Nathan Burrow is an editor who covers shopping, retail trends, and deals. He has scanned countless sales and discounts. Most underwhelm.
I’ve covered Black Friday sales for Wirecutter since 2016, vetting hundreds of thousands of bombastic bargain claims and navigating seas of mediocre “blowout” TV deals.
And while the official date of this mega-event remains the day after Thanksgiving (November 29 this year), something else has become clear: The sale is growing in length. Early Black Friday discounts start weeks before the event, as early as October.
That ever-expanding sale dynamic makes it all the more important to take an informed approach. Knowing what you can cross off your list early and what things you should wait to buy has never been more difficult.
That’s why we vet the pre-holiday sale prices of our expert-recommended gear so thoroughly. Below, we’ve highlighted only the best early Black Friday discounts on Wirecutter’s picks, so you can square away your holiday shopping without fear of getting a bad price on a bad product.
Here's the deal
Apple deals
Apple MacBook Air (M3, 2024, 15-Inch, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD)
A great option for Apple users seeking a larger screen and better speakers, and for those who use a multi-monitor setup, it can power two external displays with the lid closed.
Buying Options
(16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD)
(16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD)
Other things to know: Specs include M3 processor, 16 GB RAM, and 512 GB SSD—notably more than our typical recommended specs of 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD. M4 processor probably isn't far off.
Read more: The Best MacBooks
Apple AirTag
Keep track of your most important items. AirTags utilize the vast network of Apple devices to find whatever’s been lost, pinpointing its location to within inches. And since it’s easy to swap in a new battery, these trackers can be used for years.
Buying Options
You save $30 (30%)
You save $30 (30%)
With store pickup (pack of one)
Other things to know: Doesn’t have any way to ring your phone. Cannot attach to your stuff directly. Cannot be shared with another person. Sales on four-packs typically offer the best price per tracker. New low for a pack of four or a single AirTag.
Read more: The Best Bluetooth Tracker
Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022, 13-Inch, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD)
The M2 MacBook Air's updated design ushers in the return of the MagSafe port, as well as a brighter screen and a better webcam. The result is an overall better experience, whether you're using this laptop for everyday work tasks, browsing the web, watching movies, or playing App Store games.
Buying Options
With clipped on-page coupon
You save $150 (17%)
Other things to know: We think the cheaper M2 model is a better value than the newer M3 MacBook, unless you want to use two monitors. Not ideal for editing or processing large media files for extended periods. Specs include 16 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD. Clip on-page coupon to get deal at Amazon.
Read more: The Best MacBooks
TV deals
Hisense U6N Series Google TV (55-Inch)
Enjoy a brighter screen, better black levels, higher color saturation, and better gaming with this new model of our current inexpensive 4K TV pick. We’ve put it through testing, and will publish a new guide update soon.
Buying Options
With scheduled delivery
You save $125 (26%)
Other things to know: One of only two 2024 budget TVs that meet our criteria. Deal price is for the 55-inch size. Scheduled delivery required at Amazon.
Read more: The Best 4K TV On a Budget
Hisense U8N Series LCD/LED TV (55-inch, 65-inch and 85-inch)
Equipped with all the advanced technologies we look for, this TV delivers a great picture at a reasonable price. It runs on Google TV, our favorite smart-TV platform, and offers a 120 Hz refresh rate, low input lag, and dual HDMI 2.1 inputs, so it’s great for gaming, too.
Buying Options
You save $300 (15%)
(65-inch)
(65-inch)
You save $120 (14%)
You save $120 (14%)
You save $120 (14%)
Other things to know: As with most LCD TVs, you don’t get the best horizontal viewing angles. Best for playing 4K HDR content. Doesn’t do as good a job of upconverting lower-resolution video. Deals available on the 55-inch, 65-inch and 85-inch sizes.
Read more: The Best LCD/LED TV
Travel deals
Monos Hybrid Trunk Check-In Luggage
With a robust polycarbonate outer shell, aluminum corner guards, and an aluminum frame around the center seam that reinforces the body of the luggage, it’s safe to say this isn’t just a trunk—it’s a traveling fortress. And speaking of safety, it also has two TSA locks, which close with a satisfying latch.
