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I Test Amazon Devices for a Living. Here’s What to Buy This Black Friday Weekend

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I Test Amazon Devices for a Living. Here’s What to Buy This Black Friday Weekend


Amazon steeply discounts its hardware during Black Friday, the ensuing weekend, and Cyber Monday, and that’s often when you’ll find the best Amazon and Kindle deals. Thank goodness. In this economy, we’ll take every discount we can get this holiday season. If you’re hoping to pick up a new Amazon device, whether it be a new Kindle for your favorite book-lover or a new Echo speaker for your smart home, this is the last great sale event of the year and the time to buy. Lots of Amazon devices we recommend are on sale, and these are the Amazon device and Kindle Black Friday deals you don’t want to miss.

Looking for more deals to shop? Don’t miss our guide to the Absolute Best Black Friday Sales, Best Black Friday Tech Deals, and Best Black Friday Mattress Deals.

Updated November 29: We’ve added new deals on the Kindle Colorsoft, Echo Show 11, and Fire HD 8 devices.

Best Kindle Deals

  • Photograph: Nena Farrell

  • Photograph: Nena Farrell

  • Courtesy of Amazon

Amazon

Kindle Paperwhite (2024, 12th Generation)

The Kindle Paperwhite is our long-time favorite Kindle. It’s got a 7-inch screen that has an auto-adjusting warm light you won’t find on cheaper Kindles, with solid resolution, dark mode, and three months of battery life. Both the regular Paperwhite and the Paperwhite Signature are on sale, and the latter offers wireless charging and an upgraded 32 GB of storage.

  • Photograph: Nena Farrell

  • Photograph: Nena Farrell

  • Courtesy of Amazon

Amazon

Kindle Scribe (2024)

This is the Kindle I find myself going back to over and over again because I love the digital notebook feature. The Kindle Scribe also has a massive (at least in the world of e-readers) 10-inch screen with an auto-adjusting front light and three months of battery, and comes with a magnet-attaching stylus to scribble notes and highlights. There’s a new Kindle Scribe due out this winter, so this might be one of your last chances to get this generation for this cheap.

  • Photograph: Nena Farrell

  • Photograph: Nena Farrell

  • Photograph: Nena Farrell

Amazon

Kindle Colorsoft Kids

If you want a color Kindle for your kiddo, then this is the one to get. It comes with a fun cover to keep it safe, and a full year of Amazon Kids+ content that will give them access to tons of age-appropriate books and other content. Honestly, if anyone should get a color e-reader, it’s kids. They’re much more likely to enjoy the color benefits than your everyday novel readers.

Best Amazon Echo Deals

  • Photograph: Nena Farrell

  • Photograph: Nena Farrell

Amazon has four new Echo devices, and one of the best also happens to be 50 percent off. The Echo Dot Max looks like a miniaturized version of the new Echo Studio, with the dust cap-style front panel and round body. Compared to past Echo Dots, the sound is seriously impressive. It comes with a higher price to match, but this small discount makes it more appealing.

  • Photograph: Nena Farrell

  • Courtesy of Amazon

Looking to spend even less? The previous reigning Echo Dot was the fifth-generation model, and it’s still a great smart speaker. You’ll get better bass than most other speakers this size, and all the benefits of Alexa in a single tiny package.

  • Photograph: Nena Farrell

  • Photograph: Nena Farrell

  • Photograph: Nena Farrell

Amazon didn’t just drop new Echo speakers this year, but two new Echo Show devices as well: the fourth-generation Echo Show 8 and the Echo Show 11. Both are the same device, but the Show 11 has the larger, 11-inch display. It’s a new size for Amazon (so far, there’s been a Show 10 and a Show 15 on the larger end), and it’s already on sale. We’re still testing it, but if you think an 11-inch Alexa display would be perfect for your home, this is the perfect chance to buy.

