We’ve all heard of Black Friday, that once-a-year shopping frenzy where prices drop and wish lists would come to life. But don’t let the name fool you. It’s not like every Friday, there is a discount that is free for all. That’s why when Amazon Black Friday finally rolls around, you’ll want to be ready.
This isn’t your average sale. We’re talking about millions of deals (from must-have electronics to wardrobe staples), and many of the better deals don’t stick around for long. So, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the schedule, especially if you’ve got something specific in mind.
What Is Amazon Black Friday and When Does It Start?
Every year, like clockwork, one of the best online shopping websites – Amazon turns up the heat in November with some of its biggest deals of the year, and it all goes down during Black Friday season. But unlike the traditional “one-day sale” image the term might bring to mind, Amazon Black Friday isn’t just one day, it’s more like a full-blown shopping marathon.
So, When Does It Start in 2025?
The official Black Friday date in 2025 is November 28, but in typical Amazon fashion, the deals will start well ahead of that. Early discounts are expected to kick off in mid-November, possibly even sooner. Based on previous years, here’s what to expect:
- Early “Black Friday Week” sales around November 15 to 22
- Bigger site-wide deals in the days leading up to Black Friday
- And a second wave of discounts on Cyber Monday, right after the weekend
So, if you’re planning to wait until Friday itself, don’t. Good stuff tends to go fast.
And What Exactly Is Amazon Black Friday?
While Prime Day is exclusive to members, Amazon Black Friday is wide open, and the scale of the discounts is just as impressive. You’ll find price drops across nearly every category:
From tech and kitchen gadgets to fashion finds, toys, and skincare.
If you’re eyeing a new laptop, upgrading your headphones, or just stocking up on early holiday gifts, Black Friday on Amazon is where a lot of those “I’ll buy it later” items suddenly become irresistible.
Amazon Black Friday 2025: Top Deals to Watch (With Last Year’s Discount)
When Amazon kicks off its Black Friday event in November, expect a tidal wave of discounts across almost every category. But not all deals are created equal, and some patterns are predictable if you know where to look. Here’s a breakdown of the categories that consistently shine during Amazon’s Black Friday, along with how they performed last year and what you can realistically expect this time around.
Amazon Devices – 45% to 70% Off
This category almost defines Black Friday on Amazon. In 2024, Echo Dot bundles (with smart bulbs, no less) hit 70% off, a no-brainer for anyone dipping into the smart home world. Expect that playbook again in 2025: think steep drops on Fire TV Sticks, Kindles, Ring cameras, and maybe even some Fire tablets thrown in for good measure.
Laptops, Headphones & Tech – Up to 50% Off
Last year, Beats Studio headphones fell under $150, and entry-level laptops from Lenovo and Acer slipped below $300. Not bad for gear that usually stays above the $400 mark. This year, keep an eye out for early-bird bundles and flash deals, especially during the lead-up week. If you’re the kind who waits for the “perfect” tech deal… this could be it.
Kitchen & Home Appliances – 40% to 65% Off
Air fryers, Instant Pots, and high-end blenders (like Vitamix and Ninja) regularly see major discounts. Some cookware sets were slashed by over 60% last year. If holiday hosting is on your calendar, now’s the time to prep your kitchen like a pro.
Toys & Holiday Gifts – ~50% Off, Early Access
Amazon tends to start its toy discounts early, sometimes as soon as mid-November. LEGO kits, board games, plushies, and STEM toys hit 40–55% off last year, often before traditional retailers caught up.
Beauty, Fashion & Self-Care – 30% to 50% Off
From Olaplex hair care to skincare gadgets and luxury makeup, beauty deals have grown stronger in recent years. In 2024, Levi’s, New Balance, Coach, and Kate Spade all saw discounts of around 40%. Expect more of the same in 2025, especially for winter fashion staples.
Smart Living & Home Wellness – 30% to 60% Off
Think smart air purifiers, robot vacuums, smart plugs, and fitness trackers. In 2024, popular models from iRobot and Fitbit went as low as 40–50% off.
