Technology

The best Black Friday tech deals under $100

0 17 minutes read

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year? Pfft, more like the most expensive. Gifts, travel, decorations, parties, delicious meals… these all add up and can put a real dent in your wallet. That’s why we’re working hard to help you save in every way, from curating budget-friendly gift guides to offering deal-hunting tips. And now, below, we’re rounding up the best Black Friday deals under $100 — many of which are featured in our gift guides.

We found a range of discounted gadgets and goods that’ll make for great presents, from the Echo Pop and Fitbit Charge 6 to the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 and even a pair of AirPods. Yet there are also deals that’ll help you save on other expenses, like color-changing smart string lights for holiday parties and streaming services like Hulu.

To make your life a little easier, we’ve highlighted the best deals under $100 below. And if you want to save money on gadgets of all prices, be sure to also check out our guide to the best Black Friday deals.

An image of the Google Chromecast, the best streaming stick of 2021 for most people, resting on a soundbar.An image of the Google Chromecast, the best streaming stick of 2021 for most people, resting on a soundbar.

The Chromecast with Google TV introduces a dedicated remote and new software. It brings together recommendations from all of your streaming services and supports 4K HDR content with Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10 Plus. Read our review.

  • The Chromecast with Google TV (HD) is also on sale for $19.98 ($10 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and directly from Google. The budget-friendly version of the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) lacks Dolby Atmos support and 4K streaming, topping out at 1080p resolution instead. Nevertheless, the device is also capable of bringing together recommendations from your favorite streaming service like the 4K model. It also supports casting and comes with a Google Assistant-compatible voice remote. Read our review.
An Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max streaming stick with its remote sitting beside a bowl of popcorn in front of a TV.An Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max streaming stick with its remote sitting beside a bowl of popcorn in front of a TV.

Amazon’s latest streaming stick is faster than its predecessor with Wi-Fi 6E and double the storage. It also now displays widgets and artwork when idle while continuing to offer a terrific selection of streaming apps and Alexa integration.

  • The Alexa Voice Remote Pro is on sale for $27.99 ($7 off) at Amazon and Best Buy. In addition to working well with Amazon Alexa, the backlit remote offers customizable buttons and a useful remote finder feature. Read our review.

Roku’s Streaming Stick 4K maintains its simple interface that puts your apps front and center and adds support for Dolby Vision HDR. Read our review.

Roku’s Streambar is an inexpensive soundbar that will improve upon your TV’s built-in speakers with better voice clarity and overall sound. It doubles as a Roku streaming device as well, meaning it can run the company’s popular software and supports 4K HDR playback.

The word hulu against a black background with light green circles radiating out.The word hulu against a black background with light green circles radiating out.

Until November 28th at 11:59PM PT, you can get a year of ad-supported Hulu for $11.88, which works out to $0.99 a month a savings of $68 compared to buying the $79.99 annual plan. New and returning subscribers (who canceled their Hulu subscription at least a month ago) as well as existing Disney Plus and ESPN Plus standalone subscribers are eligible for the deal.

An image showing the Max logoAn image showing the Max logo

Max is offering new and returning customers a six-month subscription to its ad-supported plan for $2.99 a month instead of $9.99 a month until November 27th. The base plan provides access to all the same programming as the pricier tiers, including shows like The Last of Us and films like Barbie.

  • Now through December 3rd, new and returning subscribers can get three months of the ad-supported Paramount Plus Essential Plan for $1.99 per month instead of $5.99 when they use the promo code BLACKFRIDAY. The plans grant access to Paramount content like Yellowstone spinoff 1883 and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
  • If you also want to watch Showtime content like Billions as well as live TV with CBS and college football, you can the same code to get three months of Paramount Plus with Showtime for $3.99 instead of $11.99 per month.

The second-generation AirPods near their charging case on a white surface.The second-generation AirPods near their charging case on a white surface.

These AirPods are Apple’s second generation of true wireless earbuds and the cheapest model in the AirPods lineup. Though they’re from 2019, they remain a reliable pair of buds with solid sound quality. Read our review.

A photo of Samsung’s Galaxy Buds FE earbuds.A photo of Samsung’s Galaxy Buds FE earbuds.

Samsung’s budget-friendly Galaxy Buds FE offer some very good sound and noise cancellation for the money. They also feature a return of the wing tip design from the older Galaxy Buds Plus, the fit of which some may prefer. Read our review.

  • Google’s Pixel Buds A-Series earbuds are down to $59 ($41 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. The Pixel Buds A-Series deliver impressive sound quality for their price, along with useful hands-free Google Assistant voice controls. Read our review.

