Target’s Black Friday sale started at the beginning of the month, but now that we’re approaching Thanksgiving, more deals are rolling in. Thankfully, the store is offering a holiday price match guarantee from October 22 to December 24, so you don’t have to worry that something will get cheaper during actual Black Friday. Make sure you keep your receipts!
We’ve rounded up Early Black Friday Mattress Deals, Best Deals from Best Buy. Check our Black Friday shopping tips for more advice.
WIRED’s Featured Deals
Table of Contents
WIRED tests products year-round and handpicked these deals based on the actual discounts, not just the discounts retailers claim to offer. Products that are sold out or no longer discounted as of publishing will be crossed out. We’ll update this guide through November.
We’re not sure if smart displays will be around forever, but if you want one, Google makes some of the best. This second-gen Nest Hub (7/10, WIRED Recommends) doesn’t have a camera, so you have some privacy peace of mind. It’s compact with a 7-inch screen, which makes it ideal for your bedside table. It has sleep-sensing tech to track your sleep quality.
If you want something bigger with a camera, the Google Nest Hub Max (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is our favorite smart display. Its 10-inch display works well in the kitchen but may be too big for a bedroom. It also doubles beautifully as a digital photo frame if you’re a Google Photos user.
The Echo Show 8 is good if you prefer Amazon Alexa over Google Assistant and want to video chat. It was $10 less in October, so it may get cheaper again during actual Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The 8-inch screen is perfectly sized, and is big enough to read recipes and maybe even have a movie playing as you cook, but it doesn’t take up precious counter real estate.
If you want something larger in the Alexa family, the Echo Show 10 swivels around on its unique base. It keeps you in frame while on a video call or keeps your recipe in view as you move around the kitchen. As is true for all Amazon devices, this gadget is best if you frequently use other Amazon products and services.
Amazon’s cute Echo Pop (7/10, WIRED Review) is affordable, comes in fun colors, and is tiny compared to the fully round speakers Amazon usually produces. It sounds good too, but not as good as some of the other Echos.
The Fire HD 10 is still our favorite Fire tablet. This version has the fastest processor to date—it’s marginally snappier than you’d find in previous iterations, but hey, an improvement is an improvement. With the biggest screen of the bunch, there’s more room to consume all the Amazon content your heart could want. You can shell out more cash for the new Keyboard Case bundle, a tablet without advertisements on the lock screen, or both.
The Fire HD 8 (6/10, WIRED Review) is solid for under $100 and this price is within $5 of the lowest price we’ve tracked for it. However, unless you want a small tablet or need to spend as little as possible, it may be worth the $20 extra for the HD 10 above. The 8’s screen isn’t as good and it’s a bit slower.
The Fire HD 8 is our favorite Fire tablet for kids. It’s the same tablet as the “normal” Fire HD 8, but comes with a rugged case, a year of Amazon Kids+, and a two-year worry-free guarantee. If your kid chucks it down the stairs or flings their tablet out the window because Bluey stopped playing, Amazon will replace the tablet for free. The Pro model has a slimmer case, as it’s aimed at older kids. The larger Fire HD 10 Pro is also good for older kids.
There are digital frames that we like more, but Skylight frames still look good. You can use the app or set up a custom email that people can send photos to, and you’ll find a stand or wall mount in the box. We don’t love wall-mounting frames, because you still have a wire hanging down, but it’s an option if you have a good way to hide it.
The ninth-generation iPad (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is the best iPad for most people, even over the newer model. It’s usually around $270, which is affordable for an iPad, so this extra discount makes it even more accessible. Its 12-megapixel rear camera supports Center Stage, which keeps you in the frame during video calls, and a True Tone display adjusts the color temperature to match the ambient lighting in your environment. We also love the physical Touch ID-enabled home button. And since it’s the same shape and size as its predecessors, all current accessories will work—like the first-generation Apple Pencil and Apple’s Smart Keyboard.
The ninth-gen iPad above is a better choice for most people, but there are a few upgrades here like a more powerful A 14 bionic chip and a more modern design—it loses the home button and has slimmer bezels. The rear camera has been upgraded and the selfie camera moved to the center of the iPad for video calls. It also comes in fun colors, like yellow and pink, which we rarely see anymore.
We recommend the iPad Air (8/10, WIRED Recommends) as an upgrade pick if you can spend more. It packs a 10.9-inch LCD screen, a USB-C port, slim bezels, Touch ID built into the top power button, and the same M1 processor as the 2020 MacBook Air. It also has support for both the second-generation Apple Pencil, Smart Keyboard Cover, and Magic Keyboard Cover. It dipped lower to $460 in July, but we still think this is a solid deal.
