If you’ve been waiting all year to cross items off your wish list, or want to get your holiday shopping over with, today’s the day. Black Friday sales are officially underway and retailers are offering some of their lowest prices of the year on tech, apparel, home goods and more. But the absolute best Black Friday deals won’t last long — as a reporter who’s covered this sale for five years, I can say with confidence that many brands sell out of their top sellers quickly. My number one tip? As soon as something catches your eye, add it to your cart and checkout.

To help make your shopping experience as easy as possible, I combed through thousands of discounts to find the best Black Friday Deals actually worth shopping. Each one I recommend below is highly rated and at least 20% off. When possible, I ran deals through price trackers to make sure they’re at their lowest price in at least three months. I’ll update this list live throughout Black Friday with new discounts, price drops and additional promos.

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Best Black Friday deals

I found, vetted and wrote about every deal I recommend below. I worked with NBC Select editors to finalize the list, which I’m frequently updating throughout Black Friday to reflect the most up-to-date prices. For more information on our editorial team and how we choose products, check out this page.

Apple AirPods Pro 2

4.6-star average rating from 10,937 reviews on Amazon

Lowest price ever

I use these wireless earbuds every day while running, commuting and taking calls. They offer three listening modes, including active noise cancellation, and up to six hours of battery life on a single charge, according to the brand. The water-resistant headphones come with a MagSafe USB-C charging case and four pairs of silicone tips so you can customize their size.

Lifestraw Personal Water Filter

4.8-star average rating from 117,760 reviews on Amazon

Take this personal water filter with you while hiking and camping, or pack it in your emergency kit. It removes bacteria, parasites, microplastics and other impurities like dirt from water when you drink through it, according to the brand. You can use it to filter up to 1,000 gallons of water before needing a replacement.

Amazon Smart Plug

4.7-star average rating from 565,475 reviews on Amazon

Once you connect devices like lamps and fans to this smart plug, you can control them via a companion app and Amazon Alexa voice commands. The app also lets you set on/off schedules — I connect my Christmas lights to the smart plug so they turn on at sunrise and off at sunset. It’s compact too, so you can keep your second outlet free or stack two on top of each other.

Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects

4.6-star average rating from 3,592 reviews on Amazon

Crest’s whitening strips are coated with hydrogen peroxide, an ingredient that helps remove tooth stains and brighten your smile, according to dentists I spoke to. They also have a non-slip grip so they stay on during treatments. This kit comes with enough strips for 22 45-minute treatments and two 1-hour express treatments.

Bissell CrossWave 3888A Wet-Dry Vacuum

4.3-star average rating from 25,319 reviews on Amazon

This corded appliance lets you vacuum and wash floors simultaneously. You can use it on rugs and hard floors like wood and tile, plus it’s easy to maneuver around furniture thanks to its swivel steering head. The floor cleaner has two tanks to keep fresh and dirty separate. After you use it, it runs through a self-cleaning cycle.

Anker Zolo Portable Charger

4.5-star average rating from 2,366 reviews on Amazon

Lowest price ever

Anker’s portable charger has a built-in USB-C cable and two USB-C ports, so you can repower three devices at once. It has a digital display on the front, which shows you how much battery it has left. The charger is about the size of a credit card, making it easy to carry in your pocket.

Cosrx Snail Mucin 96% Power Face Serum

4.6-star average rating from 74,459 reviews on Amazon

Cosrx’s face serum is made with snail mucin, a hydrating ingredient that can boost the skin’s moisture levels and address fine lines, according to dermatologists we spoke to. It helps soothe dryness, reduce dullness and repair dark spots, according to the brand. The serum has a lightweight feel and gives you a dewy glow, plus it absorbs quickly so you can layer other products over it.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

4.7-star average rating from 43,404 reviews on Amazon

Lowest price ever

Instead of buying a brand new TV, you can upgrade your current model by plugging Amazon’s Fire Stick into its HDMI port. Then, you’ll be able to watch shows and movies across streaming services, as well as download music apps and play Xbox games via cloud gaming. The TV stick, which you can also bring with you while traveling, comes with an Alexa Voice Remote.

Fullstar 3-in-1 Vegetable Chopper

4.5-star average rating from 10,174 reviews on Amazon

Using this kitchen gadget helps you speed up prep time while cooking. It comes with three interchangeable blades to cut up ingredients, including dicers and slicers. You use the lid’s lever to push food through the blades, and it falls into the attached catch tray, which you can also use to nest the included drain basket inside. All parts of this tool are dishwasher-safe.

