When are the best black friday deals

Black Friday is still one of the best times of year to buy just about everything for the holidays. But in case you didn’t notice the forests of Christmas trees cropping up in stores as early as September, the landscape has changed dramatically in recent years, Black Friday is no longer even remotely a single day, and shopping early no longer means waking up at an ungodly hour to stand in line the day after Thanksgiving.

November has barely begun, but some retailers are already offering deals that are just as good as day-of Black Friday discounts—Walmart and Best Buy have already kicked off their Black Friday sales, and brands like Google and Nintendo have announced plans to discount some of the most popular recently released products. In fact, some of our picks have never been lower, making this a great opportunity for shoppers to cross those kitchen appliances, TVs, headphones, toys, and more off their lists. But not every Black Friday preview sale is worth your time. To arm you with the tools needed to outfit your online-shopping arsenal, we’ve combed through early Black Friday sales from Amazon, Target, Home Depot, and more. We even have some great buys for Costco members.

The best early Black Friday deals 2022

• Walmart Deals for Days Event 2
• Apple deals
• Amazon deals
• Best Buy deals
• Costco deals
• Home Depot and Lowe’s deals
• Target deals
• What about the Samsung early Black Friday sales event?
• REI doesn't do Black Friday sales. This mid-November sale is the next best thing
• TV deals
• Laptop deals
• Video game and board game deals
• Vacuum deals
• Kitchen deals
• Baby deals
• Lego deals (and other toy deals)
• Tablet deals
• Travel and luggage deals
• Clothing deals
• Frequently asked questions

Walmart Deals for Days Event 2

Walmart typically engages in a holiday price-matching arms race with Amazon, and like its competitors, it has once again rolled out droves of early Black Friday deals. The retailer has kicked off its first event during its Deals for Days Black Friday sale, which is live through November 13. Then, Event 2 starts online on November 14 at 7pm ET and in stores on November 16. Deals will continue to drop on a rolling basis as the month goes on. Walmart+ members will score exclusive early access to each round of sales, plus free shipping on all orders, but nearly every deal will make its way to non-members eventually. Although Walmart’s price-match policy doesn’t apply to major sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday (or drops in price on previous seasonal purchases), the retailer still usually offers a selection of worthwhile deals. Here are the best sales we’ve found so far from Walmart.

What we like: Affordable wireless option. Combines solid performance with good battery life, lasts about four months. Includes 2K image, person detection, local storage, customizable responses, and a separate wireless chime.

Other things to know: Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Can store clips in the built-in memory or Eufy’s cloud service (which offers 30 days of history for $3 per month per camera, or $30 per year per camera).

What we like: Our top pick for the best electric pressure cooker. A versatile time-saver in the kitchen. One of Instant Pot’s more affordable models.

Other things to know: Lacks some of Instant Pot’s newer, more advanced features. Deals on the Duo have been rare in recent months.

What we like: Our entry-level Google Assistant smart speaker pick. Great as a cheap multiroom audio system with the use of Google apps. Fully supports Google Assistant.

Other things to know: Less useful than Alexa for some tasks. Requires store pickup to avoid shipping fees. Better discount than we typically see.

What we like: Powerful, weighty motor. Comes with a wide variety of attachments, including ear guide combs. Grippy nonstick sleeve.

Other things to know: Larger and heavier than our top pick. Combs are not reinforced. A step above our budget pick.

Apple deals

Touting their devices’ user-friendliness, security features, and innovative design, Apple devotees eagerly await Black Friday as it’s one of the best times to buy Apple products. This year, there are early Black Friday Apple deals as good as those you’ll see at the end of the month—but that aren’t as likely to sell out in seconds. MacBooks, various iPads, and Apple Watches (including the last gen Apple Watch Series 7, the new Apple Watch Series 8, and the last and current gen Apple Watch SE) are all seeing early sales. Bargain shoppers can get even deeper savings by trading in their old devices or purchasing refurbished models. These are the best early Black Friday Apple Deals we’ve found so far.

What we like: Upcoming budget pick in our guide to the best smartwatch for iPhone owners. More affordable, great screen, and good battery life. Good option for a first smartwatch.

Other things to know: Minimal upgrades from 1st generation. Lacks the always-on display, certain health functions, and smaller than the Series 8. New crash detection feature can falsely trigger on theme park rides. Only available in starlight white. Shipping is delayed.

What we like: Enough speed, memory, and storage for most day-to-day computer tasks. Battery life a little over 14 hours. Lightweight, solid construction, comfortable keyboard, and industry-leading support.

Other things to know: Specs include Apple M1 processor, 8 GB of RAM, 256 GB SSD, 13.3" Retina display, one 3.5mm jack, and two Thunderbolt 4 ports.

What we like: Provides the best noise cancellation we tested, sleek and distinctive look, pairs to Apple products effortlessly, excellent call quality.

Other things to know: The low-frequency noise reduction can lead to eardrum suck, no adjustability in the ANC, does not include a 3.5 mm cable. Down to $430 in all colors with free My Best Buy membership.

What we like: Updated design with a brighter screen and better webcam. Brings back the MagSafe port. A good all-around option for Mac users.

Other things to know: Matches the lowest price drop we've seen for this model. Isn’t ideal for people who edit photos or videos, or who otherwise process large media files. Available for $1050 in Space Gray.

What we like: Our new top pick in our guide to the best pro tablets. Newest generation of the iPad Pro, powered by the latest M2 processor, faster connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, and some new camera features.