All iPads are pretty slim, but if you need something extra portable, the Mini (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is our go-to. We see it typically for $469, at least on Amazon. The 8.3-inch display is great for watching movies or reading ebooks, as well as sketching and taking notes. Equipped with an A15 Bionic processor (the same chip powering the 2021 iPhone 13), it can handle taxing apps and games with ease. It’s worth noting Apple is rumored to be launching a next-gen version soon, but this is still a solid tablet if you don’t need the latest and greatest.
The Series 9 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is the latest Apple Watch. If you haven’t updated recently, it’s faster with improved battery life and a brighter display. The next-gen ultra-wideband chip lets you precision-locate your iPhone or AirPods anywhere in your home. There’s also a new Double Tap feature where tapping your index finger and thumb triggers functions like hanging up a call or playing your music.
If you don’t need all the extensive capabilities that come with the Apple Watch Series 9, then the second-generation Apple Watch SE is a great option for most people. It can still track important health and fitness features, and with the latest S8 chip, you’ll also get the redesigned Compass app and Crash Detection. It has support for WatchOS 10 too, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on the latest software updates. This is the lowest price we’ve tracked yet—including what it was on Prime Day.
The Beats Studio Pro Wireless Headphones (7/10, WIRED Review) pack excellent noise canceling, good sound quality, and fantastic wireless range. They also offer a stable fit and compact design. These headphones are missing a few key features though, including sensors for auto-pause and multi-band EQ. But with improved sound quality and ANC, along with a few cool extra features for both Android and Apple devices, these are still a solid option—especially if they’re on sale. This is the lowest price we’ve tracked, so far.
The Apple Pencil is one of the most useful tools you can add to the iPad. You’ll want to make sure your iPad supports the second-generation model (see our iPad Accessories guide), but it’s excellent for drawing and for navigating iPadOS, which has handwriting support in various search fields so you don’t need to switch to the keyboard to type. The first-generation Apple Pencil is also discounted to $80 ($20 off). It’s not an uncommon deal, but still a good price if your device doesn’t work with the second-gen.
A good budget espresso machine is a rare find, but this one is our favorite and it’s even cheaper on Amazon. You’ll get a solid portafilter, a reliable steam pump, and a steaming wand in a pretty compact body. Unlike other cheap machines we tried, the Stilosa didn’t show signs of slowing down. I was gifted this after I got married and it’s easy to use whether I want to brew espresso or just stream milk for my coffee. It also takes up very little room on our counter.
Keurigs are not for the coffee aficionados, but for those of us who just want a quick cup without taking up much space, they work. They’re also often discounted, and this particular model is typically included in these holiday sales. The K-Mini is especially small, so it’s great for crowded kitchens or an office. It comes in great colors too, like pink and a gorgeous forest green.
There’s usually a few KitchenAid Stand Mixers discounted during Black Friday, and they’re always popular picks. The motor isn’t quite as powerful as the more expensive Artisan model—that one, made in collaboration with Chip and Joanna Gaines’ brand is also discounted to $350—but this mixer is powerful enough for all but the thickest, stickiest of doughs, and still has 10 speeds. The head tilts back so you can add and remove the included attachments and remove the mixing bowl, which is easier than with the Professional’s non-tilt head. KitchenAid stand mixers have a reputation for being durable, so while it is an initial investment, you can expect it to last for many years. You can also get the smaller 4.5-quart size of the KitchenAid Deluxe on sale, too.
Origin Dyson models are paired down with fewer attachments—this one comes with only a combination tool attachment—so you can save some money if you don’t need all the extras. It still converts into a hand vac. The V8 isn’t as powerful as some other, pricier Dyson vacuums, but it does the job with a 40-minute run time.
Dyson is a master of wedging function into beautiful form. We were struck by how well this tool integrates a fan, electric heater, and air purifier into one. It’s capable of filtering out 99.97 percent of particles 0.3 microns in size, and its built-in air quality monitor displays indoor VOC and particulate levels on a bright, easy-to-read display on the front of the unit.
Therabody has discounted a bunch of its massage guns, including this brand new budget model. It’s cheaper feeling than the rest of the lineup and comes with fewer attachments, but it still works well if you want to try the brand without paying for all the extra bells and whistles. There are two other new devices that aren’t discounted as of yet, but among the ones that are is the 5th-gen Pro for $499 ($100 off), which is still ultra-pricey, and best reserved for those who push their muscles to the limits frequently.
If your store list includes items like toilet paper, laundry detergent, and cleaning supplies like a Swiffer Duster, you can get $10 back in the form of a gift card. Target does these kinds of deals often, and we’re already seeing them change slightly from the beginning of this Black Friday sale. They usually include items you’re going to buy whether there’s a deal going on or not, so it’s a nice bonus.
