Best Holiday Deals at Best Buy

The Sony XR-55X90L is a model from 2023, similar to the CR tested Sony XR-65X90L, that’s still available at a few retailers. It performs well in our tests, offering very good overall picture quality and excellent HDR capabilities. It also has very good sound and an ATSC 3.0 tuner for receiving NextGen TV over-the-air broadcasts. Like other Sony sets, it uses the Google TV smart system.

The Samsung QN65S84FA, which is now only $50 more than it was over the weekend, is a 2025 OLED TV that appears to be exclusive to Best Buy. It’s well-priced for its performance, with excellent overall picture quality and very good HDR performance. It also has very good sound. It includes most of Samsung’s TV features, including support for object-tracking sound and Dolby Atmos immersive audio.

Situated in the sweet spot of LG’s 2025 OLED TV lineup, the OLED65C5PUA offers a nice balance of price and performance, with top-notch marks for all key picture quality and sound attributes. Unlike the flagship G5-series sets, which utilize a new "four-stack" OLED technology to enhance brightness, the C5 features a WOLED panel but still achieves sufficient brightness to excel with high dynamic range. The model features numerous gaming capabilities, including a 144Hz variable refresh rate. The TV has recently been selling for $1,600 to $1,700 at most retailers, and it was actually $100 more during the last big sale.

The 77-inch OLED77C5PUA is LG’s midtier OLED TV for 2025, and it’s among the best sets you can buy, with great picture quality, high dynamic range, and sound. It features numerous gaming capabilities, including a 144Hz refresh rate. This is still available for the Cyber Monday price, a whopping $300 less than it sold for during Best Buy’s Techtober sale.

We didn’t test this set, a fairly basic 55-inch 4K smart TV from Best Buy’s house brand. However, we did test a similar model, the Insignia NS-55F501NA22, and it performed well for overall picture quality and not as well for high dynamic range or sound. (It supports DTS Virtual-X sound, which tries to create a 3D sound experience using just the TV’s speakers.) This set utilizes the Amazon Fire TV smart platform, featuring built-in Alexa. The price has gone up $10 since Cyber Monday.

This 55-inch smart TV, a new model for 2025, is an entry-level QLED set that nonetheless provides a satisfying picture, though it lacks the brightness to deliver a compelling HDR experience. (The TV supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+ HDR, plus Dolby Atmos audio.) It also lacks some features, such as local dimming, found in step-up models. Sound quality isn’t great, so you might consider adding a soundbar. It uses the Amazon Fire TV smart system with Alexa built in. As with the model above, this one’s price has also jumped up $10.

There’s a lot to like about this over-the-ear noise canceling headphone that sits second in Bose’s lineup but performs a lot like the top-of-the line Quiet Comforts. Since Bose devices don’t routinely carry big discounts, the $199 price–at a discount of $160–makes this deal particularly appealing. The Quiet Comforts provide sound quality that’s solid if not quite up to the very best headphones in this category.

The Bose Quiet Comfort earbuds sit near the top of our ratings, with really satisfying sound and exceptional active noise cancellation. Bose headphones also earn top marks from our members for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. They go on sale periodically for this price, which is a pretty nice discount. They’re now back down to the same low price we saw during the big sale at the beginning of October.

If you’re a fan of the Google Pixel phone, then the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a solid choice for a complementary earbud. They have a Find My Device function, and the sound can be adjusted through the Pixel app. The Pixel Buds 2 earn very good sound quality grades and score well for noise cancellation. They’re now $10 less than they were during the last big sale, making this a great time to get them for a deep discount.

If you’re looking for earbuds that prioritize fit above all else, check out the Beats Fit Pro. These noise-canceling buds have soft silicone ear tips in three sizes, plus wingtips that fit into the pinna (the exterior of your ear) for additional security. They have actual buttons, too, rather than the touch-sensitive controls on many other models, which may make it easier to operate them while on the go. The Fit Pros also sound really good and feature effective active noise cancellation, making them a solid alternative to the similarly priced AirPods Pro.

