Black Friday smartwatch deals 2021: the best early sales and what to expect
Black Friday smartwatch deals are officially around the corner, with the big day happening on November 26. We saw some great Black Friday discounts last year, and we're sure we'll see more this year too - with Cyber Monday likely to bring big discounts too.
But ahead of Black Friday there are already big discounts on some of the best smartwatches, and you'll find the best of those below in case you can't wait. These include some massive savings on the Apple Watch 5 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 3, among others.
The best smartwatches also seem to be in good supply too - even the Apple Watch 6, despite that having been discontinued. So there shouldn't be too much danger of stock shortages if you choose to wait for Black Friday itself.
The exception to all this is the Apple Watch 7, with analysts suggesting this could be in short supply for a while. This is a wearable that probably won't be heavily discounted either given how new it is, so you might want to buy one of these sooner rather than later.
Below you'll find not just the best current smartwatch deals, but also our predictions for what discounts we might see on the big day itself, along with various tips and FAQs, so you can make the most of Black Friday.
Black Friday smartwatch sales (US): quick links
- Amazon: massive savings on Apple Watches and more
- Adorama: lots of stock and early Black Friday sales have started
- Apple: Series 7 on backorder right now, so don't delay
- Best Buy: triple-digit smartwatch discounts are starting to come through
- B&H Photo: discounts on lots of Samsung wearables among other watches
- Walmart: smartwatch deals are starting to cut through, some with big savings
The best Black Friday smartwatch deals in the US
Apple Watch 7 (41mm, GPS): $399.99 $379.99 at Amazon
Save $19.01 - Right now at Amazon you can get a 5% discount off the Apple Watch 7 with a clover, red or starlight sport band. That's not a huge discount but remember, this is a brand-new smartwatch and it's in high demand, so any reduction at all is nice to see. While we normally would advocate holding out till Black Friday, it's a good idea to get your order in early if you want a speedy delivery - this is, after all, the lowest price we've seen yet on this device.
Apple Watch SE (40mm, GPS): $279 $219 at Amazon (save $60)
This is Apple's budget-friendly smartwatch and with a $60 discount it's even more budget-friendly than usual. Don't think the price makes this a lesser wearable though - it has many of the same features as Apple's top smartwatches. This discount is for the compact 40mm version, so it won't look large on your wrist either.
Apple Watch Series 6 (40mm, GPS): $399 $349 at Amazon
Save $50 - Last year's most popular Black Friday Apple Watch was on the Series 6, and Amazon currently has the smartwatch in stock and on sale for $349. That's the best deal you can find right now and just $25 more than the record-low price. The Apple Watch 6 features a new S6 processor, blood oxygen monitoring, an ECG app, and elevation tracking. Today's deal applies to the Red model, which is the only color currently in stock.
Apple Watch SE (40mm, GPS): $279.99 $269.99 at Walmart
Save $10 - Walmart also has the lowest price right now on the new Apple Watch SE - a great choice if you find the Series 7 a little too expensive for your tastes. If stocks hold up this one could go a little lower. So far, however, this is the best Black Friday Apple Watch deal on this model. Note, this sale is on the Abyss Blue color only currently.
Apple Watch Series 3, 38mm: $229 $169 at Walmart
Save $60 - The cheapest Black Friday Apple Watch deal is the best-selling Series 3, which is on sale for just $169 at Walmart. That's the lowest price we've seen for the smartwatch that includes GPS technology and heart rate monitoring. The Apple Watch 3 is currently sold out at most retailers, so we'd snag today's deal while you can.
