Black Friday has become the Super Bowl of tech deals. After tracking tech prices for years and helping clients navigate the chaos, I’ve learned that the best tech gifts under $100 combine genuine value with features people actually use daily.
Wireless Earbuds
Quality wireless earbuds have become surprisingly affordable. Look for models with good battery life (6+ hours), comfortable fit, and decent sound quality. Many brands offer Black Friday discounts on last year’s models that still perform excellently.
The Soundcore by Anker Liberty 4 NC (normally $100, often $70 on Black Friday) offer noise cancellation at a fraction of AirPods’ cost. I tested these for a client last year and was impressed—they lasted through multiple workouts and commutes.
Shop wireless earbuds on Amazon
Smart Home Devices
Smart plugs let anyone control lights and appliances remotely. They’re perfect entry points into home automation. The Kasa Smart Plugs 4-pack drops to around $25 on Black Friday—I’ve bought these for multiple family members.
Smart bulbs that change colors or dim via app control make practical gifts. Philips Hue starter kits (normally $150) often hit $80-90 during Black Friday sales. Voice assistant speakers answer questions, play music, and control smart home devices. The Echo Dot (4th gen) regularly drops to $20-25.
Browse smart home devices on Amazon
Portable Power
High-capacity portable chargers solve low-battery anxiety. Look for models that charge multiple devices simultaneously. The Anker PowerCore 20,000mAh ($40-50) can charge a phone 4-5 times and fits in a bag.
Solar-powered options work great for outdoor enthusiasts, though they’re slower. I tested the BigBlue 28W Solar Charger ($60) on a camping trip—it kept devices charged over 3 days.
Streaming Devices
TV streaming sticks transform any television into a smart TV. The Roku Streaming Stick 4K and Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K both regularly drop to $25-30 on Black Friday. They access all major streaming services and are genuinely easy to set up—I’ve walked multiple non-tech-savvy relatives through the process.
Fitness Trackers
Basic fitness trackers monitor steps, heart rate, and sleep patterns without smartwatch complexity or cost. The Fitbit Inspire 3 (normally $100) often hits $70 during Black Friday. It motivates healthier habits through simple data tracking.
Find fitness trackers on Amazon
Webcams
Quality webcams improve video calls for remote workers. The Logitech C920 (normally $70) is the industry standard for good reason—1080p resolution, reliable autofocus, and it just works. Black Friday prices around $50 make it a no-brainer.
Bluetooth Speakers
Portable Bluetooth speakers deliver surprising sound quality at this price point. The JBL Flip 6 ($100 retail, $70 on sale) is waterproof and lasts 12 hours on a single charge. I’ve tested this at beach trips and pool parties—it’s durable and loud.
Gaming Accessories
Gaming mice, keyboards, or controllers enhance play experiences. The Logitech G305 wireless gaming mouse ($50 normally, $30 on sale) offers professional-level performance for casual budgets.
Phone Accessories
Premium phone cases protect investments. OtterBox Defender cases (normally $50) drop to $25-30 and actually prevent damage—I’ve seen phones survive drops that should’ve shattered them.
Wireless charging pads add convenience for $15-25. The Anker PowerWave is reliable and doesn’t overheat.
Shopping Strategy
Research prices before Black Friday using tools like CamelCamelCamel to track Amazon price history. Many “Black Friday deals” aren’t actually discounts. Set price alerts on desired items through browser extensions like Honey or Keepa.
Shop early on Thanksgiving night or early Black Friday morning online. Popular items sell out fast. Many retailers match competitors’ prices if you ask—I’ve successfully price-matched at Best Buy multiple times.
Last updated: November 2024
