Sunday, January 16, 2022

January 2022 sales in Australia: our favourite deals on tech, AV, gaming and more

Boxing Day is now behind us, and we’ve said farewell to 2021. Even though it’s the start of a new year, we’ve found that many deals from Boxing Day have carried over into January sales, and on occasion, we’ve seen prices that are even a little cheaper. (Although having said that, there are a few where January deals are slightly pricier.)

So what’s changed? We’ve found the Fitbit Charge 4 going for just AU$128 on Amazon, which is cheaper than it was on Boxing Day – if you’ve set yourself some fitness goals for the New Year, it's definitely worth checking out. Deals on the Nintendo Switch OLED have also returned, though prices are AU$10 more than the lowest we saw on Boxing Day.

In any case, we’re seeing retailers stretch out their sales well beyond Boxing Day and into January. As always, TechRadar’s Australian team is on hand to help you hunt down the deepest discounts on the hottest tech to kickstart the year. Read on for the details!

Where to shop during January sales 2022

January sales 2022: best deals

Laptops, PCs & peripherals

Score free AirPods

Apple: buy select Mac and iPad models and get free AirPods

Apple’s back to school offer can get students and teachers a pair of second-gen AirPods completely free when buying an eligible MacBook or iPad. The deal gets you AU$219 off AirPods when purchasing select devices, and since the second-gen AirPods now retail for AU$219, you can get them for free. For further details, read here.

ebay plus exclusive

Razer Blade 15 Advanced | i7 / 32GB RAM / 1TB SSD / RTX 3080 | AU$5,399 AU$3,419.05 on eBay (save AU$1,979.95)

This absolutely blazing 15.6-inch gaming laptop is overflowing with high-end components, with a 360Hz 1080p screen that'll deliver super-smooth visuals in just about any FPS thanks to the Nvidia RTX 3080 GPU that drives it. And with an 11th-gen Core i7 CPU, 32GB of RAM and 1TB SSD, this is super well-specced elsewhere too. This laptop was previously down to AU$3,599, but it's now even cheaper at AU$3,419. Exclusive to eBay Plus members with the code PLUSJAN5.

HP Spectre x360 | i7 / 16GB RAM / 512GB SSD | AU$3,199 AU$2,559 on HP (save AU$640)

This is the 2021 update to HP’s flagship 2-in-1, and it’s more feature rich than ever. You’ll find Intel’s 11th-gen i7 CPU under the hood, 16GB of RAM to boost performance and a 512 SSD. We found the fans can get noisy, and it’s still quite a dear laptop – which makes this 20% discount all the more appealing. Other configs are also on sale.

Asus TUF-AX5400 dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router | AU$399 AU$239.95 on Amazon (save AU$159.05)

With an Aussie RRP of AU$399, this deep discount from Amazon is a great way to jump on the Wi-Fi 6 bandwagon. While we've not tested this specific model here at TechRadar, Asus networking gear is generally solid, and other online reviews for the TUF-AX5400 are pretty positive. Note that this ships from Amazon UK, which is often where Amazon's best router discounts seem to originate.

Samsung T7 Touch Portable SSD 500GB | AU$179 AU$135 on Amazon (save AU$44)

Effectively a newer and faster version of Samsung's original T5 portable SSD, this upgraded model doubles read and write speeds to roughly 1,000MB/s each, meaning this is an external drive will let you transfer files very quickly or work off directly, even for demanding multimedia tasks like 4K video editing. It's only available at this price in black from Amazon.

Seagate One Touch 4TB Portable USB HDD | AU$179 AU$129 on Amazon (save AU$50)

Portable USB 3.0 storage doesn't come much better bang-for-buck than this 5TB model from industry stalwart Seagate; if you need a hard drive that you can take with you, this one fits the bill and costs just AU$3.38 per 100GB. That's close to the lowest you'll find in this 'portable' form factor. it's a great drive from a well-respected brand.

Anker PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 100W USB-C Hub | AU$110 AU$65 on Amazon (save AU$45)

If you've been looking for a USB-C hub adapter to add more ports and card readers to a MacBook or newer Windows laptop, this compact-but-feature-rich option basically has it all. With support for 4K HDMI video output, two full-sized USB-A 3.0 ports, an SD Card reader and the capacity to pass-through up to 100W of power to your laptop (that's enough for most notebooks, barring high-end gaming models), the only thing really missing is wired Ethernet networking port. It was down to AU$48 over Boxing Day, but this AU$65 price isn't a bad deal.

ebay plus exclusive

Razer Blade 17 | i7 / 16GB RAM / 1TB SSD / RTX 3070 | AU$4,499 AU$2,974.15 on eBay (save AU$1,524.85)

If you're after something bigger (but that's still impressively sleek) this 17.3-inch Blade gaming laptop offers a nicely specced alternative to the Blade 15 above. Its larger and higher-res 165Hz display should make for a more immersive experience when playing directly on the laptop, and the CPU, RAM and storage are all top shelf too. Already respectably discounted, eBay Plus members can grab an extra 5% off the price by entering the code PLUSTJA at checkout.

Dell Inspiron 15 5000 | i7 / 16GB RAM / 1TB SSD | AU$2,359 AU$1,415 at Dell (save AU$944)

This 15.6-inch everyday laptop actually packs some impressive specs, with one of Intel's latest 11th-gen i7 processors, big 16GB of memory and a generous 1TB SSD for storage. It includes Windows 11, Microsoft's latest OS. What's more, there's a huge 40% off, making this frankly amazing value for the future-proofing on offer. A great buy, with specs that should allow it to last many years.

Acer Swift 3 14-inch laptop | i5 / 8GB RAM / 512GB SSD | AU$1,399 AU$798 on Amazon (save AU$601)

While we slightly prefer the 2020 model of the Swift 3, a very generous AU$605 discount makes this newer 2021 unit a lot easier to recommend, with great battery life (thanks to Intel's Evo platform), a pleasing 14-inch 1080p display and an 11th-gen Core i5 CPU that delivers punchy performance. There's seemingly a few other retailers clearing out this model at present too – you can get it for the same AU$999 price at Bing Lee, for example, saving you AU$400 in case Amazon runs out of stock.