Apple Watch 5 GPS and Cellular, 44mm: $749 $459 at Amazon
Save $290 - Right now on Amazon you can grab the Apple Watch 5 with cellular data at a saving of $290. That's for the 44mm model, and it's almost the lowest price ever, so this deal is well worth considering if you want a powerful smartwatch to pair with your iPhone.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4: $249.99 $199.99 at Samsung
TechRadar readers have exclusive early access to the Samsung Black Friday deals this week - including the lowest price ever on the new Galaxy Watch 4 smartwatch. Not only that, but you can also save $150 when you also bundle in a pair of Buds2 and Wireless Charger Trio. Available in all colors and with trade-in options, this is your chance to beat out the crowds and get a device early.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 | 41mm | Bluetooth: $400 $180 at Best Buy (save $220)
This isn't Samsung's latest wearable but you can get a huge discount on the previous gen model here, in both gold and silver shades. It's a great all-round smartwatch choice if you don't need something cutting-edge, and the LTE version is also discounted with $200 off.
LTE: $450 $250 at Best Buy (save $200)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 | 45mm | Bluetooth: $480 $330 at Amazon (save $150)
If you want a big 45mm smartwatch at a hefty saving then you could do worse than this Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 at a $150 discount. That knocks a healthy 31% off the price, and is a great deal for an older but still highly capable Samsung wearable.
Fitbit Versa 3: $229.95 $179.95 at Fitbit
Save $50 - The Fitbit Versa 3 is one of the latest and most high-tech Fitbit wearables, so a $50 saving is notable. Beyond the core fitness tracking features the Versa 3 also boasts blood oxygen readings and a great screen, all packaged in a lightweight and comfortable shell.
Fitbit Sense: $299.95 $199.95 at Amazon
Save $100 - The Fitbit Sense is one of the more stylish smartwatches in Fitbit's range and this is the best discount we've seen yet on it. In our review we were fond of its GPS, its comfort, and its mood and stress tracking, but noted that some features require Fitbit Premium.
Black Friday smartwatch sales (UK): quick links
- Amazon: smartwatch deals and good availability
- Argos: early savings on Samsung and Garmin
- Currys: early Black Friday deals offer some of the best prices this week
- John Lewis: knocking money off Garmin and Samsung watches
- Very: massive discounts on a range of wearables
The best Black Friday smartwatch deals in the UK
Apple Watch 6: £389 £309 at Currys
Save £60 - When it comes to outright value, you'll be hard-pressed to beat this early Black Friday Apple Watch deal on the Series 6 at Currys today. This model is a little older now, but it's still a great buy if you want something with a great display, powerful chip, and access to all the latest apps. The downside? This price is currently only available on the Red colour. The next cheapest price is on the White - currently retailing at £319 at Currys.
Apple Watch SE (40mm, GPS): £299 £249 at Currys
Save £50 - If you're looking for something a little cheaper, you'll find all Apple Watch SE colours on sale in today's Black Friday Apple Watch deals at Currys. This one's a match for the lowest price we've seen on this cheaper new device, so it's a great option if you're looking for a modern Apple Watch that can tick all the boxes but still come in at a reasonable cost.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 (Bluetooth, 40mm): £249 £199 at Samsung
Save £50 - The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 has only just launched and you can already save £50 in this early deal, making this the lowest price yet for this cutting-edge wearable that does it all. This deal is available on all colors too.
Need mobile connectivity? With LTE support this is £239
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 (Bluetooth, 44mm): £269 £219 at Samsung
Save £50 - You can currently save £50 on the larger 44mm Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, making this premium new wearable a lot more affordable. It's a great choice if you want a big screen and slick software. Need mobile connectivity? With LTE support this is £259
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic (Bluetooth, 42mm): £349 £274 at Samsung
Save £75 - The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is Samsung's top smartwatch and you can already get it for £75 off, which is the best discount we've seen so far. With a rotating bezel and a body composition monitor, this wearable has a lot to offer.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic (Bluetooth, 46mm): £369 £294 at Samsung
Save £75 - The biggest version of Samsung's most premium smartwatch is currently available for a £75 discount, making the price far more palatable. You get a big screen, a rotating bezel, and near endless health and fitness features.
