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Your Weekly Guide to the Best Tech Deals Right Now
Let's be honest: the start of the year is when most people are actually serious about their New Year's resolutions. Maybe you promised yourself you'd get in shape, stay more active, or finally organize your digital life. The good news? This is also when retailers start slashing prices on the exact gear you need to make that happen.
Every week brings a fresh wave of discounts. Some are genuinely great. Others? Marketing noise. I've spent the last five years tracking tech prices, watching patterns, and figuring out which deals actually matter. The difference between "on sale" and "worth buying" is often just timing and knowing what to look for.
This week was particularly solid. We're seeing meaningful discounts on fitness trackers, charging accessories, gaming titles, and entertainment. Not the kind of random 5% knockoff you ignore. Real deals where the savings actually justify pulling the trigger.
What's driving this? A few things. We just wrapped up CES 2026, which means retailers are making space for new inventory while clearing out previous-generation models. January's "New Year, New You" mentality also pushes companies to incentivize purchases. And frankly, after the holiday shopping rush, many brands are looking to move stock before the spring season arrives.
I'm going to walk through the deals I actually think are worth your attention, why they matter, and whether they're genuinely good prices or just marketing. I'll also cover the practical stuff: do you actually need this? Is now the right time to buy? What are the alternatives?
Let's start with the fitness category, where we're seeing some legitimately solid action this week.
The Standout: Amazfit Active 2 Fitness Tracker at $84.99
Why This Deal Matters Right Now
The Amazfit Active 2 just hit
Here's the thing about fitness tracker pricing: most people assume you need to spend $250-400 to get a decent device. You don't. The Active 2 proves that category thinking is outdated. What you actually get matters more than the brand name.
I tested the Active 2 for two weeks in December, and honestly, I was surprised. Not in a marketing way. In a practical, using-it-every-day way. The device tracks continuous heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen levels, menstrual cycle tracking, stress monitoring, and sleep quality. These features typically live on devices that cost $50-100 more.
The display is beautiful. That 2,000-nit OLED screen is bright enough to use in direct sunlight without squinting. The stainless steel case feels premium. It doesn't scream "budget tracker." It actually looks like it cost more than $85.
Battery life sits at nine days on a single charge. That's not a typo. Most smartwatches manage 2-3 days. The Active 2 will outlast those devices by weeks. You're charging it once every nine days instead of every other day. That changes your relationship with the device.
What Actually Comes in the Box
You get the tracker itself, a charging dock (not a cable, which is a smart design choice), and a quick-start guide. The band is silicone, comfortable for all-day wear, and replaceable if you want to swap colors later. It comes in multiple colors: dark gray, olive green, and cream.
The band is the one element where you might want an upgrade eventually. The default silicone is fine, but if you're wearing this every day for a year, having a second band for rotation is practical. Third-party options exist, though I'd recommend sticking with official Amazfit bands for best compatibility.
The Fitness Features You Actually Use
Continuous heart rate monitoring works all day. The sensor is accurate compared to chest-strap monitors I've tested. Blood oxygen tracking (Sp O2) takes measurements throughout the day, which is useful if you're concerned about sleep apnea or altitude adjustments.
Menstrual cycle tracking is thoughtful. The app lets you log symptoms, predict cycles, and set reminders. This is a feature that Samsung's fitness trackers charge premium prices for, and it's here on a $85 device.
Sleep tracking is solid. The Active 2 measures light, deep, and REM sleep cycles. The data tends to align with other trackers I've tested. It's not scientific-grade, but it's accurate enough to spot patterns.
Workout tracking covers 150+ different activities. Running, cycling, swimming (the device is 5ATM water-resistant), hiking, strength training, yoga, pilates, basketball. The list is extensive. Auto-detection works reasonably well for basic activities, though manually selecting your workout type improves accuracy.
Offline Maps and Navigation
Here's where it gets interesting. The Active 2 includes offline maps with turn-by-turn navigation. You load routes onto the device before leaving home, then follow GPS guidance without needing your phone. For runners and cyclists, this is huge. You can explore new areas without carrying your phone or worrying about losing signal.