Dell Vostro 7510 | i7 / 16GB RAM / 512GB SSD / RTX 3050 | AU$3,049 AU$1,829 at Dell (save AU$1,220)

Dell's new Studio range of business laptops add a little bit of 'play' to the equation, packing a powerful graphics card (in this case an Nvidia RTX 3050) to assist with multimedia work or even a bit of after-hours gaming. With a 15.6-inch 1080p display, i7 CPU, generous 16GB RAM and an 512GB SSD means you're well-equipped to handle any office task. The 40% discount that shaves AU$1,220 off the price is pretty nice too.

Vostro Small Desktop | i5 / 8GB RAM / 512GB SSD | AU$1,549 AU$1,007 at Dell (save AU$542)

Need a new work PC for 2022? This compact tower option from Dell is currently 35% off and has reasonable specs that'll handle office tasks with aplomb, including an Intel 10th-gen i5 CPU, 8GB of RAM and 512GB of speedy SSD storage. A decent option for a little over a grand.

Microsoft Surface Go 2 | Intel Pentium Gold / 8GB RAM / 128GB SSD | AU$879 AU$699 on The Good Guys (save AU$180)

For a budget Surface device, there’s the Microsoft Surface Go 2. It’s a premium tablet that can run full Windows 10, with a free upgrade to Windows 11 available. This version has now been replaced by the Microsoft Surface Go 3, but you can save yourself some coin by opting for this model. Now 20% off at The Good Guys.

Alienware Aurora R10 gaming desktop | Ryzen 7 / 16GB RAM / 512GB SSD + 2TB HDD / RTX 3070 | AU$3,699 AU$2,159.20 on Dell eBay (save AU$1,539.80)

Tired of searching for a graphics card? If you don’t mind buying a pre-built PC, this Alienware beast comes with an RTX 3070, and a deep discount to sweeten the deal. It’s also outfitted with a Ryzen 7 5800 chip, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD and a 2TB hard drive. Anyone can use the code PSLDELL to get 20% off the listed price of this monster machine.

Dell 34-inch curved gaming monitor (S3422DWG) | AU$899 AU$549 on Dell eBay (save AU$350)

There’s an excellent price available on this 34-inch curved screen from Dell. It’s a VA panel, which gets you better contrast and image depth compared to other screen types, but it does have the longest response times. Still, you’re getting AMD FreeSync Premium Pro here, and a 144Hz refresh. Head to Dell’s eBay store and enter PSLDELL for the full discount.

WD Elements Desktop Storage 14TB | AU$439.99 AU$369 on Amazon (save AU$70.99)

Western Digital's Elements line of external USB hard drives are offer nicely affordable basic storage – they don't do anything trendy, you just plug 'em in and away you go. This huge 14TB 'desktop' model requires external power, so it's not really designed for portability although you can take it with you if necessary. Amazon's currently deal price is a good AU$90 than anywhere else we could find, so it's an easy recommendation.

Gaming

TRY VR FOR LESS!

Oculus Quest 2 (256GB) | AU$639 AU$569 on Amazon (save AU$70)

The Oculus Quest 2 was a huge seller over Black Friday when it included AU$100 Amazon store credit with every purchase and the mammoth retailer is back again with another Boxing Day deal – this time with a straight discount. While the discount on the 128GB isn't available any longer, there's still AU$70 off the 256GB unit. Ends Tuesday, December 28 at 11:59pm AEST.

Nintendo Switch OLED | AU$539 AU$509 at Amazon (save AU$30)

With a substantially bigger 7-inch OLED display, the new Switch is perfect for gamers who like to play handheld. While we've seen better deals over the holiday period on this model (it was $50 off on Big W's eBay Store on Xmas Eve, for example) stock is pretty thin on the ground right now, so this Amazon deal is the best one on offer for Boxing Day. Only available in the white colour.

LATEST SWITCH MODEL

Nintendo Switch OLED | AU$539 AU$489 on Big W eBay (save AU$50)

This is a great price on the Nintendo Switch OLED, and it’s available to anyone (not just those with an eBay membership). The main difference between this new console and the original Switch is a 7-inch OLED display, which should make games look more vibrant when played in handheld. If you mostly play docked though, it might not be worth the upgrade. Available in neon from Big W’s eBay store using SNSBD.

PlayStation 5 DualSense wireless controllers | AU$109.95 from AU$84 on Amazon (save up to AU$25.95)

Great for use on both PS5 and PC, Sony's latest wireless gamepads are variously discounted on Amazon at the moment, with the white option the cheapest at AU$84. If you want black that'll set you back an extra AU$5, while the premium priced 'Cosmic Red' is currently AU$99, or about AU$20 off. 

Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers | AU$119.95 AU$99 on Amazon (save AU$20.95)

If your current Switch Joy-Cons are suffering drift, you want a spare pair, or just need more for multiplayer, Amazon's offering AU$20.95 off the regular price (which is about AU$15 more than the discount offered on Boxing Day). There's different colour options available with this discount, so you can pick whichever fluoro hues you prefer.

Nintendo Switch Pro controller | AU$99.95 AU$79 on Amazon (save AU$20.95)

For those who like to play their Switch docked to a TV, one of these Pro controllers can literally change the game – they're significantly more comfortable than standard Joy-Cons, particularly over prolonged periods. This AU$20 discount is slightly less than the Black Friday discount, but still a great price.

Nintendo Switch console (Animal Crossing edition) | AU$469 AU$419 on Amazon (save AU$50)

Fans of Animal Crossing are probably aware that Nintendo released a special edition Switch console to celebrate the beloved game. We’ve just spotted the gorgeous pastel green and blue console on sale at Amazon, and it’s the cheapest we’ve ever seen it at AU$50 off. Please note, this deal does not include Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Nintendo Switch OLED | AU$539 AU$499 on Catch (save AU$40)

This isn’t the lowest price we’ve seen on the Nintendo Switch OLED (that was AU$489) but this deal is incredibly close. As the name gives away, the main difference between this new console and the original Switch is a 7-inch OLED display, which should make games look more vibrant when played in handheld. Available in both neon and white.

