Black Friday 2025: Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Deals, Steals, and Money-Saving Strategies
Black Friday used to mean camping outside Best Buy at midnight after Thanksgiving dinner, elbowing through crowds, and praying the doorbuster TV you wanted hadn't sold out. Thankfully, those days are behind us. Black Friday 2025 has evolved into a weeks-long online shopping extravaganza that starts in early November and runs through Cyber Monday (December 1 this year). The best part? Most of the absolute best deals are live right now—no need to wait until Friday, November 28.
As someone who does the bulk of my optional spending during Black Friday week—electronics, streaming subscriptions, small kitchen appliances, and more—I've learned to navigate this shopping season strategically. This year, I'm eyeing streaming service bundles on my Roku TV and planning to subscribe to several at their heavily discounted Black Friday rates for a few months before prices jump back up. If you're like me and want to maximize savings without getting overwhelmed, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the best categories to shop, where to find deals, real price comparisons, and whether to buy now or wait.
When Is Black Friday 2025, and Should You Shop Now or Wait?
Official Black Friday: Friday, November 28, 2025
Cyber Monday: Monday, December 1, 2025
Major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target launched their deals weeks ago, and experts agree that for many categories, you shouldn't wait.
Buy NOW if you want:
- Hot-ticket electronics (gaming consoles like PlayStation 5, popular laptops, noise-canceling headphones)—these sell out fast
- Kitchen appliances (air fryers, stand mixers, espresso machines)—deepest discounts are happening now
- Streaming service subscriptions—annual deals expire soon (many end December 1 or 2)
- Large TVs and home theater systems—Black Friday is THE time for these
- Specific items on your wishlist—if you see a great deal on something you need, grab it
Wait until Cyber Monday (or later) for:
- Clothing and fashion—deeper discounts often appear after Black Friday
- Travel deals and experiences (spa packages, hotels, airfare)
- Holiday-themed items—these get cheaper as Christmas approaches
- Toys (except hot/limited items like gaming consoles)
Pro tip: Many retailers (like Target) offer price-matching through Christmas Eve, so if you buy now and the price drops later, you can get a refund for the difference.
The Best Categories for Black Friday Deals in 2025
1. Streaming Services: Save Up to 75% on Annual Subscriptions
This is my personal favorite category this year. Streaming services are offering their deepest discounts of the year—some up to 75% off—and these deals rarely come around outside of Black Friday.
Top Streaming Deals (LIVE NOW):
- HBO Max (with ads): $2.99/month for 12 months (regularly $10.99/month) = 73% off = $35.88 for the year vs. $131.88 regular price
- 👉 Available through Prime Video until December 2
- Disney+ and Hulu Bundle (with ads): $4.99/month for 12 months (regularly $12.99/month) = 62% off = $59.88 for the year vs. $155.88 regular price
- 👉 Valid for new and eligible returning subscribers, November 25 – December 1
- Apple TV+: $5.99/month for 6 months (regularly $12.99/month) = 54% off = $35.94 for 6 months vs. $77.94 regular price
- 👉 New and eligible returning subscribers only, valid through December 1
- Starz: $23.99 for 12 months (regularly $10.99/month = $131.88/year) = 82% off
- 👉 Or $2.99/month for first 3 months (73% off monthly rate)
- Peacock Premium via Walmart+: FREE for 12 months with Walmart+ membership (Walmart+ is 50% off at $49/year during Black Friday)
- 👉 Peacock Premium regularly costs $79.99/year, so this is a $130 total value
My take: If you're a streaming junkie like me, these deals are incredible. The HBO Max deal at $2.99/month gives you access to HBO originals, Warner Bros. films, and Max Originals for less than a single month's regular subscription costs for an entire year. The Disney+/Hulu bundle is perfect for families. I'm personally signing up for several of these at the discounted rates and will evaluate in a few months which ones I want to keep.
2. Electronics: Record-Low Prices on Apple, Gaming, and Smart Home
Electronics see some of the steepest Black Friday discounts, with many products hitting all-time low prices.
