Black Friday sales officially start on Friday, November 28 and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales from product reviews, comparisons, and price tracking tools before they're gone.
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Sales data is accurate at time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change.
Not everyone Black Friday promotion as sweet as it sounds. Particularly with electronics, this new price tag could mean you're tricked into buying a cheaper model of something you really want. Or you could buy last year's model, which has actually been on sale since the summer – perhaps even at a better price a few months ago.
Here's how to avoid impulse shopping for misleading Black Friday “deals” and make sure you're getting the most bang for your buck.
Why you shouldn't impulsively buy electronics on Black Friday
When you see products like food, clothing or home goods with a big ol' Black Friday tag on them, it's probably safe to take advantage of the deal. Chances are it's the same product you'll find on other days of the year. The same cannot be said about TV.
Many of the electronics sold during Black Friday are special “doorshots” or exclusive models released specifically for the holiday shopping season. These versions often contain cheaper components, fewer features, or lower specifications than their regular counterparts. A 55-inch TV from a name brand may look identical to a year-round model, but it may have a lower refresh rate, inferior panel technology, or fewer HDMI ports. So of course you can go with cheaper TV on Black Friday, but think about value what you are buying.
Likewise, that “amazing deal” on a laptop could be on last year's processor or on a smartphone that's about to be replaced. Retailers are clearing out obsolete products during Black Friday, and while the discount looks impressive, you're buying outdated technology. The problem is not that this technology is an outdated model, but that it actually comes at such a low price – or even less! – since the summer.
Alternatively, some heavily discounted electronics are refurbished units or open-box returns that have been repackaged. Again, while this is not necessarily a bad thing, impulsive buyers may not realize what they are buying.
How to Tell if a Black Friday Sale is a Good Deal
Key phrase here pulse purchase. Black Friday is psychologically designed to encourage impulse buying. Limited-time offers, countdown clocks, and “while supplies last” alerts create an artificial urgency that interferes with rational decision-making. When you're caught up in the moment, it's easy to convince yourself that you need a new tablet, smartwatch, or gaming console, even if you haven't thought about buying one before.
To avoid discreet scams, you should do your research. The easiest way to ensure you are getting the right product is to checking the model or serial number. And thanks to online shopping, you can find and double-check these numbers quickly and easily.
Seriously, don't just compare prices –compare characteristics. Look at processor speed, RAM, storage capacity, screen resolution, refresh rate, and connectivity. A $300 laptop isn't an option when a slightly more expensive model offers significantly better performance and will last you for years.
What are your thoughts so far?
If you see a deal that catches your eye, it's worth waiting. Cyber Monday, post-Christmas sales and even January sales often include deals on electronics that rival or beat Black Friday prices, all without the famous chaos and pressure. On the other hand, if you wait, you risk getting more “out of stock” results, so the risk is up to you, depending on the popularity of the item you're eyeing (and how badly you want it).
Bottom line: Don't fall victim to a falsely advertised low quality product and make the most of the holiday deals. doing some research ahead of time.
How long do Black Friday deals actually last?
Black Friday sales officially begin on Friday, November 28, 2025, and continue through “Cyber Week,” a five-day period that runs from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, December 1, 2025. But Black Friday and Cyber Monday dates have expanded as retailers compete for shoppers. You can get same early Black Friday saleand we expect sales to decline by December 3, 2025.
Which Stores Have the Best Sales on Black Friday?
With both large retailers and small businesses currently competing for Black Friday shoppers, you can expect almost every store to have sales through Monday, December 1, 2025. The “best” sales depend on your needs, but in general, the biggest discounts tend to come from larger retailers that can afford the lower prices: think places like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy and Home Depot. You can find all the best sales from major retailers. on our live blog.
Are Black Friday Deals Worth Spending?
In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that may be rare the rest of the year. If you want to buy something or are buying gifts, now is the time to look for discounts on what you need, especially technology sales, home improvement productsAnd fitness equipment. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save money is to not buy anything.