Anker’s Soundcore Sport X10 headphones have powerful bass, flexible ear loops that keep them in place, and an IPX7 rating for water and sweat resistance. They can also provide up to eight hours of continuous battery life.

Sennheiser’s Sport Earbuds deliver the top-notch sound quality that the company is known for. They also come with two styles of ear tips — open and closed — that let you decide how much ambient sound you want to hear during workouts.

  • Amazon’s second-gen Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation from 2021 are a comfortable pair of buds that offer surprisingly good noise cancellation for their price along with support for hands-free Alexa commands. You can buy them for $64.99 ($55 off) or for $84.99 with a wireless charging case from Amazon. Read our review.
  • Amazon’s latest Echo Buds are on sale for $34.99 ($15 off) at Amazon. The buds lack noise cancellation, though their “semi-in-ear” fit does make it easier to maintain awareness of your surroundings.

Sony’s wireless headphones offer noise cancellation and up to 35 hours of battery life on a single charge. They also come in blue, white, and black.

Jabra’s Elite 4 Active are smaller than Jabra’s Elite 3 and offer active noise cancellation and IP57 water resistance.

  • The Beats Studio Buds are on sale for $99.95 ($50 off) at Amazon and Best Buy. Along with noise cancellation and good sound quality, the Studio Buds feature support for iOS and Android. Read our review.

Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 2 have a stylish, low-profile design, and the earbuds are incredibly comfortable to wear even for long amounts of time. The earbuds feature active noise cancellation, pleasing sound quality, and wireless charging.

Amazon’s kid-friendly Paperwhite is the same as the standard Paperwhite, but it’s ad-free and comes with the added benefits of a two-year hardware protection plan, one year of Amazon Kids Plus, and a choice of three kid-friendly covers.

A child holding and reading a pink Kindle while sitting on grass.A child holding and reading a pink Kindle while sitting on grass.

Amazon’s new Kindle Kids is identical to the standard Kindle — meaning it packs a 300ppi display and support for USB-C charging — but comes with a case, an extended two-year warranty, and a year of Amazon Kids Plus.

The second-gen Apple Pencil ditches the awkward Lightning port charging, adopting a magnetic mechanism that attaches to the side of the latest iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad Mini models. It can also recharge while magnetically attached and supports tap gestures.

  • The first-gen Apple Pencil, which is compatible with both the ninth-gen and tenth-gen iPads, is also on sale for $79 ($20) at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. The stylus doesn’t recharge while magnetically attached to the tablet’s side, like the second-gen Apple Pencil. Rather, it needs to be plugged into the iPad’s Lightning port.
The One by Wacom pen drawing tablet resting on a table.The One by Wacom pen drawing tablet resting on a table.

The One by Wacom’s charm lies in its simplicity — it’s cheap, well-built, and doesn’t overwhelm new artists with buttons or dials.

The 2023 Fire HD 10 sports a 10.1-inch 1080p display and 3GB of RAM, which is plenty if you’re streaming or browsing. It’s lighter than the last-gen model, too, and comes with support for both the Made for Amazon Stylus Pen and Amazon’s handwriting recognition technology.

  • Amazon’s Fire HD 8 tablet is on sale for $59.99 ($40 off) with ads at Amazon and Best Buy. Its eight-inch display isn’t as sharp as the Fire HD 10’s, but it’s still a decent, basic entertainment device for streaming and reading digital books. Read our review.

The XP-Pen Deco Mini 7 is a pint-size drawing tablet that’s ideal for signing digital documents and playing rhythm games.

The third-gen Echo Show 5 turned on while on a desk in front of the window during a rainy day.The third-gen Echo Show 5 turned on while on a desk in front of the window during a rainy day.

The new Echo Show 5 is just as small as its predecessor but features updated mics and a speaker system that delivers double the bass and clearer sound quality.

  • Regularly $129.99, right now you can buy the last-gen Echo Show 8 for $49.99 at Amazon. It’s not as fast as the third-gen Echo Show 8 and can’t act as a smart hub, but it’s still a good smart display that can carry out all sorts of Alexa-enabled tasks, from making Zoom calls to controlling other smart home devices. Read our review.

The second-gen Nest Hub is Google’s smallest smart display, with a seven-inch touchscreen that can adjust itself to the lighting in your room. What’s new in the latest version is its ability to automatically track your sleep patterns with its Soli radar chip. Read our review.

The Echo Pop is Amazon’s newest Alexa-enabled smart speaker. It offers a unique semisphere form factor and can function as an Eero mesh Wi-Fi extender. Read our review.