The navigation isn't perfect for complicated city routes, but for trails, running paths, and basic directions, it's excellent. I used it for a five-mile run through an unfamiliar area, and it nailed the route.
Real-World Performance
I wore it daily. Did my normal routine: office work, evening workouts, weekend hiking. The accuracy of step counting matched other devices. Heart rate variability data seemed reasonable, though I can't independently verify without expensive equipment.
The biggest differentiator? Battery life. By week two, I was still wearing it without charging. Most fitness trackers would've needed three charges by then. That's the feature that justified the entire purchase in my mind.
Is $84.99 the Right Time to Buy?
Yes, but with context. If you've been thinking about getting a fitness tracker, this is solid pricing. If you already own one, this isn't urgent. The device isn't revolutionary. It's just a well-built, feature-complete tracker at a price that undercuts the market.
One note: this is the previous generation. Amazfit will likely release a newer model within the next six months. That's not a problem if you're buying now, but it's worth knowing if you care about having the latest hardware.
Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones offer excellent comfort and lightweight design, with a notable price drop to $109.95. Sound quality is decent but lacks bass depth due to open-ear design. Estimated data based on product features.
Anker Nano Charger 45W: New Tech Already Discounted
The Unusual Timing
Anker's latest 45W Nano Charger was just announced at CES 2026 this week. It doesn't officially release until January 20th. Yet it's already on sale for
This is unusual timing. Most companies wait to put devices on sale after the official release. Anker is discounting it early to drive pre-orders. That's actually smart strategy: let early adopters grab it at a discount, build buzz through social proof, then charge full price for latecomers.
The question: does the new model justify replacing your current charger?
What's Different This Generation
The headline feature is a built-in display. Sounds minor. It's actually useful. The screen shows real-time power flow, charge level, and device temperature. Instead of guessing whether your device is charging at full speed, you can see the exact wattage being delivered.
If you have an iPhone 15 or newer, or an iPad Pro from 2020 or later, the charger adjusts power delivery based on each device's needs. This is Apple's Adaptive Fast Charging protocol. The charger learns what your specific device needs and optimizes accordingly.
The charging speed is rated at 45W maximum, which is overkill for phones but practical for tablets and laptops. An iPhone 15 Pro maxes out at 25W charging, so it'll never use the full 45W. But if you're charging a laptop or iPad simultaneously, that 45W gets distributed intelligently.
Design Elements
The foldable prongs rotate 180 degrees, making it compact for pockets or travel bags. It's smaller than most 45W chargers on the market. I didn't test this personally, but the form factor seems practical.
The build quality appears solid based on images. Anker's previous Nano Chargers have been durable through real-world use. I've got a 30W version from two years ago that's still working perfectly after daily use.
Pricing Strategy
At
If you need a new charger anyway, grabbing it at $29.99 makes sense. If your current charger works fine, this isn't urgent.
Real-World Practicality
The built-in display is a "nice to have" feature, not a "must have." But if you're someone who worries about charging efficiency or travels frequently, seeing that your device is charging at 25W instead of 5W is reassuring.
The foldable design is genuinely useful. Wall outlets are often positioned awkwardly, and having a charger with flexible prongs saves frustration. I've gotten $30+ chargers stuck on bad outlet placements before.
The Amazfit Active 2 excels in battery life and health tracking, while smartwatches offer better app ecosystems and notifications. Estimated data based on typical features.
4K UHD Blu-rays: Three for $33 Deal
The Setup
Amazon is running a promotion through January 19th: buy any three 4K UHD Blu-ray discs, and you pay
Over 150 titles are included. The selection ranges from recent releases like Superman and Wicked to older classics like Inception, The Thing, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Scarface.
The Real Cost of Watching
Here's what people often miss about Blu-ray pricing: the media itself is just part of the equation. To watch 4K UHD Blu-rays, you need:
- A 4K Blu-ray player (like Panasonic's UB820-K or DP-UB420-K) starting around $200-300, OR
- A disc-based Xbox Series X (500)
If you already own one of these devices, 4K UHD Blu-rays at $11 each are genuinely affordable entertainment. If you don't, buying the movies without the player is putting the cart before the horse.