Top Electronics Deals (LIVE NOW):
- Apple AirPods 4: $69 (regularly $129) = 47% off = all-time low price
- Apple iPad 11-inch (2024): $279 (regularly $349) = 20% off = lowest price ever
- 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch (M4 chip): $749 (regularly $999) = 25% off = lowest price ever
- PlayStation 5 Digital Edition (Slim): $399 (regularly $500) = 20% off = best price of 2025
- 👉 Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart
- Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling Headphones: Prices vary, but expect $80-$100 off
- Ring Battery Doorbell: $50 (regularly $100) = 50% off
- Echo Spot Smart Alarm Clock: $45 (regularly $75) = 40% off
Price comparison insight: The AirPods 4 at $69 is a genuinely historic deal—they've never been this cheap. The MacBook Air M4 at $749 is also unprecedented. If you've been waiting to upgrade Apple products, this is your moment.
3. Kitchen Appliances: Up to 55% Off Stand Mixers, Air Fryers, and More
Kitchen appliances rarely see discounts this deep outside of Black Friday. If your kitchen needs an upgrade, now's the time.
Top Kitchen Appliance Deals (LIVE NOW):
- KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Stand Mixer: $349.95 (regularly $400-$450) = up to $100 off
- 👉 Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart
- Vitamix Explorian E320 Variable Speed Blender: $280 (regularly $379) = 26% off
- Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker: $149 (regularly $199) = 25% off
- Breville BOV900BSS Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro: $299.95 (regularly $399+) = $100+ off
- De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine: $549.95 (regularly $799+) = $250+ off
- CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ (10-quart): $79.99 (regularly $129+) = 38% off
- Keurig K-Express Essentials Plus: $35 (regularly $79) = 56% off = lowest price ever
- Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 (6-quart): Often $49-$69 during Black Friday (regularly $99+)
Real talk: The KitchenAid stand mixer deal is solid but not unprecedented—they go on sale periodically. However, the Vitamix at $280 is rare (they almost never discount), and the Keurig at $35 is an absolute steal if you're a coffee person. Air fryers are heavily discounted across all brands and sizes.
4. Smart Home & Vacuums: Save Up to 60% on Dyson, Shark, and Amazon Devices
Top Smart Home & Vacuum Deals (LIVE NOW):
- Dyson V8 Plus Cordless Vacuum: $280 (regularly $540) = 48% off
- Shark Cordless Pet Stick Vacuum: $148 (regularly $300) = 51% off
- Amazon Echo Devices: Up to 60% off across the Echo lineup
- Ring Video Doorbell: $50 (regularly $100) = 50% off
Standout: The Dyson V8 at $280 is exceptional—Dyson vacuums rarely go below $300, and this is nearly half off the regular price.
5. TVs: Massive Discounts on 4K and Smart TVs
Black Friday is historically THE best time to buy a TV, and 2025 is no exception.
Top TV Deals (LIVE NOW):
- Budget TVs: Starting at $49 for small 1080p models at Best Buy and Amazon
- 👉 Good for guest rooms, kids' rooms
- Mid-Range 4K Smart TVs (50-65 inches): $200-$400 (regularly $400-$700)
- 👉 Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy
- Premium Large-Screen TVs (75+ inches): Up to 50% off select models
Tip: If you want a specific size or brand, buy now—popular models sell out quickly. Use price trackers (see below) to verify you're getting a genuine deal.