  • Amazon’s Alexa-enabled fourth-gen Echo is on sale for $54.99 ($67.99 off) at Amazon and Best Buy, with the former throwing in a free Kasa smart plug. The spherical Echo offers a loud, room-filling sound that’s better than the smaller Echo Dots, while also acting as a Wi-Fi extender for Eero mesh networks.  Read our review.

The fifth-gen Echo Dot touts a temperature sensor, better sound, and faster response time than the prior model. It can also act as an extender for your Eero Wi-Fi system. Read our review.

  • Sony’s SRS-XB100 speaker is on sale at Amazon and Best Buy for $48 ($12 off), its lowest price to date. Despite the fact it’s tiny, the Bluetooth speaker delivers crisp, clear sound along with up to 16 hours of continuous battery life. It also sports IP67 dust and water resistance, so you can take it to pool parties or while on hikes without worrying. Read our review.

The latest entry in the JBL clip line of Bluetooth speakers retains the same integrated carabiner of its predecessor while including a more powerful speaker.

  • Ultimate Ear’s Boom 3 is on sale for $99.99 instead of $149.99 at Amazon and Best Buy. Despite being five years old, the Boom 3 is still our favorite waterproof Bluetooth speaker with stellar sound, easy controls, and battery life that should provide up to 15 hours of playback.
  • You can buy the JBL Flip 6 from Best Buy and JBL for around $189.99 ($30 off). Along with an IP67 water rating, the Bluetooth speaker offers up to 12 hours of battery life.

The least expensive smart string lights you can buy, Govee’s LEDs are individually addressable, allowing for flashier effects. The colors are bright and bold, but no white chip means the RGB-designated whites are limited. Govee’s lights have built-in music sync and can sync scenes across the company’s wide range of lights, indoors and out.

Philips Hue’s starter kit is a great option for those looking to get started with smart lighting, one comes with two color-changing A19 800-lumen bulbs and a Philips Hue Bridge.

Developed in partnership with Resideo, the Amazon Smart Thermostat allows you to control the temperature of your home through Alexa voice controls and remotely via an app. Read our review.

Two TP-Link Kasa KP125M Matter smart plugs stacked on top of each other. They are white rectangular prisms with a three-prong outlet on the front face and three-prong plug on the rear face, TP-Link on the top face, and a power button on the right face.Two TP-Link Kasa KP125M Matter smart plugs stacked on top of each other. They are white rectangular prisms with a three-prong outlet on the front face and three-prong plug on the rear face, TP-Link on the top face, and a power button on the right face.

This well-rounded plug is easy to control in the Kasa app, works all of the major smart home platforms, supports Matter, and offers additional features like energy monitoring.  

The black Blink Video Doorbell hung up on a brick wall outside of a house.The black Blink Video Doorbell hung up on a brick wall outside of a house.

Blink’s Video Doorbell is the best if you’re looking for a budget-friendly buzzer that offers motion-activated recording and alerts, night vision, two-way audio, and up to two years of battery life.

A black, two-outlet outdoor smart plug. It has a short cable leading to its own power plug, and a flap to protect the outlets from moisture. It is on a blue background with a grid of white lines.A black, two-outlet outdoor smart plug. It has a short cable leading to its own power plug, and a flap to protect the outlets from moisture. It is on a blue background with a grid of white lines.

With straightforward app control and reliable dimming, this weather-resistant smart plug is tailor-made to tackle holiday lights and other plug-in outdoor lighting. It works with Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings.

Eve Energy smart plug. A white rectangular prism with the broad face front. The corners and edges are rounded, there is a three-prong outlet on the front and a green LED on the upper-right corner of the front face. It sits on a blue background with a grid of white lines.Eve Energy smart plug. A white rectangular prism with the broad face front. The corners and edges are rounded, there is a three-prong outlet on the front and a green LED on the upper-right corner of the front face. It sits on a blue background with a grid of white lines.

Not only does this smart plug offer the most detailed energy monitoring of any we tested, but it also works with Matter over Thread and is an especially good choice for Apple Home users.

Nanoleaf Matter bulb and light strip on a tableNanoleaf Matter bulb and light strip on a table

Nanoleaf’s Matter Essentials bulbs work with every smart home platform, as long as you have a Matter controller and Thread border router. They’re brighter, cheap, and have great colors, but they don’t support Apple’s Adaptive Lighting. Read our review.

A black wireless camera mounted on a wall.A black wireless camera mounted on a wall.

