Mid-July heats up not just with summer weather, but with major retail sales events. While Amazon Prime Day takes center stage, running from July 8 through July 11 this year, it’s not the only game in town for scoring significant savings. Savvy shoppers know that competing sales, often dubbed “anti-Prime Day” events, can offer equally compelling, if not better, opportunities. Best Buy is a prime example, rolling out their annual “black friday in July” sale from July 7 through July 13. If premium technology is on your shopping list, Best Buy’s event presents a powerful alternative you absolutely shouldn’t overlook. It challenges Amazon directly with its duration, deal depth, and a key advantage: no membership is required to access the core discounts.
Why Best Buy Offers a Winning Alternative to Prime Day Tech deals
Amazon Prime Day is synonymous with discounts, but it requires an active Prime membership to unlock most deals. Best Buy’s Black Friday in July event throws open its doors to everyone. Accessing the vast majority of the sale prices doesn’t cost you a cent in membership fees. This immediately makes it a more accessible option for shoppers hesitant to pay for a Prime subscription just for a few days of deals.
As a retailer focused specifically on consumer electronics and appliances, Best Buy often boasts a wider selection of top tech brands than you might find scattered across Amazon’s vast marketplace. This specialization means Best Buy often has deals on products or brands not readily available on Amazon. Furthermore, purchasing high-value electronics from a dedicated tech retailer like Best Buy can offer peace of mind regarding product authenticity. You can shop with greater confidence knowing you’re getting the real deal. While some deals may overlap, Best Buy is known for getting aggressive with pricing during these competitive periods, sometimes offering deeper discounts or unique bundles, particularly on larger or higher-end items.
Standout Tech Deals to Explore at Best Buy’s Black Friday in July Sale
Best Buy’s event spans a wide array of product categories, bringing price cuts typically seen during the traditional Black Friday shopping season. Here are some of the hottest tech deals to look for:
Laptops and Tablets See Deep Price Drops
Best Buy is historically strong in laptop sales, and this event is no exception. You can find discounts on everything from budget-friendly Chromebooks to powerful professional machines. A major highlight this year is the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M2, 2022). It’s currently marked down to $699, a significant $100 saving off its original $799 price. Experts have called this the lowest price they’ve seen for this model. The M2 MacBook Air is praised for its sleek redesign, stunning Liquid Retina display, stellar performance for everyday tasks, and excellent battery life, making it a fantastic system for work, school, or general use. Beyond Apple, look for deals like the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 11″ for $140 (was $220) or the Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 16″ for $650 (was $1,050). High-end options like the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 360 with a 16-inch OLED display and powerful Intel Core Ultra 7 CPU have been spotted with massive discounts. Even cutting-edge Copilot+ PCs featuring Snapdragon processors, like the Dell XPS 13 and Surface Pro 11 (with keyboard bundle), are seeing notable price reductions.
Big Savings on Headphones and Personal Audio
Whether you need earbuds for workouts or premium noise-canceling headphones, Best Buy’s sale delivers. The popular Apple AirPods Pro 2 are significantly discounted to $150 (originally $250). You can also find deals on other Apple models like the AirPods Max at $450 (was $550). If you prefer other brands, look for the Sennheiser Momentum 4 earbuds for $280 (was $350) or Bose QuietComfort earbuds for $129 (was $179). For those interested in open-ear designs, the Shokz OpenFit Air earbuds are available for $80 (was $120). Gaming audio isn’t left out, with various Corsair, Razer, and SteelSeries headsets also seeing discounts.
Smartwatches and Wearables on Sale
Upgrade your wrist tech with discounts on leading smartwatches. The Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) is a popular choice, available for $169 (originally $249). Garmin users can find the Garmin Venu Sq 2 reduced to $150 (was $250). Other deals include the Google Pixel Watch 3 for $270 (was $350), the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 for $210 (was $300), and the Fitbit Charge 6 for $110 (was $160).
Enhance Your Home Security Setup
Making DIY home security upgrades is easier and more affordable during this sale. Find deep discounts on trusted brands like Ring and Blink. Examples include a Ring – Starter Set (Battery Doorbell and Indoor Cam) for just $70 (was $140) and the extensive Blink – Outdoor 4 5-Camera Security System for $160 (originally $400). Other systems from brands like Google Nest, Swann, and Arlo are also included in the savings.
Travel Tech and Accessories for Better Trips
Make your next trip smoother with discounted travel gadgets. Essential trackers like the Apple AirTag, 4-Pack, are down to $65 (originally $99). Portable power solutions like the Anker – MagGo Wireless Charging Station are available for $77 (was $110). Look for deals on adapters, chargers, and other travel-friendly tech.