Other things to know: No design changes. Might see better discounts during Cyber week.

What we like: Excellent device if you need or want a small tablet with a faster processor and a more modern design.

Other things to know: Diminutive version of the 4th-gen iPad Air. Good for those with smaller hands who want to watch videos, play games, doodle, or chat. Wi-Fi enabled with 64 GB memory. Requires Costco membership.

Read our review of the best iPad.

Amazon deals

Between its breadth of available brands and wares and its unmatched accessibility for shoppers, Amazon is undoubtedly the biggest retailer to participate in Black Friday. Historically, Amazon has led the charge in kicking off Black Friday sales earlier than ever, and with the launch of the Prime Early Access Sale on October 11 and 12, this year is no different. Shoppers are sure to see some of the biggest and best price cuts in the most popular Black Friday deals, including discounts on robot vacuums, toys, headphones, smart speakers, electric toothbrushes, tablets, and just about everything in between. Here are some of the highlights we’ve noted thus far.

What we like: The only option we tested that performs just as well as an air fryer as it does a toaster oven. Multitude of specific settings for dehydrating, proofing, and slow cooking. Crisps food faster than traditional toaster ovens. Has a large two-rack oven capacity. Multiple fan speed options.

Other things to know: The Cuisinart Chef's Convection Toaster Oven is cheaper and performs nearly as well for a fraction of the price.

What we like: Our SSD pick for PS5 owners. Meets Sony's demanding performance requirements for the PlayStation 5. Runs faster and cooler than similarly priced drives.

Other things to know: Does not come with a pre-installed heatsink, so you'll need to attach an easy-to-install option to further reduce temperatures.

Read our review of the best SSDs.

What we like: Upcoming budget pick in our guide to the best smartwatch for iPhone owners. More affordable, great screen, and good battery life. Good option for a first smartwatch.

Other things to know: Minimal upgrades from 1st generation. Lacks the always-on display, certain health functions, and smaller than the Series 8. New crash detection feature can falsely trigger on theme park rides. Only available in starlight white. Shipping is delayed.

What we like: 15-hour battery life, a high, IPX8 water-resistance rating, hear-through mode, and good sound quality.

Other things to know: Lacks the active noise cancellation and voice-activation capabilities of our pricier picks.

What we like: Enough speed, memory, and storage for most day-to-day computer tasks. Battery life a little over 14 hours. Lightweight, solid construction, comfortable keyboard, and industry-leading support.

Other things to know: Specs include Apple M1 processor, 8 GB of RAM, 256 GB SSD, 13.3" Retina display, one 3.5mm jack, and two Thunderbolt 4 ports.

What we like: Effective and low-tech solution for whitening teeth at home. Very affordable.

Other things to know: Slower than professional treatments. Takes several sessions over the course of a few weeks.

What we like: Durable woven sisal lasts longer than carpet and is better for your pet than rope. Taller than other posts we tested, so your cat can stretch out.

Other things to know: First worthwhile deal on this scratching post in years.

What we like: Fun for kids. A good alternative to sweets. Makes a festive holiday display when finished.

Other things to know:Save instructions for easier rebuilding. Includes Clone Trooper Commander, Battle Droid, C-3PO (Holiday), Darth Vader (Holiday), Snowtrooper, Luke Skywalker, Gonk Droid, and R2-D2 (Holiday) figures.

What we like: Our new top pick in our guide to the best pro tablets. Newest generation of the iPad Pro, powered by the latest M2 processor, faster connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, and some new camera features.

Other things to know: No design changes. Might see better discounts during Cyber week.

What we like: Easy to use and navigate menus. Reliably detects, identifies, and starts recording workouts after about 10 minutes of activity. Built-in GPS and solid battery life.

Other things to know: Getting to be an older option at this point. No tracker perfectly recorded every metric it attempted in our testing.

What we like: Nearly identical to its predecessor, the Flex 5, except for its newer processor. Offers faster performance than most Chromebooks under $500. Handles everyday workloads with aplomb.

Other things to know: Comes with Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor, 8 GB RAM, and 128 GB SSD. At $300, within $20 of Prime Day 2 price, and could fall further to $280 later this month.

What we like: Easily pairs with Apple devices. 40-hour battery life. Sound profile offers nice highs and mids with a slight bass boost.

Other things to know: Typically sells for more than our budget pick, but this deal makes it more affordable. Shipping is delayed.

What we like: Less expensive, but still capable. Around 10 mile range per charge. Lighter than other picks. Design allows for bike lock usage.

Other things to know: Weight 33 pounds with a 265 pound weight limit. Real life range is disappointing next to Segway's claimed 18 miles. 15 mph top speed.

What we like: Our top pick for the best 32-inch TV. Offers better picture quality than the competition and has helpful built-in features like voice search and Bluetooth audio output.

Other things to know: 720p resolution is not ideal for up-close uses and really dark scenes can look too blue at times. New low price.

What we like: Our favorite all-in-one car seat. Has many of the same qualities as our top convertible car seat pick. Converts to a booster seat. Cost-effective. Anti-rebound bar can help reduce the secondary motion in a crash after the initial impact.

Other things to know: We’ve found that each individual type of seat tends to do a far better job at its dedicated purpose than an all-in-one seat can. Anti-rebound bar can only be used in rear-facing mode. Comes with a rapid-remove seat cover.