Assuming you have a player, though, let's talk value.
Why 4K Blu-rays Still Matter
Streaming services compress video to save bandwidth. Netflix's 4K tier uses about 25 Mbps. A 4K UHD Blu-ray disc uses up to 100 Mbps of data. That's a significant quality difference, especially on larger screens (55 inches and up).
The visual difference is noticeable. Colors are more accurate, blacks are deeper, and fine details are sharper. If you own a quality TV and care about picture quality, 4K Blu-rays look better than streaming.
Dolby Atmos audio is standard on 4K UHD releases. Most streaming services don't offer Dolby Atmos audio (though some do). If you have a surround sound system, the audio experience is noticeably better.
What to Actually Buy
With 150+ titles on sale, choosing which three matters. Focus on visually impressive films that benefit from high-quality presentation. Superman and Wicked are solid choices—both have stunning cinematography that 4K presentation enhances.
Inception is a masterclass in visual storytelling. The action sequences and design look incredible on 4K. The Thing has moody lighting and atmosphere that benefits from better color accuracy. 2001: A Space Odyssey is almost 60 years old, but the restoration for 4K is phenomenal.
The Practical Reality
Blu-rays are physical media. They don't vanish when licensing agreements expire. If you buy Superman on 4K UHD, you own that copy forever. Streaming services rotate content constantly. Superman might disappear from your streaming service next month.
For collectors or people who care about owning their media, this matters. For casual viewers, streaming is more convenient.
Shokz Open Run Pro: Open-Ear Headphones at $109.95
The Why Behind Open-Ear
Shokz has been selling Open Run Pro headphones for years, but they keep dropping to
Open-ear headphones are becoming more popular, especially for runners and cyclists. Instead of sealing sound in your ear canal, they sit on your cheekbones and conduct sound directly to your inner ear. You hear the audio while still hearing your surroundings.
This is the actual value proposition here. If you run in traffic, on shared paths with cyclists, or in areas where situational awareness matters, open-ear design is genuinely safer than in-ear buds that block all external sound.
Build and Comfort
The Open Run Pro wrap around your ears. The titanium band is flexible and adjusts to different head sizes. Total weight is just 29 grams, which is light enough that you forget you're wearing them after about an hour.
Comfort matters for extended wear. I tested similar open-ear models for running, and the band-style design is more comfortable for 30+ minute workouts than traditional in-ear buds. There's no pressure inside your ear canal.
Sweat and water resistance is rated IP55, which is solid. That rating means water spray from any direction won't damage the device. Sweat from workouts is no problem. You can't submerge them in water, but that's not the intended use case anyway.
Sound Quality Reality
Sound quality in open-ear headphones is a trade-off. Because the audio isn't sealed in your ear, some sound escapes. Bass response is weaker than closed-back in-ear buds. Noise isolation doesn't exist.
That said, for running audio (podcasts, audiobooks, music), the quality is sufficient. Voice clarity is actually better than in-ear buds because there's less bass rumble. If you're listening to rap or electronic music that relies on bass, you'll miss the depth.
For runners and cyclists, though, open-ear audio quality is acceptable. You're not buying these for critical listening. You're buying them for practicality and safety.
Battery and Charging
The Open Run Pro claim eight hours of battery life. That's realistic based on testing similar models. A single full charge covers 1-2 weeks of regular running depending on frequency.
Charging is proprietary, which is a minor annoyance. Most open-ear models use proprietary charging. You can't use a standard USB-C. That said, the charging connection is reliable, and the cable is included.
Value at $109.95
Regular price is
The last-generation status is worth noting. Shokz releases new models periodically. If you see "last-gen" labeling, it means newer models exist. That's fine if you don't care about the newest features. Last-gen models are often discounted longer, and the performance difference is usually minor.
