Black Friday Tech Deals: The Ultimate Gift Guide

TechCrunch's 2021 Holiday Gift Guide: Navigating Black Friday

The 2021 Holiday Gift Guide from TechCrunch is now available! Finding the perfect gift can be challenging, and we aim to provide a comprehensive selection of ideas. This guide will be continuously updated through December, offering fresh suggestions as we approach the new year.

Preparing for Black Friday

The holiday season is upon us, and Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching. This signals the start of the Black Friday shopping event, prompting consideration of potential purchases.

The question of whether to participate in Black Friday sales is a personal one. Some shoppers successfully leverage the event to secure discounts on pre-planned purchases. However, others may fall victim to misleading promotions or acquire outdated products disguised with new designations.

Genuine deals do exist, but require a discerning approach. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

• Prioritize discounted items you already intended to purchase. Avoid impulse buys simply due to perceived savings.
• Verify that the advertised discount is legitimate. Ensure the price hasn't been artificially inflated recently to create a false sense of value. Tools like camelcamelcamel can assist in tracking price history.
• Confirm the model number of any product you're considering. A lack of historical data suggests the item may be a recently repackaged or altered version.

Recommended Deals

Below are some of the noteworthy deals discovered across the internet – products that are reliable, well-tested, and generally recommended even at their regular price. We will continue to update this list throughout the week as more opportunities arise.

Please note that this article includes affiliate links. TechCrunch may receive a commission on purchases made through these links, supporting our work.

Important Note: Careful research and comparison shopping are crucial for maximizing savings and avoiding deceptive practices during Black Friday.

Apple Devices and Current Discounts

Historically, finding reductions in price for Apple products was uncommon. However, presently, securing at least some savings on these devices is becoming increasingly achievable.

AirPods and iPad Pro Deals

Currently, Amazon is offering the newest, non-professional AirPods at a price of $155, reduced from their usual cost of $179.

The AirPods Pro are also available at a discounted rate of $159, down from their typical price exceeding $190.

For those interested in over-ear headphones, the AirPods Max are being sold for $429, a decrease from their original price of $549.

Apple Watch Savings

Amazon is also presenting what is currently the most advantageous deal on the iPad Pro. Discounts range from $100 to $150 on the 2021 12.9-inch model.

This translates to a price of $999 for the 128 GB base model, instead of the standard $1099.

Best Buy is currently offering the more affordable 40 mm Apple Watch SE at a reduced price of $219, compared to its regular price of $279.

For individuals seeking the newest Apple Watch iteration, Amazon appears to be the optimal source, with the Series 7 available for $379 instead of $399.

It's important to note that stock levels appear constrained, and your preferred color or band may not be available.

Mac Discounts and Apple Promotions

Significant price reductions on M1 Macs are currently infrequent, which is understandable given their relatively recent release.

When these discounts do emerge, availability is often limited, or shipping is delayed until the following year.

Apple is planning to provide $100 gift cards with qualifying Mac purchases. However, this offer, unfortunately, excludes the 14-inch and 16-inch M1 MacBook Pro models.

This particular promotion is scheduled to commence on Black Friday itself.

Amazon Devices on Sale

Significant price reductions on Amazon's own products are a common occurrence during Black Friday, and this year follows that trend.

Fire TV Stick 4K

Currently, the 4K Fire TV Stick is available for $25, a substantial discount from its regular price of $50.

Kindle (Latest Generation)

The newest Kindle model is being offered at $70, reduced from its standard price of $110, for the version without advertisements.

For those who don't object to advertisements, the Kindle is available for $50, down from its usual cost of $90.

Echo Devices

Expanding a smart home ecosystem with Echo devices is now more affordable.

• The latest 4th generation Echo is priced at $60, typically ranging from $80 to $100.
• The 2021 Echo Show, featuring a camera and a 5.5" display, is available for $45, a reduction from its usual price of around $80.
• The compact Echo Dot is currently on sale for $20, down from its standard price of $30, though it may be nearing the end of its product lifecycle.

These deals present opportunities to acquire Amazon devices at reduced costs, enhancing both entertainment and smart home capabilities.

