Amazon bests Facebook with even bigger price drops on Portal devices

Amazon is running a promotion on Facebook Portal devices right now that is undercutting even sale prices being offered by Facebook. While the social giant is taking $30 off its video calling hardware, Amazon is matching those prices and going one better by taking a further $50 off if you buy two. Given that these devices are designed primarily as communication tools, it makes sense to double dip on savings and grab one for yourself and another for a relative or friend that you want to stay in touch with.

The most affordable option in the sale is the Portal Mini. The 8-inch smart display is discounted to $99 in black and as low as $92 in white while qualifying for the extra $50 if you pick two up.

It lets you easily video call other Portal users, or even just Messenger or WhatsApp users, with built-in apps. The Smart Camera tracks you and adjusts to follow you around, meaning you could, for instance, chat with your sister while cooking dinner, or hang out with long-distance relatives while they open up their birthday presents. It's got Alexa Built-in so you can control your smart home, check who's at the front door, listen to your favorite music, and more hands-free. When not in use, it can also be used as a digital photo frame showing you your best Instagram snaps. It's worth noting that Woot has a one-day sale on the Portal Mini running right now offering it for just $82.99 so if you only want one, that's the place to buy it.

The larger, 10-inch Portal is much the same but comes with a larger display for doing all of the above. It's down as low as $145. You can go even bigger with $30 off the Portal Plus with its 15.6-inch display that can be set up in portrait or landscape orientations and improved speaker system. If you want Portal's smarts on your biggest screen, you can hook up the Portal TV to your TV set for $135 and even get smart TV apps like Prime Video, CBS All-Access, and more.

You can mix and match the products you buy and still get the $50 discount. Maybe pick up a Portal TV for yourself and the Portal Mini for your folks. Or get the same. You choose.

If you have concerns over privacy, note that Facebook doesn't listen to, view, or keep the contents of your Portal video calls. Every call is encrypted, and you can easily block the camera with the included cover or disable the camera and microphone with a single tap. You must have a Facebook account to use Portal devices, however.