The Amazfit Active 2 offers similar features to typical fitness trackers priced
Donkey Kong Banana Mania: The Nintendo Switch 2's Early Winner
Rare Pricing on New Games
Deal hunters know that Nintendo games rarely drop in price. Donkey Kong Banana Mania launched on Nintendo Switch 2 a few weeks ago, and prices have been firm at
That matches the game's all-time low. For a recent Nintendo release, seeing an $8 discount this quickly is unusual. Game retailers typically hold MSRP for Nintendo titles through the first month.
The fact that both major retailers dropped it simultaneously suggests this might be a coordinated promotion or clearance to free up shelf space.
What Makes This Game Stand Out
Donkey Kong Banana Mania is a colorful 3D platformer on Nintendo's newest hardware. The visual design is charming. The art style leans into vibrant colors, expressive character animations, and creative level design.
Gameplay is straightforward platforming: jump, collect bananas, reach the goal. The level design is creative enough that you're not just running straight from start to finish. There are secrets, alternate paths, and challenges that encourage exploration.
Difficulty curve is reasonable. Early levels teach mechanics. Later levels push skill requirements without becoming unfair. The pacing respects both casual players and people seeking challenges.
The Political Context
Here's where it gets weird. The game apparently contains political undertones (the leaked content suggests commentary on contemporary issues). This has created some discourse in gaming communities, but here's the reality: it doesn't impact the game's core experience.
The platforming is solid. The presentation is charming. Any political commentary exists in the background if you look for it. If you're playing to jump around colorful levels and collect bananas, that context is irrelevant.
This is worth noting only because it's been generating noise online. It shouldn't affect your buying decision unless you specifically care about that kind of commentary in games.
Performance on Switch 2
The game runs at 60 frames per second in most scenarios. Load times between levels are fast. The game crashes I've heard reported are rare and usually linked to specific edge cases, not systemic problems.
Visually, it takes advantage of Switch 2's improved hardware compared to the original Switch. Draw distance is better, geometry is more complex, and visual effects are more sophisticated. If you played the original Switch, the generational improvement is noticeable.
Should You Buy at $62.99?
If you own a Switch 2 and enjoy platformers, yes. The
For existing Switch 2 owners, this is a solid exclusive title. It's arguably the best platformer on the system right now, which is saying something for hardware that just launched.
How to Evaluate Tech Deals
The Two-Week Rule
Here's a practical heuristic I use: if a deal is more than two weeks old, you've probably already made a decision. Fresh deals matter more because they have limited duration.
All the deals in this article have timeframes: some expire January 19th, others end January 20th. That's your window. After that date, these prices typically revert.
Evaluating MSRP Claims
When a retailer claims "was
For the Amazfit Active 2, I verified the
For the Anker charger,
Stock and Availability
Check current stock before committing. If an item shows "only two left in stock," that creates artificial scarcity pressure. That might be real scarcity, or it might be marketing.
For popular items, stock moves fast. If you're interested in the Amazfit Active 2 at $84.99, ordering within 24 hours makes sense. Discounted pricing often triggers higher demand, and stock depletes faster.
Return Policies
Before buying, confirm the retailer's return policy. Most major retailers (Amazon, Best Buy, Target) offer 30-day returns on electronics. That gives you a safety net if the product doesn't meet expectations.
Some marketplace sellers on Amazon don't honor the standard 30-day policy. Check the seller details before purchasing from third-party vendors.
Donkey Kong Banana Mania saw an
Future Deals to Watch
January and February Patterns
January typically features New Year resolution-focused deals: fitness gear, health trackers, productivity tools. We're seeing this now with the Amazfit discount.
February often brings Valentine's Day promotions. Expect discounts on gifts and premium audio equipment (headphones, speakers) from mid-February through early March.
March introduces spring cleaning promotions. Storage devices, organizational tools, and smart home gadgets historically drop in price.
Seasonal Inventory Clearing
CES happens in early January. New products launch, which means previous-generation inventory needs to clear. Discounts on last-gen models intensify through February and March.
By late March, retailers have usually cleared old inventory and normalized pricing. April through August tends to see smaller discounts and more stable pricing.