Need mobile connectivity? With LTE support this is £334
Fitbit Versa 3: £199.99 £154.99 at Amazon
Save £45 - The Fitbit Versa 3 is available for £45 less than usual right now, bringing its price down to a very affordable level. Despite the low price this is a full-featured smartwatch too (though the focus is on health and fitness), and you can get that discount on the wearable in green.
Fitbit Versa 2: £139.99 £99 at Very
Save £40 - The Fitbit Versa 2 is a great choice if you don't need the extra bells and whistles of the Versa 3, as it's a cheaper buy, especially with this deal. The design and most of the features are similar to the newer smartwatch, though notably it lacks GPS, so runners may want to go for the pricier model.
Garmin Forerunner 645 Music GPS: £349.99 £179.99 at Very
Save £170 - The Forerunner 645 Music is almost half price in this incredible deal from Very. It allows you to store 500 songs on your running watch and has a whole host of Garmin features for just under £180. It's a top choice for anyone after a fitness-focused smartwatch.
Garmin Forerunner 245 GPS: £249 £199 at Currys
Save £50 - Early Black Friday Garmin deals are happening, and this gives us £50 off one of the best smartwatches from the company. With up to 7 days battery life, GPS connectivity and more, the Forerunner 245 is a top choice if you're looking for a mid-range running watch.
Garmin Fenix 6 Pro: £599.99 £399.99 at Very
Save £200 - The Garmin Fenix 6 Pro has a great discount of a third off right now, and it's one of the most accomplished running watches you're able to buy currently. If you want a big chunk off one of Garmin's very best products, this is the deal to go for.
Huawei Watch GT 2 (46mm): £139.99 £84.99 at Very
Save £55 - The larger version of the Huawei Watch GT 2 is a little more expensive, but gives you all the same features as its smaller counterpart with 4mm extra screen real estate for viewing your workout and wellness stats. If you've been looking for a budget-friendly fitness tracker with onboard GPS and impressive battery life, this could be the one for you.
Huawei Watch GT 2e: £109.99 £64 at Amazon
Save £45 - A sportier successor to the Huawei Watch GT 2, the GT 2e puts more focus on fitness, with a wider range of activity tracking options (both indoor and outdoor), a new SpO2 sensor for measuring blood oxygen saturation, and the ability to detect six workout types automatically. With a battery life of up to two weeks, it's a solid workout partner.
Our predictions
Based on previous Black Fridays - and in particular Black Friday 2020 - we predict that we might see the following:
- Apple Watch 6: might get a discount of up to hundreds of pounds/dollars for the top models.
- Apple Watch 7: expect a small discount (around $50/£50) at most.
- Apple Watch SE: a small discount is likely, but don't expect a big drop.
- Garmin: expect a range of discounts on various Garmin watches - including some big savings.
- Fitbit: we could see big discounts on older Fitbit models, with small ones on newer watches.
- Samsung: don't expect a big drop on the Watch 4, but the Watch 3 and Active 2 could get some sizeable sales.
Tips for buying a smartwatch
There are a huge number of smartwatches to choose from and deciding on the best fit for you can be tricky, especially as many of them have superficially similar specs.
With that in mind, here are a few tips to make sure you get a good model – and don’t overpay for it.
1. Check out our best smartwatches guide
At TechRadar we’ve tested almost every smartwatch on the market, and with that knowledge we’ve created a best smartwatch guide, highlighting the very best options. Or if money is tight then take a look at our best cheap smartwatch guide.
Everything on those pages comes highly recommended, and you can see at a glance what we like about each model too.
2. Check if a deal is really a deal
If you see a smartwatch at a seemingly reduced price, it’s worth double checking how much of a deal it really is, by comparing to the prices elsewhere, or using a browser extension like The Camelizer to see how the current price compares to previous prices the wearable has been listed at.
Sometimes retailers can do tricky things like listing the price as a reduction from a starting price that the watch hasn’t sold at for a long time, so not all deals are as good as they look.
