reliability and affordability with its compact devices, and we love its easy-to-use app. The Blink Outdoor 4 is a particularly good general-use outdoor camera, with a long battery life, and it complements the simple video doorbell well. With the Sync Module 2 hub, you also have the option of going local storage for videos, but the $3 per month subscription does add person detection.
Arlo cameras are accurate, durable and easy to install. This three-pack of Essential cams has a high, 2K resolution and great battery life, too. Color night vision, noise-canceling two-way audio and an integrated spotlight make the cams excellent all-around watchdogs for your home. An Arlo Secure plan really elevates these cams with its cloud storage and smart alerts, so we suggest planning for a subscription if you want all the best features.
TP-Link's affordable Tapo system includes two 2K-resolution cams and a connection hub, ideal for a front-and-back camera setup at your home. The cameras are weatherproofed, come with 49-foot night vision, and allow you to set activity zones for identifying people, pets and vehicles. They're all-purpose outdoor security cams that can fill many roles, although you may want to grab a microSD card if you don't plan on using the Tapo subscription service.
Ring is one of our top picks for easy DIY installation if you want a speedy system equipped with door and window sensors. The five-piece model is a perfect starting point, and this bundle throws in the Ring video doorbell for front door protection as well. A Ring subscription (starting at $5) is a very good idea, but it's still an excellent choice for a discounted starter kit.
Finding a large home security system can feel frustrating if you don't want to spend hundreds of dollars and risk getting locked into a contract. Using this hefty discount, this SimpliSafe system is available for well under $300, and while a monitoring subscription is available, you can choose to self-monitor and waive the monthly fees.
Included in this kit is a base station, keypad, pack of entry sensors, motion sensors, and key fob. That makes it an effective DIY way to outfit a new home or apartment that's never had security tech before.
Best Fourth of July smart lock deal
August's durable smart construction often comes with a price to match, but this deal lets you get a fourth-generation August smart lock on more affordable terms. The Wi-Fi smart lock fits onto your existing deadbolt, providing it with app management including the ability to share digital keys. You can also set schedules or make sure the door automatically locks after a certain period. The lock also has excellent compatibility, working with platforms including Alexa, HomeKit, Google Home and Samsung SmartThings.
Best Fourth of July deals on smart home tech
If you're looking for simpler security tech, these little doorstops sound an alarm when they're activated. That's it, they just help you know when a door has been opened. Sometimes that's all you need, and at under $15, this pair is currently a very good deal.
Best Fourth of July sale security platform pick
ADT is offering a special deal that adds a free Google Nest doorbell and a $200 ADT Visa rewards card for any purchase of $500 or above for its DIY systems. This deal requires a three-year contract. Since the Visa card can be used like a Visa debit card, it's a lot like $200 back in your pocket, which could make this ADT deal especially attractive for outfitting your home.
What is the best time to buy home security devices?
Though prices fluctuate year-round and Black Friday and holiday sales bring some great buys, the best prices on home security devices, including cameras and smart locks, often show up during Amazon's Prime Day, when the gigantic e-tailer slashes prices and its competitors step up to match those. This year Prime Day is set for July 16 and 17, but if you're shopping for a home security device and you want it sooner rather than later, check out the Fourth of July sales.
How we choose the best Fourth of July 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 very 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 only be around for a short while or will only be available for the remaining stock, we'll let you know upfront 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.