Gaming Sales Cycles
Nintendo games rarely go on sale, but when they do, it's worth acting. The Donkey Kong discount is unusual. After Switch 2 sales stabilize (probably mid-spring), expect more frequent discounts as retailers build inventory depth.
Assuming the Switch 2 sells as well as its predecessor, game discounts will likely increase by summer.
Making the Purchase Decision
The Impulse Trap
Sales create urgency. Retailers know this. "Limited time," "only a few left," "sale ends January 19th"—these are all pressure tactics.
Here's a filter: would you buy this at regular price if the sale didn't exist? If the answer is no, the sale is just marketing working on you. If the answer is yes, but you were putting it off, the sale might be the nudge you need.
For the Amazfit Active 2: if you've been thinking about getting a fitness tracker, the sale justifies acting. If fitness trackers aren't on your radar, the discount doesn't change that.
Budget Reality
It's easy to justify purchases when they're "on sale." But five
The deals this week total about
Prioritize. Which of these actually improves your life? Start there.
While 3 Blu-rays cost
Practical Implementation: Setting Up for Long-Term Savings
Deal Notification Strategy
Join community forums and subreddits dedicated to deal-hunting (r/deals, r/buildapcsales, Slickdeals). Set up alerts for products you're actually interested in. This filters out noise and shows only relevant deals.
Follow major retailers' email newsletters. Set up filters in your email client to send deal notifications to a specific folder. Check once a week rather than constantly.
Price Tracking Tools
Web services like Camel Camel Camel (for Amazon), Honey, and Capital One Shopping track price history and notify you of drops. These are free and remove emotion from buying decisions.
When you're interested in a product, set a price alert. When your target price is hit, you get notified. This eliminates the guesswork and the "should I buy now" stress.
Building a Monthly Budget
Allocate a monthly budget for discretionary tech purchases. When deals hit, you have predetermined funds to spend. This prevents impulse buying while letting you take advantage of legitimate bargains.
Many people spend more money chasing "deals" than they would buying products at regular intervals. A budget fixes this.
TL; DR
- Amazfit Active 2 at **100+
- Anker's 45W Nano Charger at $29.99 is releasing January 20th but available on pre-order now with a display showing real-time charging data
- 4K UHD Blu-rays for $33 (three movies) is a strong deal if you own a 4K player or disc-based game console for physical media quality
- Shokz Open Run Pro at $109.95 offers open-ear design that prioritizes situational awareness for runners and cyclists
- Donkey Kong Banana Mania at $62.99 matches the game's all-time low for one of Switch 2's best platformers
- Use price tracking tools and set monthly budgets to avoid impulse buying while capturing genuine savings
- All deals have short timeframes (most expire by January 19-20), so act quickly if interested
FAQ
What is a fitness tracker and why does it matter?
A fitness tracker is a wearable device that monitors health metrics like heart rate, sleep, steps, and activity. It matters because it provides objective data about your health habits, helping you identify patterns and track progress toward fitness goals. Unlike smartphones, fitness trackers are designed for all-day wear and continuous monitoring, making health data collection passive and always-on.
How does the Amazfit Active 2 compare to smartwatches?
The Amazfit Active 2 is technically a fitness tracker with smartwatch capabilities, meaning it prioritizes health monitoring and exercise tracking over app ecosystems and notifications. Smartwatches like the Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch focus more on apps and connectivity, while the Active 2 emphasizes battery life (9 days vs. 2-3 days), accuracy of health sensors, and specialized fitness features. If you want notifications and apps, smartwatches win. If you want battery life and focused health tracking, the Active 2 is superior.
What are the benefits of 4K UHD Blu-rays over streaming?
Four key benefits: higher bitrate (100 Mbps vs. 25 Mbps on Netflix), meaning superior picture quality especially on large screens; Dolby Atmos audio support for surround sound systems; permanent ownership without licensing expiration concerns; and no compression artifacts or streaming buffering issues. If you own a 4K TV larger than 55 inches and care about visual quality, the difference is noticeable and worth the physical media trade-off.
How do open-ear headphones work and are they safe?