Nintendo Switch games | from AU$39 on Amazon

Amazon often has discounts across big-name Switch games during sales periods such as Boxing Day, and this year was no exception, with varying price cuts on a number of the biggest Nintendo titles. That includes:

Animal Crossing: New Horizons | AU$79 AU$68
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze | AU$79 AU$69
Immortals: Fenyx Rising | AU$69 AU$39
Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening | AU$79 AU$68
Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD | AU$79 AU$64
Mario Golf: Super Rush | AU$79 AU$68
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | AU$79 AU$68
Metroid Dread | AU$79 AU$68
Monster Hunter Rise | AU$79 AU$67.90
Paper Mario: The Origami King | AU$79 AU$39.95
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury | AU$79 AU$64
Super Mario Odyssey | AU$79 AU$69
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | AU$89 AU$78

PS5 games | from AU$48 on Amazon

PS5 games can be quite steep if you pay full price. But if you wait for big discounts, you can get them for no more than you'd have spent during the PS4 era. For those lucky enough to own a PS5, check out these deals:

Battlefield 2042 | AU$109.95 AU$49
Call of Duty: Vanguard | AU$119.95 AU$84
Deathloop | AU$99.95 AU$48
Returnal | AU$124.95 AU$99
Spider-Man Miles Morales | AU$94.95 AU$78

Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed wireless gaming mouse | AU$109.95 AU$65 on Amazon (save AU$44.95)

The Basilisk X was a huge seller over Black Friday, and while it's not the generous 55% discount we had over Christmas, there's still a good 40% off. There's little in the way of compromise here, with long battery life, great performance and good comfort (provided you're a right-hander). If you're after a wireless mouse for gaming, this is a no-brainer.

Razer BlackShark V2 X | AU$104.95 AU$49.05 on Amazon (save AU$55.90)

The Razer BlackShark V2 X is an excellent gaming headset, and Amazon has slashed 53% off the asking price. This wired headset has 50mm drivers, 7.1 surround sound and a HyperClear Cardioid mic, though being the V2 X version the mic can’t be detached. This version also comes with a 3.5mm jack instead of USB connection.

Headphones & speakers

Apple AirPods Pro (2021) | AU$399 AU$325 on Amazon (save AU$74)

They were discounted by AU$80 on Cyber Monday, so this AU$74 saving is pretty great for the brand-new Apple product. The 2021 version of Apple's noise-cancelling headphones includes a MagSafe Charging Case.

Sony WF-1000XM4 | AU$449 AU$339 on Amazon (save AU$110)

It's not the cheapest price we've seen on Sony's latest noise-cancelling wonders – that was AU$299 – but this is the lowest you'll pay for the wireless earbuds at the moment. They offer warm audio and clear detail with some of the best ANC in the industry, all in a compact earbud. Available in black and silver for AU$339. Please note, these are sold by a third-party seller on Amazon.

Apple AirPods (2019) with charging case | AU$219 AU$179 on Amazon (save AU$40)

Now that the Apple AirPods 3 are available, you can score yourself an 18% discount on the second-gen AirPods when you buy from Amazon. The lowest we’ve seen these AirPods drop was AU$165 during Black Friday, so you’ll be hard-pressed to find a bigger saving on these popular earbuds.

Sony WF-1000XM3 | AU$249 AU$177.50 on Amazon (save AU$71.50)

These true wireless earbuds are the predecessors to the Sony WF-1000XM4, but they’re absolutely still worth buying. Amazon has cut the price down to just AU$177.50, making them significantly cheaper than the newer version. This version still has good noise cancellation, a six-hour battery life and an expansive soundstage. Please note, these are sold by a third-party seller on Amazon.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds | AU$399.95 AU$296 on Amazon (save AU$103.95)

While AU$103 off the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds isn't a bad deal, it's not the lowest price we've seen – that was AU$198. But if you really want some of the best ANC 'buds on the market without the premium price tag, consider nabbing them now. Offer available on the black colour option.

Sennheiser HD 400S Over Ear Headphones | AU$149 AU$90 on Amazon (save AU$59)

So you don't want to bother with the added cost of noise cancellation and wireless connection. We get it. If all you want is a pair of quality over ear headphones that still have a 3.5mm headphone jack, then Sennheiser's HD 400S cans are a great, affordable option.

UE Megaboom 3 | AU$299 AU$249 on Amazon (save AU$50)

In our Megaboom 3 review we praised this Bluetooth speaker's punchy sound, great battery life and capacity to get very loud, and even 2 years after its release it remains one of the best portable wireless speakers on the market. It was down to AU$219 for Prime members on Boxing Day, but it's since jumped up to AU$249.

UE Wonderboom 2 | AU$129.95 AU$99 on Amazon (save AU$30.95)

Coming in at #7 on our list of the best Bluetooth speakers, this compact 10cm x 10cm unit is one of the most portable you'll find, yet it still delivers great sound, with audio driven by two dedicated 40mm drivers and two passive radiators. Battery life is an impressive 13 hours at moderate volume. Prime members could grab it for AU$89 on Boxing Day, but it's now slightly more at AU$99.

Sennheiser CX 400BT True Wireless earbuds | AU$199 AU$138 on Amazon (save AU$61)

Sennheiser is one of the most respected audio brands in the world, and its CX 400BT earbuds are among the best mid-range true wireless options around. Their 9-hour battery life can be extended to 27 hours with the included charging case. Available in white at this price.

Google Pixel Buds A-series | AU$159 AU$134 on the Google Store (save AU$15)

Admittedly it's not a huge discount but Google's latest true wireless 'buds offer excellent bass response without the hefty price tag of other headphones. They don't have all the bells and whistles of the Pixel Buds 2, but you still get Google Assistant in your ear... at a pretty affordable price.

