Amazon is offering $100 off the Facebook Portal today. It was released a few months ago, and our very own Russell Holly called it his "new favorite way to video chat" in his in-depth review, which resulted in 3.5 out of 5 stars. Amazon customers left it with 4.4 out of 5 stars. Note that an active Facebook account is required to use either device. Today's price beats the last deal we posted by $50, and we haven't seen a discount since Black Friday week of 2018.
This price drop brings the Facebook Portal down to the best price we've seen, including a special Black Friday discount. It's time to talk with your friends and family about how much money you saved on this gadget.
$99 $199 $100 Off
Facebook's foray into the smart home market focuses on video calling. Pop the portal device on your nightstand, countertop, dining room table, or anywhere else, and you can give friends and family a call with your face attached. 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 everyone opens up their Christmas gifts. The device has Alexa built right in, too.
Okay, so let's address the tall, skinny elephant in the room. Facebook's PR hasn't exactly been on fire these days, unless that fire happens to live in a trash can. If you have concerns, 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.
Your friends don't have to have a Portal device to talk with you, either. The Messenger app is seamlessly incorporated, so anyone with Messenger can get tele-Portaled into your new gadget. It can handle up to six people in a group call, too. When you're not on a call, use the Superframe features to display photos, videos, and birthday reminders.
