30+ early Black Friday tech deals Id recommend to friends and family: Save on Apple, Samsung, DJI

As Mashable's tech editor, I get early access to a lot of really cool products. I also have a pretty deep knowledge of the coolest new gadgets, from the latest virtual reality tech to everyday fitness trackers and new Apple laptops. I've also been covering Black Friday sales since 2019, and I have a very good idea of what goes on sale, what kind of discounts to expect, and which deals you can safely skip. So, now that retailers are rolling out all their early Black Friday tech deals, I'm curating this guide to the best savings of the season.

In this guide, you'll find all the Black Friday tech deals I'd actually recommend to my friends and family. Before recommending a Samsung QLED TV or Anker charger, I'll first make sure that the price is actually a good deal. Online retailers are notorious for exaggerating their sales, but I've done the work for you to find the biggest genuine discounts at Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and beyond.

So, keep checking back as I add new discounts on the season's best gadgets, toys, wearables, and tech gifts. I've personally tested many of the products in this guide, while others have been tested by other Mashable reporters. If you see a deal in this story, it's because I'd truly recommend that product — and at that price — to my loved ones.

The Apple Watch SE 3

Apple just launched the new version of its starter smartwatch in September, and it's already earned a spot in my guide to the best smartwatches of the year. The truth is, while we also loved the longer-lasting Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra Watch 3, the new SE 3 is the right pick for the vast majority of people. This is a true lifestyle smartwatch that also does double duty as a fitness and sleep tracker. Plus, it even has an always-on Retina OLED display. At Amazon, you can pick up this smartwatch for $199.99, a 20% discount ahead of the holiday shopping season.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones

Bose recently released a new version of its flagship noise-canceling headphones, and in our review, we said the new model is nearly identical to the original. However, the new version will set you back $449, which is a big ask in this economy. Meanwhile, the Gen 1 version on sale for $298 is still one of the best, most comfortable headphones in the world. While it's possible these headphones might get a bigger price drop come Nov. 28, don't count on it. I love these headphones, and this is easily one of the best Prime Day tech deals of the year so far.

Rechargeable Electric Hand Warmers

Alexa informed me that New York City faces its first freeze warning of the season, and now I'm mad at her. However, I do have something to keep the chill away. I've been using and recommending these cute electric hand warmers for years, and they're one of my favorite undiscovered gems at Amazon. They're one of my go-to stocking stuffers, and they'll keep your hands toasty and warm all winter long. If you're looking for tech deals under $25, this is my personal recommendation.

A DJI drone bundle

Have you heard about the DJI drone ban? If not, then we have very bad news: It looks like DJI drones are set to be banned in the U.S. by year's end, which means this is your last chance to buy one. So long as you're already flying, the potential ban shouldn't affect you, a DJI representative recently told me. Unfortunately, you can only buy these drones from third-party sellers at retailers like Amazon, but we think the risk is worth the reward in this case.

Samsung's famous art TV

I've said it before: Samsung's cult-favorite art TV, The Frame, is the best TV in the world. This super-thin TV doubles as an art gallery for your living room, adding to your home's decor instead of distracting from it. The 2025 model of The Frame has a fancy new AI processor, as well as a magic-like matte, anti-glare display. While you can catch this TV on sale at any retailer you like, Amazon currently has the best price.

A new Apple laptop

We think the M4 MacBook Pro is the best MacBook for most people, and this is a fantastic price for a 2025 model Apple laptop. Powered by M4 silicon, it's also lightning fast. The M4 chip is faster than anything you'll find in the Windows world, which means this laptop is faster and more efficient than the competition. Its $749 price at Amazon is a record discount, and we're not expecting the price to drop any lower (though Apple could surprise us).

A portable Bluetooth speaker from Beats

We recently named the Beats Pill the best portable Bluetooth speaker to buy on sale. And, what do you know, it's on sale. You can pick up this powerful water-resistant speaker for just $79 at Amazon. Released in 2024 as part of a collaboration with Kim Kardashian (don't let that stop you from scoring a great deal), it plays well with Android and iOS devices. Alternatively, you can pick up the

DJI's cult-favorite wireless microphones

If you're a content creator or vlogger, then you've probably heard of DJI's famous pocket mics, currently 46% off at Amazon. These wireless mics replace the awkward wired lavaliers of the past, and they clip on to your shirt or collar magnetically. There's a reason you can spot these microphones all over TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube. I've personally tested these microphones, and they've been a huge help to the Mashable video team at live events.

Re-up on Apple AirTags

Look, the best Black Friday deals aren't always super exciting. This is your chance to stock up on products you need. Case in point: Apple AirTags are currently 50 cents away from their lowest-ever price. At Amazon, a 4-pack is 34% off, and you'll pay just $16.25 per tracker. Using ultra-wideband technology and Apple's Find My network, there's no better way to track lost items.

Eufy robot vacuums

Eufy may not have quite the name recognition as iRobot in the vacuum space, but you'll find Eufy robot vacuums all over Mashable shopping guides. If you're looking for a premium robot vacuum and mop combo, try the Eufy S1 Pro, which has a roller mop, self-cleaning, self-drying, and a 50% discount. Our vacuum expert, Leah Stodart, has also been impressed by the Eufy X10 Pro Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop, which she named one of the best cleaning machines of the year.