Fire Device Deals

2023 Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet

Courtesy of Best Buy

Amazon doesn’t just make speakers and e-readers. It also has a suite of tablets and streaming devices named Fire Tablets. They’re a good, affordable choice if you want something simple and tend to use Amazon’s streaming services. Our favorite of the Fire tablets is the Fire HD 10. The 10-inch tablet is good for everyday tasks like web browsing and streaming, and has a full HD (1080p) screen for enjoying your favorite Amazon Prime shows.

Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max

Courtesy of Amazon

Amazon

Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Generation)

If you’re an Amazon Prime Video lover, then this is the streaming device—and the sale—for you. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max still lets you access other streaming apps, but is tailored for Amazon Prime. This second-generation model has 16 GB of storage and is easy to set up and use.

Black tablet with app icons and a search bar on the screen

Courtesy of Amazon

​​If you’re in the market for an Amazon-powered tablet, the Fire HD 8 is our favorite value option, and that’s before it went on sale. It has improved RAM at the level of our favorite Fire tablet, the HD 10, and the smaller size makes it good for traveling.


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These Are the Best Tech Deals to Shop This Cyber Monday

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These Are the Best Tech Deals to Shop This Cyber Monday


Welcome to WIRED’s guide to the best Cyber Monday tech deals, where we can promise you two things: these devices are worth buying (we’ve tested and recommended every one of them), and these are actual discounts (not the year-round price). So, whether you need an upgrade, want to treat yourself, or are seeking a great gift, we have you covered.

Want a wider range of deals? Check out the Absolute Best Black Friday Deals roundup to find more bargains this sale weekend.

Updated November 30: We’ve added deals on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7, Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus, Apple AirPods Pro 2, and Apple Watch SE 3.

  • Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

  • Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

  • Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

  • Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

The Google Pixel 10 is one of the best Android phones you can buy. Easy to recommend at full price, the Pixel 10 is an absolute bargain with this discount. You get an excellent triple-camera system with a 5X optical zoom sensor, support for Qi2 wireless charging, so you can magnetically attach to wireless chargers and docks, and Google’s super smart software features (Call Screen to filter out spam calls is our favorite). Learn more in the Best Pixel Phones guide.

  • Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

  • Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

  • Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

  • Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

The Pixel 9a is our top smartphone choice for most people, and it’s now $50 cheaper than it was on Black Friday itself. At $349, you’re getting a smooth-performing smartphone with a reliable dual-camera system that’s unmatched at this price, not to mention day-long battery life and a completely flat camera lens system for anyone who hates giant camera bumps. Oh, and it’ll get 7 years of software updates.

Sony A7IV Camera Body

Photograph: Sony

Sony’s A7 IV is the best mirrorless camera on the market (for most people). It’s a 33-megapixel, full-frame camera with a brilliant autofocus system, impressive dynamic range, and crisp images. There’s an expansive range of 4K video options as well, along with customizable buttons to set up your preferences, so you don’t have to always rummage through the menus. Reviewer Scott Gilbertson found the grip to be super comfortable and the camera to be light enough to endure for long periods without any back strain. —Boutayna Chokrane

Image may contain: Electronics, Mobile Phone, and Phone

Photograph: Ryan Waniata

Soundcore by Anker

Aeroclip

If you’re shopping for open earbuds so that you can enjoy your music but still be aware of your surroundings, the Soundcore Aeroclip is the best we’ve tested so far. Reviewer Ryan Waniata praises the comfort, sound quality, usability, and value. The sound is wide and balanced, and the built-in controls are ideal for runs. Waniata likes to use them during outdoor activities, like hiking or biking, but he finds them especially helpful when he’s cooking dinner and needs to stay alert for his newborn’s cries. —Boutayna Chokrane

Child's wrist with a digital wristwatch and the screen showing the time and game points earned