If you need to pick up a few things like shampoo, moisturizer, or hair gel, you may be able to get a $5 gift card out of the deal. There’s a good variety of products included like our favorite weighted eye mask from Nodpod.
The Pixel 8 below is the best upgrade, but the Google Pixel 7A (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is our choice for most people. It’s not badly priced even when not on sale, so this discount makes it extra enticing. It’s snappy, powerful, water-resistant, and capable of charging wirelessly. The camera is great too.
The Google Pixel 8 (7/10, WIRED Review) is the brand’s newest flagship phone. It’s good! It performs well, the camera is fantastic, and the performance is snappy. Our only gripe is with the battery life. The Pixel 8 Pro is also on sale for $799 ($200 off). Read more about the two phones, plus the rest of the lineup, in our Google Pixel Phone Buying Guide.
If you have significantly more money to spend and have been curious about folding phones, Google’s Pixel Fold (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is great. The 5.8-inch front screen is nice and wide on its own, so you can comfortably use all your favorite apps. Or open it up to reveal the 7.6-inch screen for multitasking. Google’s software smarts are here, along with its excellent cameras, making this one of the best folding phones right now.
The Google Pixel Buds Pro (9/10, WIRED Recommends) are truly excellent earbuds and some of the best for Android phone users. With punchy bass, a comfortable fit, and solid battery life, it’s hard to find a better pair of headphones for the money. This deal price matches the lowest we have seen.
Google’s Pixel Tablet (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is a fantastic Android tablet. The charging dock, which doubles as a speaker, turns this tablet into a smart display. It’s one reason we think the separate smart display is on its way out. The performance and screen are both great for the price, but we wish the battery life and available accessories were better. You can set up to eight user profiles, so anyone in the family can use it with their own apps and home screen.
This is the lowest price we’ve tracked for the Google Chromecast 4K (8/10, WIRED Recommends). We love Rokus for most people, but Google TV’s interface is sleek and great for searching across streaming services, plus there’s built-in Google Assistant. Just keep in mind that you may have to manually clear the cache frequently since there’s not a lot of onboard storage. The HD version of the Chromecast is also on sale for $20, and it’s ideal for anyone with a 1080p TV.
The LG C3 is one of our favorite TVs for gamers. While the regular price has remained steady at Target, it’s been dropping throughout the year at other retailers making this more like $100 off, rather than $400. Our tester said the picture is vivid with high contrast and loaded with detail but never overblown. Response times are fast at 9.2 milliseconds and it supports all current gaming console features across its four HDMI ports.
Roku makes our favorite streaming devices. They’re super easy to set up and use and all the major streaming services are included. The Streaming Sticks are the best of the brand’s lineup and while we typically recommend the Plus, this one is just as good for a solid price. The voice remote doesn’t have hands-free features, but there is a voice button for speaking commands.
If you watch mainly Amazon Prime content, the Fire TV Stick is the streaming device you need and this one was just released at the end of September. You can stream from any service, of course, but it’s heavily geared toward the company’s own content. This 4K Max is faster, with 16 gigabytes of storage versus 8, but if you want to spend less and stay in the Amazon ecosystem, the also-new 4K Stick is on sale for $25 ($25 off).
Polk’s Audio Signa 4 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) was already one of the most affordable Dolby Atmos soundbars of its kind, offering true upward-firing drivers, a wireless subwoofer for beefy bass, and generally pleasing performance. It’s all the tougher to pass up at this price, perfect for those seeking a no-nonsense system that easily upgrades your sound in a simple package.
Bose’s Smart Soundbar 600 is a Mighty Mouse Dolby Atmos soundbar that offers clear and expansive sound from a strikingly small frame. Unlike a lot of soundbars at this price, Bose’s model includes real upward-firing drivers for immersive overhead effects, alongside good musicality, relatively punchy bass, and great network streaming features in a sleek and compact design. See below for a bunch of Sonos soundbar deals too.
Read our Sonos buying guide to figure out which of the brand’s devices is right for you.
The second-gen Beam gets a ton of upgrades from its predecessor including a faster processor, enhanced sound with support for Dolby Atmos (with compatible TVs and streaming apps), and an HDMI eARC port for higher-definition audio. Plus, it has a slight redesign too, as the fabric cover was swapped for a polycarbonate grille. It’s compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and AirPlay 2 as well. For surround sound, you can pair it with a Sonos Sub and two other Sonos speakers.
The Sonos Ray (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is an excellent soundbar for an apartment or small room. It’s compact, allowing you to place it on your entertainment center or dresser. If you want to free up space, mount it on your wall. In terms of sound quality, it delivers clear, crisp sound that will easily fill your space. You can adjust the settings via the Sonos app for the best listening experience.