What we like: Largest wheels and largest volume of any wagon we tested. Large wheels great on sand. Maneuverable and durable. Folds closed for easy transportation.

Other things to know: 150 pound carrying capacity. Larger and heavier than top pick. Handle feels flimsy.

What we like: Our budget smart doorbell camera pick bundled with our smaller Alexa smart display pick. Ring is cheap and easy to install. Captures clear 1080p images. Delivers accurate motion and person alerts. Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) does everything the larger Echo Shows can do, but has a 5½-inch screen that adjusts to the room’s lighting.

Other things to know: Ring needs to be hardwired. Works only with Amazon Alexa. Requires a Ring Protect Basic plan (which starts at $3 per month or $30 per year) to record motion events.

Best Buy deals

Best Buy has gone toe-to-toe with Amazon during past sales events, and we expect discounts on TVs, smartphones, computers, iPads, and other tech from Best Buy. The electronics retailer officially kicked off its early Black Friday sale on Monday, October 24, and although the first wave of discounts ended on Sunday, October 30, there will still be plenty of ways to save. In addition to the rolling sales we’re likely to see, My Best Buy and Totaltech members can also take advantage of exclusive sales on Member Mondays through the end of December. Unfortunately, Best Buy’s Price Match Guarantee will not apply to purchases made from Friday, November 18, through Monday, November 28. However, the electronics retailer will extend its return window through January 14, 2023, for most purchases made from October 24 through December 31, 2022, with the exception of major appliances, holiday decorations, and select tech purchased with a third-party contract. Best Buy has also announced that it will be joining other retailers—including Costco, Kohl’s, Target, and Walmart—in keeping brick-and-mortar stores closed on Thanksgiving Day, but we anticipate a flurry of online sales that day to tide you over. Here are some of the best early deals we’re seeing.

What we like: Unique design makes it extraordinarily nice to use. No vibration whatsoever, and simple-to-switch magnetic attachments make styling easier.

Other things to know: Expensive, and it can’t make your hair look any different than other dryers can. Must have a free My Best Buy membership to get sale pricing.

What we like: An inexpensive 2.0 soundbar that includes an integrated 4K HDR media streamer. Offers Bluetooth and Apple AirPlay 2 support. A good soundbar for small spaces and setups.

Other things to know: Although not a sonic powerhouse, it's a significant improvement over TV speakers.

What we like: Top-tier OLED picture quality at a reasonable price. Great visuals from lower-resolution SDR and HDR content. Native Dolby Atmos support. Full suite of HDMI 2.1 inputs.

Other things to know: Only a marginal improvement upon last year’s C1. Doesn’t match the high brightness and color volume of Samsung’s S95B.

What we like: Our new top pick for best budget 4K TV. Full-array LED backlighting with local dimming, quantum dots (better color performance), HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos.

Other things to know: Only available with Roku TV. TCL's Game Studio Plus has good features for gamers but 60 Hz refresh rate is not best for gaming. Four HDMI 2.1 ports.

What we like: Wireless-charging version of our favorite standard car phone mount. Good choice if you prefer the ease and convenience of a magnetic car phone mount but don’t have an iPhone with MagSafe.

Other things to know: Requires the use of a very strong magnet on the back of your phone or phone case. Clearance item.

What we like: Brightest and most affordable bulb we tested. Excellent colors and reliable basic features (remote, scheduling, and timers). A dollar off of last year's lowest price.

Other things to know: No special effects. Offers 1,100 lumens, the equivalent of a 75-watt bulb. Supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT. 2-pack. Store pickup to avoid shipping fees.

Costco deals

Not to be outdone, Costco has thrown its hat into the early Black Friday ring. Starting Monday, October 31, members can score pre–Black Friday deals. The first wave of sales will run through Sunday, November 13, followed by a second round of early Black Friday discounts kicking off on Monday, November 14, which will ultimately converge with Costco’s Black Friday sale beginning on Friday, November 25. But the member warehouse is currently offering a promotion that gets you $300 back on $2000 spent. While that requires a large spend to get the benefit of the offer, Costco sells large appliances and electronics like TVs that could fit the bill, depending on your needs. Be sure to look out for sales on kitchen essentials, smart-home devices, snacks, and candy, too. These are the best early deals we’ve found so far.

What we like: Larger, crisper, and more useful display. Wide compatibility with HVAC systems. Learns heating and cooling preferences to create an optimized schedule. Works with Nest Temperature Sensors.

Other things to know: Includes extra Nest Temperature Sensor. Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings. Available in three colors. Costco membership required.

What we like: Offers core functionality of a laptop in a tablet formfactor. Access to every application available on Windows. Sturdy keyboard with a decent trackpad and full row of function keys. Keyboard is well matched to the size of screen and is comfortable to use. Smooth 120 Hz refresh rate. Long 10 hour battery life. Solid kickstand.

Other things to know: Intel i5 processor, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD. Does not come with the surface pen. i5 processor should be sufficient for most people. Two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 connections. Some might prefer buying a comparably priced Ultrabook. Not all applications are very tap-friendly. Costco membership required.

What we like: Our new top pick for the best OLED TV. Combines OLED technology with quantum dot color to produce the brightest, most color-rich, and most room-flexible OLED TV we’ve ever tested.

Other things to know: Does not support Dolby Vision HDR. Only available in 55- and 65-inch screen sizes. New low price for the 65-inch size.