FSA or HSA Eligible Tech for Health Savings
A unique opportunity within the sale is the inclusion of health-related tech products eligible for purchase with pre-tax dollars from your FSA or HSA account. This allows for double savings – the sale discount plus the tax advantage. Items like air purifiers (e.g., Shark NeverChange Air Purifier for $170, was $250; Insignia HEPA Air Purifier for $100, was $200), smart scales (Garmin Index S2 for $150, was $200), and even hearing aids (Sony Discreet OTC Hearing Aids for $500, was $700; Jabra Enhance Select 300 for $1,420, was $1,695) are included. Keep in mind you should always confirm eligibility with your specific plan provider and it’s recommended to order FSA/HSA items separately.
Major Appliances and Home Tech Upgrades
Planning larger home improvements? Best Buy’s sale extends to significant price cuts on appliances and smart home devices. Find deals on refrigerators, dishwashers, and laundry machines. A prime example is an LG Front Load Wash Tower with Steam and Center Control discounted to $2,200 (was $3,400). Smart refrigerators from LG and GE Profile are also seeing substantial price drops. Home cleaning tech like the Shark Matrix Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum is available for $280 (was $500). Remember to check for special coupon codes, like “save20” or “save10,” that might apply to eligible appliances for even greater savings. Best Buy is frequently a strong contender for discounts on larger items like TVs as well.
Gaming Gear and PC Peripherals
Beyond laptops, gamers can find dedicated deals. Look for discounted gaming monitors, including large curved displays with high refresh rates. Gaming headsets from top brands like Corsair, Razer, and SteelSeries offer enhanced audio experiences. Performance peripherals like Razer mice and keyboards or the Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard are also part of the sale. Even internal and external storage solutions like WD_Black SN770M SSDs (great for handhelds) and Seagate Xbox Storage Expansion are discounted.
Making the Most of Best Buy’s Black Friday in July
While the main attraction is the wide range of deals available to everyone, Best Buy also offers membership tiers (My Best Buy Plus and Total). These paid memberships might provide access to a few exclusive deal prices, plus benefits like free two-day shipping and extended return windows. However, the core message remains: the vast majority of the exciting tech discounts during the Black Friday in July event are accessible to all shoppers, no subscription needed.
Beyond just prices, shopping at Best Buy offers the advantage of their expertise as a dedicated electronics retailer. You can visit stores to see products, speak with staff, and utilize services like Geek Squad for support. This level of specialized service can add significant value, especially when purchasing complex or high-value items.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key advantages of shopping the Best Buy Black Friday in July sale compared to Amazon Prime Day?
Best Buy’s Black Friday in July sale offers several distinct advantages over Amazon Prime Day, particularly for tech shoppers. A major benefit is that the core deals are accessible to everyone, requiring no paid membership, unlike most Prime Day offers. As a specialized tech retailer, Best Buy provides a focused inventory with a wide array of major brands, ensuring authenticity for your purchases. They also directly compete with Amazon on pricing, often matching or beating deals, especially on high-end laptops, major appliances, and other big-ticket items.
Which types of tech products see the best discounts during Best Buy’s Black Friday in July event?
Best Buy’s Black Friday in July event features strong discounts across numerous technology categories. Historically, laptops and major appliances see some of the most significant price drops, with high-end models often included. Personal tech like headphones, smartwatches, and travel gadgets also receive substantial markdowns. A unique category with excellent savings potential includes FSA or HSA eligible health tech, such as air purifiers and hearing aids, allowing shoppers to leverage pre-tax dollars alongside sale prices.
Do I need a Best Buy membership to get the deals?
No, you do not need a paid Best Buy membership to access the vast majority of deals during their Black Friday in July sale event. All shoppers can take advantage of the listed sale prices. Best Buy does offer My Best Buy Plus and Total paid membership tiers, which might occasionally provide access to a few exclusive member-only prices or additional perks like faster shipping or extended return periods, but these are supplemental benefits rather than a requirement to shop the main event.
Don’t Miss Best Buy During the Summer Sales Rush
While Prime Day grabs headlines, Best Buy’s Black Friday in July sale stands tall as a must-visit destination for anyone looking to buy tech. Running from July 7 to July 13, it offers a compelling alternative with its lack of a membership requirement, focus on technology, wide brand selection, and aggressive pricing on everything from earbuds to refrigerators. If you’re hunting for deals on electronics, personal gadgets, or home appliances this week, make sure Best Buy is at the top of your list. You might find exactly what you need at an unbeatable price, without ever needing a subscription.
