Thursday, December 23, 2021

Boxing Day sales 2021 in Australia: early deals you can buy now

The mania of Black Friday is behind us, but there’s one more sales event fast approaching in 2021, and that’s Boxing Day. If you’re looking to spend some cash you got for Christmas, or you just want to take advantage of the big sales, Boxing Day will offer plenty of bargains on tech, toys and so much more.

Boxing Day is a notoriously great time to score discounts on everything from laptops to gaming consoles, headphones, TVs and beyond. But Boxing Day isn’t the event it once was, with hoards of crowds heading to the shops to score a deal – almost all Boxing Day sales are now available online.

Last year, we noticed that many discounts available on Boxing Day also extended into January sales earlier in the New Year. We’re expecting the same to happen this year, with retailers stretching out their sales beyond December 26. You’ll likely see deals begin to pop up a week before Boxing Day, and sometimes hang around until early January.

Australia’s TechRadar team will be helping you hunt down all the best bargains on Boxing Day, and when retailers launch their early offers, we’ll be posting them here too. So stick with us, and we’ll bring you all the hot products with deep discounts right here, so you don’t miss a thing.

Where to shop during Boxing Day 2021

Boxing Day sales 2021: early deals

Laptops, PCs & peripherals

CHEAP SD CARDS!

SanDisk Ultra microSD card 400GB | AU$64.90 AU$68.87 on Amazon (save AU$100.13)

SanDisk microSD cards are always favourites whenever Amazon throws a big sale, and true to form there's a heap currently on special for Boxing Day, with significant savings to be had on most capacities and families. This 200GB model is worth calling out in particular though, as it's 59% off the RRP and you'll typically pay AU$85 or more from reputable retailers. Need storage for a phone, camera or Nintendo Switch? This is an easy choice.

AMAZING SPECS

Alienware M15 R5 | Ryzen 7, 16GB, 512GB SSD, RTX 3070 | AU$3,199 AU$2,231.08 (save AU$967.93)

Looking for a portable gaming PC that can handle anything? With a Ryzen 7 CPU, RTX 3070 GPU, 16GB of RAM and a 165Hz 15.6-inch 1080p screen, it's perfectly equipped to handle demanding games and to really show them to their full potential.  A 25% discount'll chop AU$825 off the RRP, but you can nab an additional 7% off with the code META7 at checkout. That brings the final price down to AU$2,231, which is frankly excellent for these kind of specs.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 gaming laptop | AU$3,097 AU$2,478 on Amazon (save AU$619)

We gave the previous generation of Asus ROG Zephyrus 14 a full five stars In our review, and we feel similarly about this current-gen model with the latest Ryzen 9 5900HS processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD and powerful Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU. You can save a solid AU$619 on this configuration from Amazon at the moment.

ebay plus exclusive

Razer Blade 15 Advanced gaming laptop | i7 / 32GB RAM / 1TB SSD / RTX 3080 | AU$5,399 AU$3,705 on eBay (save $1,694)

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 discount drops it down to a very reasonable AU$3,705 for eBay Plus members – be sure to use code PLUSDEC5 at checkout.

ebay plus exclusive

Razer Blade 17 gaming laptop | i7 / 16GB RAM / 1TB SSD / RTX 3070 | AU$4,499 AU$3,325 on eBay (save AU$1,174)

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 PLUSDEC5 at checkout.

Razer Blade 14 gaming laptop | Ryzen 9 / 16GB RAM / 1TB SSD / RTX 3070 | AU$3,999 AU$2,900 at Amazon (save AU$1,100)

Razer's stylish gaming laptops usually command a price premium, but this deal knocks over a quarter off the RRP of this well-specced 14-inch model. Most other Aussie retailers are selling this one for AU$3,599, so this is a genuine steal at this price, and there's lots of impressive tech here too, with a 165Hz QHD display, top-shelf Ryzen 9 CPU and a speedy GeForce RTX 3070 graphics chip. A fantastic mix of portability and power.

Dell Inspiron 15 5000 | i7, 16GB, 1TB SSD | AU$2,299 AU$1,299 at Dell (save AU$1,000)

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 an a generous 1TB SSD for storage. It includes Windows 11, Microsoft's latest OS. What's more, it there's a huge 43% 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.

Dell XPS 15 OLED | i7, 16GB, 512GB SSD, RTX 3050 Ti | AU$3,999 AU$3,199 at Dell (save AU$800)

Dell’s sleek XPS range of ultrabooks are understandably very popular… but they do come at a bit of a premium. And while we still can't classify this 15-inch XPS as cheap, it's powerful specs mean it has a lot to offer. Packing an OLED screen with barely-there bezels, Nvidia RTX 3050 Ti GPU and an Intel Core i7 CPU, this one's both premium and punchy, and currently comes with a 20% discount.