Google Devices on Sale

Alongside other tech companies, Google is also participating in the sales event with significant price reductions on its product line.

Chromecast with Google TV

A notable offer includes the Chromecast with Google TV, featuring a remote control, now available for $40, a reduction from its typical price of $50.

Nest Product Discounts

A wide range of Nest products have received price cuts.

• The Nest Audio smart speaker is currently priced at $60, down from its original $100.
• Nest WiFi router mesh access points are being offered with a $30 discount each.
• The newest Nest Hub smart display is available for $50, reduced from its usual cost of $100.

Nest Outdoor Camera

Even the recently released Nest outdoor camera is included in the promotions, now selling for $150 instead of its regular price of $180.

Roku

For those seeking a streaming solution independent of the major tech companies like Apple, Google, and Amazon, Roku presents several choices.

Currently, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is available for $30, a reduction from its usual price of $50.

Roku Deals

Additionally, a discount is being offered on one of Roku’s sound bars.

The Streambar, the more compact model (not the Streambar Pro), is now priced at $80, down from its standard $130.

These offers provide an opportunity to enhance your TV’s streaming capabilities and audio experience with Roku devices.

Oculus Quest 2

The Oculus Quest 2 virtual reality headset currently represents a leading option for those entering the world of VR. For individuals seeking an initial VR experience, or preferring to avoid the substantial cost of a high-end system, the Quest 2 provides an excellent starting point.

I have confidently suggested this headset to numerous individuals even at its original retail price, making a discounted offer particularly appealing.

Current Deals

As of now, the most advantageous offer is available through Target. Purchasing either the 128 GB version (priced at $300) or the 256 GB model ($400) will include a $50 Target gift card.

This promotion effectively reduces the overall cost, enhancing the value proposition of the Oculus Quest 2.

Why Choose Quest 2?

• It offers a compelling balance of performance and affordability.
• The headset is self-contained, requiring no PC or console for operation.
• A wide library of VR games and experiences are readily available.

The Quest 2’s ease of use and accessibility make it a standout choice in the VR market.

Backbone Controller

For iPhone users who frequently engage with services like Apple Arcade or utilize remote gaming capabilities with consoles such as Xbox or PlayStation, the Backbone controller represents an exceptionally beneficial accessory.

Its attachment is swift and secure, offering a remarkably stable and comfortable gaming experience compared to direct touchscreen controls.

Initially priced at $99, the Backbone is currently available at a reduced price of $85 during the Black Friday sale.

Furthermore, a complimentary three-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is included with the purchase, making this a particularly attractive offer.

This bundle provides substantial value for gamers.

(While recent updates have introduced wired USB connectivity for controlling other devices, the primary advantage remains its integration with iPhones.)

Apps and Services

Several established applications and online services are currently presenting promotional offers, though often with specific conditions attached.

• Hulu is providing a yearly subscription to its ad-supported tier at a reduced rate of $0.99 per month, compared to the standard $7. However, this offer is limited to new subscribers and those previously subscribed within the last month.
• Amazon is running a somewhat complex promotion linking Disney+ access with Amazon Music Unlimited. Existing Amazon Music Unlimited members receive three months of Disney+ at no cost.
• New subscribers to Amazon Music Unlimited, committing to the $8 monthly fee, will gain access to Disney+ for six months.
• Plex is discounting its lifetime subscription, typically priced at $120, to $90.
• Adobe’s comprehensive “All Apps” package, granting access to programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Lightroom, is available for $30 monthly, a reduction from its usual $52 price point. This offer is restricted to first-time subscribers.
• LastPass, a widely used password manager, is currently offering a 25% discount on its various plans. Utilizing a password manager is highly recommended for online security.
• The Headspace guided meditation application is offering discounts ranging from 50% to 60%, depending on the chosen subscription duration.

Monthly subscriptions are discounted by 60%, bringing the cost down to $4.99, a decrease from the regular $12.99.

Annual subscriptions are discounted by 50%, resulting in a yearly fee of $35 (normally $70), which equates to approximately $2.91 per month.

It’s important to note that both subscription plans will automatically renew at their full, standard prices following the initial discounted period.