Jabra Elite 75t | AU$219 AU$139 on Amazon (save AU$80)

Jabra's Elite 75t buds are generally one of the more affordable big-brand options around, and although they were a few dollars cheaper on Black Friday, this Boxing Day discount on Amazon is still a worthy bargain. If you're after a pair of solid all-rounders, these deliver decent sound (barring some slightly muddy bass, although the Jabra app lets you fix that), around 7 hours battery life in our testing, and an overall respectable build quality.

Jabra Elite Active 75t | AU$249 AU$169 on Amazon (save AU$80)

This slightly more sporty version of the (already excellent) Jabra Elite 75t are designed with exercise in mind, offering a higher water (and dust) resistance rating of IP57, in addition to a a rubberised finish that offers better grip for when things get a little sweaty. You'll pay a little more for those features, so if you don't need them the standard 75t will suit just as well. Check out our full Jabra Elite Active 75t review for more deets.

Jabra Elite 85t | AU$299 AU$199 on Amazon (save AU$100)

We saw Jabra's top true wireless buds drop to their lowest price yet over Black Friday, and they're back to that same AU$199 price on Amazon for Boxing Day. With built-in, great sound quality (particularly for the price) and up to 5.5 hours of playback per charge (with the case holding 25 hours in total) these are discounted across all four available colours. Check out our round up of the best true wireless earbuds for more details.

Panasonic RZ-S500w earbuds | AU$249 AU$129 on Amazon (save AU$120)

These Panasonic RZ-S500w earbuds scored full marks in the review from our colleagues over at What Hi-Fi, thanks to their superb and expansive audio, solid noise-cancelling and lovely touch interface. While one of their strengths is their relatively low cost, you can knock almost half price off these units, saving you AU$120 in either Black or White and save AU$126.

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 | AU$599.95 AU$379.95 at Bose (save AU$220) 

Not only do the Bose NC 700 headphones have great sound and an excellent look and feel on your ears, they're perfect for voice calls when you're on the move. With a number of retailers slashing price tags on their stock, you can get the best Boxing Day deal directly from Bose. 

Sennheiser HD 450SE Noise Cancelling Headphones | AU$299 AU$139 on Amazon (save AU$160)

Want to get in on the active noise cancellation bandwagon without paying out the nose? Sennheiser's HD 450SE do just that, delivering excellent wireless audio with support for AAC and AptXTM codecs. Get up to 30 hours of battery life, along with Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant support.

Sony MDR-1AM2 | AU$399 AU$169 on Amazon (save AU$230)

If your focus is on audiophile sound quality and you're not as keen on the flashy trimmings that come with wireless noise-cancelling cans, the MDR-1AM2 from Sony may just offer the best value on the market. You can take nearly 60% off these stunning headphones at Amazon and experience clarity, precision and balance in your music for peanuts.

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX | AU$840 AU$669 on Amazon (save AU$171)

The Beoplay HX are a truly premium pair of wireless noise-cancelling headphones from designer brand Bang & Olufsen. In our review we praised their vivid, lively sound and their appropriately premium look and feel. One of their main detractors is their asking price, so with this 20% discount from Amazon you can cancel that out and save yourself AU$171 in the Sand finish option.

Nest Audio | AU$149 AU$99 on the Google Store (save AU$50)

It's the successor to the original Google Home smart speaker and comes with a slight improvement in sound quality. While it's not as big an upgrade as we were hoping, it works remarkably well, offering good sound quality, great mics for voice commands and clear sound output from Google Assistant. 

Prime exclusive

Bose Frames (Tempo) | AU$399 AU$296 + AU$25 credit on Amazon (save AU$103)

They're not just simple sunnies – Bose's Frames play music too and you can take calls as well. The Tempo was specifically designed for those who love the outdoors, offering better sound than any other Frames and up to eight hours of battery life.

If you're a Prime member, this offer also scores you an additional AU$25 Amazon credit to use later. The AU$103 discount is available to all shoppers.

FLIPPIN' GOOD PRICE

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 (128GB) | AU$1,499 AU$997 on Amazon (save AU$502)

No other phone is more stylish than the gorgeous Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 right now, with its flexible OLED display allowing users to fold it in half and pocket it with ease. Amazon Australia has an incredible deal at the moment, with the 128GB model dropping from AU$1,499 to only AU$997. Available in Cream, Green, Lavender and Phantom Black.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 (256GB) | AU$1,599 AU$1,097 on Amazon (save AU$502)

Need more storage on your smartphone? The 256GB model of Samsung's beautiful Galaxy Z Flip 3 has also been discounted by AU$502, with the foldable dropping from AU$1,599 to only AU$1,097, which is an absolutely brilliant deal. Available in Cream, Green and Phantom Black.

Samsung Galaxy S21 5G (128GB) | AU$1,249 AU$949 on Amazon (save AU$300)

Samsung's current Galaxy S21 flagship handset has had its price slashed. It sports a 64MP Pro-grade Camera with 8K video recording, 30x space zoom functionality and a stunning 120Hz display. Available in pink.

Samsung Galaxy S21 5G (256GB) | AU$1,349 AU$1,047 on Amazon (save AU$302)

If the phone above doesn't have enough storage for you, you're in luck, because the 256GB model of Samsung's Galaxy S21 has also been heavily discounted. Available to purchase in grey.

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE (128GB) | AU$849 AU$799 on Amazon (save AU$50)

This is the 'lite' version of the Samsung Galaxy S20, but you’ll still get a brilliant camera array, an AMOLED display and a powerful processor at a much more affordable price. This discount comes on the 4G version of the phone in green and navy.