Photograph: Adrienne So

Editor Adrienne So says the Fitbit Ace LTE is the first fitness tracker she’s gotten her kids to use. It’s a fitness tracker (designed with Fitbit’s health sensors), gaming device, and location tracker. The $10/monthly subscription includes both LTE connectivity and Fitbit Arcade, which has a variety of movement-based games that get children on their feet and incentivize them to keep their watches on. They can call and text their guardians (and other approved contacts) through the Fitbit Ace app, and their location is trackable via Google Find My. —Boutayna Chokrane

Philips Hue Festavia lights

Photograph: Philips

This is a rare and tasty deal on my favorite Xmas lights. They work indoors or out, can be scheduled, and support a bunch of lovely animated effects. While I’m mentioning Philips Hue and its excellent but horribly expensive wares, you might want to check out some of its other Cyber Monday deals. My picks would be the wall washers ($316), TV lightstrip ($129), and HDMI sync box ($270).

Asus RT-BE58U, a black angular wi-fi router with 4 antennae sticking up from the back

Photograph: Simon Hill

The Asus RT-BE58U is perhaps the ideal Wi-Fi 7 upgrade for modest homes and apartments still struggling with the crappy router their internet service provider sent, and that’s why it tops our Best Wi-Fi Routers guide. It’s easy to set up and use, can cover up to 2,000 square feet, and boasts plenty of ports. As a dual-band router, it lacks the 6-GHz band, but has all the other advantages of Wi-Fi 7. There’s also support for VPN service, separate IoT or guest networks, and Ai Mesh.

Image may contain: Adapter, Electronics, Computer, Laptop, Pc, Computer Hardware, Hardware, and Computer Keyboard

Photograph: Eric Ravenscraft

Don’t ask me why they keep taking our ports away. God forbid you should want to plug something into your laptop. Well, you can stick it to those minimalist designers with the best laptop docking station. This one doubles as a wedge to prop your laptop up and has a storage slot.

Sony WH-1000MX5 headphones

Courtesy of Sony

These wireless noise-canceling headphones may not be the latest release from Sony, but they are still an excellent pair of cans with a far deeper discount. The Sony WH-1000XM5 are relatively light and comfortable, producing accomplished sound in every scenario, and have great control options.

Image may contain: Electronics, Screen, Computer Hardware, Hardware, Monitor, TV, Person, Adult, Ball, Football, and Soccer

Photograph: Ryan Waniata

You can spend a lot on a TV, but you can also get a great screen without breaking the bank, and the TCL QM6K proves it. This is the best TV for most people right now as it offers excellent color and processing, all the apps you want, and great performance, even in bright rooms. There are discounts across the range of screen sizes.

Image may contain: Electronics, Remote Control, Adapter, and Smoke Pipe

Photograph: Parker Hall

Roku

Streaming Stick Plus (2025)

If you want to get the latest streaming apps on an older TV, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus is for you. It’s easy to set up, works reliably, and has a handy voice remote that makes finding content easier than ever. It slots neatly behind most TVs, and Roku’s interface is nice and clear.

  • Photograph: Brenda Stolyar

  • Photograph: Brenda Stolyar

Apple doesn’t really do sales, but other retailers do. This is the lowest price we’ve seen on a solid iPad the whole family can enjoy. The Apple iPad (A16, 2025) performs great for most tasks, looks pretty nice, and has a 12-megapixel camera. It is honestly all the iPad most folks need for surfing the web and streaming shows in bed. With iPadOS 26 and the new windowing apps feature, you can even comfortably do some work if you pair it with a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse.

Small rounded rectangular bright blue device beside a black rectangular device, both with strap handles.

Photograph: Simon Hill

Handy as they are for keeping you connected when your phone dies unexpectedly, portable chargers can be very same-y. The reason the Nimble Champ tops our Best Power Banks guide is Nimble’s focus on the environment. It’s made from 90 percent certified recycled plastic and comes in fully biodegradable packaging. It also works well, with capacities starting from 5,200 mAh, with USB-A and USB-C ports, and up to 15-watt charging.