Bissell Little Green Multi-Purpose Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner

4.5-star average rating from 90,594 reviews on Amazon

The Bissell Little Green Machine is one of our favorite carpet cleaners, but you can also use it to get rid of grime and stains on furniture, auto interiors, kids car seats and pet supplies. “It’s so satisfying yet appalling to see how much dirt it pulls out of my rugs and the fabric on my couch,” says NBC Select editorial operations manager Rebecca Rodriguez. The lightweight machine, which comes with two nozzle attachments, has a built-in handle so you can tote it around your home and a long hose to reach areas like stairs.

Chamberlain Smart Garage Control

4.3-star average rating from 99,356 reviews on Amazon

After installing this controller, you can open and close your garage door from your phone, regardless of where you are. It pairs with the brand’s companion app, which also lets you set schedules, get real-time notifications and give loved ones control access. Chamberlain’s controller is compatible with most garage door openers made after 1993.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream

4.6-star average rating from 3,769 reviews on Amazon

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream is one of my go-to moisturizers year round. It’s made with squalane to hydrate and soften skin, as well as strengthen the skin barrier, according to the brand. I only need to use a little bit of cream to cover my face, and it absorbs quickly, leaving behind a lightweight, non-greasy feel. The moisturizer is suitable for all skin types — I have sensitive, combination, acne-prone skin, and this cream never causes irritation.

Mynt3D Super 3D Pen

4.3-star average rating from 19,012 reviews on Amazon

This rechargeable, refillable 3D printing pen helps you or your favorite crafter bring drawings to life. It comes with plastic filament in three colors and has a clog-resistant nozzle. There’s also a speed slider on the pen, which you can move into different positions to control how much material you dispense at a time.

Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser

4.6-star average rating from 142,752 reviews on Amazon

This water flosser cleans gums and removes plaque from teeth, similar to standard floss. It comes with seven tips that rotate 360 degrees to reach all areas of your mouth, and has a 22-ounce, dishwasher-safe water reservoir. You can choose from 10 pressure settings, and the built-in timer keeps track of how long you’ve flossed for.

Tile Mate

4.2-star average rating from 23,500 reviews on Amazon

Lowest price ever

Attach the Tile Mate to your keys or put it inside bags to keep track of where they are. The device pairs with the brand’s app, which shows you its location on a map and lets you ring it so you can follow the sound. The water-resistant tracker can also help you find your phone — just press its center to make it ring, even when it’s on silent mode.

Keurig K-Elite Single-Serve Coffee Maker

4.7-star average rating from 62,017 reviews on Amazon

You can make between 4 and 12 ounces of coffee in less than a minute with Keurig’s single-serve machine, which has a 75-ounce removable water reservoir. It comes with iced coffee and strong brew settings, plus you can use it to dispense hot water. The coffee maker also lets you control its temperature and program it to brew at a specific time each day. Its drip tray is removable to fit taller travel mugs.

Kitchen Mama Auto Electric Can Opener

4.2-star average rating from 106,499 reviews on Amazon

This battery-operated kitchen gadget automatically opens cans for you with the press of a button. Its sharp blades cut through the sides of cans to fully remove their lids, leaving behind smooth edges.

iRobot Roomba Combo i5+

4.0-star average rating from 19,297 reviews on Amazon

This robot vacuum can also mop your floors and empty itself in the included charging dock as needed. The machine connects to a companion app, which lets you set cleaning schedules, get real-time updates or start cleaning remotely. It’s also compatible with Amazon Alexa voice commands.

PlayStation 5 Console

4.9-star average rating from 3,805 reviews at Best Buy

Lowest price ever

“The PlayStation 5 is a core part of my home entertainment set up, letting me play video games and watch my 4K Ultra Blu-rays in one simple package,” says Josh Rios, NBC commerce video producer. “I couldn’t ask for anything more.” This bundle comes with a pre-installed Astro’s Playroom game, a DualSense wireless controller, a disc drive and cables you can use to connect it to your desktop or a TV. The console supports haptic feedback, adaptive triggers and 3D audio technology.

Best Black Friday sales

Here are the best Black Friday sales to know about. Keep in mind, not every item from a brand or retailer is discounted as described below.

1. Amazon: Up to 70% off products sitewide, plus exclusive deals for Prime members
2. Target: Up to 60% off products sitewide, plus get 50% off a Target Circle 360 membership through Dec. 2
3. Walmart: Up to 85% off products sitewide, plus get 50% off a Walmart+ membership through Dec. 2.
4. Best Buy: Up to 50% off products sitewide, plus exclusive deals for My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total members
5. Home Depot: Up to 40% off kitchen appliances, tools, home improvement supplies and more through Dec. 4
6. Macy’s: Up to 75% off clothing, footwear, accessories home decor and more
7. Lowe’s: Up to 80% off tools, home goods, outdoor equipment and more
8. JCPenney: Up to 75% off clothing, footwear, accessories home decor and more
9. Kohl’s: Up to 50% off products sitewide, plus earn Kohl’s Cash as you shop
10. Nordstrom: Up to 60% off clothing, beauty, home goods, designer products and more sitewide
11. Bloomingdales: Up to 25% off products sitewide, including 40% off during The Designer Event and up to 50% off beauty and fragrances. Loyalists can also earn rewards as they send.
12. Saks Fifth Avenue: Up to 75% off clothing, shoes, accessories, beauty and home. Also, earn a $75 gift card when you spend $150 with code BFGIFTSF through Nov. 30
13. BJ’s Wholesale Club: Up to 50% off products in-stores and online through Dec. 2
14. Costco: Up to 50% off products in-stores and online
15. Macy’s: Up to 50% off apparel, beauty and more through Nov. 30
16. Backcountry: Up to 70% off clothing, outdoor gear, travel accessories and more through Dec. 2