Read our review of the best OLED TV.

What we like: Affordable and reliable system. Easy to install and use. Works with voice-control systems and offers a good selection of add-ons.

Other things to know: Optional monitoring plan is slightly cheaper than that of our top pick but doesn’t provide video storage. Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and August Smart Locks. Costco membership required.

What we like: Excellent device if you need or want a small tablet with a faster processor and a more modern design.

Other things to know: Diminutive version of the 4th-gen iPad Air. Good for those with smaller hands who want to watch videos, play games, doodle, or chat. Wi-Fi enabled with 64 GB memory. Requires Costco membership.

Read our review of the best iPad.

Home Depot and Lowe’s deals

Good news, home improvement buffs: Now is a great time to snag some early Black Friday sales from Home Depot and Lowe’s. Home Depot kicked off its Black Friday 2022 sale early on Monday, October 31, whereas Lowe’s launched its pre-Black Friday savings event on Thursday, October 27. Both retailers are offering deals on a variety of smart home devices to optimize your day-to-day life, as well as discounts on power and lawn care tools to spruce up your indoor and outdoor spaces before holiday gatherings.

What we like: Traditional and sturdy. Excellent build quality. Hardly wobbled at all during tests, even when shifting weight aggressively. Offers an attachment point for helpful add-ons.

Other things to know: Lacks the large and comfy platform steps of our top pick. Select store pickup to avoid shipping fees.

Read our review of the best ladders.

What we like: Our new subcompact drill pick. Offers 18-volt power in a 12-volt size. Performed great in our tests. Has enough power for more substantial DIY projects.

Other things to know: Had a harder time with continuous drilling than our more powerful 18- and 20-volt recommendations.

Read our review of the best drill.

What we like: Essentially free money towards your next Lowe's purchase. Redeemable in stores and online.

Other things to know: If you're not sure what to buy, check our tools, gardening equipment, and outdoor furniture guides.

What we like: A more affordable alternative to our main picks. Has 10 preset temperature options up to 450 °F. Comes with two temperature probes.

Other things to know: We haven't tested the grill, but Traeger is a reliable company and the grill is generally well-reviewed. Doesn't connect to Wi-Fi. Available in bronze. Matches low.

Target deals

Target began touting early Black Friday deals on its website in October, offering markdowns on everything from electronics and toys to kitchen and cleaning gear, with the promise of new deals each week. As in years past, we expect Target to match select deals from Amazon and Best Buy, but it will also offer a compelling Holiday Price Match Guarantee of its own: The retailer will match any prices that have been further reduced on items purchased from Target between Thursday, October 6, and Saturday, December 24 (with certain exceptions like Target Circle offers and clearance items). Target RedCard holders have historically been able to score exclusive deals and discounts on top of the 5% savings and free shipping available year-round.

This week’s deals from Target’s early Black Friday sale have ended, but we will update once new deals have launched.

What about the Samsung early Black Friday sales event?

Samsung's Early Black Friday Sale is live, but with a limited number of our recommendations on sale and underwhelming deals, it has yet to impress. Not only are we seeing unlocked Samsung devices more deeply discounted from other retailers, but the prices listed on Samsung's website are often framed as being better than they actually are by always giving you the trade-in price first. It may be worthwhile if you have a recent device to trade, but you can likely find better prices elsewhere if you don’t have a pristine, recent trade to offer. These are the best standalone Samsung sales we're seeing from all retailers.

What we like: A less invasive and more decor-friendly TV. Easily blends into the background. Smart screensaver can display photos or art when not in use.

Other things to know: Doesn't offer the latest and greatest TV features. Order individual display pieces or packs from the online Art Store.

What we like: Our SSD pick for PS5 owners. Meets Sony's demanding performance requirements for the PlayStation 5. Runs faster and cooler than similarly priced drives.

Other things to know: Does not come with a pre-installed heatsink, so you'll need to attach an easy-to-install option to further reduce temperatures.

Read our review of the best SSDs.

What we like: Our new top pick for the best OLED TV. Combines OLED technology with quantum dot color to produce the brightest, most color-rich, and most room-flexible OLED TV we’ve ever tested.

Other things to know: Does not support Dolby Vision HDR. Only available in 55- and 65-inch screen sizes. New low price for the 65-inch size.

Read our review of the best OLED TV.

REI doesn't do Black Friday sales. This mid-November sale is the next best thing

What we love: Warmer and has a more attractive fit than other low-cost puffy jackets. 650-fill performs well in moderately cold climates. Easy to layer under.

Other things to know: Doesn't have all the added features of some of our other picks. Not fully waterproof. Comes in a wide range of sizes.

What we like: Densely-knit construction with quick-drying nylon shell. Recycled material stuffing. Durable and stain resistant. Ideal for outdoor use.

Other things to know: Stiffer, less packable, less breathable, and heavier than our top pick. Available in multiple colors/patterns.

What we like: Our thermal underwear pick for the best long sleeve for outdoor activities. Basic, functional, fitted but not tight, comfortable to wear all day, and wears well under backpack straps.

Other things to know: Fabric is 87% merino wool blended with nylon. There isn’t anything notably bad about this shirt. We don’t recommend the matching bottoms for this top.

What we like: Our top pick support insole for men. Insoles strike a good balance between support and cushion. Provides a comfortable fit for a wide range of shoe styles and sizes.