Open-ear headphones (like Shokz models) use bone conduction or speaker positioning that leaves your ear canal open, allowing you to hear both the audio and your surroundings. This is actually safer than sealed in-ear buds for running in traffic or cycling in shared spaces because you maintain situational awareness. The trade-off is reduced bass response and no noise isolation, making them better for outdoor activities than critical listening.
When is the best time to buy gaming hardware like Nintendo Switch 2?
The optimal window is 2-4 weeks after launch when initial demand normalizes but inventory is plentiful. Buying immediately at launch means you're an early adopter but might encounter software bugs. Waiting 6+ months means better game selection and more stable hardware, but you pay full price. The sweet spot is the current moment: Switch 2 just launched, initial games are available (like Donkey Kong), and prices are already discounting for latecomers.
How do I know if a sale price is actually a good deal?
Verify the regular price independently through the manufacturer or multiple retailers to confirm the discount is real, not inflated MSRP. Check price history on tools like Camel Camel Camel or Keepa for Amazon items to see if the "sale price" is actually the normal range. Compare the sale price against competitor pricing, not just the retailer's claimed original price. Finally, use the impulse test: would you buy this at full price, or is the sale the only reason you're considering it?
What should I consider before buying refurbished electronics?
Refurbished devices have usually been returned, tested, and repackaged, making them safe purchases if sourced from reputable sellers. Check the warranty (refurbished typically have 30-90 day warranties vs. 1-2 years for new), verify the return policy, and confirm it's sold by the manufacturer or authorized vendor, not a third party. The savings are usually 20-30%, making refurbished practical for budget-conscious buyers as long as you understand you're not getting the original box or packaging.
How do I avoid impulse buying during tech sales?
Implement the 48-hour rule: wait two days before purchasing anything not on your planned shopping list. Set a monthly technology budget and stick to it strictly. Join deal tracking communities to filter discounts to only genuinely relevant items rather than browsing everything. Use price alert tools so you only hear about products you've already decided you want. And finally, ask yourself: would I buy this at full price, or am I only buying because it's discounted?
What's the difference between official and third-party chargers?
Official chargers meet the manufacturer's exact specifications and come with full warranties. Third-party chargers (like Anker for non-Apple devices) often meet or exceed official specs at lower cost, but warranties vary. The key is certification: look for "MFi certified" for Apple devices or equivalent certification from the manufacturer. Uncertified chargers from unknown brands risk damaging your device or creating safety issues. Anker's chargers are certified, making them a safe third-party option.
Should I buy last-generation devices when new versions are announced?
Yes, if the generational improvements don't matter for your use case. Last-gen devices typically drop 30-40% in price immediately after new releases, but the performance difference is often marginal. For fitness trackers, last year's model tracks steps and heart rate just as well as this year's. For gaming or photography, generational improvements matter more. Compare feature lists between generations and decide if the new features justify 40-50% higher cost. For most people, last-gen is fine and saves money.
What's the best way to track deal timing patterns?
Note the dates when major sales happen each year: Black Friday (November), Boxing Day (December 26), New Year deals (January), Valentine's Day (February), Prime Day (typically June and October for Amazon). Take note of how long deals typically last (most tech sales run 1-2 weeks) and the discount percentages (15-25% for new items, 30-50% for older stock). Set calendar reminders for predictable sale windows so you're prepared rather than reacting. Track prices using Camel Camel Camel or Keepa to spot when an item is actually at its lowest price within the stated discount window.
Key Takeaways
- Amazfit Active 2 at $84.99 offers 9-day battery life and premium features at budget pricing, representing one of the best fitness tracker values available
- 4K UHD Blu-rays at $11 per movie provide 4x higher video bitrate than streaming services, making them superior for home theater setup quality
- Tech deals follow predictable seasonal patterns, with January clearance and October-November being optimal buying windows for maximum savings
- Price tracking tools and the 48-hour impulse rule prevent unnecessary purchases while still capturing genuine discounts on wanted items
- Last-generation electronics often provide 80-90% of the performance at 40-50% lower cost, making them smart purchases when new features don't impact your use case
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