Early Black Friday deals 2024 — date and deal predictions

Black Friday sales 2024

Black Friday deals collage

(Image credit: Future)

Staff-picked deals:
1. Quick Links
2. Date & Details
3. Best early deals

Early Black Friday deals are starting to get underway, so get prepared. Retailers like Amazon, Walmart and Best Buy are already offering epic deals on TVs, laptops, apparel and more. The Tom's Guide team has decades of experience covering Black Friday, so you can trust us to pull out the deals that are truly worth your attention. 

While we're still several weeks out from Black Friday itself, there's lots of activity happening in the lead up to the biggest sales event of the year. For starters, Amazon has confirmed that Prime Big Deal Days (AKA "October Prime Day") will make a return this year. That most likely means we'll see some tasty discounts on Amazon hardware. Plus, you can already find the Editor's Choice Nectar Memory Foam Mattress on sale for $349. And the LG 55-inch C4 4K OLED TV is $1,296 at Amazon. This $700 discount brings it to its lowest price ever.

Be sure to bookmark this guide as we'll be updating it with all the best Black Friday deals. Plus, see our guide to the best Amazon promo codes for more tips and ways to save.

Black Friday deals — Quick links

Black Friday 2024 — what you need to know

When is Black Friday 2024? 

The actual Black Friday date changes every year, but this year's Black Friday is November 29, 2024. However, Black Friday has become much more than just a single day. Retailers started offering early deals in October and the trend has continued. Likewise, Black Friday won’t end when November 29 draws to a close. Plenty of the best deals will stretch into the weekend as retailers gear up for Cyber Monday (Dec. 2). 

When to start looking for Black Friday deals? 

Retailers have been offering their Black Friday deals earlier than ever, and we're continuing to see stock levels remain high during the big day today. If anything we expect to see more steep discounts in the coming days towards Cyber Monday

Last year Apple devices, OLED TVs, gaming laptops and more were all cheaper in the runup to Black Friday than they were on the day itself, so don’t assume that waiting is the best strategy. If you see a deal you like, grab it now or you may regret it.

It’s also important to remember that it’s not uncommon for stock issues to plague Black Friday, especially on the most popular items. So if you take advantage of early deals you’re not only in with a shot of getting a deal that matches or beats the final Black Friday price, but you’ll also avoid the chaos that comes with the day itself.  

How to find the best Black Friday deals?  

The obvious answer is to stick with Tom’s Guide as we’ll be updating this page regularly as we approach Black Friday 2024. We’ll also have in-depth coverage across every major product category from TVs to running shoes. We’re here every single day before, during and after Black Friday to ensure that you never miss a lowest price ever discount or an epic deal. 

Alongside regularly checking our Black Friday coverage, it helps to be diligent and do your research. If you’re in the market for a particular product, be sure to check prices across multiple retailers. Don’t just assume Amazon is giving you the best deal check the likes of Walmart, Best Buy, Target and more before clicking "buy now."

It also helps to know the price history of an item so you can check you're getting a real deal rather than a fake discount. Tools like CamelCamelCamel are especially useful when checking what a product has sold for in the past and figuring out the best deals. 

Who will offer the best Black Friday deals in 2024?

Every retailer has Black Friday deals available. However, if you're wondering who has the best Black Friday deals — the answer varies based on what you want to buy. For instance, Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart tend to dominate when it comes to deals on 4K TVs, laptops, and smartwatches. 

For deals on apparel and home goods, we recommend turning to stores like Macy's, Wayfair, and Bed Bath & Beyond. Home goods is a broad topic and also includes mattresses. If you're shopping for the latter, mattress manufacturers tend to offer the best and biggest discounts, oftentimes undercutting box retailers.

What is Black Friday?

Black Friday is a retail holiday that's held on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Retailers typically hold sales and offer their best discounts of the year on or around Black Friday. This is because it marks the start of the holiday shopping period, when buyers start looking for holiday gifts. Black Friday is a great time to shop for tech, apparel, toys, home decor, or anything you need to buy.

How long does Black Friday last?

Although it's called Black Friday, sales will typically extend beyond the day itself. Early Black Friday deals will start days or weeks ahead of time at most retailers like Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart. After Black Friday, many sales will continue through the weekend and the week afterwards. However, be cautious about waiting too long to make a purchase — popular Black Friday sales can sell out in a matter of seconds.