Other things to know: Available in sizes B-G. Matches the best price we've seen this year. REI members qualify for free shipping, otherwise opt for store pickup to avoid shipping fees.

TV deals

TV deals always spring to mind when people think of the upcoming sale season, and with good reason—November is one of the best times of the year to buy a new TV (the other being pre–Super Bowl sales). We’re anticipating that 4K models will be dirt cheap and OLED models will be more accessible than ever, but proceed with caution. Before you pull the trigger on a seemingly great deal, consider this advice from our TV experts.

What we like: Top-tier OLED picture quality at a reasonable price. Great visuals from lower-resolution SDR and HDR content. Native Dolby Atmos support. Full suite of HDMI 2.1 inputs.

Other things to know: Only a marginal improvement upon last year’s C1. Doesn’t match the high brightness and color volume of Samsung’s S95B. Included free $175 Visa gift card.

Read our review of the best oled tv.

What we like: A less invasive and more decor-friendly TV. Easily blends into the background. Smart screensaver can display photos or art when not in use.

Other things to know: Doesn't offer the latest and greatest TV features. Order individual display pieces or packs from the online Art Store.

What we like: Our runner-up pick for the best OLED TV if you want a larger or smaller screen size. Top-tier OLED picture quality at a more reasonable price. Great visuals from lower-resolution SDR content. Native support for Dolby Atmos audio. A full suite of HDMI 2.1 inputs and advanced gaming functions.

Other things to know: Doesn’t match the high brightness and color volume of our top pick.

Read our review of the best OLED TV.

What we like: Our top pick for the best 32-inch TV. Offers better picture quality than the competition and has helpful built-in features like voice search and Bluetooth audio output.

Other things to know: 720p resolution is not ideal for up-close uses and really dark scenes can look too blue at times. New low price.

What we like: Our new top pick for the best OLED TV. Combines OLED technology with quantum dot color to produce the brightest, most color-rich, and most room-flexible OLED TV we’ve ever tested.

Other things to know: Does not support Dolby Vision HDR. Only available in 55- and 65-inch screen sizes. New low price for the 65-inch size.

Read our review of the best OLED TV.

What we like: Our new top pick for best budget 4K TV. Full-array LED backlighting with local dimming, quantum dots (better color performance), HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos.

Other things to know: Only available with Roku TV. TCL's Game Studio Plus has good features for gamers but 60 Hz refresh rate is not best for gaming. Four HDMI 2.1 ports.

What we like: Supports almost every major service and has a clean, simple interface. Affordable 4K.

Other things to know: Runner-up pick. Search and discovery features are more limited than our top pick, the more expensive Google Chromecast TV.

Laptop deals

MacBooks and Chromebooks and Windows ultrabooks, oh my! No matter what laptop you’re looking for and what purpose it may serve (work, school, gaming, or even photo and video editing), Black Friday can be a great time to pick up a computer. Often, retailers drop prices before Black Friday as part of early sales—which can really come in handy if you need a laptop immediately or you’re concerned about a gift arriving in time for the holidays. And if you’re not sure what kind of laptop is right for you, we have some handy tips for finding a laptop that best suits your needs.

What we like: Nearly identical to its predecessor, the Flex 5, except for its newer processor. Offers faster performance than most Chromebooks under $500. Handles everyday workloads with aplomb.

Other things to know: Comes with Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor, 8 GB RAM, and 128 GB SSD. At $300, within $20 of Prime Day 2 price, and could fall further to $280 later this month.

What we like: Lightweight with solid performance. 10.5-hour battery life. No deal-breaking flaws.

Other things to know: Keyboard is a little cramped. Doesn’t come with USB-C charger.

Video game and board game deals

If you’ve been seeking a new console over the past few years, you’ve likely been lucky just to find one—discounts have been borderline non-existent for the more popular new offerings. We still don’t anticipate massive discounts this holiday season, but we do think consoles will be more available, and some options, such as the Xbox Series S, will see discounts. Nintendo also announced upcoming Black Friday deals on the Nintendo Switch and several Switch games at partner retailers this holiday season (though we predict Black Friday sales on Switch games and accessories will be more compelling). Games for your Xbox, Switch, PC, and PS4 and PS5 will be discounted early and often, so keep an eye out and beat the rush. Plus, now is a great time to pick up the most sought-after board games, puzzles, and card games, so you can sit back and relax knowing you don’t have to engage in some type of retail warfare à la Jingle All the Way.

What we like: Small, light, and can play current generation of games. Compatible with a library of backwards compatible games. Supports 4K media streaming. More affordable than the Series X.

Other things to know: 512 GB built in storage—can add external hard drive for more space. Lacks a disc drive. Weaker graphics card means most games will be a native 1080p or 1440p.

What we like: One of the fastest moderately priced microSDXC cards we tested. Good for adding storage to phones, tablets, game consoles, and more. Quick enough for 1080p, 4K, and up to 5K action cameras and drones.

Other things to know: Not on GoPro’s list of officially recommended microSD cards.

What we like: Our SSD pick for PS5 owners. Meets Sony's demanding performance requirements for the PlayStation 5. Runs faster and cooler than similarly priced drives.

Other things to know: Does not come with a pre-installed heatsink, so you'll need to attach an easy-to-install option to further reduce temperatures.

Read our review of the best SSDs.

What we like: Staff favorite. Great action-adventure game for Nintendo Switch. Beautifully designed. Full of nostalgia.