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G (128GB) | AU$999 AU$810 on Amazon (save AU$189)

For just AU$11 more, you can get the 5G version of the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE. You’re still getting the same excellent specs with the addition of 5G, so this is really a way to future-proof your handset more than anything else. A discount is available on Amazon in navy.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE (Wi-Fi, 64GB) | AU$799 AU$599 on Amazon (save AU$200)

If you've been on the lookout for an Android tablet you might have found that there haven't been too many offers lately, so take advantage of this 25% discount. This 12.4-inch tablet comes with S-Pen support, fast charging and up to 13 hours of battery life.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Wi-Fi (128GB) | AU$1,049 AU$798 on Amazon (save AU$251)

If you don't need 4G connectivity, you'll pay less by choosing this Wi-Fi-only model of Samsung's 11-inch Galaxy Tab S7, which comes with 128GB of storage in the silver colour option.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 4G (128GB) | AU$1,199 AU$899 on Amazon (save AU$300)

One of the best Android tablets currently available, Samsung's Tab S7 sports a gorgeous 11-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Offering 4G connectivity and 128GB of storage, this silver edition Tab S7 has been reduced by a whopping AU$300.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus Wi-Fi (128GB) | AU$1,449 AU$1,089 on Amazon (save AU$360)

Boasting a slightly larger screen than the standard Tab S7 at 12.4 inches, the Tab S7 Plus is still a beautiful OLED with an incredibly smooth 120Hz display. Please note, this 128GB version in Mystic Navy is Wi-Fi only, meaning 4G connectivity is not offered.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021) | AU$239 AU$189 on Amazon (save AU$50)

It's bigger and better than ever before, with a brighter screen and improved battery life. A 6.8-inch screen, 8GB storage, a USB-C port and better frontlight (that can now be adjusted to warmer hues) makes this well worth every penny. This AU$50 discount isn't the cheapest price we've seen – that was during Black Friday last month – but it's still a great bargain for anyone looking for a really good ereader.

TVs & soundbars

Samsung HW-Q900A | AU$1,499 AU$930 on Appliance Central (save AU$569)

There’s a huge chunk of change to be saved on this Samsung soundbar setup. It comes bundled with a subwoofer and delivers 7.1.2-channel surround sound, with support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X standards. It’s also able to optimise audio based on its surroundings – a pretty neat feature. It was down to AU$896 in early January, but the price has since gone up to AU$930.

Yamaha SR-B20A soundbar | AU$299 AU$198 on Amazon (save AU$101)

Don't be fooled by the price of this soundbar – it might be wallet-friendly but it can pack a punch, just check out the user reviews! It's one of the bestsellers on Amazon, and it's cheaper still by 33%. For under AU$200, you get bassy surround sound, Bluetooth connectivity and HDMI ARC connection too.

Yamaha YAS-209 soundbar with subwoofer | AU$499 AU$375 on Amazon (save AU$124)

The Yamaha YAS-209 is a well-designed soundbar and subwoofer combination that has surprisingly big sonic presence. It offers DTS Virtual:X surround sound, Bluetooth streaming and Alexa voice control. Amazon's knocked 25% off the setup, which is a little less than the 30% off that was available on Boxing Day.

eBay Plus exclusive

Sony 65-inch A80J 4K Bravia XR OLED TVAU$3,795 AU$3,195 on Sony eBay (save AU$600)

Sony's terrific 65-inch A80J OLED TV goes head to head with LG's similar C1 OLED (some even prefer the Sony for movies and TV) and has seen a nice reduction for Boxing Day, with the Google TV-powered telly now only AU$3,195 via Sony's eBay store. To nab this discount, Plus members need to use the code PLUSTJA at the checkout.

eBay Plus exclusive

Sony 77-inch A80J 4K Bravia XR OLED TV | AU$6,995 AU$5,625 on Bing Lee eBay (save AU$1,370)

If you want to step up to a mega-sized telly, the equally great 77-inch model of Sony's A80J OLED is also discounted on eBay, where you can grab it for a whopping AU$1,370 off the RRP from Bing Lee's eBay store. You'll need to pay extra for shipping, though Bing Lee does have click-and-collect. As above, Plus members need to use coupon code PLUSTJA at the checkout to apply the full discount.

LG 48-inch C1 OLED TV | AU$2,495 AU$1,930 on The Good Guys (save AU$565)

LG's smallest OLED has proven pretty popular as a personal gaming screen or as a secondary TV, and if you've been eyeing one off but have been hesitating because of the cost, this is a good deal. It's not as low as its Boxing Day price (an all time low of AU$1,737) but it's still decent if you missed out back then.

Lowest price

LG 65-inch C1 OLED TV | AU$3,999 AU$2,695.35 on Bing Lee eBay (save AU$1,303.65)

LG's 65-inch C1 model is at the top of our best TVs list, with vibrant colours, incredibly clear imagery and the kind of true blacks that only OLED can deliver. The 65-inch model strikes a great balance between price and size, with a nice big screen but (with this discount) still remaining on the right side of AU$3,000. Available from Bing Lee's eBay store using the code BD10OFF.

Samsung 65-inch QN90A Neo QLED 4K TV | AU$4,049 AU$2,795 at The Good Guys (save AU$1,254)

Samsung's QN90A range of Neo QLED 4K TVs are genuine stunners (check out our review of the 65-inch model here), producing bright and punchy pictures with fantastic detail, sharpness, colour and contrast. Samsung's QLEDs are a great option for use in brighter rooms, and you can currently save over $1,000 on this great all-rounder at The Good Guys.

LG 55-inch C1 OLED TV | AU$2,795 AU$1,926 on Bing Lee eBay Store (save AU$869)

We rate the LG C1 as the best OLED TV you can currently buy and for Boxing Day the 55-inch model is now at its all-time low of just AU$1,926 (that's cheaper even than its Black Friday price of AU$2,035) so if you missed out last month, this ripper of a deal more than makes up for it. The set produces colourful, bright and rich picture quality in 4K/HDR, and there are four HDMI 2.1 ports if you want to use the screen for gaming. Make sure you apply code BD10OFF at checkout for the full discount.