  • Photograph: Nena Farrell

  • Photograph: Nena Farrell

  • Courtesy of Amazon

Amazon

Kindle Paperwhite (2024, 12th Generation)

Yes, you should read more, and Amazon’s Kindle e-readers make it easier to do exactly that. Our current favorite is the Kindle Paperwhite (12th generation). It has a sharp 7-inch display, auto-adjusting warm light, three-month battery life, snappy performance, and it’s slim and light, making it comfortable to hold. It even has integration with Overdrive for your library books and support for several languages.

  • Photograph: Nena Farrell

The reMarkable 2 is one of the best digital notebooks, offering a paperlike writing experience, intuitive software, and several weeks of battery life. This is a budget model, so it lacks front light and color, but it’s still a decent device. Bundles where you choose both a marker and folio are heavily discounted right now, and they’re not often on sale, so it’s a good time to snap one up.

Image may contain: Computer, Computer Hardware, Computer Keyboard, Electronics, and Hardware

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

Keychron boards are popular here at WIRED, and the Q6 HE is our current pick of the best mechanical keyboards. Sturdy, satisfying to type on, with a lovely retro aesthetic, what more do you need? Well, the Q6 HE also boasts hot-swappable Hall Effect switches, four macro keys, and is relatively easy to customize or repair.

Slender black charger with two metal prongs protruding

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

Nomad

65W Slim Power Adapter

The great thing about Nomad’s 65-watt charger is that it’s incredibly slim, with flip-out prongs, so it can slip easily into small pockets in your bag or purse. You get dual USB-C ports, and can pull 45 watts out of the left port and 20 out of the right. Or, if you’re just charging one device, the full 65 watts is enough for any phone, most tablets, and even some MacBooks or Windows laptops (though they may not charge at top speed).

  • Photograph: Simon Hill

  • Photograph: Simon Hill

  • Photograph: Simon Hill

  • Photograph: Simon Hill

You know what I don’t miss in the slightest? Mowing the lawn. A good robot mower, like this relatively affordable one from newcomer Anthbot, will do it for you, quietly. No wire required; it recharges itself, you just set a schedule and relax. OK, it sometimes leaves a verge, but the only model I’ve tried that doesn’t is more than twice the price.

  • Photograph: Simon Hill

  • Photograph: Simon Hill

Sharp 2K video, color night vision, a wide 160-degree field of view, and clear two-way audio make the Arlo Pro 5S easy to recommend for folks seeking a security camera. You also get AI recognition for people and pets, a siren to scare intruders, and the quick-loading Arlo app. But you need Arlo Secure ($8 per month for one camera or $13 per month for unlimited cameras) for subject recognition, smart alerts, and cloud storage. The Arlo Pro 5S is our pick of the best outdoor security cameras.

  • Photograph: Simon Hill

  • Photograph: Simon Hill

I love my Oura Ring 4. It accurately tracks my sleep, activity, and stress levels and offers insights that I find genuinely useful. It’s also very comfortable, the app is super slick, with new features being added all the time, and it’s far less obtrusive than any other kind of tracker you could wear. The catch is a subscription, but this is still the best of the best smart rings.

Yellow semi-clear video game controller with long backplate connecting each side. Left side has a joystick and directional pad. Right side has 4 buttons and a joystick.

Photograph: Simon Hill

It’s the thoughtful design that elevates the Backbone One above the rest of the best mobile controllers. Slot your phone into the compact cradle, with a USB-C jack for speedy connectivity, and you get satisfyingly clicky and responsive controls plus a 3.5-mm headphone port. You can also customize it for different games, or even use Backbone’s software as a one-stop gaming hub, if you’re willing to pay a subscription.

Black sunglasses beside a brown carrying case, both sitting on a beige carpet

Photograph: Adrienne So

Ray-Ban

Meta Smart Glasses

Yes, there is a new version of the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarers, but the good news is that the old pair is now on sale. If you can stomach Meta AI’s privacy policies, there’s a strong argument that it has won the smart glasses race already (at least, so far). The best smart glasses must be easy to wear, and these look great and help offload things from your phone, so you don’t have to dip into that pocket quite as much.