The 1080p Blink Outdoor 4 security camera offers support for motion detection, night vision, and two-way audio. Unlike the third-gen model, it also now supports person detection and a wider field of view.

These are Matter-compatible out of the box and have rich colors and a nice range of cool to warm lights. Each LED is individually addressable, allowing for some fun effects. Nanoleaf’s ecosystem is limited when it comes to outdoor lights, but there are lots of indoor options you can sync scenes across.

Each Blink Mini includes a ball-and-socket mount, a USB-C cable for powering it, and a power adapter. However, note that you’ll need to opt for the optional Blink subscription plan to take advantage of cloud storage and some features.

Amazon’s Smart Air Quality Monitor touts a compact design, voice alerts, and automated triggers that allow it to turn on air purifiers and other Alexa-enabled devices. It lacks a display, however, and pairs best with an Echo device. Read our review.

Kasa’s apt-titled smart plugs are a solid, inexpensive option that can monitor your energy usage and are compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

The Backbone One mobile controller can connect to iPhones as far back as the 6S generation through the Lightning port. It’s a fully featured controller complete with dual analog sticks, a headphone jack, and its own software for capturing screenshots and connecting to game streaming services. Read our review.

Screenshot from Final Fantasy XVI featuring Cid, Torgal the wolf, Clive, and JillScreenshot from Final Fantasy XVI featuring Cid, Torgal the wolf, Clive, and Jill

The latest mainline Final Fantasy game is a bombastic roller coaster of an RPG infused with a dose of Game of Thrones medieval intrigue and gritty violence. It’s also quite the cinematic spectacle of the PlayStation 5’s graphical prowess. Read our review.

The controller designed for the PS5, featuring adaptive triggers, a built-in microphone, and haptic feedback technologies. Read our review.

Side profile of the Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite, with its twelve thumb buttons showing.Side profile of the Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite, with its twelve thumb buttons showing.

The Scimitar RGB Elite is a great mouse for MMOs, MOBAs, action RPGs, or really any game that benefits from having an entire number row’s worth of buttons right at your thumb. Swap weapons or abilities without taking your fingers off of the WASD keys!

The 2023 version of RE4 is a remake of a 2005 classic that launched on the GameCube in 2005. The updated title features a massive graphical overhaul and new mechanics while staying true to its horror action roots. Read our review.

The official Xbox Wireless Controller has a dedicated share button for saving clips and screenshots and sharing them online, Bluetooth support, and a USB-C port for charging up Microsoft’s play-and-charge rechargeable battery.

The Split Pad Pro represents Hori’s take on the Nintendo Switch Pro controller, one that is split into two separate pieces. The Split Pad Pro is a good Joy-Con alternative for people who primarily play their Nintendo Switch in handheld mode. Read our review.

A screenshot of the video game Street Fighter 6.A screenshot of the video game Street Fighter 6.

Street Fighter 6 is the latest fighting game in the Street Fighter franchise from Capcom. It features new controls and is divided into three game modes, one of which is an excellent new single-player mode that lets you create your own fighter while exploring the world. Read our review.

A screenshot of the protagonist of Dead Space carrying a plasma cutter.A screenshot of the protagonist of Dead Space carrying a plasma cutter.

A remake of the 2008 sci-fi third-person horror shooter from Electronic Arts and Motive Studio. Isaac Clarke battles his way through the nightmarish depths of the USG Ishimura to find survivors, now with overhauled visuals and quality-of-life improvements on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X / S, and PC. It’s also available on Xbox Game Pass. Read our review.

The cover art for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, showing main character Cal Kestis and his droid, BD-1, in front of a desolate backdrop.The cover art for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, showing main character Cal Kestis and his droid, BD-1, in front of a desolate backdrop.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is the captivating sequel to 2019’s Fallen Order, one that continues the story of Cal Kestis and his little droid, BD-1. It’s an action-adventure game blending elements of games like Tomb Raider, Metroid, and God of War — except you’re a Jedi with a lightsaber. Read our review.

Razer Kishi V2Razer Kishi V2

Razer’s Switch-like controller is designed for mobile gaming and cloud-based gaming services. The V2 version is offered in a Lightning model for previous-gen iPhones and a USB-C version for Android phones and the iPhone 15. Read our review.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a different take on the Zelda series with an emphasis on exploration, experimentation, and emergent gameplay.

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is an excellent turn-based strategy game that pairs classic Mario characters with the chaotic Rabbids for an encore performance.

An AirTag wedged into some planks of wood.An AirTag wedged into some planks of wood.

