Black Friday 2026 falls on Friday, 27 November, the day after Thanksgiving, with Cyber Monday following on 30 November. Retailers have been spreading their sales over weeks, so many early offers are already appearing. Here is how to plan your shopping and get real value.
Key Black Friday 2026 dates
- Thanksgiving: Thursday, 26 November
- Black Friday: Friday, 27 November
- Cyber Monday: Monday, 30 November
- Costco: confirmed sale from 27 to 30 November
- Home Depot: predicted sale from about 26 to 30 November
Many big chains, including Target, run an early Black Friday event before the main weekend. In 2025, Amazon and Best Buy started their official sales on 20 November, so expect something similar this year. Dates are often announced only a few weeks ahead, so watch each retailer’s newsletter and app.
When to buy: early or on the day?
Early deals are real, but they are often limited to a few items. The deepest discounts on popular tech tend to appear during the Black Friday weekend itself. A sensible approach is to buy early if a product is a genuine bargain or likely to sell out, and wait for the main weekend for big-ticket items such as TVs and laptops. Gaming offers can show up about a week before Black Friday, and some retailers release early-access deals on Thursday evening.
What to buy and what to compare
- TVs: compare panel type (OLED, QLED or standard LED), screen size, refresh rate and the number of HDMI 2.1 ports if you game.
- Laptops: check the processor generation, RAM (16 GB is a good minimum), storage and battery life rather than just the headline price.
- Headphones and earbuds: look at noise cancelling quality, battery life and comfort, and read independent reviews.
- Game consoles and games: bundles with a game or extra controller often beat a small discount on the console alone.
- Small appliances: air fryers, coffee machines and vacuums are common Black Friday bargains, but check model numbers because some are made just for the sale.
Discount predictions
Nobody knows exact prices yet, but past years offer a guide. Retailers have used the late November date to promote earlier events, and shipping capacity is a concern for stores, so expect plenty of free-shipping and pickup offers. Big brands rarely cut prices on their newest products, so the best savings are usually on last year’s models.
How to avoid fake discounts
- Use a price tracker or price-history tool to see whether the “was” price is real.
- Compare the exact model number across several stores.
- Check the return policy and the warranty, especially for electronics.
- Stick to official retailer websites and beware of links in unexpected texts or emails.
- Set a budget and a shortlist before the sales begin so you do not buy on impulse.
Bottom line
Start your list now, track the prices of the items you really want, and be ready on 26 and 27 November. Come back to this page for updates as retailers confirm their dates.
Sale dates marked as predicted may change. Always confirm with the retailer.