Where to Shop: The Best Black Friday Deal Websites
Here are the top retailers offering the best Black Friday 2025 deals, with links:
Major Retailers:
- Amazon: amazon.com/blackfriday – Up to 75% off, deals live through December 1
- Walmart: walmart.com/shop/deals – Up to 90% off, online-only Nov 25-27, in-store/online Nov 28-30
- Best Buy: bestbuy.com/blackfriday – Up to 50% off, deals live now through Nov 29
- Target: target.com – Up to 50% off, deals live through Nov 29
Specialty Retailers:
- Home Depot: homedepot.com – Up to 50% off appliances and tools through Dec 3
- Wayfair: wayfair.com – Up to 80% off furniture and home decor
- Sur La Table: surlatable.com – Up to 60% off Staub, Le Creuset, and other premium cookware
Fashion & Beauty:
- Nordstrom: nordstrom.com – Up to 60% off
- Ulta: ulta.com – Up to 50% off beauty brands
- Gap: gap.com – Up to 60% off
Price Tracking Tools: Don't Get Fooled by Fake Discounts
Not all "Black Friday deals" are genuine. Some retailers inflate "regular prices" to make discounts look bigger than they are. Use these free price tracking tools to verify deals:
- CamelCamelCamel (camelcamelcamel.com) – Amazon-specific price history tracker. Shows you if a product is truly at its lowest price or if it's been cheaper before
- Keepa (Browser extension) – Another Amazon tracker with detailed price history charts. Set price alerts and get notified when items hit your target price
- Honey (Browser extension) – Tracks prices across thousands of stores, automatically applies coupon codes at checkout, and has a "Droplist" feature for monitoring items you want
- Google Shopping Price Tracker – Built into Google search. Click "Track price" on any product and Google will email you when it drops
- Slickdeals (slickdeals.net) – Community-driven deal site where users vote on the best deals. Great for finding hidden gems
How to use them: Before buying anything, paste the product URL into CamelCamelCamel or check the price history via the Keepa extension. If the current price is at or near the all-time low, it's a genuine deal. If it's been cheaper before, consider waiting.
My Black Friday Shopping Strategy for 2025
Here's how I could approach Black Friday this year:
- Streaming subscriptions: I could sign up for HBO Max ($2.99/month), the Disney+/Hulu bundle ($4.99/month), and possibly Apple TV+ ($5.99/month). Total cost for all three: $13.97/month for a year instead of $36.97/month = $276 in annual savings.
- Kitchen appliances: Maybe I've been eyeing a new air fryer and stand mixer. The Ninja Creami at $149 and KitchenAid mixer at $349 are on my shortlist—I'm using CamelCamelCamel to confirm these are true lowest prices.
- Electronics: If I were in the market for new AirPods or a laptop, I'd buy NOW—the AirPods 4 at $69 and MacBook Air M4 at $749 are unprecedented deals that likely won't last through Friday.
- Price tracking everything: I'm not impulse-buying. Every item goes through a price tracker first to make sure I'm getting a genuine discount.
- Taking advantage of return policies: Most retailers offer extended holiday returns through late January. If I buy now and find a better deal later, I can return and re-buy (or price-match if the retailer allows it).
Final Thoughts: Shop Smart, Save Big, and Enjoy the Hunt
Black Friday 2025 is already here, and the deals are legitimately good—especially on streaming services, electronics, kitchen appliances, and TVs. The key to winning Black Friday isn't waiting for Friday itself; it's shopping strategically throughout the week, using price trackers to verify deals, and knowing which categories offer the deepest discounts.
Whether you're stocking up on streaming subscriptions, finally upgrading that ancient kitchen mixer, or snagging a new TV for the living room, this is the time to do it. Just remember: the best deal is the one on something you actually need (or have been wanting for a long time). Don't buy junk just because it's on sale.
6. Travel Deals: Flights, Hotels, and Cruises (The "Treat Yourself" Category)
If you've been dreaming of a getaway, Black Friday 2025 is delivering some of the strongest travel discounts we've seen in years. Unlike physical goods, these deals often extend through "Travel Tuesday" (December 2), but the best availability disappears fast.
Top Travel Deals (LIVE NOW):
- Cruises (The Big Winner):
- Royal Caribbean: Up to $1,000 off fares + kids sail free on select sailings. Third and fourth guests from $99.
- Norwegian Cruise Line: 50% off all cruises + free open bar, specialty dining, and excursions (limited time).
- Virgin Voyages: 80% off the second sailor + up to $400 in free bar tab. Adult-only cruises starting at $99 per person/night.
- Holland America: Up to 30% off fares + prepaid crew appreciation (tips included).
