With each passing year, the phrase “Black Friday” becomes increasingly inaccurate. What was once a single day of post-Thanksgiving sales has now expanded into a month-long frenzy of promotions from retailers all across the web. Once again in 2023, we’re seeing early Black Friday deals being advertised by Target and Best Buy, with Amazon matching many of those discounts and offering its own “Holiday Deals” landing page. Walmart has also announced that its first wave of Black Friday deals will begin on November 8. Numerous other shops and manufacturers are expected to join in with early deals as well. While the constant stream of sales can be overwhelming, it also presents an excellent opportunity to get your holiday shopping done at your own pace. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list below of the best early Black Friday deals we’ve found. It’s worth noting that larger discounts may be available on November 24, but we’re already seeing all-time lows on popular gadgets like Apple’s AirPods Pro, Google’s Pixel 7a, Amazon’s Echo Show 5, and LG’s A2 OLED TV. We’ll be updating our list regularly leading up to Black Friday, so be sure to check back if there’s anything specific you’ve had your eye on.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen)
This discount is only one dollar more than the lowest price ever recorded for the USB-C version of Apple’s noise-canceling earphones.
Price: $190 at Amazon
The latest version of Apple’s AirPods Pro is currently on sale for $190 at both Amazon and Target. This is only one dollar more than the lowest price we’ve seen and $59 less than buying directly from Apple. Our wireless earbuds buying guide recommends the AirPods Pro as the best option for iOS users, thanks to their seamless pairing and integration with Apple devices. They offer effective active noise cancellation (ANC), a transparency mode, and a warm sound profile. The “adaptive audio” feature allows the earphones to adjust their noise control settings based on your surroundings. However, keep in mind that their battery life is average at around six hours per charge, and they are best utilized with an iPhone. Last year, we gave the Lightning-based version of the second-generation AirPods Pro a review score of 88. This new iteration is nearly identical, with the only difference being the inclusion of a USB-C charging case and a higher IP54 dust-resistance rating.
Beats headphone sale
This discount offers $20 off the average street price for our favorite wireless earbuds for working out.
Price: $160 at Amazon
Several wireless headphones from Apple subsidiary Beats are currently discounted this week. The Beats Fit Pro, for instance, is on sale for $160. While this is $15 more than its all-time low, it’s still $20 less than the average street price. The Fit Pro is our top pick for workout earbuds in our buying guide, offering a fun sound and many of the perks found in the AirPods Pro, but with a more stable and sporty design. However, it should be noted that the Fit Pro’s ANC isn’t as strong, and it lacks support for wireless charging and multi-device pairing. In 2021, we gave the Fit Pro a review score of 87.
Elsewhere, the more basic Beats Studio Buds + are priced at their low of $130, while the over-ear Beats Studio Pro is on sale for $200. Although these options are not top picks in our guides, they may be worth considering if you’re a fan of Apple and appreciate the Beats aesthetic. We gave the Studio Buds + a review score of 84 in May and the Studio Pro a review score of 81 in July.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
This is the first significant discount we’ve seen for the latest version of Amazon’s 4K streaming dongle. The slightly faster and more featured Fire TV Stick 4K Max is also on sale.
Price: $30 at Amazon
Amazon’s latest Fire TV Stick 4K and Fire TV Stick 4K Max are now discounted for the first time since their release in September. The regular Stick 4K is available for $30, which is $20 off its original price, while the Stick 4K Max is priced at $45, which is $15 off. The Max features a slightly faster processor, double the internal storage, and support for Wi-Fi 6E. It also includes Amazon’s “Ambient Experience” mode, which displays artwork and widgets when the device is idle. Both dongles provide fast content loading, support for major streaming apps, Dolby Atmos, and various HDR formats.
The downsides of Fire TV devices are the ads within the UI and the heavy focus on Amazon services like Prime Video and Freevee. However, if you frequently use these apps or Alexa and are looking for an affordable 4K streamer, these devices should meet your needs. Additionally, the Fire TV Cube is on sale for $110, matching its all-time low. There is also a bundle deal available for Prime members where you can pair the Fire TV Stick 4K Max with Blink’s 1080p Video Doorbell for a total of $65. Please note that this offer is time-limited and runs until November 3.
Google Chromecast with Google TV
The Chromecast is praised for its clever interface, robust voice search, and useful remote, making it a great value in the media streamer market.
Price: $39 at Amazon
In other streaming deals, the Google Chromecast is currently on sale for $39 at Amazon, a discount we have seen multiple times before. While it is $10 higher than its all-time low, it is still $11 off Google’s list price. Other retailers like Walmart and Target also have the device on sale for just a dollar more. The Chromecast is the runner-up in our best streaming devices guide. Although it was released in 2020 and lacks Wi-Fi 6 support, it offers fast streaming and is compatible with major streaming apps. Its standout feature is the Google TV interface, which proactively suggests shows based on your viewing history and offers convenient voice search. If you are looking for a streaming device for an older TV, the 1080p version of the Chromecast is also on sale for $20.
Our top pick in the media streamer guide is the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, which provides solid performance, wide app support, and a user-friendly app-centric interface. While it hasn’t been discounted at the time of writing, we expect to see a sale on it sometime in the coming weeks.
Amazon Echo Show 5
This matches the best price we’ve seen for Amazon’s compact smart display.
Price: $40 at Amazon
The Amazon Echo Show 5 is currently priced at $40, matching its lowest price to date. This is $50 off the original list price, although the device has been on sale for much of the past month. We feature the Echo Show 5 in our smart display buying guide. While the 8-inch Echo Show 8 offers a better screen, richer speakers, and a sharper camera for video calls, the Echo Show 5 provides similar functionality in a more compact design. If you prefer Alexa over the Google Assistant and want a smart alarm clock for your nightstand, the Echo Show 5 is a great option. Please note that the Echo Show 8 is not currently on sale, but this may change on Black Friday.
Google Nest Hub
While not at its lowest-ever price, this is still a $40 discount on our top smart display pick.
Price: $60 at Target
For those who prefer the Google Assistant, the Google Nest Hub is on sale for $60 at various retailers, including Target, B&H, Best Buy, and Google’s online store. While this is $20 higher than its lowest price, it is still $40 off the original list price set by Google. The Nest Hub is our top overall pick in the smart display category, receiving a review score of 89 in 2021. It features a 7-inch screen, making it slightly larger than the Echo Show 5 but still compact enough for bedrooms or small offices. Although it lacks a built-in camera, this can be seen as a privacy advantage. Please note that no smart display offers the same seamless integration with Google services as the Nest Hub does.