Buying Options
Use promo code EARLYBF (deal on silver, black, or champagne)
Other things to know: Some travelers consider trunks to be easier to pack and to maneuver. Does away with the standard zipper closure. Some airlines may flag the Monos as oversize. Lifetime warranty. Use code EARLYBF to get the deal price on silver, black or champagne colors.
Read more: The Best Suitcases for Checking
Apple AirTag
Keep track of your most important items. AirTags utilize the vast network of Apple devices to find whatever’s been lost, pinpointing its location to within inches. And since it’s easy to swap in a new battery, these trackers can be used for years.
Buying Options
You save $30 (30%)
You save $30 (30%)
With store pickup (pack of one)
Other things to know: Doesn’t have any way to ring your phone. Cannot attach to your stuff directly. Cannot be shared with another person. Sales on four-packs typically offer the best price per tracker. New low for a pack of four or a single AirTag.
Read more: The Best Bluetooth Tracker
Nintendo deals
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Nintendo Switch, Physical Copy)
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Our top pick for a lengthy and legendary video game to ride out winter
This inventive game lets you combine weapons into new tools, attach ingredients to your arrows for wild new effects, and construct rudimentary vehicles of various shapes, sizes, and uses. It’s got all the problem-solving fun of games such as Minecraft and Fortnite to Zelda with an always-surprising effect.
Other things to know: Deal is for a physical copy of the game for Nintendo Switch. Free shipping for Amazon Prime members; otherwise, it's an additional $5.
Read more: Video Games To Ride Out the End of Winter
Tech and laptop deals
Google Pixel Watch 3 (41 mm, Wi-Fi)
With its sleek design, more health and fitness features—like Bedtime Mode and Morning Brief—and deeper integration with other Google products than its predecessor, we think this is the best Android smartwatch. It runs Google’s latest Wear OS 5 software.
Buying Options
(deal on black, gold and silver)
Other things to know: 45 mm version has a bigger screen and slightly longer 36-hour battery life. Domed glass screen is more prone to damage than other smartwatches with metal bezels, and there are no repair options. Deal is for the 41 mm, Wi-Fi model in matte black, champagne gold and polished silver.
Read more: The Best Smartwatch for Android Phones
Apple AirTag
Keep track of your most important items. AirTags utilize the vast network of Apple devices to find whatever’s been lost, pinpointing its location to within inches. And since it’s easy to swap in a new battery, these trackers can be used for years.
Buying Options
You save $30 (30%)
You save $30 (30%)
With store pickup (pack of one)
Other things to know: Doesn’t have any way to ring your phone. Cannot attach to your stuff directly. Cannot be shared with another person. Sales on four-packs typically offer the best price per tracker. New low for a pack of four or a single AirTag.
Read more: The Best Bluetooth Tracker
Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022, 13-Inch, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD)
The M2 MacBook Air's updated design ushers in the return of the MagSafe port, as well as a brighter screen and a better webcam. The result is an overall better experience, whether you're using this laptop for everyday work tasks, browsing the web, watching movies, or playing App Store games.
Buying Options
With clipped on-page coupon
You save $150 (17%)
Other things to know: We think the cheaper M2 model is a better value than the newer M3 MacBook, unless you want to use two monitors. Not ideal for editing or processing large media files for extended periods. Specs include 16 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD. Clip on-page coupon to get deal at Amazon.
Read more: The Best MacBooks
TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim (EP25, 4-Pack)
This smart plug combines all the best features you could want—including real-time energy monitoring and an Away Mode—at a price that makes it possible to deploy them throughout your home. In our tests, it stood out for its ability to quickly integrate with all major smart-home platforms, simple set up, and ease of use.
Buying Options
(pack of four)
Other things to know: Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. Works with the Kasa app, but also the newly released Tapo app, which is the better option. Deal is for a 4-pack.
