Best Deals on Tech Products Right Now
CR's shopping experts help you find the best bargains on TVs, laptops, headphones, and more
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If you’re in need of a new pair of headphones or you’re itching to replace a laptop at the end of its days, you may not have to pay full price to get something that will suit your needs. With Presidents Day around the corner, you may be able to find a few more deals than usual. It’s not traditionally a big holiday weekend for tech sales, but retailers tend to have more discounts around any holiday. What does that mean for you? The discounts aren’t going to blow your mind—some have been available for several weeks, some even come close to what was available for the holidays, and some are just marginally better than when things just happen to be on sale by chance.
When it comes to determining what makes a deal truly great, I take into account the average cost of an item, not just what the retailer lists as the original price (which is rarely what they charge anyway) as well as how often it goes on sale. And I don’t just look at the price tag—I also consider how well the item stood up to the rigorous testing in our labs. That way you can purchase it knowing full well that it’s going to make you happy for months and years to come.
For discounts on other products you may want and need, check out Consumer Reports’ Deals hub.
Headphones and Earbuds
While this isn’t the steepest discount we’ve seen, Amazon’s price did just drop $20 compared to what it’s been for several weeks. For all of the popularity of Apple’s earbuds, the AirPods 4 with ANC is a rather unusual model. It doesn’t have much passive noise cancellation–the ear tip blocks up your ear canal, earplug style. But it does have active noise-canceling with a mic monitoring the noise around you and generates a soundwave that’s the exact opposite of the noise. The AirPods4 are largely successful. Without that passive noise canceling, their ability to dampen noise is good but not great. But with the noise canceling turned off, you can hear what’s going on around you, which can be great when you’re on the run or walking on a busy street. In terms of sound and fit they’re very similar to the regular AirPods 4.
If you want a pair of noise-canceling earbuds at a budget price, check out the Soundcore Space A40s. Our testers report that the sound quality is solid—and better than many more expensive models. The bass packs some wallop, and the overall sound is warm, which makes the A40s pleasant to listen to over a long period of time. The noise cancellation gets top marks from our testers as well. It has a transparency mode that allows you to monitor your surroundings, such as when you’re out running or walking down a busy street.
This wireless Bluetooth iPod/iPad/cellphone-centric model from JBL is a solid pick. The JBL Tune 660NC delivers very good sound quality and excellent active noise reduction. These headphones have a closed design, they will provide some muffling of external noises and also reduce the amount of sound that escapes from the headphones.
You might think of the Pixel Buds Pro as Google’s answer to Apple’s AirPods Pro. These noise-canceling in-ear headphones are designed to work best with the company’s Pixel phones and smartwatches and Google Assistant, although you can certainly use them with any phone. Our testers report that Pixel Buds sound a bit bassy but are otherwise satisfying. At this very nice Black Friday price, the Pixel Buds Pro are worth looking into.
Bowers & Wilkins, aka B&W, might not be a household name, but this British company has been making audiophile-grade speakers and headphones for decades. The PX7 S2e delivers on both noise cancellation and lively sound quality.
The price for these headphones tends to fluctuate greatly, and right now they’re very close to the $250 price tag we saw during the holidays. We haven’t seen them dip below $300 yet in 2025, so this is an exceptional opportunity to hit that buy button.
Smart and Bluetooth Speakers
Looking for a really good, inexpensive small speaker? The Flip 6 is very similar to the venerable Flip 5, and that’s a good thing. It’s water and dust-resistant, has a 12-hour battery life, and is just the right size to slip into a bag or even the water bottle pocket on a backpack. Various colors are on sale at Walmart right now from $95 to $100 or so. Though it was $80 for Black Friday, this is still a good price for this speaker, especially since it’s selling for $129.95 at other retailers.
The XG300 delivers satisfying sound, plus the features you want in a modest-sized tailgating speaker: decent volume, an IP67 water-resistance rating (which means it can survive a dunking), and a rechargeable battery with 25 hours of battery life, according to Sony. All in all, our testers say, it’s a significantly better speaker than its more expensive XG500 sibling, and here it is at less than half price.
If you prefer Google Assistant to Alexa, the Google Nest Audio may be a good choice. Alexa smart speakers have a wider variety of skills and can be great for shopping on Amazon, but some users like Google’s powerful search function and find Google’s interface to be more natural and easier to use.