- Hotels & Resorts:
- Marriott Bonvoy: Members save 25% on stays booked this week for travel through early 2026.
- Expedia & Booking.com: 30% off select hotels and packages when booked via their apps.
- Great Wolf Lodge: Rates starting at $84/night (use code FRIDAY)—a massive discount for family waterpark trips.
- Flights:
- British Airways: Vacation packages from $775, with savings up to $300 depending on spend.
- JetBlue & Southwest: Look for "Black Friday fare sales" launching Thursday/Friday. Historically, these offer one-way domestic flights for as low as $39 or $49.
Strategy: Travel deals are often non-refundable. Read the fine print! If you're booking a cruise, look for "onboard credit" offers—that's essentially free money for drinks, spa treatments, or excursions.
7. Fashion & Apparel: Stock Up for Winter
Clothing retailers are aggressive this year, with many offering 50-60% off sitewide to clear inventory. This is the best time to buy winter coats, boots, and premium denim.
Top Fashion Deals (LIVE NOW):
- Abercrombie & Fitch: 25% off everything + stackable promo codes (check your email/influencer codes).
- 👉 Why it matters: Abercrombie rarely does sitewide sales this big anymore.
- Old Navy / Gap: 50% off everything at Old Navy; 40-60% off at Gap.
- 👉 Steal: Old Navy flannel shirts for $12 and jeans for $20.
- Nordstrom & Nordstrom Rack: Up to 60% off Black Friday deals on brands like UGG, Nike, and Free People.
- J.Crew: 50% off sitewide (and usually a remarkably low price on their famous coats).
- Adidas & Nike: Up to 60% off sneakers and activewear directly from their sites.
- 👉 Look for: Adidas Ultraboost shoes for under $100 (regularly $190+).
- Spanx: 20% off sitewide (rare sale—Spanx almost never discounts everyday basics).
Pro Tip: Don't just look at the percentage off. Check the clearance sections first—many retailers apply the "50% off" discount ON TOP of clearance prices for insane savings.
8. Toys & Games: LEGO, Barbie, and Hot Items
If you have kids (or are a kid at heart), this is the prime window to buy gifts before the December rush.
Top Toy Deals (LIVE NOW):
- LEGO: Up to 30-40% off select sets at Amazon, Walmart, and Target.
- 👉 Watch for: Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Botanical Collection sets. These rarely go on sale.
- Barbie Dreamhouse: Often drops to $99 (regularly $199) at Walmart and Amazon.
- Melissa & Doug: Buy One, Get One 50% Off at Target and Amazon discounts up to 40%.
- Board Games: 50% off classics (Monopoly, Catan, Ticket to Ride) at Target and Amazon.
- Magna-Tiles: Rarely discounted, but look for 20-25% off starter sets at Target/Amazon.
Strategy: Hot toys (like specific LEGO sets or electronic pets) sell out fast. If you see it on sale, buy it. You can always return it later if you change your mind, but you can't buy it if it's out of stock.
Summary Checklist: What to Buy vs. Skip This Week
✅ BUY NOW (Don't Wait):
- Streaming subscriptions (HBO Max, Hulu/Disney bundle)
- Apple products (AirPods, iPads, MacBooks)
- Dyson vacuums
- KitchenAid mixers and high-end blenders
- 4K TVs (specific models you want)
- Video game consoles (PS5, Xbox)
- Travel packages and cruises
- Gift cards: Look for "Buy $100, get $20" deals at restaurants and retailers. These pop up randomly throughout the weekend.
❌ WAIT (Check Cyber Monday):
- Clothing basics (unless it's a specific size/item you need)
- Beauty products (Sephora/Ulta often have better "beauty drops" on Cyber Monday)
- Generic stocking stuffers (prices drop closer to Christmas)
Final Words of Wisdom
Black Friday is a marathon, not a sprint. The best deal isn't just the lowest price—it's the lowest price on something you actually use.
Enjoy the savings, and if you find a deal that seems too good to be true, double-check it with a price tracker. Happy hunting, and may your cart be full of genuine bargains!
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