Black Friday is here, and with it comes a flood of tech deals. But many advertised “sales” are misleading. This guide cuts through the noise, offering only the genuinely best discounts on gadgets I’d recommend to friends and family. As a tech editor covering these sales since 2019, I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. Here are the top picks for 2025, tested and verified.
Top Deals at a Glance
- Apple AirPods Pro 3: $219.99 (vs. $249)
- Apple iPad 11″ (2025): $274.00 (vs. $349)
- Amazon Fire HD 10: $69.99 (vs. $139.99)
- Sony WH-1000XM5: $248.00 (vs. $399.99)
- Blink Outdoor 4 (5-Pack): $159.99 (vs. $399.99)
- Dell 14 Premium Intel Ultra 7 Laptop: $999.99 (vs. $1549.99)
Why These Deals Matter
The tech market moves fast. Discounts on the latest models are rare, making Black Friday a key opportunity. Retailers inflate original prices to make deals seem better, but these picks are genuine savings on high-quality products. The increasing demand for smart home devices, wearables, and powerful laptops means these discounts won’t last long.
Editor’s Top Picks
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: A Record Low
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are now $216 at Amazon and Best Buy—a 28% discount and a new low price. These are my go-to noise-canceling earbuds, praised for comfort and effectiveness. Seriously, I wear them while working to block out distractions.
Kindle Paperwhite: The Book Lover’s Choice
The Kindle Paperwhite is on sale for $124.99, but the ad-free version is worth the extra cost. The lockscreen remains clean, showing images instead of intrusive ads. For a serious reader, this is a must-have.
Apple Watch SE 3: The Smartwatch for Everyone
Apple’s new SE 3 smartwatch is $199.99 at Amazon—a 20% discount. This is the ideal entry point for those new to smartwatches, offering fitness tracking, sleep monitoring, and an always-on Retina OLED display.
Camp Snap Digital Cameras: Nostalgia Meets Modern Tech
These trendy cameras start at $55 for Black Friday. They offer a screen-free experience, encouraging presence rather than endless scrolling. Perfect as a gift for teens or anyone wanting to disconnect.
Electric Hand Warmers: A Cold-Weather Essential
These rechargeable hand warmers are a hidden gem, priced under $25 at Amazon. Ideal for cold climates or outdoor events, they’re a practical stocking stuffer that delivers real value.
DJI Drones: Last Chance Before the Ban?
DJI drones may soon be banned in the U.S. This is your last chance to buy them before the restrictions take effect. While risky, the potential reward outweighs the uncertainty for serious drone enthusiasts.
Samsung The Frame TV: Art Meets Technology
Samsung’s The Frame TV blends seamlessly into home decor, doubling as an art gallery when not in use. The 2025 model features an AI processor and anti-glare display. Amazon has the best current price.
Acer Aspire 16 AI Copilot+ PC: Affordable Power
Amazon offers a 36% discount on the Acer Aspire 16, an affordable Windows laptop with 16GB of RAM and a Snapdragon X chip. This is a rare find for under $500, sold directly by Amazon for reliability.
Final Thoughts
Black Friday tech deals can be overwhelming, but focusing on verified discounts from trusted retailers is key. These picks are products I genuinely recommend, offering real value for your money. The deals won’t last, so act fast if you find something you need.
