Black Friday 2026: How to Score the Best Deals

Black Friday has grown into the biggest bargain festival of the year. But not every "deal" is what it seems. Every year consumers are lured with large discount percentages that, on closer inspection, are less impressive than they appear. In this article we prepare you for Black Friday 2026 (27 November) and Cyber Monday (30 November) with practical tips, warnings and a strategy to save real money.

Also read our guide on smart online shopping and check our current deals.

When Is Black Friday 2026?

Black Friday always falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving (the fourth Thursday of November in the US). In 2026:

Event	Date
Black Friday	Friday 27 November 2026
Cyber Monday	Monday 30 November 2026
Black Friday Week	23 - 30 November 2026
Early Black Friday deals	From early November

In practice, many stores start with "early access" offers weeks in advance. The real top deals typically appear on Black Friday itself and the days after.

Recognising Real Deals vs Fake Deals

The Problem with "Was/Now" Pricing

The oldest trick in the book: a product is raised in price weeks before Black Friday, only to "return" to its original price with a hefty "discount". This happens more often than you think.

How to Recognise a Real Deal

1. Check the price history: Use tools like Tweakers Pricewatch, Idealo or CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon) to view price history. A real deal sits below the historical average.
2. Compare multiple stores: If the same "deal" has the same price everywhere, it is probably just the normal market price.
3. Look at the RRP: Compare against the manufacturer's recommended retail price, not the "was" price.
4. Be suspicious of extreme discounts: 70-80% off electronics is almost always too good to be true (zie ook electronics buying guide 2026).

Red Flags

• "While stocks last" at unknown webshops — creates urgency without substance.
• Countdown timers that restart when you reload the page.
• No return policy or unclear warranty terms.
• Extremely low prices at unknown webshops — check reviews and trust marks.

Best Categories to Buy on Black Friday

Not every product category offers equally good deals. Based on historical data, these are the categories with the best discounts:

Very Good Deals (20-40% Off)

• Televisions: Manufacturers need to make room for new models. Last year we saw discounts of up to 35% on OLED and QLED TVs.
• Headphones and speakers: Audio products are consistently discounted during Black Friday.
• Smart home devices: Smart speakers, bulbs and cameras see significant price drops.

Good Deals (10-25% Off)

• Laptops: Especially older models and configurations get discounted.
• Tablets: iPads and Samsung tablets are regularly reduced.
• Household appliances: Vacuum cleaners, coffee machines and air purifiers.

Modest Deals (5-15% Off)

• Smartphones: The latest models rarely get major discounts. Previous generations do.
• Gaming consoles: The hardware itself rarely gets cheaper, but bundles with games do.
• Apple products: Apple rarely offers direct discounts. Retailers do offer discounts or gift cards though.

Don't Buy on Black Friday

• Mattresses and furniture: January sales and summer sales are typically better.
• Winter clothing: Wait for the end-of-season sales in January-February.
• Fitness equipment: Buy in January when gyms refresh their inventory.

Strategy: How to Prepare

Four Weeks Before

1. Create a wish list: Write down what you actually need. Impulse purchases are the biggest enemy.
2. Note current prices: Check the prices of your desired products now and save them.
3. Set price alerts: Use Tweakers Pricewatch or Google Shopping to receive notifications.

One Week Before

1. Create accounts: Ensure you have accounts at the webshops where you plan to buy. Fill in your address and payment details in advance.
2. Check the return policy: Make sure you know the return period. By law you have 14 days cooling-off period for online purchases.
3. Plan your purchases: Know which deals you want to grab first.

On Black Friday Itself

1. Start early: Many deals go live at midnight or early in the morning.
2. Compare quickly: Check the deal price against your noted prices.
3. Decide quickly but thoughtfully: Real deals sell out fast, but only buy what is on your list.

Price Tracking: The Key to Real Savings

The best way to determine whether a Black Friday deal is worthwhile is price tracking. These are the most useful tools:

Tool	Coverage	Free?
Tweakers Pricewatch	Dutch webshops	Yes
Idealo	European webshops	Yes
CamelCamelCamel	Amazon	Yes
Google Shopping	Broad	Yes
Keepa	Amazon (more detailed)	Partially

Tip: also check out the 5 tips to always find the best deal for more strategies.

Online vs Physical Stores

In the Netherlands, Black Friday is primarily an online phenomenon. The advantages of buying online:

• Wider selection: More products and more stores to compare.
• Easier comparison: Use price comparison tools and multiple tabs.
• 14-day cooling-off period: Legal right for online purchases.
• No crowds: No queues, no pushing.

The advantage of physical: you can view the product and take it home immediately, and sometimes there are in-store exclusive deals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Black Friday worth it in the Netherlands?

Yes, but with the right preparation. Without price research it is easy to buy "deals" that barely offer any discount. With the tips from this article you can genuinely save, especially on electronics, audio and smart home products.

Should I wait for Cyber Monday?

Cyber Monday sometimes offers different deals than Black Friday, but generally the best offers are on Black Friday itself. Cyber Monday can be interesting for software, streaming subscriptions and remaining stock.

How do I avoid impulse purchases?

Create a wish list with maximum prices in advance. Only buy what is on that list. Set a budget and stick to it. A product you don't need is never a deal, regardless of the discount.

Conclusion

Black Friday 2026 can save you hundreds of euros — but only if you prepare well. Use price tracking to recognise real deals, create a wish list, and don't be tempted by fake discounts. The best deals are found on electronics, audio and smart home devices. Check our deals page for current offers and read our smart online shopping guide for more saving tips.