On Black Friday we’ll be highlighting all the best deals too, so keep an eye on this page and the rest of TechRadar for genuine bargains too.
3. Keep an eye on older models
Recent smartwatches might be new and exciting, but the biggest Black Friday discounts will usually be found on older models – especially if a new version has since been released.
So rather than the Apple Watch 7 for example, consider buying an Apple Watch 6 – you’ll likely find it for a lot less money, and won’t miss out on too many features.
Black Friday smartwatch FAQ
When will the best Black Friday smartwatch deals start in 2021?
Black Friday falls on November 26th this year, but we expect to see some tasty smartwatch discounts before then. Traditionally, the best offers were reserved for the day itself, but in recent years we’ve seen retailers launch their Black Friday pricing at the beginning of Thanksgiving week.
We've even started seeing some offers crop up as early as October. The best deals often drop near Black Friday itself, but if you're after a bargain it's worth paying attention as soon as the first prices are cut on the smartwatch device you want to snag.
If you feel like you need a hand, we'll be rounding up all the best smartwatch Black Friday deals here, first, so bookmark this page and keep checking back.
Last year, the trend towards earlier deals was even more pronounced thanks to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions in many parts of the world. Smartwatch and other tech prices dropped in late October and stayed low into the first week of December.
According to data from Adobe Analytics, the change last year was because the pandemic accelerated the shift to online shopping, with more than a 50% increase in 2020 compared to 2019. With many brick-and-mortar stores closed, and more people than ever shopping online to stay safe - plus with restrictions causing shipping delays - it made sense for retailers to spread the deals out.
We don't know if 2021 will be the same, but we recommend having your eyes peeled from late October / early November just to be sure you find the best Black Friday smartwatch deals.
Where will the best Black Friday smartwatch deals be?
You'll, of course, find the best Black Friday smartwatch deals here as soon as they drop. However, if you want to find the deals for yourself you'll need to know where to look. If you live in the US or UK, check out our picks below for the best sites to check for Black Friday smartwatch deals when they drop later this year.
You can also check them out now to see what pre-Black Friday prices look like so you know how good the savings really are.
Top US retailers
Amazon: a broad smartwatch selection at great prices
Best Buy: save on a wide range of smartwatches
Walmart: get free shipping on these smartwatches
Top UK retailers
Amazon: often the cheapest smartwatches in the UK
Currys: free delivery, on a wide selection of smartwatches
John Lewis: extended warranties on premium smartwatches
Which smartwatch is best for you?
There are a lot of smartwatches to be on the lookout for during Black Friday 2021, but what wearable devices will be best for you? Here's a rundown of the top devices to keep an eye on as the discounts appear.
Apple fans will be happy to know that the best smartwatch out there (according to our best smartwatch list) is the Apple Watch SE. The Apple Watch SE comes with some top-end specs, a high-end design and a great range of features that you can't get on every other smartwatch right now. The battery life could be better, but if you're looking for good value for money during Black Friday 2021, this is a smartwatch to snag.
Alternatively, Android phone users will want the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4. The Galaxy Watch 4 features a near-unique rotating bezel that makes navigating around the smartwatch a joy. Its functionality is great too, making this smartwatch perfect if you're looking for a smartwatch to track your fitness, look good on your wrist and do a whole lot more.
If you're on a tighter budget, you might want to check out our best cheap smartwatches for 2021, which will likely get even cheaper during Black Friday. The Fitbit Versa Lite currently sits at the top of our list showing the brand can do more than just fitness bands, while the TicWatch E2 shows that you can get something good from brands you might not be as familiar with.
Should I wait for the Black Friday smartwatch deals?
Whether you should wait for Black Friday smartwatch deals largely depends on which wearable you plan to buy.
Very recent ones such as the Apple Watch 7 or Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic are unlikely to get big discounts, so you probably won't really miss out by buying one ahead of time.