Google brags about the Nest Audio’s sonic performance, but our testers found that the gains are more modest. The speaker generates enough volume for a midsized room, but the midrange is a little hazy and there’s some sizzle on the high frequencies. While it’s better than the old Google Home, the Nest Audio still can’t compete with the best-sounding smart speakers. It also doesn’t sound quite as good as the similarly priced fourth-generation Amazon Echo.
The sphere-shaped Dot was recently revamped with new speaker drivers and electronics that promised improved sound. Despite its small size and low price, the Dot offers the same smart speaker functionality as its far more expensive brethren. It can also serve as an inexpensive way to introduce smart speaker functionality throughout your home in an Alexa-based multiroom system. You can even pair an Echo to a Bluetooth speaker you already own to lend that one smart speaker functionality. The Dot provides an inexpensive way to test the smart speaker waters—and the price makes it a reasonable gift even if you’re on a budget.
TVs
Anyone looking for a top-performing 48-inch 4K OLED TV should consider the LG OLED48B4PUA, which delivers in every respect except for HDR performance, where our test results show it’s only so-so. It’s in an entry-level OLED TV series for 2024. This is an excellent sale, dropping $100 since last month and selling for $50 less than during Black Friday.
Unlike some other Onn TVs we’ve tested, which have done fairly well for overall picture quality, the 65-inch Onn 100012587 from Walmart’s private label brand does only okay in our tests and worse than that for HDR. Still, this is a very low price for a 4K set this size and might be an option for less finicky viewers on a tight budget. It’s a Roku TV, so it has access to a lot of streaming services. It matches the price we saw on Cyber Monday.
TCL 55Q550F
The TCL 55Q550F, which uses the Amazon Fire TV smart system, is an entry-level QLED TV from 2023 that does well for 4K picture quality in our tests, though not as well for HD or HDR performance. Right now we see this set, which has the Alexa voice assistant built in, only at Best Buy.
The Sony KD75X85K is a midrange 4K TV from 2022 that’s still available at Walmart. It offers very good overall picture quality and sound, but subpar HDR performance. It lacks a local dimming feature, which can help with contrast and black levels, found on pricier Sony models. This set includes an ATSC 3.0 tuner for receiving "Next-Gen TV" over-the-air broadcasts.
The Hisense 75U7N, a midrange 2024 ULED model, is just $50 more than we saw during Super Bowl sales, and it’s still a big discount. It does well for overall picture quality, but provides only decent HDR performance. It has a lot of features, including support for variable refresh rates up to 144Hz and Dolby Vision HDR. This model comes with an ATSC 3.0 tuner for receiving NextGen TV signals.
Soundbars
The JBL Bar 5.0 Multibeam is a compact 5.0-channel soundbar that delivers decent overall sound quality in our tests. It has a good number of features, including built-in streaming via Apple AirPlay and Google Chromecast, plus Bluetooth. This model also has Virtual Dolby Atmos, meaning it can play Atmos content, but it lacks the upfiring speakers needed to produce the height channels.
It’s now back down to its Black Friday price.
The Sonos Ray is a compact 2.0-channel soundbar and the least expensive Sonos model we’ve tested. Despite its small size, it manages to deliver impressive overall sound. It lacks an HDMI input—you connect it to a TV via the optical digital audio input—but it has built-in WiFi for playing music, podcasts, and radio from your favorite services. This soundbar often drops down to $169-$179, so this isn’t the best sale price. You may be better off adding it to your wishlist or cart and waiting to hit that buy button so you can save an extra $40-$50.
The Samsung HW-Q60C is a midlevel 3.1-channel Dolby Atmos soundbar from 2023 with sound quality good enough for both music and movie soundtracks. It includes a center-channel speaker for reproducing dialogue, as well as a separate wireless subwoofer. It doesn’t have rear satellite speakers, but you can add them to create a full surround-sound setup. It has Samsung’s Q-Symphony feature, which lets you use both the TV and soundbar speakers together.
Samsung HW-Q6CC
We didn’t test the Q-series 3.1-channel soundbar from Samsung, a 2023 model that supports Dolby Atmos audio, though not DTS:X. In general, Samsung soundbars in this price range have done well in our tests. Samsung Q-series soundbars include the Q-Symphony feature that lets you use both the TV speakers and soundbar together for a more immersive soundfield.