Sonos Beam (2nd Gen) | AU$699 AU$599 at The Good Guys (Save AU$100)

Sonos' popular and well-reviewed smaller soundbar doesn't often get its price reduced, so this $100 discount is decent in that context – particularly considering this is the newer second generation model. Find out more about the Sonos Beam in our 4.5-star review, and then pick one up with this discount from The Good Guys in either black or white.

Nanoleaf Shapes starter kits | AU$349.99 from AU$255 on Amazon (save up to AU$94.99)

The Shapes are the 2020 addition to the Nanoleaf smart light catalogue and they're just as fun as any of the older options that the company has ever made. And the current January sales from Amazon see up to 27% slashed off the RRP. So grab a set from the list below and jazz up those walls!

Shapes Hexagons 9-panel kit: AU$349.99 AU$278
Shapes Triangles 9-panel kit: AU$349.99 AU$255

Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite | AU$59 AU$35 on Amazon (save AU$24)

Amazon’s Fire TV Stick Lite is already a very affordable device that can cast from your phone or laptop to your TV, and add streaming apps on your not-so-smart television set. But Amazon has taken AU$24 off its RRP, which makes it the same bargain price it was during Black Friday. This streamer lets you instantly add streaming apps to any TV with an HDMI port.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max | AU$99 AU$59 on Amazon (save AU$40)

This deal on the higher-end Fire TV Stick 4K Max brings the price down to just AU$59 (what you’d normally pay for the regular non-4K version) and it'll allow you to stream your favourite content in Ultra HD with HDR too. If you want a relatively no-fuss way to add smarts to your TV (or better smarts than it already has), this is a fab way to do so that won’t cost the earth.

Google Nest Hub Max | AU$349 AU$249 on the Google Store (save AU$100)

It's our #1 choice in our best smart displays buying guide, and this December you can score a neat AU$100 off the Nest Hub Max when you purchase straight from the AU Google Store. With a 10-inch 720p screen and three internal speakers (two tweeters, one woofer), it both looks and sounds good, and can tie into Nest cameras to offer home security features too. Available in Chalk and Charcoal colours.

Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) | AU$149 AU$79 on the Google Store (save AU$70)

Google's more compact smart display boasts a 7-inch (600p) touchscreen, making it a better choice for areas where space is at a premium... like perhaps a dresser or bedside table. The Nest Hub has built-in sleep tracking capabilities powered by Soli radar that can monitor movement while you're catching Zs, and this AU$70 discount drops it to almost half its usual price. Note that unlike the Hub Max, there's no camera in this one, so it can't do video calling.

Google Nest Mini | AU$79 AU$39 on the Google Store (save AU$40)

While its sonic performance won't compete with bigger, more dedicated smart speakers, if you're a Google Assistant fan and want a simple, no-fuss speaker for the bedroom or bathroom, this very compact model does the basics and has just enough audio oomph so that you can listen to some tunes from time to time. Better yet, it's over 50% off right now – a great time to pick one (or two) up.

Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen) | AU$59 AU$19 on Amazon (save AU$40)

This third-gen version of Amazon’s Echo Dot came out in 2019, and while it’s since been replaced by the fourth-gen model, you can get this one for much cheaper. It’s a voice-controlled speaker, and it's now just AU$19 when you buy from Amazon.

Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) | AU$119 AU$59 on Amazon (save AU$60)

If you’re tight on space and budget, the second-gen Echo Show 5 could be the smart display you’re after. This display lets you control other smart home devices with Alexa, and lets you see whatever information it spits out, as well as hear it. At just AU$59, you're saving 50% on the device.

Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) | AU$199 AU$99 on Amazon (save AU$100)

The Echo Show 8 is a smart display with an 8-inch screen, and it hits the sweet spot between size and functionality. It’s got a great 13MP camera for better video calls and a faster processor than its predecessor, but not the best audio quality or screen resolution. It’s already pretty affordable even at full price, but Amazon has taken 50% off, making it just AU$99.

Nanoleaf Lines start kits | from AU$348 from AU$278.40 on Amazon (save up to AU$108)

They're the best-looking smart lights Nanoleaf has made to date, even when they're switched off. The thin bars look sleeker, the colours are gorgeous and we loved them in our review. So why not take advantage of this 20% discount on Amazon and get yourself either the 9-piece starter kit for under AU$280 or the 15-piece starter kit for AU$432.

Nanoleaf Canvas (9-pack starter kit) | AU$349.99 AU$269 on Amazon (save AU$80.99)

When it comes to Nanoleaf's panels, the Canvas is arguably the prettiest one, mostly because of the crystalline effect it has. Touch sensitive, dances to music, works with voice assistants – it's worth every penny, particularly when you get a 9-piece starter kit for 23% off on Amazon. This set was down to just AU$215 on Boxing Day, but the price has since jumped up to AU$269.

Nanoleaf Essentials Smart Bulb | AU$39.99 AU$31 on Amazon (save AU$8.99)

It doesn't look like a huge discount on paper, but that's 22% off the RRP. And we'd definitely recommend it if you're after some really good smart bulbs. The Essentials is the brightest smart bulb we've tested to date, with plenty of colour combinations to choose from. So go on, grab a few – available in both Edison screw (E27) and bayonet (B22) fittings.

Health & fitness

Fitbit Charge 4 | AU$179 AU$128 on Amazon (save AU$51)

Looking to pay more attention to your general fitness? Fitbit's Charge 4 activity tracker will do just that, allowing you to track active zone minutes, oxygen saturation (SpO2), skin temperature and more. You also have 24/7 heart rate tracking and a built-in GPS to accurately display your pace and distance in outdoor runs. Available in burgundy, blue and black.

Garmin Fenix 6 | AU$999 AU$499 on Amazon (save AU$500)

Amazon has knocked the standard Garmin Fenix 6 down to less than half-price, so it’s a great time to grab the stellar multi-sport watch. The Fenix 6 is the top dog in the Garmin range fitness watches, and it comes with accurate GPS-based mapping to track almost every outdoor activity you can think of.

