35 Products on Deep Discount in December

Posted by admin on Dec 01, 2022

CR's lab tests and shopping tips help you find what you want—and what to avoid

By Samantha B. Gordon

December is one of the best times to find almost anything you want on sale. Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, which typically offer the lowest prices of the year, often extend into December. And you’ll find plenty of other holiday discounts that come close to their best prices.

This means you’ll see impressive sale prices on a wide variety of products. And many of those deals will continue throughout the month, because retailers often run special promotions all the way up to the end of the year.

Consumer Reports tracks the prices of everything we test all year long to determine when they’re most likely to drop most steeply. And there are 35 products that tend to reach their deepest discounts in December, including popular gift items like headphones, TVs, and cameras, as well as useful ones like vacuums, printers, and more.

To see more of what gets deeply discounted the rest of the year, check out our calendar of deals.

Headphones

Headphones are always a popular gift item, and you can often find great deals on top models during the holiday season.

Whether you’re looking for true wireless earbuds or a comfy pair of over-ear headphones that offer noise cancellation, it’s important to research brands and models to ensure that what you buy will have the features you’re looking for.

Consumer Reports tests headphones in our labs to measure attributes such as volume, noise cancellation, sound quality, and battery life. Review our recommended models to get more familiar with the best options before you start shopping.

Check out the following headphone deals.

Bose QuietComfort 45 Headphones
The deal: $249 at Amazon and Best Buy
The Bose Quiet Comfort 45 noise-canceling headphones hit the sweet spot of price and performance. They don’t sound quite as good as the Bose 700, but their sound is still satisfying and they’re significantly cheaper than their upscale siblings. They also earn top marks from our testers for their noise-canceling performance. Bose products don’t go on sale very often, so this chance to save almost $100 on a solid-performing model deserves consideration.

Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds
The deal: $228-230 at Abt Electronics, Amazon, Best Buy, and Target
If you want spectacular sound, this is the deal for you. The Sony WF-1000XM4 is one of our top-rated pairs of noise-canceling earbuds, featuring stellar sound quality and noise cancellation that ranks among the best in this category. It also sports a long battery life and handy features such as an ambient sound-monitoring mode that lets you keep an ear on your environment. Even at a modest discount, these Sonys are so good they’re a worthwhile buy. And this deal is the best price we’ve seen all year.

For more discounts: Best Holiday Deals on Headphones

TVs

The holidays are the best time of year to find a deep discount on a new TV. The biggest sales tend to happen on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but many models stay at or near their lowest prices well into December.

If you’re planning to order a larger TV, buy early if you want it delivered to reduce the risk of shipping delays. Or order from a retailer that offers in-store or curbside pickup to get your new TV even sooner.

It pays to do some research before heading to a store because there are countless options available. There are plenty of highly rated makes and models in our ratings from brands such as LG, Samsung, Sony, and Vizio.

Our TV buying guide will help you get the most bang for your buck no matter how much you want to spend. CR members should consult our TV ratings to make sure to get a set that performed well in our lab tests.

Check out the following TV deals.

Hisense 75A6H
The deal: $549.99 at Best Buy
This 75-inch set, the Hisense 75A6H, had only decent overall picture quality in our tests. It’s a Google TV model that has a wider-than-average viewing angle for an LCD-based set. It’s only $50 more than its Black Friday price.

Insignia NS-43F301NA22
The deal: $229.99 at Amazon and Best Buy
This 43-inch set, the Insignia NS-43F301NA22, may be a better choice if you’re looking for a 4K TV with built-in smarts; it uses the Amazon Fire TV system. It delivered satisfying HD and 4K picture quality in our tests, though its HDR performance was ineffective. It’s now only $10 more than we saw for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

For more discounts: Best Holiday TV Deals

Coffee Makers

Coffee makers are great gifts for any caffeine lovers on your gift list, and there are loads to choose from no matter their brewing style or your budget.

Some drip coffee makers sell for under $30 while others that grind the beans or connect with your smartphone can run you well over $200. But you should be able to find the model you want on sale this month.

If your giftee loves lattes, there are espresso makers and pod coffee makers that can deliver the barista experience at home. And for someone who drinks iced coffee all year long, you can often find discounts on cold-brew makers in the chillier months.