In the case of the Apple Watch 7, supplies are also short, so you could be waiting a long time for it to actually ship and you might not want to extend that delay by not ordering it yet.
Then again, if you're not desperate for a new smartwatch there's no real risk in waiting, especially for wearables that are readily available, so unless you happen across an excellent early deal, we'd say it's generally worth waiting to see what appears on Black Friday itself.
That's even more true for older smartwatches from 2020 or earlier, as these ones are likely to get hefty discounts over the sales period.
Who has the best smartwatch deals right now?
The best deals will depend in large part on the kind of smartwatch you're looking for - do you want an Apple one or a Garmin? A cheap one or a premium model? Wear OS or Tizen? There are all sorts of considerations, and different stores may focus on different kinds.
That said, you can find many of the best deals in our 'today's best smartwatch deals' section above. But for more options, check out our guides to the best Garmin deals, the best Apple Watch deals, and the best Fitbit deals.
3 best smartwatches to watch out for
The Apple Watch SE is the best smartwatch money can buy right now (not counting the Apple Watch 7, which we haven't yet put through a full review), and it's also a top mid-range choice, being cheaper than Apple's new numbered wearable.
That said, it's only of any use if you have an iPhone, so if not just scroll down for an alternative option. For those who do have an iPhone, you get a surprisingly premium experience with the Apple Watch SE, including good specs and a great design.
It didn't get big discounts last year, only dropping by $20 in the US, with no notable deals in the UK or Australia. That said, it's now a year older, so we wouldn't be surprised if there are some much better Black Friday offers for it this year.
Read the full Apple Watch SE review
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is our top premium smartwatch pick. It only came out recently so we're not expecting big discounts yet, but you might be able to save at least a bit of cash on Black Friday, and this wearable is worth the money.
That said, iPhone users are out of luck here, and to get the most out of it you need a Samsung phone. Still, with an ECG, body composition monitoring and all sorts of other health and fitness tools, this goes beyond most smartwatches for telling you what's going on with your body.
It also looks stylish, and unlike previous Samsung smartwatches this one runs Wear OS, so you can access a wide range of apps to use with it.
Read the full Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 review
The Apple Watch 6 is no longer the top spec Apple Watch, with the Apple Watch 7 taking that crown. But Apple's latest wearable could be in short supply and is unlikely to get discounted much if at all, whereas last year's model could see heavy reductions as retailers look to shift their stock.
This is still a top smartwatch, with an always-on display and sleep tracking making for nice additions over the previous model.
While the battery life could be better you're not missing out on a ton by choosing this over the newer model, and it could end up being a whole lot cheaper.
Read the full Apple Watch 6 review
Last year's Black Friday smartwatch deals
You've missed out on these deals from last year - but that doesn't mean they aren't worth checking out. That's because they can give you a hint at what deals we might see on smartwatches in Black Friday.
Expect discounts that are at least as good as these on the selection of devices below, but also keep an eye on how these offers compare to deals you see before Black Friday lands. That way you can decide if it's worth waiting for the day itself, or snagging an early offer while you can.
Last year's Black Friday smartwatch deals in the US
Apple Watch SE (44mm, GPS): $309 $289 at Amazon (save $20)
The Apple Watch SE may be a brand new product, but we've seen it for lower. However that was a brief deal, so you may have missed it, so if you want the watch this current deal is still worthy. This deal from Amazon allows you to get it with a Sport Band in your color choice of Black, White, or Pink.
Fitbit Versa 2 40mm smartwatch: $179 $129 at Best Buy (save $50)
Pick up a Fitbit Versa 2 smartwatch (40mm) at a $50 off discount with this Black Friday deal. The Fitbit Versa 2 packs an AMOLED display, sleep and fitness tracking, and up to 5 days of battery life at a compelling price.