Other things to know: First deal we’ve seen this year. Target RedCard holders save extra 5%.

What we like: A fun battling card game, with a tricky movement puzzle thrown in for good measure. As tactically deep and interesting as the more elaborate war games we tested but much easier to set up and learn.

Other things to know: Grid occupies quite a large space on a table as you play. Lack of in-box organization means you’ll need a supply of rubber bands for cards.

What we like: A quick economic card collection game. Not overly complicated or dull. Doesn’t rely too heavily on luck.

Other things to know: Skill ceiling is relatively low. Nicely balanced and will keep you engaged throughout multiple rounds, but it can feel like you’ve learned everything after a few play-throughs. New low price.

Vacuum deals

People may associate cleaning with spring, but you don’t have to be a parent or a pet owner to know that dealing with messes is a year-round job. As part of early Black Friday sales, Target, Walmart, and other retailers are already offering plenty of deals on a variety of cleaning, organization, and floor-care essentials. Don’t dismiss refurbished models—opting to take advantage of sales on refurbished items from brands like Dyson and iRobot can net you even deeper discounts—but just be sure to take note of the warranty information before you buy.

What we like: Better than competitors at getting pet hair out of rugs. Nimble navigation system. Durable, sturdy, and repairable. Comes with charging dock that automatically sucks debris out of the robot after a cleaning session.

Other things to know: Use code REFURB20. Doesn’t work quite as fast as some competing models. Comes with a 2-year Allstate warranty. Privacy concerns have been raised by some after Amazon's acquisition of iRobot.

Kitchen deals

It’s a great time to take advantage of discounts to make your holiday baking and Thanksgiving meal prep even easier. You can expect to see early Black Friday sales that include deals on appliances and kitchenware from a variety of brands, including KitchenAid, Nespresso, and Instant Pot.

What we like: The only option we tested that performs just as well as an air fryer as it does a toaster oven. Multitude of specific settings for dehydrating, proofing, and slow cooking. Crisps food faster than traditional toaster ovens. Has a large two-rack oven capacity. Multiple fan speed options.

Other things to know: The Cuisinart Chef's Convection Toaster Oven is cheaper and performs nearly as well for a fraction of the price.

What we like: Our top pick since 2013. Sturdy machine that mixes without straining. Easy to use and clean, built to last. One of the quietest mixers we tested.

Other things to know: Refurbished model. Includes a flat beater, dough hook, and 6-wire whip. Available in multiple colors.

What we like: Impressive accuracy with quick temperature readings. Easy to use with simple, intuitive design. Large, easy-to-read backlit screen. Long 48 inch probe cable. Strong magnets.

Other things to know: Some reports of malfunction after few months of use (we did not encounter this issue). Includes 2 year warranty. Lacks a timer and preprogrammed temperature settings. Price includes $5 shipping.

What we like: Our top pick for the best electric pressure cooker. A versatile time-saver in the kitchen. One of Instant Pot’s more affordable models.

Other things to know: Lacks some of Instant Pot’s newer, more advanced features. Deals on the Duo have been rare in recent months.

What we like: Our budget pizza stone pick. Lets you bake pizza and bread with crispy golden crusts. Save to use on the grill or under a broiler. Gentler heat.

Other things to know: Measures 14x16 inches. Includes a 60-day warranty at the discretion of the company.

What we like: Our runner-up pick for the best medium-sized toaster oven. Impressive ability to maintain a set temperature. Offers a modern, intuitive interface. More spacious than our top pick.

Other things to know: Doesn’t toast quite as evenly as our top pick. Doesn’t come with a pizza stone like our top pick. Convection setting allows you to air-fry food even though the setting isn’t labeled that way. Lacks an oven light.

What we like: Another good set of nonstick pans we speak well of in our guide. Very similar to the All-Clad B1 set we recommend. Thick, sturdy, works with induction, and an excellent value.

Other things to know: Has the classic All-Clad stick handles that are angled upward. The sides of the pan are more upright. Comes with one 8-inch and one 10-inch pan.

Baby deals

Got a new little one in your life? You can expect to find plenty of Black Friday baby gear deals both in stores and online. Right now, you can shop sales on strollers, car seats, toys and and all the other essentials that both parents and babies will love and need.

What we like: Lightest seat we tested. Easy to install. Engineered to prevent user error with color coding (green means good, red means something is amiss). Includes additional load leg safety feature. Comes with huge sun canopy.

Other things to know: Pricey, but a worthy investment for new parents. Longest life span and best warranty of our picks. For infants up to 32 inches, 35 pounds. Available in Pitch Black color.

What we like: Our favorite all-in-one car seat. Has many of the same qualities as our top convertible car seat pick. Converts to a booster seat. Cost-effective. Anti-rebound bar can help reduce the secondary motion in a crash after the initial impact.

Other things to know: We’ve found that each individual type of seat tends to do a far better job at its dedicated purpose than an all-in-one seat can. Anti-rebound bar can only be used in rear-facing mode. Comes with a rapid-remove seat cover.

Lego deals (and other toy deals)

Adults may be preoccupied with Black Friday deals on more “mature” purchases, like treadmills, mattresses, and appliances, but for kids, it is all about the toys—and lucky for them, there are plenty of sale opportunities you can score right now. Legos are a great way for children to build some seriously cool creations as well as work on their creative and STEM skills. And for those seeking discounts on other top toy gifts for the holiday season, we’ve got you covered there, too.