Is Amazon Black Friday Available Internationally?
Yes, but with caveats.
Amazon might be a global brand, but its Black Friday deals aren’t created equal across all regions. Each country site, like Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, or Amazon.co.jp, runs its own version of Black Friday, with varying timelines, product selections, and (unsurprisingly) price points.
For international shoppers, payment methods can be a pain point. If PayPal is your go-to, there are a few workarounds worth checking out. Here’s how to use PayPal on Amazon even if the site doesn’t list it outright.
In the U.S., where Amazon Black Friday started and still dominates, you’ll often find the widest range of deals and the deepest discounts, especially on Amazon-branded devices. For shoppers outside the U.S., that can feel like watching the best party from the outside.
1. Check Your Local Amazon Site
Start by browsing your country-specific Amazon domain. Many regions, like the UK, Canada, Germany, and Japan, do offer Black Friday sales, sometimes even starting earlier due to time zone differences. That said, don’t expect exact 1:1 pricing compared to the U.S.
2. Shop on Amazon.com (If It Ships to You)
Depending on what you’re buying, Amazon.com may let you ship internationally. Just note that import fees and shipping costs can stack up quickly, and some deals may be U.S.-only due to licensing or supply chain limits.
3. Use a VPN to Browse U.S. Deals
If you want to access U.S. exclusive pricing or content, a VPN lets you view the American version of Amazon and see deals that may be geo-blocked in your region. Just keep in mind: browsing unequal buying. Payment methods and shipping addresses still matter.
Pro tip: Using a VPN like LightningX VPN can help you explore U.S. Amazon deals safely and securely. It’s even more useful when you’re trying to decide whether an item is available for international shipping. Since it has 2000+ servers in over 70 countries and regions.
4. Watch for Third-Party Sellers
Some international users get around geo-restrictions by purchasing from third-party sellers that ship globally, even if Amazon itself doesn’t. It’s worth taking a close look at seller reviews and estimated delivery times, especially during Black Friday when demand surges and delays are common.
Curious about how to become one yourself? Here’s a guide on how to sell on Amazon.
Tips to Shop Smarter and Faster During Black Friday
Navigating Amazon’s Black Friday frenzy can be a wild ride, but with some simple strategies, you can run into a smooth shopping experience.
Prepare to Act Quickly
High-demand deals can vanish in minutes. Save your payment and shipping information ahead of time so you can check out without delay.
Read Before You Buy
Look beyond star ratings. Customer reviews and Q&A sections often reveal insights that specs and product pages don’t, especially important for electronics and new brands.
Use Price Tracking Tools
Sites and extensions like CamelCamelCamel or Keepa show you whether a deal is genuinely discounted or just cleverly marketed. Historical pricing helps separate real value from hype.
Look at the Bigger Sale Window
Black Friday is just part of the picture. Amazon often rolls out early access offers, Cyber Monday extensions, and clearance sales in the following weeks. Smart shoppers stay tuned past the headline event.
Beware of Counterfeits and Low-Quality Sellers
Amazon’s Black Friday frenzy means some sellers might try to slip in knockoffs or poor-quality products. Stick to items sold directly by Amazon or verified sellers whenever possible.
If you suspect something’s off (an imitation product or a suspicious third-party seller, it’s a good idea to contact Amazon customer service before finalizing your order.
FAQs – Amazon Black Friday 2025
Can I Return Amazon Black Friday Purchases?
Yes, most Black Friday items follow Amazon’s standard return policy. However, return windows may vary by seller or product type, so always check the fine print on the product page before hitting “Buy.”
Are Digital Products and Subscriptions Included in Black Friday Deals?
They often are. In past years, Amazon offered major discounts on Kindle books, Audible memberships, streaming channels, and even software like Adobe and Microsoft products. Keep an eye on the “Digital Deals” section.
Will Amazon Price Match Black Friday Deals from Other Stores?
Amazon doesn’t officially do price matching, even during sales events. However, their dynamic pricing algorithm often responds in real-time, so if a competitor drops a price, you may see Amazon do the same (quietly).