Streaming Devices
The Amazon Fire TV Cube is a mash-up of an Amazon Echo and a 4K Fire TV streamer. It has Amazon Alexa voice assistant built in, and its universal remote control capabilities let you control a host of other compatible A/V gear, including TVs and sound bars. The updated model has a faster processor, which upscales lower-resolution content to 4K, and HDMI 2.1 connections for controlling other devices using your voice. (One cool trick is that the Cube will also upscale any content from a source connected to its HDMI input.) Other features include WiFi 6E, support for both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ HDR.
This stick-style player has a slightly faster processor and more storage (16GB instead of 8GB) than its predecessor. It also has a newer WiFi technology—WiFi 6e—though you’ll also need a WiFi 6e router to take advantage of it. It also has a new feature, called the Fire TV Ambient Experience that lets you see information, such as calendars and reminders, control smart devices, or view artwork and photos, on the screen when you’re not watching TV.
Laptops and Desktop Computers
This 14-inch laptop features an Intel Core 5 processor, 16GB of memory, and 512GB of solid-state storage—the sort of specs that allow you to stretch beyond the routine work of paying bills, returning emails, and fielding Zoom calls. It can handle tougher tasks, like photo and video editing, too, though not quite as fast as top-of-the-line options. All in all, it’s a solid laptop from a reliable brand—available at a solid price.
Apple recently unveiled a Mac Mini with an M4 processor, but this M2 model delivers admirable power and performance, especially for this price. It features 8GB of memory and 256GB of solid-state storage and remains the least expensive way to buy a Mac, assuming you already have a mouse, keyboard, and external monitor.
Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
Thin, light, and powerful, with battery life to spare, the MacBook Air has been a great choice for consumers since the first model was released way back in 2008. This one—outfitted with Apple’s homegrown M1 processor—debuted in 2020 and is still a compelling choice. (Heck, this copy was written on one!) And the model is now selling at a price so low it practically requires a double take. It’s $50 more than it has been, but still one of the more affordable options for an Apple laptop.
Tech Accessories
Apple AirTags
Much like trackers made by Samsung and Tile, AirTags work best if you’re looking for one within Bluetooth range (roughly 30 feet) of your own phone. But that said, there are millions of iPhones and other Apple devices roaming around out there that can pick up a signal and discreetly convey it to you when you find yourself searching for, say, a park or a school campus for the keys you dropped. Is the tracking pinpoint accurate? No. But it’s close enough to give you a little peace of mind.
The BigBlue 28W Solar Charger, now $10 less than last week, is a solid pick for outdoorsy types who plan to carry their portable solar device in a backpack. It’s made of fabric and is particularly compact and light, weighing just 1.4 pounds and folding up neatly to around the dimensions of a magazine. It even comes with carabiners for attaching to the outside of a backpack, allowing it to get some sunlight while you’re on the move.
This battery charger claims a max power output of 28 watts, which is enough to give some charge to smaller devices like a cell phone or an external battery pack within a few hours, depending on the amount of sunlight available. It has three USB-A ports, so you can charge multiple devices at once. And with an IPX4 rating, it can withstand some rain or a light splash, though it’s not rated for protection against dust or dirt.
KYY Portable Monitor
Our evaluator found that this monitor from KYY connected easily to her Mac, Windows, Android, iPad, and Switch devices and has the same scroll wheel device for accessing the OSD settings. On the KYY, rich reds look brownish. The folio cover on the KYY doesn’t fold correctly, either, due to weak magnets. Still, if you’re looking for a utilitarian device for extra desktop space and don’t want to spend a lot of money, the KYY Portable Monitor is worth considering. With the coupon, it’s back to its Black Friday price.
Apple USB-C to Lightning Cable
This 2-meter cord, designed for the iPhone 5 through the iPhone 14, survived 11,500 bends without failing in the rig we created to test charging cord durability. That’s the equivalent of more than six years’ worth of use, according to our estimates.
Smartwatches and Fitness Trackers
This rugged-looking (and high-performing) Samsung smartwatch is aimed at outdoors enthusiasts—and anyone who wants the latest premium health- and fitness-tracking features. Just note that Galaxy Watches work only with Android devices.