  • Photograph: Ryan Waniata

  • Photograph: Ryan Waniata

  • Photograph: Ryan Waniata

The JBL Flip 7 is the Bluetooth speaker that has it all. It’s durable, it has stamina, it produces a punchy sound, and it comes in fun colors. As the best Bluetooth speaker you can buy, this deal is for real.

Tonies Toniebox speaker

Courtesy of Tonies

Toniebox is our favorite speaker for young kids, particularly ages three through seven. It’s essentially a squishy cube that plays stories and songs tied to different characters (aka Tonies). It’s activated when your child places the figurine on top of the speaker. There are so many Tonies to choose from. Peppa Pig, Moana, Winnie the Pooh, the list goes on. You can also buy Creative Tonies to record your own audio. Super easy to use, and the cutesy ears double as volume controls. —Boutayna Chokrane

Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup book cover

Courtesy of Vintage

Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup

The best tech books unpack the rise and fall of the characters that invented the stuff that runs our lives. The New York Times and former Wall Street Journal reporter John Carreyrou writes about Elizabeth Holmes, as she miserably fails to build a blood testing machine that would allegedly eliminate the need for hypodermic needles. Her company raised hundreds of millions of dollars, but its technology was inaccurate. Rather than admit defeat, she pressed on, which is why Holmes was put on trial for fraud and sentenced to 11 years in prison. —Boutayna Chokrane

Rear view of three smartphones (Samsung Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra) showing the camera lenses of each

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

Samsung

Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra

Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S25 has been heavily discounted all Cyber Weekend, probably because its successors are right around the corner (the Galaxy S26 series is expected to be announced in January). But we still love these excellent smartphones. The S25 is the smallest, the S25+ gets a few extra perks, plus a bigger screen and better battery life, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra has a dual telephoto camera system, integrated S Pen stylus, and a beefy battery. Be sure to check out the Best Samsung Phones guide for the full scoop. —Molly Higgins

  • Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

  • Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

  • Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

Samsung

Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7

You’re not like other girls; you have a folding phone. In all seriousness, folding phones are not as fragile as they used to be, with durability improving while remaining slim. We love the Galaxy Z Fold7 because it’s amazingly slim and versatile. You can use the front screen like normal, and when you need extra real estate, open the device up. You can view apps on a much larger scale or easily split-screen two apps. If you’re not feeling a folding phone, the updated Galaxy Z Flip7 has a more usable front screen. Read our Best Folding Phones guide to decide which is best for you at the discounted price this Cyber Weekend. —Molly Higgins

Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus

Courtesy of Lenovo

Lenovo

Flex 5i Chromebook Plus

The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is super cheap and compact, with a small touchscreen for more versatility. Especially with the Cyber Monday discount, it’s one of the most affordable Chromebook Plus models you can find, plus WIRED reviewer Luke Larsen thinks it’s in a whole different league over standard Chromebooks at this price because of its improved screen with a 360-degree hinge and touchscreen, fast performance, more storage, and crisp webcam. —Molly Higgins

Apple AirPods Pro 2, two white earbuds, in an open oval shaped case sitting on a wooden surface

Photograph: Christopher Null

Apple

AirPods Pro 2 (With USB-C)

Even though they’re an older model, we like these AirPods because of their hearing aid feature, comfort, and outstanding streaming experience. If you’re an iPhone user, you should have some AirPods, and we still think these are a good choice for most people because of their active noise cancellation, sound quality, and easy pairing within the Apple ecosystem. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that they’re nearly 25 percent off for Cyber Monday. —Molly Higgins

Photograph: Adrienne So

We on the WIRED Reviews team still think this is the best Apple Watch for most people. With its newest upgrade, it now has the latest S10 chip, a Liquid Glass display, Workout Buddy, and wrist-flick gestures. If you have an iPhone, this accessory is a no-brainer. It makes a great gift for yourself or others, and is seriously discounted at only $200 right now. —Molly Higgins