Apple’s AirTag can help you find your lost items with its UWB technology. You’ll get the best compatibility with an iPhone, though Apple released an Android app to detect an AirTag’s location if one seems to be following you.

Crafted using tanned French leather, you can use the lanyard to keep your item finder in place or to clip it to luggage and other items.

Colorful Tile Pro hanging from a key ring on a hookColorful Tile Pro hanging from a key ring on a hook

The Tile Pro is the company’s loudest Bluetooth tracker and has the widest range at 400 feet. It also has a user-replaceable battery, unlike other Tiles.

Eufy SmartTrack Card on top of a colorful notebookEufy SmartTrack Card on top of a colorful notebook

The Eufy Security SmartTrack Card works with Apple’s Find My network, comes with a clip, lets you know when you’ve left it behind, and can ring your phone even if it’s in silent mode.

Fitbit Charge 6 showing exercise app on screen.Fitbit Charge 6 showing exercise app on screen.

The Fitbit Charge 6 features a haptic side button, an improved heart rate algorithm, turn-by-turn navigation with Google Maps, and the ability to broadcast your heart rate on certain Bluetooth gym equipment. Read our review.

The Fitbit Inspire 3 on top of a plantThe Fitbit Inspire 3 on top of a plant

The Fitbit Inspire 3 is an minimalist fitness band that delivers notifications and tracks your activity on a bright OLED screen.

An iPhone propped up horizontally by the kickstand of a Belkin MagSafe charger on a table with a prop skeleton sitting in a chair and looking at the phone.An iPhone propped up horizontally by the kickstand of a Belkin MagSafe charger on a table with a prop skeleton sitting in a chair and looking at the phone.

Belkin’s BoostCharge Pro with MagSafe supports 15W fast wireless charging with MagSafe-compatible iPhones and has a lengthy 6.6-foot built-in cable. Its 15W charging speeds and little kickstand make the BoostCharge Pro with MagSafe the best all-purpose magnetic charging puck.

Picture of Magsafe Duo charger with phone and Apple watch on it.Picture of Magsafe Duo charger with phone and Apple watch on it.

The MagSafe Duo is Apple’s 2-in-1 charger, which includes a MagSafe charger on one side and an Apple Watch charger on the other.

Qi wireless car charger with a one-touch mechanism and foot that adjusts to fit large and extra-large smartphones up to 3.7 inches.

8BitDo retro keyboard with mouse next to it.8BitDo retro keyboard with mouse next to it.

This mechanical keyboard is designed to look like Nintendo’s original NES controller, with features like two red customizable buttons. Along with Bluetooth support, it also offers a standard tenkeyless layout with clicky, hot-swappable switches.

The C270 HD shoots in 720p resolution at 30 frames per second. It features a 55-degree field of view, and it has a mono microphone. It’s nothing fancy, but it gets the job done.

The StreamCam supports 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second. It has a 78-degree field of view, along with two omnidirectional mics. Unlike most other options, the StreamCam connects via USB-C. On Macs with M1 and M2 processors, you won’t be able to access all of its advertised features.

The adjustable Logitech Litra Glow is designed to illuminate you while on video and can be mounted on a monitor.

A hand holding up the white Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 against a green slide.A hand holding up the white Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 against a green slide.

Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 12 is the best instant camera for most people. While it lacks more advanced features, the simple instant camera takes good-quality shots quickly and easily and offers a built-in selfie mode. It’s sold in a variety of fun colors that’ll especially appeal to kids and tweens.

The Polaroid Go is the smallest and most affordable Polaroid instant camera on the market.

The Hi-Print isn’t the most portable, but it produces excellent quality prints with its dye-sub process.

The Ember Mug 2 is a temperature-controlled smart mug that keeps beverages hot. The accompanying iOS and Android apps allow you to dial in a specific temperature, from 120 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Amazon’s own Fire TV Soundbar is a 2.0-channel speaker that stretches 24 inches long. It’s got support for Dolby Audio, DTS, and Bluetooth and connects to a compatible TV via an HDMI port with eARC or ARC.

Catan CU (promo image)Catan CU (promo image)

The iconic board game classic that has players strategically competing and trading for resources.

Travel adaptor on power strip connected to phones and laptop.Travel adaptor on power strip connected to phones and laptop.

Epicka’s Universal Travel Adapter is an all-in-one adapter that includes four different plugs that cover over 150 countries.

The ChomChom is a reusable cat and dog hair remover that works great for furniture.

LifeStraw’s basic filter removes unwanted viruses, bacteria, and microplastics as you drink, giving you a safe way to hydrate no matter where you are.

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