The Arc (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is our favorite soundbar for big home theaters and it matches the lowest price we’ve tracked. It comes equipped with three tweeters and eight mid-woofers to deliver deep bass, along with full Dolby Atmos support that can bounce sound off walls and ceilings in a way that mimics a surround sound setup. It has a tasteful and understated design too, so it won’t get in the way of your interior aesthetic.
The Sub Mini (8/10, WIRED Review) is tiny, but you can count on it to deliver a thumping bass and clear sound. It’s wireless too. Aside from plugging it into your power source, it pairs with your system through the Sonos app. This is also what you’ll use to fine-tune the subwoofer. You can set bass and treble levels, adjust sub and height audio, set volume limits, and add surround sound speakers.
The third-generation Sub is an expensive way to upgrade your bass, but it’s top-notch, and this is the lowest price we’ve tracked so far. It packs better processing power and more memory than the previous generation. The Sub is meant to be paired with Sonos’ non-portable options, like soundbars, speakers, and amplifiers (it won’t pair with the Move, Roam, Port, or Connect).
The Amp is a great option for those looking for an amplifier to power their turntable, TV, outdoor speakers, and more at higher volumes. The front control panel is touch-sensitive, so you can either tap or swipe for things like pausing music and adjusting the volume. The Amp also connects via the Sonos app and comes with support for AirPlay 2. It doesn’t come with built-in mics, but you’ll have voice control if you pair it with another Sonos voice-enabled speaker like the Sonos One or Sonos Move.
While the Amp powers speakers, the Port streams to an amp that then sends a signal to the speakers. Unlike the Amp, it doesn’t come with a control panel, but you can use the Sonos app to adjust treble, bass, and volume. It also has support for AirPlay 2. As with the Amp, you can also pair it with other Sonos speakers for voice control.
Photograph: Target
Artificial trees can save you money in the long run, since you aren’t buying a new one every year. Plus, you can keep them up longer. We can’t speak for the quality of all of these, but there is a wide range of sizes and types of trees that should fit most people’s homes and needs, like a 3-inch little spruce or this 6-foot slim Virginia pine that one WIRED family bought last year.
Target makes some of my favorite Christmas decor, and it being on sale before the holiday instead of immediately after is a nice way to add a few things to your rotation this year.
Photograph: Target
Like the decor, Target also makes great ornaments from pretty, to silly, to just plain cute. This deal includes single ornaments as well as multi-packs.
If you’ve got trees, lights, and decorations going up for the holidays, you may need to stock up on extension cords, power strips, or timers to make them all work. Right now, they’re a few bucks off.
Toys and Entertainment Deals
We recommend a few Fujifilm Instax instant cameras, and the Mini 40 falls in between the models. It costs more than the Mini 11, but has a classic, retro look, and is a bit cheaper than the Mini 90. It also has a great selfie mode. Just pull up the lens to activate the focus designed specifically for close-ups.
Whether you’re buying for yourself or looking for someone else, books, movies, vinyl, or CDs (am I the only one who still listens to CDs in the car?) make great gifts. Target’s library is large, but some of our current favorite recommendations are Britney Spears’ new memoir The Woman in Me for $21, Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours on gold vinyl for $23, and Barbie on Blu-Ray, which is also discounted individually to $10 ($17 off).
Magna-Tiles are some of our favorite STEM toys. The colorful, translucent pieces click together so kids can build whatever their little hands can construct, be it houses, animals, or a kingdom for their stuffed animals. There are tons of sets, some of which are also discounted right now, so you can grow your kid’s collection with their imagination. WIRED editor Adrienne So says the return on investment has been staggering, and even after years of owning Magna-Tiles, her two kids occupy themselves for hours with them.
Legos are more than just multicolored plastic bricks. You can build things like a dried flower centerpiece or a Christmas house. These sets can be quite expensive—I think I actually gasped when I saw the $209 price tag on this adorable Atari Console—so we wish there was actually money off each one like we saw during Prime Day. Still, $10 back isn’t terrible either if someone on your gift list is a Lego enthusiast.
You need to save this offer to your Target account first to activate it. Some of our favorite toys and games are the Bluey Squishmallow, Scattergories, or a Magic 8 Ball (it’s never too early to start your kid’s mystical future). Classic books like The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Rainbow Fish are included, too.
The list of items included in this deal covers toys like Play-Doh, as well as games and books for kids and adults. Here are a few of our game recommendations.
Updated November 21, 2023: We’ve added a ton more deals, including several iPads, Google Pixel phones, and a bunch of Sonos audio gear.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25292924/1989198601.jpg)
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25596303/Screenshot_2024_08_30_at_10.30.43_AM.png)
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25651499/_STK084_SONOS_D.png)
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24924652/236780_Google_AntiTrust_Trial_Custom_Art_CVirginia__0002_2.png)