Apple Watch Series 6 (40mm, GPS): $399 $349.99 at Amazon (save $49)
The all-new Apple Watch Series 6 gets a $49 price cut at Amazon in this early Black Friday deal. The all-new 40mm smartwatch features a new S6 processor, blood oxygen monitoring, an ECG app, and elevation tracking. You must apply the additional $29 discount at checkout to see the full discount.
Garmin Legacy Hero Captain America: $399.99 $349.99 at Amazon (save $50)
This Garmin smartwatch has a Captain America twist, both in the design (inspired by the Marvel superhero) and in the software, with themed watch faces and more. It's a good-looking watch even if you don't like the Avengers, but for fans of the series who also need a great smartwatch, it's a must-buy.
Ticwatch S2: $179.99 $101.98 at Mobvoi.com (save $78)
We called the Ticwatch S2 one of the best affordable Wear OS smartwatches available, and that was before this deal cut even more money off its price. It has a rugged-feeling waterproof design and two-day battery life, though it misses some features like NFC.
Fitbit Charge 4: $149.95 $99.95 at Fitbit.com (save $50)
The Fitbit Charge 4 is an excellent fitness tracker for causal runners and cyclists thanks to its on-board GPS, which allows you to track runs and rides without carrying your phone. The data will sync with the Fitbit app, and can even be uploaded automatically to Strava. At under $100, it's a steal.
Fitbit Inspire 2: $99.95 $69.95 at Fitbit.com (save $30)
The FItbit Inspire 2 is a smart entry-level fitness tracker that launched just a couple of months ago. It features all-day heart rate tracking, sleep tracking, workout monitoring, smartphone notifications, and guided breathing exercises – and its battery life is exceptional, lasting up to 10 days between charges. At a hair under $70, it's a real Black Friday bargain
Last year's Black Friday smartwatch deals in the UK
Samsung Galaxy Watch 42mm: £259 £159 at Argos (save £100)
Argos has knocked £100 off the price of the smaller 42mm version of the Samsung Galaxy Watch. Despite its slimmer dimensions, it offers the same features as the 46mm version, including 39 fitness tracking modes, GPS tracking, stress management, and voice controls. This deal applies to the rose gold model.
Apple Watch 5 White Sport Band 40mm (GPS + Cell): £699 £452.99 at Amazon (save £246)
There's nearly £250 off this sporty-looking version of the Apple Watch 5, which is a pretty huge saving compared to the initial price. the 44mm version is on sale too but its reduction isn't as dramatic.
44mm: £749.99 £582.99 at Amazon (save £166)
Samsung Galaxy Golf: £359.99 £259.99 at Argos (save £100)
Argos has knocked £100 off this specialized golf smartwatch for Black Friday. Despite having a range of analog face designs, it features a fully digital display the can be configured to show a host of fitness stats, and comes pre-loaded with Samsung's premium Smart Caddie app with maps of 40,000 courses.
Garmin Vivomove Style: £259.99 £189.99 at Argos (save £70)
The Garmin Vivomove is a gorgeous hybrid smartwatch that's perfect for anyone who finds regular fitness trackers a little bit ugly. It has an analog face with a hidden digital display that reveals vital stats and smartphone notifications at the push of a button. It collects far more data than that though, and pushes a wealth of info on your activity and wellbeing to the Garmin Connect app on your phone. A stunning smartwatch, and a great deal with £70 off at Argos.
Ticwatch S2: £127 £84 at Mobvoi.com (save £43)
This is a really great new price for this watch. We called the Ticwatch S2 one of the best affordable Wear OS smartwatches available, and that was before this deal cut even more money off its price. It has a rugged-feeling waterproof design and two-day battery life, though it misses some features like NFC.
TechRadar is scouring every retailer and rounding up all the top deals over the Black Friday period, and we’ve put all the best Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday deals in easy-to-navigate articles to help you find the bargains you’re looking for.
source https://www.techradar.com/news/black-friday-smartwatch-deals/
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