Disclosure: ShopBuyZones is reader-supported. Some links on this page are affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Our full disclosure is here.
Prime Big Deal Days on October 6-7 is over. Black Friday on November 27 is next, followed by Cyber Monday on November 30. The question is which items to buy in October and which to hold off on. A deals editor at Tom’s Guide compared the two seasons, and we have turned the main points into a simple list.
Buy in October
Amazon’s own devices. Tom’s Guide says Amazon devices tend to reach their lowest prices during Amazon’s own sales events, including this one. That covers Echo speakers, Fire TV sticks, and Kindle e-readers.
Small appliances. Coffee makers and air fryers usually cost about the same in October as they do on Black Friday, so waiting gains you little.
Clothing and sneakers. Discounts were nearly identical between the two seasons in that comparison, and sizes and styles are easier to find earlier in the fall.
Wait for Black Friday
Apple products. Some deals appear in October, but the bigger discounts have tended to come in November.
4K TVs. Retailers often use special models and deeper cuts for Black Friday, so the best TV prices usually show up then.
Laptops. The article found Windows laptop deals were better in November, especially at big electronics retailers.
Large appliances. Washers, dryers, refrigerators, and ranges tend to see bigger discounts in November and December.
Ready to plan? Our Black Friday 2026 Watch List shows 16 products and a simple rule for spotting a real deal. Not sure which day to shop? See Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday: what to buy on each day.
Five things worth checking in October
Each card shows one popular example so you can see what the product looks like. Amazon sells many models in each category, so compare a few before you buy. Prices change quickly during sales, so always check the price on the page.
Echo Dot smart speaker
Amazon’s own devices tend to hit their lowest prices during Amazon’s sales.
See it on Amazon →
Fire TV Stick 4K Select
A cheap way to turn any TV into a smart TV, and an Amazon device.
See it on Amazon →
Cosori TurboBlaze 6 Qt air fryer
Small kitchen appliances often cost about the same in October as in November.
See it on Amazon →
BLACK+DECKER 12-cup coffee maker
A small appliance where waiting for Black Friday usually gains you little.
See it on Amazon →Before you buy anything
These are general patterns, not promises. Every year is a little different. Use a price tracker to see an item’s real history, which our guide to free price trackers explains, and follow the shopping plan in our Black Friday and Cyber Monday guide. If a price in October matches the lowest price you have seen, buy it. If not, you can wait.
Frequently asked questions
Should I wait for Black Friday for everything?
No. For some items, like Amazon’s own devices and small appliances, October prices are usually as good as November’s. Waiting only helps for big-ticket items like TVs, laptops, and large appliances.
What if I miss an October deal?
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are only a few weeks later, and many products come back on sale then. Do not buy something you do not need just because the clock is ticking.
Do I need Prime for the October sale?
Yes, the event deals are for Prime members. A free 30-day trial is available if you are not a member, but cancel it if you do not want to pay.
The Bottom Line
Buy Amazon devices, small appliances, and clothes in October if the price is right. For TVs, laptops, Apple gear, and large appliances, it is usually worth waiting until November. Either way, check the price history first.