Black Friday Tech Deals 2020: Smart Shopping Guide
Black Friday has arrived—and in a year where time seems to blur, it’s easy to miss the best opportunities to save. While retailers flood the market with discounts, not all deals are created equal. Many promotions are designed to clear outdated inventory rather than offer genuine value.
To help you navigate the noise, we’ve curated a list of legitimate tech deals on products we’d recommend even at full price. Whether you’re shopping for gadgets, smart home devices, or gaming essentials, these discounts stand out for their quality and savings.
Pro Tips for Smart Black Friday Shopping
Before diving into the deals, keep these strategies in mind:
- Verify the Discount: Use price-tracking tools like camelcamelcamel to check if the “sale” price is truly lower than usual. Some retailers inflate prices before Black Friday to create fake discounts.
- Beware of TV Traps: While TV deals can be tempting, many Black Friday-exclusive models are repurposed surplus panels with limited features. Always research the model number before buying.
Top Black Friday Tech Deals by Category
Apple: Rare Discounts on Premium Devices
Apple products rarely see significant discounts, but this Black Friday brings a few exceptions:
- AirPods Pro: Down to $170 (from $250) at Amazon and Walmart. Stock is limited, so act fast.
- Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS, 40mm): Now $379 (from $399) on Amazon. A modest drop for a recently released model.
- iPad (8th Gen): Best Buy offers the 32GB model for $280 (from \(330) and the 128GB version for **\)360** (from $430).
Amazon: Deep Discounts on Echo and Kindle
Amazon slashes prices on its own devices to expand its ecosystem:
- Fire HD 10 Tablet: Just $80 (normally $150).
- Echo Dot (4th Gen): Priced at $29 (from \(50), with the clock-display version at **\)39** (from $60).
- Kindle Paperwhite (Ad-Free, 32GB): Down to $129 (from \(180). The premium **Kindle Oasis** is **\)219** (from $299).
Google: Smart Home Steals
Google’s Nest devices see major markdowns:
- Nest Hello Doorbell: $179 (from $229).
- Nest Hub: $50 (from \(90); **Nest Hub Max** drops to **\)179** (from $229).
- Nest Mini: Only $19 (from \(50). **Nest Audio** pairs are **\)85 each** (with a two-unit purchase).
- Stadia Premiere Edition: Includes a controller and Chromecast Ultra for $70 (from $100).
Roku: Stream and Save
The Roku Streambar (a streaming device and soundbar combo) is $100 (from $130).
Sonos: Limited but Notable Discounts
- Sonos Move: $299 (from $399) on Amazon.
- Sonos Sub: $599 (from $699).
- Sonos Beam Playbar: Direct from Sonos for $299 (from $399).
Entertainment & Subscriptions
- Hulu (Ad-Supported Plan): Just $2/month for 1 year (normally $6/month).
- Calm Meditation App: 1-year membership for $35 (from \(70) or lifetime access for **\)159** (from $399).
Video Game Deals
With next-gen consoles sold out, focus on games and accessories:
Xbox
- Xbox Wireless Controller: $40 (from $60).
- Xbox Game Pass (3 Months): $23 (from $45) at Best Buy.
- Gears 5: $5 (from \(40); **Doom Eternal**: **\)20** (from $60).
PlayStation
- PS Plus (12 Months): $45 (from $60).
- The Last of Us Part II: $30 (from \(60); **Ghost of Tsushima**: **\)40** (from $60).
Nintendo Switch
- Select first-party games (Luigi’s Mansion 3, Zelda: Link’s Awakening, etc.) are $40 (from $60).
Final Thoughts
Black Friday can be overwhelming, but focusing on quality over quantity ensures you get the best value. Stick to trusted brands, verify discounts, and prioritize products you’d want even without a sale. Happy shopping!
