Spyder Robotics typically has an Annual Sale around Thanksgiving. I believe it's around $185 shipped for a Herpstat 2. FWIW, the older Herpstat 2 used to be more expensive than this current generation. If my memory is correct, i paid around $230 shipped for the older generation, so they've actually lowered their price and made it more affordable. I don't own any other brands, so i couldn't comment on whether they would be good alternatives, but i've been very happy with the 3 herpstats that i have.