Garmin Forerunner 245 Music | AU$579 AU$250 on Amazon (save AU$329)

This particular Garmin sports watch sees this discount regularly, but if you've dithered before, now is a good time to snap it up for 57% off on Amazon. What makes this model special is the ability to store music on it, but beyond that its GPS is great and all the necessary tracking prowess is onboard too.

Prime exclusive

Bose Sleepbuds II | AU$379.95 AU$307 on Amazon (save AU$72.95)

Can't sleep? The Bose Sleepbuds II are one of the best sleep aids you can buy. While this isn't the lowest price we've seen (that was AU$269 during Black Friday), this AU$72 off is pretty good value. If you struggle with noise at night, they block out distractions and provide soothing ambient sounds to help you drift off.

Fitbit Sense activity tracker | AU$449.95 AU$298 on Amazon (save AU$151.95)

From what we can tell this is the cheapest price on the most advanced Fitbit smartwatch yet. You not only get top-notch fitness tracking, but there's a ton of health information available as well. You can keep tabs on stress levels and ECG functionality is available, too. So grab it if you're after a versatile wearable. Available in Carbon/Graphite and Sage Grey/Silver.

Fujifilm X-T4 (body only, black) | AU$2,188 AU$1,788 at CameraPro (save AU$400)

This high-performer is not only compact and lightweight, it's also Fujifilm's flagship model in the X-T series. So whether you're into stills or videography, you know you're getting plenty of bang for your buck from this 26.1 MP APS-C snapper. This is the best price we've seen on this camera outside of Black Friday.

Canon EOS 1500D single lens kit | AU$879 AU$636.65 on Amazon (save AU$242.35)

For anyone on a tight budget but keen on a beginner camera, the EOS 1500D is pretty capable. Canon's fabled colour science and AF performance are available, but keep in mind this 24.1MP APS-C DSLR truly is a no-frills shooter. This kit with the 18-55mm lens bundled fell to AU$619 for Boxing Day, but this current deal is only a little more.

Canon EOS M6 Mark II kit | AU$1,699 AU$1,299 on Amazon (save AU$400)

If you're after the perfect travelling companion, this little snapper might be it. It comes with a removable EVF that's nice and bright if you want to use it, and 32.5MP on sensor that's capable of 4K/30p video capture using the full sensor. It will even take 14fps bursts with AF locked, so it will do well to capture all the action while you're out and about. With a 15-45mm kit lens, it does make for a pretty good vlogging camera too.

AU$100 cashback also available on redemption.

Nikon Z 6II + Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4S | AU$4,599 AU$3,570 on Amazon (save AU$1,029)

If you're a Nikon fan looking to upgrade to a full-frame mirrorless camera, take a gander at this offer that gets you a seriously good standard zoom lens with the Z 6II body for 22% off the list price. That's exactly what it had dropped to during last month's Black Friday sale.

Canon EOS R (body only) | AU$2,899 AU$2,184 at CameraPro (save AU$715)

Canon's suggested RRP for its first ever full-frame mirrorless camera is set at AU$2,899, although it's easy enough to find the body at the AU2,500 mark. However, if you're keen on getting your hands on a very, very capable stills camera, then CameraPro can save you a fair chunk of cash during its Boxing Day sale. There's also an additional $150 off via cashback, which'll bring it down to just AU$2,034.

Fujifilm X-T200 kit (Champagne Gold) | AU$1,199 AU$899 + AU$100 credit on Amazon (save AU$300)

It's a similar price that we saw during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and well worth taking advantage of. The X-T200 spits out absolutely marvellous results and has great autofocus, including face and eye detection. Moreover, the Champagne Gold metal accents are just absolutely gorgeous.

Prime members get a bonus AU$100 Amazon credit as well.

Appliances

Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal | AU$999 AU$779 at Dyson (save AU$220)

The Animal version of Dyson’s V10 vacuum comes with one cleaning head and four additional tool attachments, but aside from that (and the cheaper price) it’s the same machine as the V10 Absolute. One tool is focused on tackling pet hair, but you’ll still get up to 60 minutes of fade-free power with this cordless vac.

Instant Pot Vortex Mini air fryer | AU$149 AU$79 on Amazon (save AU$70)

Discounts on kitchen appliances don't get better than this! A whopping 44% has been shaved off the Instant Pot Vortex Mini, so you can air fry, bake, roast and reheat for a fraction of the price. Note that the Vortex Mini, true to its name, has capacity of 2L, so it may not suit large families. Available in red and white.

Vornado 660 Large Air Circulator | AU$259 AU$199 on Amazon (save AU$60)

The Aussie summer's here... and so's the heat! If you need something to help cool down, this powerful four-speed fan is designed to keep air moving, which helps wick away sweat and cool you down. This is the largest model Vornado, and the TechRadar team can personally attest to how much air it moves (we have one running right now) – although it's worth noting the whoosh it creates is quite audible on anything but the lowest setting.

Instant Pot Duo Crisp (8L) | AU$389 AU$272.30 on Amazon (save AU$116.70)

This multi-cooker not only does the usual stuff that the Duo Nova does, but also lets you air fry too, thanks to the two different lids that give you additional functionality. Note that this is the bigger 8L capacity Duo Crisp, so is quite large and will suit a large family. But at 30% off, it's a great buy.

OUR FAVE ESPRESSO MACHINE

Breville The Barista Express (BES870) espresso machine | AU$699 AU$539.10 on Bing Lee eBay Store (save AU$159.90)

This is a frankly excellent deal on our favourite coffee machine. It's not uncommon for the price on these to drop a little below AU$600 during big sale periods, but this AU$539.10 offer (only available in the 'cranberry' colour) is one of the best we've ever seen. Multiple members of TechRadar's own editorial team have plonked on this machine, so you know it's good. Use the code BD10OFF to get the full discount.