The AirPods Max sound really good and have superb and flexible noise-canceling tech. They have a high-performing transparency mode to pipe in outside sound, as well as spatial audio capability. But the biggest selling point might be the distinctive design and premium feel we’ve all come to expect from an Apple product.

They were $400 during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, a price we only ever see during the holiday weekend, so we don’t expect to see that sale again, unfortunately. But this price also doesn’t come around outside of the holiday season. They typically retail for $480, so even though you missed out on the "max" savings, you can still get something off the top if you want to get these as a gift this year.

If you’re looking for high-value noise-canceling headphones, the Sennheiser Accentum Plus is a very solid option, especially now that they’re back down to the same low price we saw during the first wave of holiday sales. They’re amiable companions, with robust bass, neutral midrange, and that sense of lively openness that makes really good headphones fun to listen to. They’re pleasantly light in weight, and the fit and stability are good for most of our testers, though those with large heads and/or prominent ears may want to double-check the fit.

These headphones were selling for $150 over the weekend, so the deal isn’t quite as good, but Amazon’s price does come very close.

This model, which is $35 cheaper than it was earlier this month, may not have “gaming” in its name, but it should deliver a solid streaming experience. It has a 16-inch display and a big, comfortable keyboard, complete with RGB lighting that makes typing in the dark easier and more colorful. The display supports a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, which can make games appear silky smooth in motion.

This 14-inch model weighs next to nothing—2.9 pounds to be precise—and delivers nearly 19 hours’ worth of battery life per charge. Our testers note that it’s not the fastest Chromebook you’ll see, but if you’re just doing typical Chromebook-y tasks, that shouldn’t be much of an issue.

This is $70 more than its Cyber Monday price, so not nearly as much of a bargain, but it’s still a very good value at nearly half off the original price.

The Asus Vivobook 16 isn’t flashy, but it covers the basics really well, especially at this price. It earns top marks for portability and ergonomics, making it a great pick for students or remote workers who prioritize comfort and a lightweight build. Performance and display are average, but with a roomy 16-inch screen and solid all-around versatility, it’s a strong value at this price.

In our tests, the Google Nest Cam with Floodlight offers impeccable video quality, strong data security, and speedy response times. Its features include activity zones to control what areas in front of the camera will trigger a recording, app/voice control (via Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings), and free object detection for people, animals, and vehicles. That last feature is a big deal because most competitors charge you a subscription for it. Cloud video storage and additional features require a Nest Aware subscription.

The Arlo Essential 2K (VMC3050-100NAS) is one of Arlo’s newer, more budget-friendly security cameras. It performs well in our tests and features a built-in spotlight, a siren, and voice/app control via Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Additional features, such as activity zones, person detection, and cloud video storage, require an Arlo Secure subscription.

The Arlo Video Doorbell 2K is one of the best video doorbells you can buy. It provides the flexibility to install it wherever you need it. You can run it using the rechargeable battery or hardwire it to a home’s doorbell wiring for continuous power. Features include geofencing and voice/app control via Amazon Alexa and Google Home/Assistant. Cloud video storage and additional features (such as alerts for people, packages, animals, and vehicles) require an Arlo Secure subscription. This is the best price we’ve ever seen for this model.

The Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus is primarily designed to work with Apple’s Home Key feature, which allows you to lock and unlock your door with just a tap from your iPhone or Apple Watch, similar to using Apple Pay. With a Yale WiFi Smart Module, $90 (sold separately), it also supports Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. In our tests, it holds up well against kick-ins and it’s very easy to set up and remotely control the lock. It is susceptible to attacks from a cordless drill, but that is a common issue with many locks, smart or otherwise.

The Roku Streaming Stick 4K shares most of the same features as the more expensive Roku Streaming Stick 4K+, including improved WiFi, support for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision HDR, and compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Apple AirPlay, and Google Assistant. But it uses the older WiFi 5 standard to connect to home networks and comes with a standard Roku remote. The price has gone up $5, but it’s still a good value.

The Fitbit Charge line routinely features great general-purpose trackers, and the Charge 6 is no exception. This model is now about $100 after being on sale for around $130 for the last few weeks. It offers a 1.1-inch full-color display and a range of tools that help you stay on top of your health, everything from stress monitoring to an ECG (electrocardiogram) function that can alert you to irregular heart rhythms.

