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Black Friday is full of "70% off" banners for things you'll never use. This guide is the opposite: a short list of deals that are genuinely worth waiting for if you travel or run a side project, how to tell a real discount from a fake one, and what to skip.
When is Black Friday 2026?
- Black Friday: Friday, November 27, 2026.
- Cyber Monday: Monday, November 30, 2026.
- Early deals: many online brands start weeks before. Some VPN providers launched "early Black Friday" prices in mid-October, and most deals run until early December.
For digital subscriptions (VPNs, password managers, software), the price you lock in on Black Friday often applies to the whole first term, sometimes two years. That's why these are the purchases worth planning for.
How to spot a real deal in 60 seconds
- Check the renewal price, not just the first bill. Many plans are cheap for the first term and renew at the normal price. Note the date in your calendar.
- Compare per month, over the same length. A two-year plan always looks cheaper per month than a one-year plan. Ask whether you'll really use it for two years.
- Look for a money-back guarantee. Most big VPN and password manager brands offer around 30 days. That turns a deal into a low-risk trial.
- Only buy what you would use anyway. A discount on something you don't need is still money spent.
Travel deals worth waiting for
1. A VPN for hotel and airport Wi-Fi
VPNs have some of the deepest discounts of the whole year on Black Friday, usually on two-year plans with a few bonus months. If you travel, work from cafés or use your banking app abroad, this is the best time to buy one. (Not sure you need one? Read our honest VPN guide first.)
| Provider | Best for | What to look for on Black Friday |
|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Solo travellers who want the most established brand | Two-year plan with bonus months; extra security features bundled in |
| Surfshark | Couples and families with many devices | Unlimited devices on one plan; upgraded plans often offered at the basic price |
At the time of writing (mid-October), Surfshark has already started an early Black Friday offer, and NordVPN's biggest sale of the year usually arrives in November. Prices change daily during the sale, so always check the current offer.
2. A password manager (best bought with your VPN)
A VPN protects your connection; a password manager protects your accounts. If you still reuse passwords, this is the single most useful security upgrade before your next trip. NordPass usually runs its biggest discount of the year around Black Friday, and it fills in logins on your phone and laptop and lets you share them safely with a travel partner.
3. A travel eSIM for your next trip
eSIM providers run Black Friday codes and bonus data, but data plans expire, so only buy for a trip you've actually booked. If you're travelling in December or early next year, compare Saily, Yesim and GigSky, and see our eSIM comparison for which one fits which trip.
4. Flights and hotels
Airlines and booking sites run Black Friday sales too, but a "sale" fare isn't always cheaper than a well-timed normal fare. Two rules: know what the route normally costs before the sale starts, and favour bookings with free cancellation. Trip.com runs a Black Friday promotion every year; check it against the fare you've been watching. For Europe, our guide to the cheapest months to fly tells you which travel dates are already cheap.
Side-hustle tools: what's worth it (and what's free anyway)
Email newsletter: start free, don't wait
Kit (formerly ConvertKit) has a free plan for up to 10,000 subscribers, so there's no reason to wait for a discount: start building your list now and upgrade only when you need automations. Our newsletter guide shows how to set it up in an afternoon.
YouTube research tools
If you're growing a channel, paid keyword and idea tools such as Tube Magic can save hours each week. Try the free features first and buy only if you're publishing consistently. See how to grow a YouTube channel with AI tools.
AI assistants
The free versions of the big AI assistants already handle most everyday tasks. Before you pay for an "AI bundle" on Black Friday, try the 12 tasks you can hand to a free AI assistant.
What to skip on Black Friday
- "Make money fast" courses and bundles. Huge discounts on income promises are a red flag, not a bargain.
- Lifetime plans from unknown companies. A lifetime subscription is only worth it if the company is still around next year.
- Travel gadgets you don't need yet. If you don't have a trip planned, wait.
- Anything bought just because the timer is running. Most deals come back on Cyber Monday or before Christmas.
Your Black Friday checklist
Now (October–early November)
- Make a short list: which subscriptions you'll actually use next year.
- Write down today's normal price for each one.
- Check which of your current subscriptions renew soon, so you don't pay twice.
Black Friday week (November 23–30)
- Compare the deal against your notes, per month and over the same plan length.
- Buy, then set a reminder a week before renewal.
After buying
- Install and test everything at home, before your next trip.
- Use the money-back window if it isn't right for you.
Shopping for someone else? See our Christmas gift ideas for travelers.
Planning a trip for next year? Our trip planning checklist covers what to book and when.
Deals, prices and dates change quickly during Black Friday and are set by each company. Always check the current offer and terms on the provider's website before you buy.