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Black Friday sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it’s over. 

• Follow our live blog to stay up-to-date on the best sales we find.

• Browse our editors’ picks for a curated list of our favorite sales on laptops, fitness tech, appliances, and more.

• Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox.

• Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. 

I test a lot of wearables for Lifehacker, and for all the fancy fitness watches and smartwatches out there, I usually think entry-level models are the most useful option for the average runner or everyday person who only wants to track some exercise.

There are plenty of great watches under $250, and with this week’s Black Friday deals, some have dropped even lower. Here are the best deals on good fitness and running watches you can find right now in that price range.

The best Black Friday deals on Garmin Forerunners

I think the Forerunner 255 is probably the best budget Garmin out there, but at this point it’s an older model. It still does its job just fine, but prices can be unpredictable and many of the listings you’ll find are for refurbished units. Nothing wrong with that—just make sure you understand what you’re getting. There are two sizes, 41 and 46 millimeters, and each one can come with or without music storage. Note that the 255 has a MIP screen, an older technology that has its pros and cons.

• Garmin Forerunner 255 Music (46 mm), $229.99 refurbished

• Garmin Forerunner 255S (41 mm, no music storage) $249.99 refurbished

The Forerunner 165 is another good entry level pick, and our resident marathoner loved the 165 Music. Like the 255, it comes in both a music and non-music version, but there is only one size. Both are on sale for Black Friday:

• Garmin Forerunner 165, $199.99 (normally $249.99)

• Garmin Forerunner 165 Music, $249.99 (normally $299.99)

The next step up from there would be the Forerunner 265, which is on a great sale, but unfortunately it doesn’t quite dip into our target price range—it’s $299.99. The Forerunner 55, though, is down to $149.99. This is an older, barebones watch, but not a bad pick if you’re looking for something basic.

The best Black Friday deals on the Coros Pace 3 and 4

Coros just launched the AMOLED Pace 4, and dropped the price on the MIP Pace 3. Aside from that difference in display type, they have similar functions and are both great entry-level watches. I reviewed the Pace 4, which has a great battery life and new voice features. The Pace 3 is a solid pick, too. You can read my comparison of the two here. These prices aren’t necessarily Black Friday deals, but if you’re looking for a bargain, they should definitely be on your list.

• Coros Pace 3: $199.99 (previously $229.99)

• Coros Pace 4: $249.99 (regular price)

The best Black Friday deals on the Suunto Run

Suunto makes some great, underrated fitness watches. I loved the Suunto Run when I tested it. It’s on sale for $199.99, normally $249.99.

The best Black Friday deals on the Garmin Vivoactive 5 and 6

I mentioned Garmin’s Forerunners above, but Garmin also makes some lifestyle watches. These don’t have the running-specific focus, but they have great fitness features and would be great for any casual runner. The Vivoactive 6 is the newest in this line, making the Vivoactive 5 even more affordable. I’ve tested both and liked them; check out my review of the Vivoactive 6 for more on the differences between the two.

• Garmin Vivoactive 5: $184.99 (originally $299.99, but it’s been $229.99 ever since the Vivoactive 6 launched)

• Garmin Vivoactive 6: $249.99 (normally $299.99)

What stores have the best sales on Black Friday?

Nowadays, both large retailers and small businesses compete for Black Friday shoppers, so you can expect practically every store to run sales through Monday, December 1, 2025. The “best” sales depend on your needs, but in general, the biggest discounts tend to come from larger retailers who can afford lower prices: think places like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Home Depot. You can find all the best sales from major retailers on our live blog.

Are Black Friday deals worth it?

In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that can be rare throughout the rest of the year. If there’s something you want to buy, or you’re shopping for gifts, it’s a good time to look for discounts on what you need, especially tech sales, home improvement supplies, and fitness tech. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save is to not buy anything. 

Are Cyber Monday deals better than Black Friday?

Black Friday used to be bigger for major retailers and more expensive tech and appliances, while Cyber Monday was for cheaper tech and gave smaller businesses a chance to compete online. Nowadays, though, distinction is almost meaningless. Every major retailer will offer sales on both days, and the smart move is to know what you want, use price trackers or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you, and don’t stress over finding the perfect timing.