What is the difference between Black Friday and Cyber Monday?

In the past, brick-and-mortar stores would hold their biggest sales of the year on Black Friday. Then, online retailers would get in on the action and hold their best sales on the following Monday — hence the name Cyber Monday. However, over time, customers have turned towards online shopping en masse. Most retailers release their offering of deals online and in store at the same time, causing the distinction between Black Friday and Cyber Monday to blur.

Even if you're planning to make your purchases online, I recommend being ready to do so on Black Friday itself as opposed to Cyber Monday. This gives you the best chance of securing the items you want before they sell out.

Black Friday deals and games consoles

Buying a PS5 or Xbox Series X console will be a lot easier this year. Gone are the days of hunting for restock. On a few occasions, we've even seen a few noteworthy PS5 deals and Xbox Series X deals. I expect to see $50 off the PS5 Disc console and $50 off bundles. If you already have a PS5 console, look for deals on PS5 SSDs. 1TB drives from Crucial, WD, and Samsung have sold for as low as $69 at Amazon and Best Buy.

Meanwhile, Xbox Series X deals are a little harder to come by. However, I expect to see deals as low as $469 from retailers like Amazon and Woot. Another retailer which tends to offer surprise Xbox Series X deals is Dell. The retailer has offered the console for as low as $474 bundled with a $75 gift card.

Why is it called Black Friday? 

Black Friday deals

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

The use of the term "Black Friday" to describe the retail holiday dates back to 1961 in Philadelphia. It was used to describe the crowded pedestrian and vehicle traffic that resulted the day after Thanksgiving. By 1975, the term had gained traction and was being used outside of Philadelphia. 

These days, retailers have a different explanation for the term. For many companies, Black Friday marks the point in the calendar year when companies go "in the black," or finally begin to turn a profit for the year. The profit they make is due to the surge in shoppers looking for holiday deals. 

Does Apple do Black Friday?

Retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart offer epic discounts on Apple products on Black Friday. In the lead up to the event, I've seen Walmart sell MacBooks as low as $649 and iPads as low as $199 at Amazon. Prices could drop even further closer to Black Friday itself. And if you're looking for iPhone deals, head to carriers like AT&T or Verizon for the chance to get cheap plans and trade-in discounts.

However, you're unlikely to see discounted items at the Apple Store on Black Friday. Instead, Apple usually offers gift cards with purchase of their products. Last year, Apple gave $200 gift cards with the purchase of the MacBook Air and Mac Mini. $100 gift cards were up for grabs when buying select iPad models and $75 gift cards were given with iPhone and AirPods purchases.

How much do prices drop on Black Friday?

Depending on what you want to buy, there's a solid chance that you'll play the lowest price of the year during Black Friday. For a few examples, the LG 65" C3 OLED hit $1,347 during Black Friday last year (47% off.) Apple's coveted premium headphones, the AirPods Max, hit $449 (19% off,) which was their lowest price in 2023. Since then, the AirPods Max have sold for even cheaper (as low as $399, or 28% off) as Apple clears out stock of its old Lightning connector AirPods Max models to make way for the new versions with USB-C ports.

To determine whether the deals you're seeing during Black Friday are actually at their lowest prices ever, I recommend using tools like CamelCamelCamcel.com to check their price history. While this tool isn't 100% accurate, it gives you a great general idea on how much prices have actually dropped on Black Friday.

Best Black Friday deals right now

Adidas sale: deals from $8 @ AmazonPrice check: deals from $8 @ Adidas

Adidas sale: deals from $8 @ Amazon
The Adidas Store at Amazon is offering a wide variety of Black Friday deals on men's/women's/children's sweat pants, hoodies, socks, and more. Note that the Adidas Store is offering an early access sale for members (it's free to join) with similar prices on different styles.
Price check: deals from $8 @ Adidas

Lululemon: apparel from $9 @ Lululemon

Lululemon: apparel from $9 @ Lululemon
Shop Lululemon's 'We Made Too Much' section with apparel and accessories from $9. You'll find headbands, sneakers, t-shirts and more. Also included are the ever-popular Align leggings and Scuba hoodies.