What we like: Fun for kids. A good alternative to sweets. Makes a festive holiday display when finished.

Other things to know:Save instructions for easier rebuilding. Includes Clone Trooper Commander, Battle Droid, C-3PO (Holiday), Darth Vader (Holiday), Snowtrooper, Luke Skywalker, Gonk Droid, and R2-D2 (Holiday) figures.

What we like: One of the most original and well thought-out kids craft subscription boxes we've tested. Entertaining and hands-on. Good for elementary schoolers ages 5-8.

Other things to know: Projects explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) concepts. Cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Down to $5 with code PREVIEW.

What we like: Comes with an attached roll of art paper and built-in storage bins underneath that can be used to hold paints, brushes, and other supplies (three paint cups are also included). Sturdier and has more features than less-expensive easels.

Other things to know: Requires assembly. New low price.

What we like: Intuitive interface that better reflects how people watch video in 2022. Useful remote, voice search capabilities, and 4k HDR video support (including Dolby Vision).

Other things to know: Select store pickup to avoid shipping fees. Comes with with a Funko Pop figure of Eleven with Eggos from Stranger Things.

What we like: A novel way to entertain your kids (that doesn't involve the TV). Crafting subscription box is a great option for unleashing creativity.

Other things to know: Our pick for preschoolers. Comes with three activities each month. Everything you need is right in the box. Use promo code PREVIEW for discount on first box.

Tablet deals

Whether you prefer Apple’s iPads or an Android tablet like a Samsung Galaxy or Amazon Fire, this is one of the best times to find some great early Black Friday tablet deals. Many markdowns are as good as discounts you can expect to see during Black Friday, thereby saving you time and money in the long run. Just be sure you keep your eyes peeled, as many of these sales sell out fast. From pro tablets intended to replace your laptop to budget tablets, here are the best Black Friday tablet deals you can buy right now.

What we like: Offers core functionality of a laptop in a tablet form. Access to every application available on Windows. Sturdy keyboard with a decent trackpad and full row of function keys. Keyboard is well matched to the size of screen and is comfortable to use. Smooth 120 Hz refresh rate. Long 10 hour battery life. Solid kickstand.

Other things to know: Intel i5 processor, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD. Does not come with the surface pen. i5 processor should be sufficient for most people. Two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 connections. Some might prefer buying a comparably priced Ultrabook. Not all applications are very tap-friendly. Costco membership required.

What we like: Our new top pick in our guide to the best pro tablets. Newest generation of the iPad Pro, powered by the latest M2 processor, faster connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, and some new camera features.

Other things to know: No design changes. Might see better discounts during Cyber week.

What we like: Wacom's cheapest entry-level option. Reliable and portable graphics tablet with 6-by-3.7-inch drawing surface. Paper-like texture helps ease transition from analog to digital.

Other things to know: Lacks customizable buttons. Prime Day offered slightly better pricing.

Travel and luggage deals

From destination weddings to heading home for the holidays, travel is back and busier than ever. Unfortunately, that means demand for luggage and all things travel is up as well. Even so, shoppers can anticipate small Black Friday 2022 luggage sales on carry-on and suitcase sets from top brands like Away, plus somewhat more readily available deals on travel backpacks and gear like Bluetooth trackers to make your upcoming winter (or spring!) getaway as stress-free as possible. No matter where you’re headed, we’ll be tracking the truly viable early Black Friday travel deals to help you save on gear for vacations, cruises, and even trips to and from school.

What we like: Sleek, modern shape. Durable. High quality finishes. Interior easy to clean. Water bottle pocket holds securely with sturdy elastic band.

Other things to know: Won't provide much cushion for laptops. Expensive. No sternum strap. Use code WIRECUTTER for deal price, available in 4 colorful designs.

Clothing deals

Electronics, toys, and home appliances may get a lot of hype, but early Black Friday sales also offer plenty of excellent opportunities to revamp your wardrobe with sitewide deals and flash sales. Beyond Amazon and Target, you can expect to see deals from apparel retailers like Kohl’s, L.L.Bean, and Nordstrom. You can expect everything from drops on Nike sneakers and shapewear to discounts on wardrobe staples like plain white T-shirts and cozy cashmere sweaters.

What we like: The best mix of comfort, durability, and cushioning in a versatile height. Constructed with highly breathable merino wool, nylon, and Lycra spandex.

Other things to know: Includes a lifetime warranty. Available in five colors and sizes S-L. Free shipping. Men's also on sale.

What we like: Best synthetic option for most climates and terrains. Offer more padding around the heel and toes than comparable options. Kept our testers' feet dry throughout hot summer days.

Other things to know: Includes a lifetime warranty. Available in two colors and sizes M-XL. Free shipping. Women's also on sale.

What we like: Our durable black tights pick. Wardrobe staple. Stylish opaque design. Showed no signs of wear, even after zipper and brick tests. Generous range of sizes.

Other things to know: New low. A little expensive (when not on sale). Not particularly soft or stretchy. Available in black. 90-day warranty. Free shipping on all orders.

What we like: A great value for what you get. Flattering design. Self packable design allows for easy storage. Velcro wrist cuffs. Repels water well, even after machine-washing.

Other things to know: Cheap-feeling zipper. Lack of placket can lead to seeping water. Better-suited to light rainy days. Available in Static Blue in sizes S-XL.

This article was edited by Ignacia Fulcher.