Best Black Friday clothing and shoe sales

1. Lululemon: Up to 45% off select styles sitewide
2. Athleta: 30% off sitewide, plus up to 50% off Daily Steals
3. Aritzia: Up to 50% off sitewide
4. Quince: Up to 50% off clothing, home essentials and accessories through Dec. 2. New deals launch each day at 6 a.m. EST and run for 24 hours.
5. Reformation: Up to 25% off apparel and accessories in-store and online
6. Zappos: Up to 60% off select clothing, shoes and accessories through Dec. 2

Best Black Friday subscription service sales

1. Peacock: Get one year of Peacock for 75% off at $19.99, or pay $1.99 a month for six months (Disclosure: Peacock is the streaming service of NBC News parent company NBCUniversal.)
2. Paramount Plus: Get Paramount+ Essential or Paramount+ with Showtime for $2.99 a month for the first two months, saving you up to 76%
3. Hulu: Get Hulu with ads for $0.99 per month for a year (90% off per month) or a Hulu and Disney+ bundle with ads for $2.99 per month for a year (72% off per month). These offers run through Dec. 2.
4. MasterClass: 50% off a MasterClass subscription through Dec. 2

Best Black Friday tech sales

1. Nintendo: Up to 50% off select games through Dec. 2.
2. Casetify: Up to 50% off tech cases, screen protectors and more through Dec. 4
3. JLab: Up to 50% off earbuds and other tech through Dec. 3
4. Shokz: Up to 30% off headphones
5. JBL: Up to 60% off Bluetooth speakers, headphones and more

Best Black Friday home sales

1. Brooklinen: 25% off sitewide and up to 50% off bundles through Dec. 4
2. Parachute: 30% off sitewide and an additional 30% off sale items
3. Casper: Up to 40% off mattresses, pillows, furniture and more
4. Hatch: Up to 20% off sunrise alarm clocks and sound machines through Dec. 2

Best Black Friday kitchen sales

1. Great Jones: Up to 50% off sitewide, and get a free Holy Sheet pan when you spend $200 or more through Dec. 1
2. Our Place: Up to 40% off cookware, bakeware and appliances sitewide through Dec. 3
3. Keurig: Up to 40% off brewers and K-Cup pods
4. Fellow: 20% off coffee makers, grinders, electric kettles, accessories and more sitewide through Dec. 2

Best Black Friday beauty sales

1. Sephora: Up to 50% off makeup, skin care, hair care and more
2. Ulta: Up to 50% off skin care, fragrances, body care, hair care and more
3. Dermstore: Up to 30% off skin care, makeup and hair care with code JOY
4. Supergoop!: 20% off sitewide, plus free shipping on all orders through Dec. 2
5. Hero Cosmetics: 20% off sitewide through Dec. 2

Best Black Friday travel sales

1. Dagne Dover: 25% off sitewide, plus 30% off kits and rolling luggage, through Dec. 4
2. Monos: Up to 40% off sitewide, plus 15% off with code BLACKFRIDAY, through Dec. 1
3. Paravel: Up to 50% off luggage, bags and other travel accessories through Dec. 2
4. Rumpl: Up to 40% off select travel mats, blankets and more through Dec. 3

How I found the best Black Friday deals

All of my recommendations above are based on NBC Select’s previous coverage and reporting. I also included products the NBC Select staff tested, including Wellness Award, Travel Award, Pet Award, Bed & Bath Award and Giftable Tech Award winners. All the deals I recommend are at least 20% off and highly rated with at least a 4.0-star average rating from hundreds of reviews. When possible, I ran deals through price trackers like CamelCamelCamel to ensure products are at their lowest price in at least three months.

Why trust NBC Select?

I’m a reporter at NBC Select who’s covered Black Friday and Cyber Monday since 2020. I’ve reported on the history of these holidays and spoken to experts about what you should buy and skip during major shopping events, like today’s For this piece, since not all Black Friday deals are worth it, I sifted through hundreds of on-sale products to find the best ones actually worth buying across key categories, like tech, travel, home, and kitchen.

Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.