Black Friday Retro Tech Deals: What to Buy (and What to Skip)
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Black Friday is the best time all year to buy retro tech, but only if you know what’s worth grabbing. Most of the “deals” are on stuff nobody needs. A few of them are genuinely great.
This is my watchlist: the retro gear that’s actually worth buying, the stuff to skip, and how to tell a real deal from a fake one. Prices move fast during the sale, so click through to check the current price before you buy.
How to Spot a Real Deal
Check the price history. Plenty of retailers bump prices up in October so the November “discount” looks bigger. A free price tracker extension shows you what something actually sold for over the past few months. If the Black Friday price is just the normal price, skip it.
And stick to products you’d want at full price. A cheap turntable that damages your records isn’t a deal at any price.
Worth Watching: Vinyl
Audio-Technica AT-LP60X
The best starter turntable for most people, and it goes on sale often around the holidays. If it drops, buy it. Our beginner turntable guide explains why.
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB
The step-up manual deck. Discounts on this one are less frequent, so it’s worth grabbing if you see one.
Edifier R1280DB powered speakers
The easiest speakers to pair with a turntable. They plug straight into most beginner turntables.
Worth Watching: Tapes and CDs
FiiO DM13 CD player
The best portable CD player around. Even a small discount makes it an easy call. See our CD player guide.
FiiO CP13 cassette player
The best-sounding new portable cassette player. Our cassette player guide has the rest.
Koss Porta Pro headphones
Already cheap, and often cheaper on Black Friday. A perfect stocking stuffer.
Worth Watching: Gaming
Atari 2600+
Plays real Atari cartridges on modern TVs. A great nostalgia gift if it’s discounted.
Evercade Nexus
The cartridge-based retro handheld that just launched in October. New hardware rarely gets big discounts, but bundles with extra cartridges are worth watching.
RetroTINK upscaler
If you play old consoles on a modern TV, this is the upgrade that matters most. Here’s why.
Worth Watching: Cameras
Polaroid Now camera
Instant cameras show up in a lot of holiday sales. Grab extra film while it’s discounted too, because film is the real ongoing cost.
Kodak Ektar H35N
A cheap, fun half-frame film camera that makes a great gift. Our film camera guide has more.
What to Skip
Cheap all-in-one suitcase record players, even at a huge discount. Bargain bin CD players with no brand name and no reviews. And “retro” Bluetooth speakers that only look the part. If a deal looks too good on a product you’ve never heard of, it usually is.
Shopping for someone specific? Browse our retro gift ideas for every budget.
FAQ
When do Black Friday deals start?
Many retailers start early in November and run deals through Cyber Monday. The biggest drops are usually on Black Friday itself.
Is Black Friday a good time to buy a turntable?
Yes. Popular beginner turntables like the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X often get discounted around the holidays.
How can I tell if a Black Friday deal is real?
Use a price history tracker to compare the sale price against what the product sold for in previous months.
What retro tech should I avoid on Black Friday?
Cheap suitcase record players, unbranded CD players with no reviews, and gadgets that only look retro without working well.