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Dreaming of a Thuma Bed Frame? Don’t Miss the Black Friday Sale

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Dreaming of a Thuma Bed Frame? Don’t Miss the Black Friday Sale


Thuma knows what it’s doing when it comes to bed frames, which is why we’re so excited to see Thuma’s Black Friday deals. Two different frames from Thuma are the top picks in our Best Bed Frames guide, and our reviewers have reported how not only high-quality and and sturdy the brand’s frames are, but also how easy it is to put the frame together thanks to Japanese-style joinery.

While our top pick isn’t on sale, our second-favorite is on Thuma’s site during this Black Friday weekend, and it’s a great price for the quality you’ll get. And it’s not the only thing Thuma has on sale, either, if you’re looking for more Thuma goodness around your bedroom and home.

If you’re looking for more great sleep deals, don’t miss our guide to the Best Black Friday Mattress and Bedding Deals, plus you can catch more sleep deals on our guide to the Absolute Best Black Friday Deals.

The Best Thuma Bed Frame Deal

Courtesy of Thuma

Thuma’s Signature Bed is one of our all-time favorite bed frames. It’s on the new side, launching back in February as Thuma’s first upholstered bed. It still uses Japanese wood joinery, but the frame is covered in two different fabric options, depending on what you choose. There’s a soft Italian felted wool and a performance linen; our reviewer tested the wool version for a few months with great results.

Even with the fabric covering, it still only takes minutes to assemble this bed, and there’s not a squeak to be heard since it was built. WIRED reviewer Martin Cizmar says the plush headboard feels pillow-soft, so much so that he’s tempted to try to lie directly on it. The frame can come with or without a headboard, and both variants are on sale right now.

If it’s still out of your budget, check out our guide to the Best Thuma Dupes to see if any on-sale options are a fit for you. But there’s really no better time to get a Thuma frame of your own than during this sale, especially since we’re such big fans of this model.

More Thuma Deals


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The Best Red Light Therapy Mask You Can Buy Is Currently on Sale

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The Best Red Light Therapy Mask You Can Buy Is Currently on Sale


Beauty tech titan CurrentBody’s Cyber Monday deals are now live and run until Christmas Eve. Most of the brand’s products remain at MSRP, but the discounted bundles are worth a look. While we haven’t tested CurrentBody’s Green Tea Serum and Hydrogel Mask, this bundle is a steal because it’s cheaper than buying the LED Face Mask Series 2 ($470) on its own. In our view, the LED Series 2 is the best red light therapy mask you can buy.

Photograph: Nena Farrell

CurrentBody

LED Series 2 Special Kit

The Series 2 is made of medical-grade silicone and packs 236 bulbs, so it contours to your face for close, even coverage. The adjustable straps stay secure if you want to wander around, though the lights are bright enough that I’d recommend resting and relaxing during your 10-minute sessions. There’s just one mode but three wavelengths: (red) 633, (near-infrared) 830, and (deep near-infrared) 1072 nanometers.

Reviewer Nena Farrell saw noticeable improvements in acne and scarring while testing it. The one concern here has always been the price, but this bundle knocks $48 off the mask alone and throws in two skin-care products designed to boost results. Now’s the time to grab it.

Other CurrentBody Deals

We are currently testing some of these products below. Here are some more worthwhile Cyber Monday discounts on CurrentBody bundles:

Though the brand is best known for its red light masks, did you know CurrentBody also has devices for radio frequency (RF) skin tightening, infrared therapy, compression therapy, and Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy (PEMF)? We haven’t tested these products, but if you’re curious, here are the best Cyber Monday deals on non-LED CurrentBody favorites:

CurrentBody Skin RF & Microneedling Starter Kit for $460 ($76 Off)
CurrentBody Sauna Blanket & Recovery Boots for $1,350 ($150 Off)


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