Frequently asked questions

Do we expect any deals from Peloton?

Even with declines in revenue, recalls, and a decrease in demand, we still think buying a Peloton bike is still a good idea if you plan to use it. Considering the exercise company boasts millions of devoted subscribers—each of which pay a monthly membership fee—the Peloton universe is unlikely to collapse altogether. So if you've been eyeing a Peloton bike for the past few years, now may be a great time to pick one up. The retailer has yet to announce whether it will participate in Black Friday or Cyber Monday this year, but after a brief hiatus from the sales event circuit in 2020, we think they’ll be back again this year. Not only did it participate in October’s Prime Early Access Sale, but Peloton also recently announced a price match guarantee policy through November 28, which indicates a willingness to offer deep discounts during a Black Friday 2022 sale.

When do Black Friday sales start?

Early Black Friday sales have already started, and we're sifting through the early sales to find you the real discounts on Wirecutter-recommended products worth the spend. We're already seeing sales from the likes of Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Costco, and Newegg. Some retailers (Target and Newegg) are offering holiday price protection, which promises to refund you the difference if the price of select early Black Friday sale items drop lower this season. Others, like Walmart, are offering extended holiday return windows.

When will Walmart release their 2022 Black Friday ad?

Walmart has launched its first round of early Black Friday sales and will continue to roll out sales in waves each Monday as the month continues. Event 1 of Walmart's official Deals for Days sale event launched online on November 7 and in stores on November 9, while Event 2 begins online on November 14 at 7 p.m. ET and in stores on November 16. Each wave of online sales also comes with an early access window on the day each sales event begins for Walmart+ members before being opened to all shoppers.

Does Lululemon have Black Friday sales?

Lululemon offers solid deals year-round within their website’s sale section (called “We Made Too Much”), which is updated every Thursday morning, but sizes and styles are limited and Wirecutter picks like the Wunder Train High-Rise Tight and the Align High-Rise Short are rarely included. During Lululemon's 2022 Black Friday sale, you can expect to find discounts on their most popular styles, including best-sellers like leggings, shorts, backpacks, and more. Lululemon hasn’t released the dates of their Black Friday 2022 sale , but we anticipate that it will start between Friday, November 25 and Monday, November 28, as their Black Friday deals have typically run from Black Friday through Cyber Monday in years-past. However, if you see a notable discount on a particular style you’ve had your eye on—such as their highly-coveted leggings—we recommend buying sooner rather than later, as their stock tends to sell out quickly during sales events.

When is Amazon’s Black Friday sale?

Not only has Amazon’s Black Friday already begun—it’s also one of the longest-running deals events of the season. The online retailer’s official position is that its Black Friday 2022 sale kicks off on Thursday, November 24 (Thanksgiving Day) and ends on Saturday, November 26, many of their early Black Friday deals are just as worthwhile as the ones you can expect to see during that period—and they’re live now, so there’s no waiting involved. Shoppers can snag deals on everything from Amazon devices like Echo smart speakers and displays, to deals on just about everything else, including smart TVs, video games, air fryers, Apple products, and vacuums. We expect Black Friday to include special Prime member-exclusive offers, as well as Lightning Deals that will launch every few minutes.

When do Black Friday ads come out?

If you haven’t started planning for Black Friday, it’s not too late—but it’s better to get started earlier than later. Some retailers, like Amazon, Best Buy, and Costco, began releasing their early Black Friday ads as early as late October, giving shoppers a first glimpse of the sales that will be available leading up to the main event. Throughout the month of November, expect a deluge of actual Black Friday ads to publish or leak—up until the week of Black Friday, at which point most sales will have actually begun. Historically, Home Depot has revealed its Black Friday ad a couple weeks before the main event in mid-November— we anticipate savings on appliances, tool brands like Milwaukee and DeWalt, furniture, and even home and holiday decor like Christmas trees. For now, you can shop their early Black Friday event. Target also typically shares its Black Friday ad closer to mid-November, though—like other retailers—they’ve already kicked off their early Black Friday 2022 sale. Walmart, meanwhile, announced the details of its Deals for Days sales event earlier this month, with the first wave of Black Friday discounts going live on November 7 online and November 9 in stores.

Are PlayStation 5 and Xbox expected to go on sale this Black Friday?

In addition to the Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite, many are holding out hope that this will be the year they’ll finally be able to get their hands on an Xbox or Playstation console. The availability of these consoles has improved and we’ve seen them available for purchase, often bundled with a game, for full price. Unfortunately, we don’t anticipate any exceptional Xbox Series X or PS5 Black Friday deals this year. Less sought-after models like the Xbox Series S could well see discounts, but you likely won’t see the more coveted models going for less than their street price. However, we do expect to see substantial savings on games and accessories like headsets, controllers, and microSD cards.

Does Apple have Black Friday sales?

Apple has historically offered Black Friday promotions. They often include an Apple gift card with purchase, sometimes a generous one, making them a viable option for shoppers looking to grab multiple Apple products. Students can also benefit from purchasing from Apple directly, as they’ve long offered competitive prices via the company’s .edu portal. However, we’ve historically found better pricing for everyday shoppers from other retailers, so we’d recommend looking out for sales on MacBooks, iPads, and Apple Watches from Best Buy, Costco, and Amazon. While Target and Walmart don’t sell MacBooks, you’ll be able to find sales on iPads and Apple Watches via those retailers as well.