This previous-generation Pixel Watch 3 has an elegant design, robust health features, and seamless compatibility with the Pixel phone and Google ecosystem. CR’s testers also found the performance of the watch’s heart-rate monitoring and step tracking to be excellent. The watch did dip below $200 back in October, but it never reached that same low during Black Friday or Cyber Monday, when it stayed steady around the price.

If you’re looking to upgrade your Apple Watch (or invest in a smartwatch for the first time), the top-rated Series 10—reviewed here for CR members—comes with a bigger, brighter display than the previous model and faster charging capabilities, which might make tracking your sleep easier. This Apple Watch allows for cellular connectivity. 

Is it a streaming player that’s also a speaker, or a soundbar that also streams? It doesn’t really matter, but the Roku Streambar SE is a combo streamer/soundbar that can save space while reducing gear clutter. This soundbar includes a built-in 4K Roku streaming player and includes a Bluetooth headphone mode for private listening. Given its small footprint, it probably works best for smaller TVs, rather than the jumbo-sized set you’ve been eyeing.

The Bose Smart Soundbar is a Dolby Atmos model that delivers decent overall sound, making it suitable for both music and movie soundtrack playback for more casual listeners. It’s a full-featured, 3.0.2 nonsurround model that can be expanded into a full 5.1.2-channel surround system. It can also be used as part of a multi-room WiFi audio system. It features Amazon Alexa built-in and works with Google Assistant (via the Google Home app on a mobile device and/or an optional Google smart speaker). It also has Bluetooth wireless connectivity for streaming audio from a portable device.

The Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 is a 3.1.2-channel soundbar that delivers satisfying sound, so it’s a good choice for both movies and music. The model supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive sound, and the main enclosure has upfiring drivers for height sounds. The soundbar features Bluetooth wireless connectivity, allowing you to stream audio from portable devices.

This full-featured Dolby Atmos soundbar speaker from Sonos, an all-in-one model that doesn’t require a separate subwoofer, is among the top models in our ratings, with very good overall sound quality. It should provide satisfying sound for music and movie/TV soundtracks for even more critical listeners. The model features a total of 11 drivers, including one on each end, as well as two upfiring drivers positioned at the top for Dolby Atmos audio. The soundbar can be configured as part of a full surround-sound system when paired with a Sonos subwoofer and rear Sonos speakers, and/or as part of a multiroom system.

The NordicTrack Commerical 2450 is a CR-recommended treadmill that performs very well in testing. It earns top scores in ergonomics, construction, and user safety, and its wide range of exercises supports both low- and high-intensity workouts. Its ease-of-use score is very good, not excellent, which is notable only because the Commercial 2450 excels in all of our other tests—it’s still relatively easy to use.

The JBL Flip 7 is a classic do-it-all speaker. It’s small enough to stuff into a bag, but delivers enough sound to provide background music at a barbecue. It’s IP68 water-resistant and dust-proof, and the company claims you can drop it onto a concrete floor from a height of one meter and it’ll keep working. Also, according to JBL, it delivers 16 hours of music on a single charge.

It’s $20 less than it was just two weeks ago.

KitchenAid’s artisan series is a bump up from its classic line. The 10-speed KitchenAid Artisan Series KSM195PSBK comes with the usual attachments, plus a pastry beater, a bowl shield to prevent splatters, and an extra 3-quart bowl for smaller jobs. The standard-issue stainless bowl is 5 quarts. In our tests this mixer aces our tasks for whipping cream and mixing cookie dough and is almost as good at kneading bread dough. It works quietly, and our testers find it very convenient to change the beaters and clean. It weighs 21 pounds and has a tilt-head, so you’ll need some clearance between the counter and the cabinets. Bonus: You have your choice of 10 colors.

A top-rated model in CR’s tests, the Vitamix Ascent X2 may look unassuming with its dial and toggle controls, considering its excellent overall performance in our blender lab. It aces our purée and durability tests, performs admirably in our icy drink and ice crush tests, and is convenient to use, according to our testers. Plus, Vitamix blenders as a brand receive excellent scores for owner satisfaction and predicted reliability. This is a small discount, but Vitamix products don’t go on sale often, so it’s worth a look.