Not sure where to start? Take a look through CR’s buying guide to learn about the types of coffee makers and explore some of the top tested models.

Check out the following coffee maker deals.

Braun MultiServe KF9510BK
The deal: $149.95 at Amazon
The Braun MultiServe KF9150BK is Braun’s take on all-in-one brewers like the Ninja Coffee Bar, which have become a popular option for replicating coffeehouse-style drinks at home. It offers seven brew sizes, four brew modes (including an over-ice mode), a glass carafe, a removable water reservoir, a water filter, auto-shutoff, and a cleaning indicator. It offers decent brew performance in our tests, and its carafe is very easy to hold and pour.

Keurig K-Elite K90
The deal: $119.99 at Amazon
The Keurig K-Elite K90 is the best Keurig-branded pod brewer in our ratings. Its first-cup brew speed is a tad slow, but this Keurig makes up for it with great temperature and size consistency (meaning you get the same amount of coffee in every brewed cup). It packs plenty of features, too, including programming, auto-shutoff, an iced-coffee brewing mode, a removable reservoir, and a height-adjustable drip tray. It’s on sale for one of the lowest prices we’ve seen at Amazon, making it one of the better coffee-maker deals we’ve found.

For more discounts: Best Holiday Deals on Small Kitchen Appliances

Vacuums

Vacuums, including robotic vacuum cleaners, are among the more popular gift options around the holidays, and you’ll find lots of discounts on top models. And this is an ideal time to finally replace your old one with an upgrade or surprise a loved one.

There are so many kinds of vacuums to choose from that it can be daunting to decide on the best option for your home. To make the choice easier, review our vacuum cleaner buying guide as well as our ratings to select the right brand and model for your budget.

Check out the following vacuum deals.

Eufy RoboVac 11S
The deal: $124.99 at Amazon; $129.99 at Eufy
One of the lightest robots that CR has tested, the budget-friendly Eufy RoboVac 11S drives under furniture and wiggles away from hazards like power cords and carpet fringe better than most. It struggles to thoroughly clean large areas, but it’s nimble, making it a great option for cleaning a few rooms at a time. It’s also quiet, and the cleaning performance is respectable for its price. You can get this vacuum for the second-best price we’ve seen. It was only $100 at Eufy for Black Friday, but this is still a great discount. If you’re shopping at Eufy, use the discount code WS24BF11S.

Dyson Ball Animal 2
The deal: $399 at Amazon; $419 at Walmart
The 17-pound Dyson Ball Animal 2 has impressive results in CR’s lab tests for carpet cleaning. It aces our bare-floor and pet-hair tests, too. Emissions are clean, so this vacuum won’t spew debris back into the room (although emptying the bin can stir up some dust). It comes with attachments that help you get into tight spaces. In our brand reliability survey, Dyson uprights earn middle-of-the-road scores for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. Sales on Dyson models are few and far between, and Amazon’s price is the lowest we’ve seen all year.

For more discounts: Best Holiday Deals on Vacuums

Computers and Laptops

Laptops and computers are always popular gifts. But this year there might not be quite as many and the discounts might not be as deep.

The ongoing chip shortage has led to a lower inventory of computers, which has resulted in less availability and fewer sales. There will still be discounts on select models, so get an idea of the type of computer or laptop you want with the help of CR’s buying guide and recommended models. If you can find a few models that may fit the bill, you’ll have better luck spotting a deal on at least one.

Your best bet to find a discount on a good laptop or computer is to shop early in the month. Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales typically continue into early December.

Check out following laptop and Chromebook deals.

Apple MacBook Air 13-Inch (2022, M2, 8-Core)
The deal: $1,099 at Amazon
If you want the very latest MacBook Air, here it is—at a nice discount, just $50 more than its Cyber Monday price. Like the similarly impressive M1-chip-powered model, it combines fast performance with great battery life and a great display. But it comes in a wider selection of colors and adds full-sized function keys, plus an upgraded webcam. This one has solid specs, too: 8 gigabytes of memory and a 256GB solid-state drive.