GameStop: 50% off games @ GameStop

GameStop: 50% off games @ GameStop
It's time to build up your video game library. As part of its sale, GameStop is knocking up to 50% off select games for PS5, XSX, and Nintendo Switch. The sale includes Star Wars Jedi Survivor, The Last of Us Part I, God of War Ragnarok, and more.

Skechers shoes/apparel: from $11 @ Amazon

Skechers shoes/apparel: from $11 @ Amazon
Amazon is having a massive Skechers sale. The sale includes sneakers and apparel for men, women, and children on sale from $11. As part of the sale, you can get the Skechers Hands Free Slip Ins for $57 (was $110, pictured). 

Charmast 10,000 mAh Portable Charger: was $24 now $12 @ Amazon

Charmast 10,000 mAh Portable Charger: was $24 now $12 @ Amazon
With its compact design, 20W charging speed, and integrated charging that also doubles as a lanyard, this Charmast portable charger offers a lot of utility in a small package.

Patagonia sale: deals from $16 @ Patagonia

Patagonia sale: deals from $16 @ Patagonia
Hurry! Patagonia is knocking up to 50% off select men's, women's, and children's apparel during its latest sale. The sale includes fleece jackets, hoodies, trucker hats, pants, and sweatshirts. There are also a few off-season items on sale such as shorts and t-shirts. After discount, prices start from $16 and beat similar sales at REI and Backcountry.

Switch games: deals from $19 @ Amazon
Price check: from $19 @ Best Buy | from $19 @ Walmart

Switch games: deals from $19 @ Amazon
Amazon has Switch games on sale starting from $19. The sale includes titles such as NBA 2K24, Red Dead Redemption and more. Note Best Buy and Walmart have similar sales on with different titles.
Price check: from $19 @ Best Buy | from $19 @ Walmart

PS5 Game Sale: deals from $29 @ Amazon
Price check: from $29 @ Walmart

PS5 Game Sale: deals from $29 @ Amazon
Shop some of the best PS5 games in Amazon's sale. Discounted titles include Silent Hill 2, Astro Bot, Uncharted, Star Wars and more. Note that Walmart has a similar sale on with different titles.
Price check: from $29 @ Walmart

Marvel's Midnight Suns: was $59 now $19 @ Amazon

Marvel's Midnight Suns: was $59 now $19 @ Amazon
Marvel's Midnight Suns is one of the most overlooked games on PS5. It brings together a roster of iconic Marvel superheroes to battle the demonic Lilith via strategic turn-based battle. But when you're not engaged in combat you can build your relationships back at home base which in turn makes your heroes stronger. This is one of the PS5's most overlooked gems and is a must-play for comic book fans.

Adidas Essentials 3-Stripes Open Hem Fleece Pants (Men's): was $50 now from $12 @ Amazon

Adidas Essentials 3-Stripes Open Hem Fleece Pants (Men's): was $50 now from $12 @ Amazon
These Adidas pants have seen huge discounts in certain sizes and colors. Made of cotton fleece, they're a steal at this price. Make sure to nab them to be ready now the weather is cooling down.

Skechers Foamies Arch Fit Horizon Make Believe (Women's): was $39 now from $21 @ Amazon

Skechers Foamies Arch Fit Horizon Make Believe (Women's): was $39 now from $21 @ Amazon
Nothing beats the comfort of a pair of slides. These Skechers Foamies have a contoured footbed to support your feet and reduce shock. Plus, they come in a cheerful Hot Pink colorway. Note that prices vary by your choice of size and color.

Blink Outdoor 4: was $99 now $39 @ Amazon
Editor's Choice deal

Blink Outdoor 4: was $99 now $39 @ Amazon
The Blink Outdoor is a fully wireless home security camera that records video in 1080p, lets you store video locally (or in the cloud) and has a two-year battery life. The Editor's Choice camera holds a spot in our list of the best home security cameras.

Crocs Classic Hiker Clog: was $59 now from $39 @ Amazon

Crocs Classic Hiker Clog: was $59 now from $39 @ Amazon
These shoes prove that Crocs can be worn anywhere — even on the trail. Made of durable and grippy rubber, these Crocs have an adjustable fabric strap to keep them secure on your feet. Note that prices vary by your choice of size and color.

Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip: was $79 now $42 @ Amazon

Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip: was $79 now $42 @ Amazon
Named one of our best smart plugs in 2024, this surge protector combines six smart plugs into one space-saving strip (with three USB ports to boot). You can control each connected device individually using the Kasa app, Alexa or Google Assistant or buttons on the device itself. Plus you can monitor energy usage.

TV sale: deals from $64 @ Best BuyPrice check: from $79 @ Amazon

TV sale: deals from $64 @ Best Buy
Best Buy has smart TVs on sale for as low as $64. Keep in mind, the cheap TVs tend to be smaller, 1080p models (which are more suitable for a children's room or guest room). However, the sale also includes larger sets. These are the cheapest TV prices we've seen from Best Buy. Note that Amazon is offering a similar sale with prices from $79.
Price check: from $79 @ Amazon

Ninja XL 14-Cup Coffee Maker: was $99 now $69 @ Amazon

Ninja XL 14-Cup Coffee Maker: was $99 now $69 @ Amazon
Right now you can get the Ninja XL 14-Cup Coffee Maker on sale for just $69. The machine features a removable 70-ounce water reservoir and adjustable warming plate that can keep your coffee hot for up to 4 hours. It lets you pick from classic or rich brew settings and it can also be programmed up to 24 hours in advance. 

Nectar: was $699 now $349 @ Nectar40% off Flash Sale!

Nectar: was $699 now $349 @ Nectar
40% off Flash Sale! In our Nectar mattress review, we called the Editor's Choice mattress a tremendous value for the money. We found it's very comfortable (thanks to its five layers of memory foam) and it offers excellent pressure relief around your shoulders, hips, and back. Bonus points for offering an impressive 365-night trial and a forever guarantee. Currently, you can get the twin mattress for $349 (was $599) or the queen for $649 (was $1,099).

Garmin Epix 2: was $899 now $580 @ Amazon

Garmin Epix 2: was $899 now $580 @ Amazon
This saving on the Garmin Epix 2 reduces the watch to a gob-smacking price. While it’s an older model, the Epix 2 is still one of the best AMOLED sports watches available, and up to date with Garmin’s key software features. On top of Garmin's excellent sports tracking and training analysis, the Epix 2 offers useful smarts like music storage and color maps for navigation.

Lenovo Legion Go: was $749 now $649 @ Best Buy

Lenovo Legion Go: was $749 now $649 @ Best Buy
The Lenovo Legion Go was already a viable Steam Deck competitor, but its new line of accessories makes it even more versatile. It's $100 off the regular price at Best Buy, so you can get your Legion Go at a discount, allowing you to use the extra money to snag a dock or monitor.

Christmas/Holiday decor: deals from $4 @ Amazon
Price check: deals from $37 @ Walmart

Christmas/Holiday decor: deals from $4 @ Amazon
Looking for some new Christmas decor? Amazon has a wide range of holiday decor on sale from $4. The sale includes small pre-lit trees (a la Charlie Brown) as well as holiday ornaments. It's one of the biggest sales we've seen from any retailer. Note that Walmart has a similar sale with deals from $37, although Walmart's sale focuses more on Christmas trees.
Price check: deals from $37 @ Walmart

Crocs sale: Crocs from $29 @ AmazonPrice check: up to 60% off @ Crocs | from $29 @ Walmart

Crocs sale: Crocs from $29 @ Amazon
Amazon is knocking up to 50% off select men's, women's, and children's Crocs. The sale includes all-terrain clogs, slip-resistant clogs, sandals, and more. In most cases, it beats the direct sale from Crocs.com, but the styles on sale are different.
Price check: up to 60% off @ Crocs | from $29 @ Walmart

Patagonia sale: deals from $16 @ Patagonia

Patagonia sale: deals from $16 @ Patagonia
Hurry! Patagonia is knocking up to 50% off select men's, women's, and children's apparel during its latest sale. The sale includes fleece jackets, hoodies, trucker hats, pants, and sweatshirts. There are also a few off-season items on sale such as shorts and t-shirts. After discount, prices start from $16 and beat similar sales at REI and Backcountry.

Millie Davis-Williams

Millie is a Deals writer at Tom's Guide specializing in deals content. She also covers the latest tech news and and creates how-to articles about everything from phones, streaming devices, and headphones to apps and video games. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, gaming on her Nintendo Switch and creating digital art.