A shockingly affordable flatscreen TV

As much as I love Samsung's The Frame, I know not everyone can afford to drop $1,000 on a new TV. Fortunately, you can count on Black Friday doorbuster deals if you need a TV on the cheap. And now that big box retailers start all their Black Friday sales early, you don't have to wait in line on Thanksgiving night. Over at Amazon and Best Buy, you can grab smart TVs starting at just $99.

A Roku streaming stick

If a new smart TV isn't in your budget this year, that doesn't mean you have to be locked out of the latest streaming apps. Access everything from Amazon's Prime Video to Apple TV and Spotify using this affordable streaming stick from Roku. You'll still have to pay for all those apps, but it's still a lot cheaper than buying a new TV.

The Samsung Galaxy XR Headset Explorer's Pack

This is the ultimate splurge this holiday season — Samsung's new AR/VR headset, the Galaxy XR. It's Samsung's answer to the Apple Vision Pro, and it's significantly more affordable, though still extremely pricey. If you buy the device during the holiday shopping season, Samsung will throw in $1,140 worth of freebies, including a year of Google AI Pro, YouTube Premium, and NBA League Pass. You'll also get access to exclusive XR experiences and more premium apps. This offer ends Dec. 31.

A Nintendo Switch 2 bundle

Over the summer, it was almost impossible to find the new Nintendo Switch 2 console in stock. Thankfully, that's no longer the case. While we haven't found any official discounts on the Switch 2 console yet, you can find some Switch 2 bundles in stock at Amazon, Walmart, and GameStop. We expect this handheld to top many Christmas gift wishlists this year, so grab these while you can.

A Blink home security camera

Amazon always discounts its devices for big sales, and right now you can grab the popular Blink Mini 2 security camera for just $17.99, a 55% discount. We don't expect this product to get any cheaper come Thanksgiving, so go ahead and stock up and protect your home.

A powerful portable power station

I've tested several Jackery Explorer power stations over the years, and I've never had a bad experience. The brand helped popularize this product category in the United States, and it's easy to see why. They make rugged power stations that are easy to use, have a variety of ports, and connect easily to your devices (not to mention solar panels, if you have them). If you live in fear of the power going out — or just want to charge your phone during a camping trip or tailgate — these devices are a must have.

Sony noise-cancelling headphones

Just like Bose, Sony also released a sequel to its flagship headphones this year. The new XM6 headphones are elite, truly. But having tested them against the previous-gen XM5 model, I'm strongly recommending you buy the XM5s now that they're finally back on sale. Here's the truth: They're more alike than different. And right now, you can get the Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise Cancelling Headphones for just $248, a record-low price. Compare that to the $428 price tag on the new model, and your choice is simple.

Save on video games at Walmart

As part of its early Black Friday sale, Walmart has tons of video games on sale. You can score new titles like Madden NFL 26 and Borderlands 4, or play back old favorites like Grand Theft Auto V.

A virtual reality headset at a great price

If only the Apple Vision Pro cost $249.99. Alas, we don't live in that world. However, you can buy a Meta Quest 3S VR Headset bundle for that very reasonable price. With 128GB of storage and instant access to over 40 games, this early Black Friday tech deal lets you discover an entirely new type of gaming. Though, personally, I prefer to use VR for watching 3D movies and other types of VR video content.

Even more early Black Friday tech deals

The top Black Friday tech deals to watch

Gaming laptop deals

Sure, we could recommend some mediocre gaming laptop deals. But I'm not impressed by this week's gaming laptop deals. Instead, I advise waiting until next week, when we expect more Acer, HP, and Lenovo gaming laptops will go on sale. Case in point: This Lenovo LOQ 15 has gone on sale for as little as $864.49 in the past, but it's currently on sale for $1,090.49. Womp, womp. If you can hold out, wait for Black Friday.

Last-chance savings on DJI drones

As Mashable has reported, a total ban on DJI drones in the United States is very likely to be implemented, possibly by the end of the year. For professionals and hobbyists alike, DJI drones are pretty much the only name in town, and so the ban would be a huge blow to the drone community. During recent Prime Day events, we've seen DJI's popular consumer drones get heavy discounts. So, while they're not on sale yet, we're watching these potential Black Friday deals very closely.

Oura smart rings

We're big fans of Oura smart rings at Mashable, and the brand's Black Friday sale is set to start Nov. 20. Our reviewer praised Oura for its great balance of health, fitness, and sleep tracking metrics, and there's a reason these smart rings are beloved by many pro athletes. We're currently testing the brand's newest models, and we fully expect the popular Oura Ring 4 trackers to go on sale for Black Friday. Keep an eye on the Oura online store. In the meantime, go ahead and order an Oura Ring sizing kit for just $10 at Amazon.

Apple AirPods 4

You can buy these wireless earbuds on sale at Amazon for $117, but we recommend waiting for Black Friday, when we expect these buds to drop to just $89, as they have before.

Nothing headphones and smartwatches

This is the year we fell for British brand Nothing. In our review of the Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro, we said that Nothing could be charging three or four times as much for this AMOLED smartwatch. For Black Friday, we fully expect this product to drop from $99 to at least $79, along with a slew of other Nothing products.