Read more: The Best Smart Plugs
Earbuds deals
Anker Soundcore Space A40 earbuds
Tiny and lightweight, these earbuds offer everything you could want from a wireless Bluetooth pair, without breaking the bank. Although they don’t support voice assistants such as Siri and Alexa, they sound great, provide excellent noise cancellation, and have a long, 10-hour battery life.
Buying Options
With clipped on-page coupon (deal on black and white)
Other things to know: Does not support voice-activated assistants. IPX4 water-resistance. 18-month warranty. Limited touch controls. Clip the on-page coupon to get the deal price in black and white.
Read more: The Best Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
Clothing deals
Muck Boot Arctic Ice Mid
Classic mud and farm work boots adapted for winter conditions, these are a good buy for those who regularly need to take their boots on and off. Their rubber traction performed the best on smooth ice out of all options we tested, and they have a cozy fleece lining.
Buying Options
Use promo code WIRECUTTER (price includes shipping)
Classic mud and farm work boots adapted for winter conditions, these are a good buy for those who regularly need to take their boots on and off. Their rubber traction performed the best on smooth ice out of all options we tested, and they have a cozy fleece lining.
Buying Options
Use promo code WIRECUTTER (price includes shipping)
Other things to know: Won’t fit as precisely as some more traditional boots. We wouldn’t take them out in deep snow without layering a tall waterproof gaiter over the cuff. Use code WIRECUTTER—all options are available on the landing page provided, though discounts may vary if you select an option that isn't our pick.
Read more: The Best Winter Boots
The Company Store Company Cotton Men’s Robe
Wind down after a nice hot shower (or lounge around while working from home—we won't judge) with our ultra-comfy terry cloth robe pick. Featuring a relaxed shawl collar, generous patch pockets, and a tie belt, it's fluffy, drapey, and easier to move around in than other options.
Other things to know: Thick terry cloth is a tad too warm for year-round wear. Available in four colors in sizes S-XXL.
Read more: The Best Robes
IUGA High-Waist Yoga Pants
This inexpensive pair of leggings fit and felt better than others we tried in the same price range. They’re soft and comfy, and offer a generally flattering cut with gentle but supportive compression. The cherry on top? Functional pockets.
Buying Options
With clipped on-page coupon (deal on black)
Other things to know: Some may find the one-inch elastic waistband to be constricting. A little loose at the ankle for some testers. We found the fabric lost its shape a bit over time. Deal available in black. Clip the on-page coupon.
Read more: The Best Leggings
Kitchen appliances deals
NutriBullet Pro 900 Personal Blender
With its powerful motor, this compact machine blended everything we threw at it— including tough kale and frozen fruit—without straining. It produced a satisfying, drinkable consistency, and it’s also well-priced and easy to use and clean.
Buying Options
Free Kohl's account required, use promo codes LETSGO20 and 10HOME
Other things to know: One-year warranty. Gasket and blending jar can get grimy, especially if you don’t have a dishwasher. Available in all colors. Use codes LETSGO20 and 10HOME to get the deal price.
Read more: The Best Personal Blender
Nutribullet Full Size Blender
We’re impressed with both the performance and the price of this blender. It emulsified mayonnaise on the first try in our tests.
Buying Options
Free Kohl's account required, use promo codes LETSGO20 and 10HOME
Other things to know: Failed our nut butter test, but we have yet to find a $100 blender that can pass it. We found the KitchenAid K150 (our budget pick) to be a much more elegant machine—in both performance and looks. Free Kohl’s account required; use codes LETSGO20 and 10HOME.
Read more: The Best Blender
KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer (Refurbished)
KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer
Our top pick for the best stand mixer since 2013
Quiet and uncomplicated, this is the absolute best stand mixer you can get for its performance, versatility, and price—which is why it's been our favorite since 2013. Featuring 10 speeds, this buy-it-for-life kitchen workhorse is clearly built to last and deftly mixes without straining.
Buying Options
You save $100 (33%)
(deal on black)
Other things to know: One of the fastest first speeds of all mixers we tested and no ½ speed. Comes with 5-quart stainless steel mixing bowl, flat beater, dough hook, and six-wire whip. Only available in black at Walmart. 1-year warranty at Walmart; 2-year Allstate warranty via eBay.