Asus Chromebook C536EA-BI3T3
The deal: $369.99 at Best Buy
The Asus Chromebook C536EA-BI3T3 has one of the fastest processing speeds among the Chromebooks we’ve tested. The battery life is below average in our web browsing tests at 9.75 hours, and the 4.3-pound weight makes it less portable than other models. But the convertible form factor allows you to fold it into tent mode for watching videos.

For more discounts: Best Holiday Laptop, Chromebook, and Tablet Deals

Tablets

As with laptops and computers, tablet sales are also typically prominent this month, but they face the same chip shortage issues.

When choosing the best tablet for you or someone else, consider how it will be used. For watching Netflix or editing photos, look for something with a larger, higher-quality screen. For simpler tasks, such as playing games and browsing the web, you don’t need to spend a ton. Other factors to consider are battery life, storage size (and expansion options), size, weight, and processor power.

To learn more about what will work for you, check out CR’s buying guide and recommended tablets. Then look for the top discounts on quality models.

Check out the following tablet deals.

Amazon Fire HD 8
The deal: $44.99 at Best Buy
The Fire HD 8 is the cheapest tablet we recommend. You probably won’t be blown away by the screen, and its speed is just okay, but it’s perfectly suited for simple tasks such as reading or scrolling through social media. It’s a relatively small tablet at 8 inches, so it’s easy to slip into a bag when you’re on the go. As with other Fire tablets, you’re restricted to the Amazon app store, and you’ll have to find alternatives to some popular apps.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
The deal: $279.99 at Amazon
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is our top recommendation for the average person who wants a budget-priced Android tablet, making it especially good for students. The screen looks good, and the device will handle just about any task unless you’re playing a graphics-heavy game or doing something like editing video. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite also delivers solid battery life, lasting just over 12 hours in our web browsing tests.

For more discounts: Best Holiday Laptop, Chromebook, and Tablet Deals

Smart Speakers

Smart speakers enable a lot of entertainment and smart home options, and they make great gifts, so you’ll usually see a slew of deals on all the top brands this month, especially from Amazon, whose Black Friday sales tend to last into December. They originally were best used as virtual assistants, but now there’s a wide world of options that offer impressive sound quality for music playback.

There are three virtual assistants: Amazon Alexa, Apple’s Siri, and Google Assistant. Siri is available only in the Apple HomePod, but you can find a variety of brands offering smart speakers that rely on Alexa or Google. These assistants can set reminders and timers, call an Uber, order pizza, answer trivia questions, share news and weather updates, and so much more.

Smart speakers can be especially useful if you have any smart devices in your home, providing voice control for things like lights, thermostats, and even TVs. Just make sure to check compatibility because not every device works with every smart speaker.

CR has tested 42 smart speakers for sound quality, versatility, and ease of use, among other factors, to help you choose the best option for your home.

Check out the following smart speaker deals.

Amazon Echo Dot (3rd-Gen.)
The deal: $20 at Amazon, Best Buy, Home Depot, and Lowe’s
CR’s test results: Amazon Echo Dot (third-generation)
That’s a nice price. And the Dot’s smart speaker functionality rates right up there with Amazon’s best options, because the processing of Alexa voice commands is done on the company’s cloud-based servers. But the model’s sound leaves a lot to be desired. This is not a bad choice, though, as a stocking stuffer, a speaker for podcasts and other less-than-demanding content, and a way to add smart speaker functionality to a higher-quality Bluetooth speaker.

Amazon Echo Show 5 (second-generation)
The deal: $34.99 at Best Buy Lowe’s, and Staples
The Echo Show 5 is Amazon’s smallest smart screen. Our testers report that the sound is subpar for a music-listening device, but that’s not why you should consider this one. It’s a utility machine that works well on a night table or desk. You get all the Amazon Alexa functionality featured in other Echo devices, plus some added value thanks to the small screen and camera.

Google Nest Audio
The deal: $49.99 at Best Buy, Kohl’s, and Target
If you prefer Google Assistant, with its flexible search engine, to Amazon’s skills-heavy, shopping-oriented Alexa, the Nest Audio is a solid choice. While the company has touted the model’s improved sonic performance, our testers found it falls short of, say, the Amazon Echo, with a midrange that’s a little hazy and some sizzle on the high frequencies.

