Early Black Friday 2024 Deals from Amazon and Best Buy

As the years progress, Black Friday increasingly resembles “Black November,” with retailers launching their holiday promotions weeks in advance. While the overwhelming influx of deals can sometimes feel excessive, this trend actually offers a fantastic opportunity to get ahead of the holiday shopping rush. You can complete your gift buying early and at potentially lower prices, avoiding the last-minute panic and crowds that typically accompany this shopping season.

To simplify your search and help you navigate through the myriad of promotions, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the best early Black Friday deals available. Although many major technology retailers are yet to kick off their early sales in full swing, we’ve already identified several significant discounts on recommended gadgets this week. Notable products like the iPad Air, Bose QuietComfort Headphones, and Hisense 4K TVs are now available at their lowest prices ever. We’ll keep this post updated regularly as more enticing Black Friday offers emerge, so if you’re eyeing a particular item, be sure to revisit often.

• Apple iPad Air (11-inch, M2) for $497 at Amazon ($102 off MSRP): This incredible discount marks a new low for the latest iPad Air, which is widely regarded as the best Apple tablet for the average consumer. While it does not feature the high-end performance or the 120Hz OLED panel found in the iPad Pro, its affordability and robust features make it an excellent choice. The M2 chip ensures it is future-proof, and it offers a superior display alongside better accessory support compared to the base-model iPad. This deal is also available at Best Buy.

• Apple iPad Air (13-inch, M2) for $694 at Amazon ($104 off): For those seeking a larger display, the 13-inch iPad Air is now at an all-time low price at both Amazon and Best Buy. This model provides slightly higher brightness than its smaller counterpart, but both versions share nearly identical specifications, making it a fantastic option for anyone looking to enhance their tablet experience.

• Apple iPad mini (7th gen) for $400 at Amazon ($100 off): Although the latest iPad mini just launched this month, it is already discounted by $100 with an on-page coupon at Amazon. Currently, only the purple variant is on sale, but this significant reduction for a new Apple release is quite rare. The new mini received a review score of 83, showcasing that while it is a minor update, it retains most of the iPad Air’s advantages in a more portable design that fits easily in a bag and is comfortable to hold with one hand. Additional colors are available at Costco, but only for store members.

• Apple Pencil Pro for $93 at Amazon ($36 off): Although this deal is slightly higher than the lowest price ever recorded for Apple’s premium iPad stylus, it still represents a substantial savings compared to purchasing directly from Apple. It’s important to note that the Pencil Pro is compatible solely with the latest iPad Air models and iPad Pros. This deal is also available at Walmart.

• Apple AirTag (4-pack) for $74 at Amazon ($25 off): The AirTag stands out as the top choice for iPhone users in our guide to the best Bluetooth trackers. It leverages Apple’s extensive network of devices and ultrawideband technology to pinpoint items with remarkable accuracy. While there have been some concerning issues related to its effectiveness, when used as intended, it can offer added peace of mind. Though this isn’t an all-time low, it’s a welcome reduction from the usual $80 price tag for a four-pack recently. This deal is also available at Best Buy.

• Apple MacBook Air (13.6-inch, M2) for $700 at Amazon ($300 off): Matching the historical low price for Apple’s previous-generation MacBook Air, this laptop remains a solid option for everyday tasks. However, it only comes with 8GB of RAM, making it more suited for lower-power tasks. Apple has recently standardized 16GB of memory across their MacBook lineup, which may indicate that they are clearing out older inventory. Yet, this is an excellent value for anyone needing a laptop primarily for web browsing, emailing, and word processing. Be sure to clip the on-page coupon to maximize your savings.

• Anker Soundcore Space A40 for $45 at Amazon ($35 off, Prime only): The Space A40 continues to hold its position as the leading choice in our guide to budget earbuds, offering a rich feature set that often outperforms products priced three times higher. While call quality might not be the best and it lacks an auto-pause feature when an earbud is removed, its warm sound profile, robust active noise cancellation, approximately eight hours of battery life, and comfortable fit make it a great bargain. This offer matches the lowest price we’ve seen, available exclusively to Prime subscribers at Amazon. It is also purchasable at Anker’s online store with an on-page coupon.

• Beats Solo 4 for $100 at Amazon ($100 off): The Solo 4 may lack some advanced features and can be uncomfortable for larger heads, but its balanced sound and impressive battery life of over 50 hours make it a compelling choice for those who prefer a compact on-ear design over traditional over-ear headphones. In our review, we awarded it a score of 79. This price matches an all-time low and is also available at Walmart, Target, and Best Buy. The larger Beats Studio Pro is also discounted, though we find it harder to recommend compared to the top contenders in our wireless headphone buying guide.

• Bose QuietComfort Headphones for $199 at Amazon ($150 off): This price ties the lowest recorded for Bose’s mid-tier noise-canceling headphones. At this price point, their effective active noise cancellation and lightweight design make them a solid alternative to higher-end models like the Sony WH-1000XM5, which is our overall favorite. However, their bass-heavy sound may not suit everyone, and the XM5 offers a more extensive set of features. Discounts for the higher-end QuietComfort Ultra are also available, priced $100 off, providing even stronger noise cancellation, although we still prefer the XM5 at a similar price.