Read more: The Best Stand Mixer
KitchenAid 5.5-Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer (Refurbished)
Bowl-lift stand mixers are more powerful than tilt-head models, and this one is also stable and quiet. In our tests, it churned through doughs and batters without hesitation. The bowl is large enough for hefty recipes or small tasks.
Buying Options
You save $200 (50%)
Other things to know: Heavier (32 pounds) and taller than our top pick, making it harder to store or lift out of a cabinet. Manufacturer refurbished with 2-year warranty provided by Allstate.
Read more: The Best Stand Mixer
Cuisinart DCC-1200 Coffee Maker
Make mornings better with this relatively inexpensive maker that reliably brews good coffee. It has some of the most useful features of all the cheap coffee makers we tested, including a self-clean function and user control of the hot plate’s holding temperature.
Other things to know: The water tank was the hardest to fill in our tests, with measurements that are nearly impossible to read. Three-year warranty, the longest of any model we tested. On sale in the black stainless steel finish. Price reflects in cart.
Read more: The Best Cheap Coffee Maker
Philips 3000 Series Airfryer L HD9252/91
This air fryer cooks food faster and more evenly than any other we’ve tested in its price range. The basket is easy to insert, remove, and clean, and the whole thing maintains a small footprint on the countertop.
Other things to know: Just under 3-quart capacity. Touchscreen is cluttered with unhelpful preset programs. Basket is heavy and poorly balanced. Two-year warranty.
Read more: The Best Air Fryer
Vacuum deals
Black+Decker 20V Max Dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Cordless Pet Hand Vacuum HHVK515JP07
Black+Decker 20V Max Dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Cordless Pet Hand Vacuum HHVK515JP07
The best handheld vacuum for people with pets
If you have a fur baby, this is the handheld vac for you. The motorized brush makes pickup up pet hair a breeze, especially on upholstery, and the built-in extendable crevice tool reaches into nooks and crannies. Plus, it’s got a large bin volume, great suction, and washable filters.
Other things to know: Charges in under three hours. Runs for up to 25 minutes. Comes with a two-year warranty. The first good deal we've seen in over a year.
Read more: The Best Handheld Vacuum
Dyson V12 Detect Slim Cordless Stick Vacuum
Light, powerful, and easy to maneuver, this Dyson vacuum rivals more expensive models in suction, airflow, and cleaning power. It comes with multiple brushes and attachments to help you clean every nook and cranny. The 45-minute run time works well for most spaces.
Other things to know: Tiny, 12-ounce dustbin. Takes four hours to recharge. Doesn’t stand on its own. Converts to handheld vacuum with attachments.
Read more: The Best Cordless Stick Vacuum
Eufy Robovac 11S Max Robot Vacuum
Quiet, nimble, and affordable, this unassuming but mighty bot is perfect for folks who are interested in robot vacuums but are wary of the high price tag. With three cleaning modes and a low profile for sliding under furniture with ease, it sucked up more debris than most options we tested.
Other things to know: Large, 600-milliliter dustbin. 100-minute run time on bare floors; 60 minutes for carpets and rugs. No Wi-Fi connectivity or app, just an old-fashioned remote control. Lacks smart features like a dock and mapping technology. Average one-year warranty. Good customer service. Almost all parts are replaceable.
Read more: The Best Robot Vacuums
Home deals
Brondell Swash Thinline T44 Luxury Bidet Toilet Seat
This luxurious bidet seat ooks great and is the slimmest option we recommend. It’s got an instant hot-water system for which the power cord and water inlet are both tucked away at the rear of the bidet. We liked the Intuitive and attractive remote.
Other things to know: The nozzle’s self-cleaning feature results in a slight delay. Use code SUPER to get the deal price for both the elongated and round seat styles. This is the lowest price we've seen so far.