For more discounts: Best Holiday Deals on Bluetooth and Smart Speakers

Cameras

Cameras have become something of a luxury because most people now rely on their phones to take photos. That makes cameras perfect for gift-giving, so retailers often discount them for the holiday shopping season.

Once you’ve settled on your budget (cameras can range from a hundred to thousands of dollars), you’ll need to decide on the type you want. A simple point-and-shoot is great if your phone camera isn’t up to snuff. But you may want something more powerful, such as a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) model if you’re looking to capture top-notch photos.

Because choosing the right digital camera can be overwhelming, spend some time doing a little homework before you shop. Determine which type will best suit your needs and how much you’re willing to spend, taking into account accessories such as lenses, SD cards, card readers, spare batteries, and more. Our digital camera buying guide and ratings give you the details on various models, as well as information on features and brands.

Check out the following camera deals.

Fujifilm X-T4 Mirrorless Camera (body only)
The deal: $1,500 at Best Buy and Walmart
CR’s test results: Fujifilm X-T4 camera
The X-T4 takes sharp pictures, features a high-quality swiveling LCD display, and delivers long battery life for a mirrorless model. The only drawbacks: It’s a little heavier than most mirrorless models and lacks a built-in flash. Getting $200 off on this body-only deal on a rarely discounted model makes this a solid bargain.

Nikon Z6 Mirrorless Camera (body only)
The deal: $1,404 at Walmart; $1,600 at Amazon and Best Buy
CR’s test results: Nikon Z6 camera
The Nikon Z6 features a full-frame sensor and takes great video, and our testers liked the way it feels in the hand, even if it’s a bit heavier than similar models. This body-only deal represents a serious value on a serious camera.

Cookware

Cookware often goes on sale in December because it’s perfect for gift-giving and often sought after by anyone giving holiday parties or hosting loved ones.

Whether you want a Dutch oven, a frying pan, or a full cookware set, you may be able to find a deal on a top-tested model.

There are many factors that define quality cookware, whether you’re looking for cast-iron, nonstick, or stainless steel. Consumer Reports tests dozens of pots, pans, and Dutch ovens from brands such as All-Clad, Cuisinart, Lodge, Pioneer Woman, and more to help you make an informed purchase.

Check out the following cookware deals.

Cuisinart 12-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set
The deal: $220 at Amazon
CR’s test results: Cuisinart Green Gourmet Hard Anodized GG-12 cookware set
The 12-piece Cuisinart Green Gourmet nonstick set aces all our key cooking tests. Pancakes brown evenly in the frying pan, and eggs slide out one after another without sticking. We were able to easily maintain sauce at a low simmer, and the 6-quart Dutch oven quickly brought water to a near-boil. This top-scoring set is made of anodized aluminum, a process that hardens the surface. One of the pieces is a steamer insert.

This set originally sold for more than $500 but typically retails for closer to $260 and rarely dips lower.

Kenmore Elite 10-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set
The deal: $135 at Walmart and Wayfair
CR’s test results: Kenmore Elite Devon Tri-Ply cookware set
This nicely priced 10-piece set should satisfy most of your cooking needs. The lids are glass, so you can watch what you’re cooking without letting any heat escape. Cooking evenness is top-notch, and this set earns high ratings for both speed of heating and gently releasing eggs from the pan. The handles stay cool to the touch but could be sturdier.

Printers

If you’ve been meaning to get a new printer, you may be able to find a good deal on a top model left over from Black Friday and Cyber Monday. There are plenty of printers out there. Some models can scan and fax, while others just stick to basic printing functions.

You’ll have to choose between two main types of printers: laser and inkjet. Some may be able to make copies or offer wireless printing over WiFi. CR’s buying guide can give you a more in-depth look at the options and the best models so that you’ll be ready to buy when the printer you want goes on sale.

More Products on Deep Discount

In addition to the 10 products listed above, a whole lot of other products are on sale in December, thanks largely to holiday sales carried over from Black Friday and Cyber Monday. CR has found that the 25 categories below are also deeply discounted this month. So if you need or want to gift anything below, you should be able to find opportunities to save on top options from our tests.

Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2022, Consumer Reports, Inc.

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