Instant Pot Duo Nova | from AU$189 from AU$120.96 (save up to AU$103.50)

If you haven't yet gotten on the Instant Pot bandwagon, now might be a good time to do so. This multi-cooker lets you saute right in the appliance, then add the liquid for pressure cooking or slow cooking. You'll need a glass lid for the latter, but it can do a lot, including make yoghurt and steam your vegies. All this for up to 41% off!

Instant Pot Duo Nova 3L | AU$189 AU$121
Instant Pot Duo Nova 5.7L | AU$231 AU$160
Instant Pot Duo Nova 8L | AU$269.95 AU$195

Breville The Oracle espresso machine | AU$2,199 AU$1,995 on Amazon (save AU$204)

We know this is a rather small discount on a very expensive coffee machine, but if you want an all-star espresso maker, Breville’s The Oracle is one to consider. It has automatic grinding, dosing, tamping and milk texturing, making it a little easier to make cafe-quality coffee at home. Available from a third-party reseller on Amazon with a AU$204 discount in Black Sesame.

Panasonic Eneloop Basic Charger with 4 x AA NiMH Batteries | AU$44.99 AU$23.15 at Amazon (save AU$21.84)

Rechargeable batteries cost a bit more at the outlay, but they can save you a heap over the long run – not to mention being less wasteful and better for the planet too. If you don't own any rechargeable cells yet, this deal will get you a charger that works with both AAAs and AAs, plus four of the latter (which are even pre-charged). Panasonic's Japanese-made Eneloops are also widely regarded as the best quality NiMH batteries around, and there's a heap more discounted too.

Boxing Day 2021 and January sales: when will they start?

The Boxing Day sales have traditionally started on December 26, but in recent years, some retailers have launched their deals a few days before the official date, and then kept them going through to the end of the year.

With this in mind, it’s well worth keeping an eye out for early deals. We know Dell will start its Boxing Day sale on Christmas Eve, and over Black Friday, retailers such as The Good Guys followed the trend of starting sales early.

While certain retailers will launch deals before Boxing Day, there’s a chance that products may drop further in price on the actual date. Keep this in mind as you shop, and be on the lookout for deals that come with a price guarantee.

We’re still expecting most Boxing Day sales to start on December 26, and as soon as they start, you’ll be able to find the best ones here on this page, along with any worthwhile early deals.

When will the Boxing Day sales end, and the January sales begin?

This will vary from retailer to retailer. While some switch their Boxing Day sales into early January sales from December 27, others extend their Boxing Day deals right to the end of the month. For the most part though, you’ll find it's the same offers packaged under a different name.

What to expect in Boxing Day and January sales

TV deals

LG C1 OLED TV

(Image credit: LG)

Boxing Day and the January sales are a great time to pick up a discount on a TV. Bing Lee, The Good Guys and JB Hi-Fi in particular will be the retailers to beat, although eBay, Appliance Central, and Appliances Online should also offer great deals in their own right too. One place where you’re unlikely to find a good TV deal is on Amazon.

While it's still early days, the Boxing Day sales have traditionally been a good time to pick up the latest releases from the prior year – think fancy OLEDs or QLED displays. The newest features tend to trickle down to the cheaper models too, so if you're looking for something a bit more affordable, then you should be well catered for. 

This year's premium TV sets have focused on support for the next-gen gaming consoles – the PS5 and Xbox Series X – so if you’re one of the lucky few to have a console, then you should be able to find a deal on a capable TV too. Our favourite OLED panel is the LG C1 OLED TV (pictured above) and it’s likely to get a good discount on Boxing Day.

Computing and laptop deals

Two Dell XPS 13 laptops next to each other

(Image credit: Dell)

While Black Friday and EOFY are typically thought of as the best times of year to pick up a discounted laptop or PC, we definitely wouldn’t rule out Boxing Day and January sales as a close contender. Leading retailers will absolutely be looking to compete with excellent options on everything from basic Chromebooks to lavish gaming laptops – and not just to shift old stock either.

Better still, large-scale global chip shortages haven’t really affected the laptop market in Australia, which means retailer shelves should be relatively well-stocked by the time Boxing Day rolls around. We expect manufacturers such as Dell and Lenovo to offer excellent options directly on their sites, while Amazon, eBay, The Good Guys and JB Hi-Fi make up the bulk of top retailer options.

We saw Amazon offer incredible deals on a range of MacBooks over the Black Friday weekend (which quickly sold out), so we’ve got our fingers crossed they’ll be restocked and ready with another price cut come Boxing Day sales.

Headphones, tablets and smartwatches

Two AirPods in a case

(Image credit: Apple)

The Black Friday sales period delivered a huge amount of headphones deals, with discounts on Apple AirPods, Sony and Bose headphones and Jabra earbuds, just to name a few. We think it’s likely we’ll see similar options on Boxing Day, though it’s hard to say whether the savings will be as steep. 

There’s also potential for Boxing Day to bring sales on smartwatches. We didn’t spot any deals on the Apple Watch over Black Friday, and Samsung Galaxy Watches were also curiously absent. But Black Friday brought an all-time-low price on the Fitbit Sense, and Boxing Day could see retailers looking to cash in on those New Year's fitness resolutions with the relevant tech.

Finally, this year’s events should also include sales on the latest tablets. This year’s iPads are likely to be the most popular choices – and the ones we recommend. Sales on the newest 10.2-inch and mini models aren't likely to be anything too crazy, but there’s potential for slightly bigger discounts on the older Air and Pro models. However, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab range is the more likely candidate for price cuts.

Health and fitness

Fitbit Charge 4

(Image credit: Fitbit)

The Boxing Day and January sales are prime time for retailers looking to cash in on those popular fitness-focused New Year’s resolutions. If you think you’ll be one of many to kick start a new fitness routine in January, then you’ll likely find excellent discounts on fitness gadgets (should you want them).

Last year's Boxing Day and January sales included competitive prices on the Fitbit Charge 4 and the new (at the time) Fitbit Versa 3. We’re expecting more deals on Fitbits this Boxing Day, along with plenty of big discounts on Garmin watches, as was the case over Black Friday recently.



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