• Anker Soundcore Motion+ for $69 at Amazon ($31 off): Recommended in our guide to the best portable Bluetooth speakers, the Soundcore Motion+ may not be the lightest or most compact option available, but it delivers a more spacious sound than most speakers within its price range. Waterproof and offering a commendable battery life of 12 to 15 hours per charge, this discount is one of the closest to the lowest price we’ve tracked. You can also find it on sale at Anker’s online store with an on-page coupon.

• Amazon Fire HD 10 for $75 at Amazon ($65 off): While no Fire HD tablet can match the performance, build quality, and app support of an iPad, they are significantly more budget-friendly. The Fire HD 10 is perfect for casual streaming, e-reading, and web browsing. With its 10.1-inch display, it’s likely a better value than the smaller Fire HD 8, as it features a sharper display, slightly faster performance, and longer battery life. Do keep in mind that it comes with numerous ads for Amazon’s own services. This discount equals the lowest price ever, and it’s also available at Best Buy and Target.

• Amazon Echo Show 5 for $50 at Amazon ($40 off): Our guide to the best smart displays prominently features the Echo Show 5. Although the larger Echo Show 8 hasn’t seen major discounts yet, it offers a larger display and better sound quality, the 5.5-inch Echo Show 5 provides most of the essential functions in a more compact design suitable for nightstands. If you’re a fan of Alexa, this device doubles as a smart alarm clock. This deal is $10 higher than the all-time low we observed last Black Friday, so it may see further reductions in the coming weeks, but it currently matches the best price available in 2024. Also available at Target, Kohl’s, and Best Buy.

• Blink Outdoor 4 (6-pack) for $180 at Amazon ($300 off): The Blink Outdoor 4 is a wireless, IP65-rated outdoor security camera featured in our guide to the best smart home gadgets. It captures decent 1080p video and is relatively easy to install, offering features like night vision, motion alerts, local storage, and two-way audio. However, some functionalities like person detection and cloud storage require a subscription plan. Regardless, this bundle is a solid value, and this deal represents an all-time low. An eight-camera pack is also available on sale for $250, which is another low price.

• Audible Premium Plus (3-month) for $1 at Amazon ($29 off): New users can now enjoy three months of Audible’s Premium Plus plan for just $1. Typically, this service costs $15 monthly following a 30-day free trial. Premium Plus offers full access to the Audible Plus library and allows you to keep one title from a curated selection of audiobooks each month. While not essential, this is an excellent opportunity to see if Audible fits your needs, but remember that the plan will auto-renew until you decide to cancel.

• Hisense U7N 4K TV (65-inch) for $700 at Amazon ($300 off): Online reviews consistently highlight the U7N as one of the best TV values of the year, offering impressive brightness and contrast for its price point. It supports a fast 144Hz refresh rate in 4K, making it ideal for gaming, and operates on the user-friendly Google TV platform. However, it can wash out at an angle and has a limited number of HDMI 2.1 ports. This discount reflects a new low for the 65-inch model, and it is also available at Best Buy.

• Hisense U8N 4K TV (55-inch) for $728 at Amazon ($371 off): The U8N series represents an upgrade over the U7N, promising improved colors, contrast, and brightness. If you’re comfortable with a smaller screen at a comparable price, this also marks a new low. This model is also available at Best Buy.

• Backbone One (PlayStation Edition) for $60 at PlayStation Direct: The Backbone One is a comfortable game controller that wraps around your phone, allowing you to play mobile or cloud-based games without relying on cumbersome touch controls. We’ve recommended this product previously, and although this deal on the PlayStation-themed version isn’t the lowest we’ve seen, it is still $10 to $20 less than typical discounts over the past year. Sony’s listing does not specify whether this is the first or second generation model, but the latter accommodates a wider range of phones and cases, which may be beneficial for users of older iPhones or Android devices. Both USB-C and Lightning versions are currently discounted.

Frequently Asked Questions About Black Friday Shopping

Key Dates: When is Black Friday 2024?

Mark your calendars: Black Friday 2024 will be observed on November 29 this year, providing shoppers with a prime opportunity to snag incredible deals.

Early Access: When do Black Friday Deals Begin?

We anticipate that Black Friday promotions will start as early as November 1. In recent years, retailers have increasingly launched the holiday shopping season earlier. This trend is likely to continue into 2024, meaning you can expect to discover early Black Friday deals both online and in brick-and-mortar stores weeks before the big day arrives.

Timelines: When Do Black Friday Deals End?

Many Black Friday deals may conclude as early as Saturday, November 30. However, such instances are likely to be rare. Retailers have extended their Black Friday promotions beyond the actual day for quite some time. In the tech realm, it has become common for many Black Friday discounts to remain active through Cyber Monday.

Shopping Strategies: Where Can You Find the Best Black Friday Deals?

While there isn’t a single destination for all the best Black Friday bargains, major retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Target are expected to offer many of the same deals both in the lead-up to and on the day of Black Friday. Additionally, we recommend visiting direct-to-consumer websites like Apple, Samsung, Sonos, and others to ensure you are securing the best prices before finalizing your shopping list.

Apple’s Offerings: Does Apple Participate in Black Friday Promotions?

Generally, you won’t find direct cash discounts on Apple’s official website during Black Friday. Instead, Apple has been known to provide various gift card bundles during this shopping event in recent years. Local Apple stores may offer discounts on accessories, but Apple is not recognized for significantly marking down its products. However, you can find more traditional Black Friday deals on Apple products through retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy.

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