The generation-old Garmin Fenix 7 is a top-of-the-line sports watch intended for those who are tackling more intense training programs or want more advanced navigation tools, like the ability to create turn-by-turn hiking courses. It also has an impressive 18-day claimed battery life. Although this price has gone up by $29.99 in recent weeks, Walmart is the only retailer with this offer—the next best price is $450.
The Fitbit Inspire 3 has a bright OLED color display instead of the monochrome screen found on the earlier model. The model is lightweight and slim, and it pairs easily with iPhones and Android phones. To access certain features—like a deeper dive on your sleep data—you need Fitbit Premium ($10 per month or $90 a year), but a six-month subscription is included with your purchase.
Our testers report that the Fitbit Inspire 3 is easy to use and quite accurate at counting steps and monitoring heart rate. The claimed battery life is more than respectable at 10 days. CR has confirmed Fitbit’s claim that the Inspire 3 is water-resistant to 50 meters (164 feet).
Smart Home
The Arlo Video Doorbell 2K is one of the best video doorbells you can buy. It provides the flexibility to install it wherever you need it. You can run it using the rechargeable battery or hardwire it to a home’s doorbell wiring for continuous power. Features include geofencing and voice/app control via Amazon Alexa and Google Home/Assistant. Cloud video storage and additional features (such as alerts for people, packages, animals, and vehicles) require an Arlo Secure subscription. This is the best price we’ve ever seen for this model.
Want a floodlight camera that’s easy to install? The Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera runs off batteries and offers great video quality. Features include activity zones, voice/app control via Amazon Alexa, and up to 5 minutes of continuous live streaming at one time. You can also store footage locally, without a subscription, by using the included Blink Sync Module 2 (worth $50) and plugging in a USB flash drive (sold separately). This camera was as low as $65 during the holidays, but this sale price is still $14 less than the typical discount we see outside of major sales.
The TP-Link Tapo C420S2 performs well across the board in our tests for video quality, response time, data security, and smart features. This two-camera kit’s features include color night vision, person detection, pet detection, vehicle detection, a built-in siren, and free local video storage on up to a 256GB microSD card. Cloud video storage is also available with a subscription.
Interested in a smart lock but don’t like hubs and dongles? The August WiFi Smart Lock connects directly to WiFi, no hub needed. It’s also a retrofit model, meaning it replaces only the interior side of your deadbolt so you can keep your existing keys. It performs quite well in our tests, including those for ease of remote access and convenience. Features include auto-locking and unlocking, access logs, electronic keys, and a door sensor.
Smartphones
This pint-sized, foldable phone easily stows in your pocket but flips open to reveal a high-quality 6.7-inch display. The cover screen, which remains visible even when the device is closed, shows notifications, dynamic widgets, and your personalized wallpaper. The camera quality and battery life are both respectable. All in all, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 is a solid performer for fans of foldable phones. This phone was $847 earlier this month, but this is still a worthwhile discount.
This is a substantial discount on Samsung’s premium foldable phone. Think of the dual-screen device as part smartphone, part tablet, which might be handy if you want to use your phone for texting and editing spreadsheets for work. It’s a bit heavier than most phones at 8.6 ounces but hinges open to reveal an impressive 7.6-inch display. It was $1,349 in December, but a $150 discount is still nothing to sneeze at.
Printers
The main thing that the Canon PIXMA TS7720, an all-in-one inkjet, has going for it is its price. It’s been selling for $99 for a long time, but now it’s discounted significantly, making it a great time to buy. The real street price is closer to $100 than the original $150, but you’re still getting nice savings here. Our annual estimate of ink cost is $68 a year, pretty typical for a cartridge printer. The lab results it turns in are decent, not extraordinary.
If saving money right now is your top priority, the Brother MFC-J1010DW meets that need. The Brother performs fairly well in our tests, with middle-of-the-pack scores for text speed and text quality. But before you buy it, keep in mind that according to our estimates, it’s likely to cost you around $76 a year in ink or more. This could be great if you just need to print the occasional document. But if you print a lot, it’s probably better to invest more up front in a printer with lower annual ink costs like the Epson EcoTank 2840 tank printer, which has an estimated $5 per year ink cost.
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