The Ninja Pro AF141 is now at the lowest price we’ve seen all year. It’s an easy-to-use air fryer with a measured capacity of 3.8 quarts and a range of cooking functions, including a dehydrate setting. It’s not the quietest air fryer, but it’s not especially noisy either, and our testers found it easy to clean. It comes with pre-programmed settings for cooking different foods, plus a recipe book and cooking charts to help guide your cooking. You’ll get a 1-year warranty with this machine.

The Chefman RJ38-2T is not only CR Recommended, but it also carries CR’s Green Choice designation, meaning it has less of an environmental impact than other air fryers, based on its design, energy usage, and other factors. This air fryer receives excellent scores for its ease of cleaning and noise, and a very good score for ease of use, which reflects how easy it is to set your desired time and temperature.

In CR’s tests, the Breville the Sous Chef 16 BFP810 received very good scores for shredding, grating, and chopping, and its slicing performance was excellent. It has a wide feed tube to handle larger chunks of food. Its accessories include a mini bowl insert with its own chopping blade, a dough blade, a french fry and Julienne disc, disc organizer, and cord storage. It comes with a 30-year motor warranty and a 2-year warranty on all other parts. This is the best deal we’ve seen on this food processor since last Black Friday.

Breville’s The Paradice 9 BFP638 aces CR’s tests for chopping, slicing, and shredding, though its grating isn’t as great. It does have a generous 9-cup capacity, though, which is handy if you tend to cook for a crowd. The 625-watt food processor comes with separate shredding, slicing, and dough blades. There’s a 30-year warranty on its motor and a two-year warranty on other parts.

The Shark CarpetXpert EX201 is back down to its lowest price, and we don’t expect it to go any lower. It isn’t exactly quiet—it earned a middling rating in our noise test—but it boasts strong performance in cleaning stains. It also did well in our dryness test and is excellent at removing cleaning solution from carpets. It comes with a hose that’s 60 inches long to get into tight spots.

When it comes to cleaning, the Dyson 360 vis nav is hard to beat, and even though Best Buy might not have the best price right now, Amazon, Dyson, and Macy’s just dropped their price by another $50 to the absolute lowest we’ve ever seen. It’s stellar at capturing debris and dust from carpets, a task that many robot vacuums struggle with. It has strong suction power and is less likely to scatter trash around while cleaning than other bots we tested. It has a quick charging time of under 2 hours.

The Shark PowerDetect AZ4002 is currently the highest-scoring bagless upright vacuum in our ratings, excelling in our pet hair and bare-floor cleaning tests. It’s less noisy than many other models and comes packed with handy features, among them a dirt sensor that automatically boosts power to pull up more debris. For those who hate having to extricate hair from a vacuum’s brush rolls, the PowerDetect’s rolls are designed with a self-cleaning feature to guard against entanglements.

The Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ CH951 is perfect if you’re looking for a handheld vacuum that’s good at cleaning pet hair. Thanks to its motorized power brush, it excels at picking up pet hair. The dirt ejection mechanism on this vacuum, while convenient, can sometimes jam.

At 4 pounds, the Dyson Car+Boat 586119-01 is heavier than the other hand vacuums we test, but its run time is also the longest we’ve seen (up to 24 minutes on its high power mode). It’s a strong cleaner of carpets and top-notch at cleaning bare floors and pet hair. But it’s not so good at cleaning tight, narrow spaces. The current price isn’t the lowest we’ve seen for this model, but it’s still a nice discount.

Yes, the Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra VS90F40DMK/AA is on the expensive side, but it has everything we want in a cordless stick vac—and the price has just dropped another $100. Its average run time is longer than most of the other cordless stick vacs we tested, which means this vacuum’s less likely to die on you in the middle of cleaning. It scores well for cleaning carpets, a rarity for a stick vac. And the vacuum comes with a cleaning station that automatically empties its contents into the station’s bin, a plus for convenience.