Black Friday tech picks to watch in 2025 — focus on essentials, not impulses
Black Friday season is stretching into a month‑long shopping period, and 2025’s landscape looks different: tighter budgets and a focus on essentials mean you don’t need to chase headline gadgets to get value. The best buys this year are often practical upgrades — items you use daily that last and improve your routine.
Rather than splurging on a new phone or laptop, consider smaller high‑impact purchases: better audio for calls, a fast SSD to revive an older machine, a mesh Wi‑Fi kit to fix dead zones, or an ergonomic keyboard for daily comfort. These buys often go on sale and deliver immediate quality‑of‑life improvements.
Categories worth prioritizing
- Audio: Noise‑cancelling headphones or earbuds for work and travel.
- Storage & performance: NVMe SSDs and RAM upgrades to speed up aging laptops.
- Networking: Mesh Wi‑Fi systems or Wi‑Fi 6E routers to kill dead zones and improve reliability.
- Peripherals & ergonomics: Keyboards, mice, monitors, standing‑desk accessories and ergonomic chairs.
- Smart home essentials: Smart plugs, bulbs, and a reliable hub — prioritize Matter‑compatible devices for future proofing.
- Power & backup: Portable power stations or UPS units for preparedness.
Shopping tips for 2025
- Set a short list: pick 2–3 items you actually need and watch prices for a few days to spot true discounts.
- Compare historical lows: use price‑tracking tools to avoid marketing‑driven “discounts”.
- Check return windows and warranty coverage before buying, especially for refurbished or open‑box deals.
- Consider upgrades over replacements: adding an SSD or more RAM can be cheaper and faster than buying a new machine.
For more context and suggested items, see the original roundup and deal expectations (opens in a new tab): Engadget — Black Friday tech deals to watch.
Discussion: What tech is at the top of your Black Friday list this year — a practical upgrade or a wish‑list splurge?