Amazon's Black Friday sale is already live with discounts reaching 50% across its own hardware lineup. The promotion covers smart speakers, displays, tablets, and e-readers—some at their lowest prices this year. If you've been eyeing an Echo speaker or a budget tablet, now is a reasonable time to buy. Here's what the deals actually look like and which ones make sense for different types of buyers.
The standout Echo discounts
The Echo Dot (4th generation) drops from $40 to $20—a straight 50% cut. For a small smart speaker, it still delivers decent audio and full Alexa functionality. It's the cheapest way into Amazon's smart home ecosystem, and the price makes it reasonable to place one in multiple rooms without much financial risk.
The Echo Show 5 (2nd generation) sits at roughly $60, down from $85. The screen is small—ideal for a nightstand or kitchen counter—but it handles voice alarms, weather checks, and music playback without issue. One practical detail: tapping the top of the device silences alarms, which works well when you're half-asleep.
The Echo Show 8 (1st generation) also sees discounts. The newer 2nd generation model has a sharper 13MP camera and faster performance, so if camera quality matters for video calls, factor that difference into your decision.
Echo Buds (2nd generation) with wireless charging case are included in the sale. Sound quality is solid for the price range, and noise cancellation improved over the first version. Battery life holds up reasonably well with the wireless charging case.
Fire tablets: which models are worth it
The Fire HD 10 (2021) drops to around $75 with a free Blink Mini camera thrown in. Compared to earlier generations, this model added a 1080p display and 3GB of RAM—meaning streaming and browsing feel noticeably smoother. The package deal makes it a reasonable budget option if you want a larger screen for media consumption.
The Fire HD 8 Plus falls to roughly $85, down from $140. It includes dual cameras, 3GB RAM, and wireless charging support. For a mid-sized tablet, the value here is better than usual.
Kids versions remain available at discount. The Fire 7 Kids Pro tablet sells for $60 instead of $90 and includes a year of Amazon Kids Plus, which covers parental controls, kid-friendly content, and a two-year warranty. The 2021 Fire HD 10 Kids model follows a similar pattern—solid case included, content filtered by age.
One thing to note: Fire tablets run Amazon's Fire OS, not stock Android. App selection skews toward Amazon's storefront, so confirm that your needed apps are available before buying.
E-readers and other hardware
The Kindle (2019) with built-in screen light drops to around $55. It's the most affordable Kindle option and handles standard e-reading without fuss. The Kindle Paperwhite Kids, normally $160, falls to roughly $115 with a year of Amazon Kids Plus included.
The upcoming Halo View fitness tracker (releasing December 8th) is listed, but we haven't tested it yet. It appears positioned as a budget competitor to devices like the Fitbit Charge 5.
Our analysis
Amazon's own-device discounts tend to be deepest during Black Friday weekend, so these prices aren't surprising—but they're legitimate. The Echo Dot deal stands out as the most versatile: low risk, functional, and easy to resell later. The Fire HD 10 bundle with a free camera is another strong play if you want a media tablet and haven't already invested in a security camera.
The trade-off with Fire tablets remains the ecosystem lock-in. If you're already comfortable with Amazon content and the Appstore, this matters less. If you prefer Google Play or need apps only available there, a standard Android tablet might serve you better despite the higher price.
What this sale doesn't include: high-demand items like PlayStation consoles or high-end laptops. Those tend to sell out quickly at major retailers. Amazon is handling those separately, with stock updates throughout the weekend.
What to watch next
Cyber Monday typically brings additional markdowns, particularly on items that don't sell out over the weekend. If you're not in a rush, Monday afternoon often reveals second-wave deals. Also watch for bundle pricing—Amazon sometimes discounts already-reduced items when paired with accessories or subscriptions.
Key takeaways
- Echo Dot at $20 is the best entry point for Alexa; buy multiple for whole-home audio
- Fire HD 10 bundle with free Blink Mini camera offers the most value for media-focused buyers
- Kids tablets include content subscriptions that justify the price for the right audience
- Fire tablets lock you into Amazon's ecosystem—check app availability first
- Cyber Monday may bring further discounts on remaining inventory
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Echo Dot for Black Friday 2024?
The Echo Dot (4th gen) is discounted to $20, down from its regular price of $40.
What is the best Fire tablet deal available?
The Fire HD 10 (2021) drops to around $75 and includes a free Blink Mini camera—a strong value for a media tablet.
Are these the lowest prices Amazon has offered this year?
Black Friday typically sees the deepest discounts on Amazon's own hardware. Prices may match on Cyber Monday but rarely go lower immediately after.
Do Fire tablets work like regular Android tablets?
Fire tablets run Amazon's Fire OS and use the Amazon Appstore. Some Android apps are available, but the selection differs from Google Play.
Should I wait for Cyber Monday to buy?
If you need an item soon, the current prices are solid. Cyber Monday often brings additional deals, but popular items may sell out over the weekend.