Read more: The Best Bidet Toilet Seat or Washlet
Werner FS106 6ft Type I Fiberglass Single Sided Step Ladder
Werner FS106 6ft Type I Fiberglass Single Sided Step Ladder
Our pick for a solid ladder with the option for add-ons
Get a jump on holiday-lights hanging and other projects with this well-built ladder that offers a 10-foot reach. It’s from a reputable manufacturer, it makes a good choice if you prefer a more traditional stepladder, and it works with a number of buckets, trays, and hooks to hold tools and parts for your projects.
Other things to know: Doesn’t have the wide top steps of our other stepladder picks. Max load capacity of 250 pounds. Accessories are all available for purchase separately. Select store pickup at Lowe's to avoid shipping fees.
Read more: The Best Ladders
Camera deals
Sony ZV-1 II Camera
Ready to step up your video quality? Our top vlogging camera pick is compact, light, and able to record stabilized 4K video. The flip-out screen is great for easily framing selfies, and the built-in optical image stabilization smooths movements.
Buying Options
You save $100 (11%)
You save $100 (11%)
You save $100 (11%)
Other things to know: Records 4K video at 30 fps or 1080p at 120 fps. Top-mounted directional mic records stereo audio. Stacked 1-inch sensor and f/1.8–4 Zeiss lens with 2.8x zoom. Menu and button layout aren't very intuitive. Recurring deal price, but has yet to drop lower.
Read more: The Best Vlogging Cameras and Gear
Gifts deals
Lego Friends Advent Calendar 42637
This advent calendar is fun for both kids and adult fans of Lego, and a good alternative to sweets. Build instructions for each day’s surprise are printed on the backs of the little doors. When finished, the collection is a menagerie of mini-figures in a festive holiday display.
Other things to know: We recommend saving the instructions for future rebuilds. 272 pieces total. Select store pickup at Walmart to avoid shipping fees.
Read more: Our Favorite Advent Calendars
AncestryDNA Test Kit
Exploring your roots has never been easier thanks to this DNA testing kit, which boasts the largest reported family-matching database we’ve seen. From the navigable interface and straightforward instructions to the thorough reports and test results, this service offers a truly seamless experience.
Other things to know: The only service we tested that's limited to autosomal testing. Ancestry participates in biomedical research with both for-profit and nonprofit groups, but it shares anonymized data only with customers’ explicit consent. All DNA test kits have privacy risks that you should take into account.
Read more: The Best DNA Testing Kit
Embark Breed + Health Dog DNA Test Kit
This dog-DNA test screens for more than 200 genetic health conditions and traits, analyzing twice as many genetic markers as the competition. It’s based on a comprehensive database of more than 350 breeds, and Embark offers reliable customer service.
Buying Options
Use promo code WIRECUTTER
Use promo code WIRECUTTER
Other things to know: The company says its breed results are 95% to 99% accurate. There’s no government oversight of the industry, however, so tests aren’t independently verified. Embark doesn’t disclose information without owner consent. Don’t be surprised if you’re drowning in emails after registering the kit online. Free shipping. Code WIRECUTTER applies for both the Breed + Health kit and the Breed ID kit.
Read more: The Best Dog DNA Test
When does Amazon's Black Friday sale begin?
Amazon has announced its Black Friday and Cyber Monday plans. Starting November 21, the online retailer promises "millions of deals across more than 35 categories." We expect deals on the usual array of tech and kitchen gear, but Amazon also promises deals on toys; pajamas; outdoor gear like the Wirecutter's smokeless fire pit pick, the Solo Stove; and Dyson vacuums. The online mega-retailer has provided Black Friday and Cyber Monday landing pages in advance of the event. As usual, we expect only a small percentage of deals to be worth buying, from a price and product quality perspective, and we'll continue to cover Black Friday discounts from Amazon as they emerge.
Editor’s note: The photo at the top of this article may reflect previous deals that are no longer valid and have been removed. Check out our Deals page for more great discounts on Wirecutter’s expert-approved picks.
This article was edited by Janie Campbell and Nathan Burrow.
Meet your guide
Nathan Burrow is the senior deals editor at Wirecutter. He is an avid reader and a parent to a poorly behaved beagle mix. He resides in Kansas City (the Missouri one). He is a longtime content contributor for Wirecutter, and his work has also been featured in The New York Times.