Acer Swift 3 14-inch laptop | i5 / 8GB RAM / 512GB SSD | AU$1,399 AU$999 on Amazon (save AU$400)

While we slightly prefer the 2020 model of the Swift 3, with a respectable AU$400 discount this newer 2021 unit is 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.

Dell Vostro 7510 | i7, 16GB, 512GB SSD, RTX 3050 | AU$3,040 AU$1,829 at Dell (save AU$1,220)

Dell’s business laptops aren’t just all work and no play. Dell's new Studio range of business 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...

HP Spectre x360 | i7 / 16GB RAM / 1TB SSD | AU$3,399 AU$2,549 on HP (save AU$850)

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 whopping 1TB SSD. We found the fans can get noisy, and it’s still quite a dear laptop – which makes this 25% discount all the more appealing. Other configs are also on sale.

Microsoft Surface Pro 8 | i7 / 16GB RAM / 256GB SSD | AU$2,399 AU$1,919 on The Good Guys (save AU$480)

This is the best Surface we’ve seen in years, with an all-new design and faster internals than ever. You’ll find this device with Intel’s 11th-gen i7 processor, along with 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. The 13-inch display now has thinner bezels, and Thunderbolt 4 is finally included. Save 20% on this device, or see other configurations also on sale at The Good Guys.

Bonus AU$50 cashback via redemption is also available.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 | Ryzen 5 / 16GB RAM / 256GB SSD | AU$1,799 AU$1,438 on The Good Guys (save AU$361)

We’d argue this is one of the best Windows laptops you can buy. You’re getting a beautiful screen and a comfortable keyboard, all encased in a sleek design. This model comes with a Ryzen 5 4680U CPU and 16GB of RAM, but other configurations of the device are also 20% off at The Good Guys if you want different specs.

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.

Vostro Small Desktop | i5, 8GB, 512GB SSD | AU$1,599 AU$1,039 at Dell (save AU$560)

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.

DAN | TR

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.

Asus TUF-AX5400 dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router | AU$399 AU$251 (save AU$148)

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 Portable SSD 1TB | AU$229 AU$149 at Bing Lee (save AU$80)

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. This AU$149 price is just a couple of dollars more than the lowest we've seen, but only available in grey. If you'd prefer red, you can snag that for a still-reasonable AU$159 from Amazon AU.

Seagate One Touch 4TB Portable USB HDD | AU$159 AU$129 on Amazon (save AU$30)

Portable USB 3.0 storage doesn't come much better bang-for-buck than this 4TB 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 a tiny $0.032 per GB. That's close to the lowest you'll find in this 'portable' form factor, although this 5TB model from WD is fractionally better at $0.031 a gig. Whichever you pick, both are great drives from well-respected brands.

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.

Anker PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 100W USB-C Hub | AU$109.99 AU$47.99 on Amazon (save AU$62)

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. This one sold out over Black Friday when it was AU$49, so if you want one we'd get in quick.

Gaming

TRY VR FOR LESS!

Oculus Quest 2 | from AU$429 on Amazon (save up to 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. That's AU$50 off the 128GB model and AU$70 off the 256GB unit. Ends Tuesday, December 28 at 11:59pm AEST.

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.

Nintendo Switch games | From AU$30

Amazon often has discounts across big-name Switch games during sales periods like Boxing Day and this year's no exception, with varying price cuts on a number of the biggest Nintendo titles, as well as some popular third-party offerings. That includes: 
Animal Crossing: New Horizons | AU$79 AU$64
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze | AU$79 AU$55
Immortals: Fenyx Rising | AU$69 AU$30
Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | AU$89 AU$64
Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening | AU$79 AU$64
Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD | AU$79 AU$64
Mario Golf: Super Rush | AU$79 AU$64
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | AU$79 AU$64
Metroid Dread | AU$79 AU$64
Monster Hunter Rise | AU$79 AU$68
Paper Mario: The Origami King | AU$79 AU$40
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury | AU$79 AU$64
Super Mario Odyssey | AU$79 AU$55
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | AU$89 AU$69
...and a fair few more.

Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed wireless gaming mouse | AU$109.95 AU$50 at Amazon (save AU$59.95)

The Basilisk X was a huge seller over Black Friday, and it's dropped down to nearly the same price for Amazon's end-of-year sale, with 55% off the RRP. Despite the insane price, 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.

Spider-Man: Miles Morales on PS5 | AU$94.95 AU$49 on Amazon (save AU$45.95)

If you’ve been lucky enough to score the PS5, we’d highly recommend Spider-Man: Miles Morales to go along with it. You can expect incredibly detailed visuals, and it shows off the best of what Sony’s new system can do.

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$85 on Amazon (save AU$34.95)
If your current Switch Joy-Cons are suffering drift, you want a spare pair, or just need more for multiplayer, Amazon's matching its Black Friday 2021 deal by offering AU$34.95 off the regular price. There's five different colour options with this discount (including the purple/neon ones shown here), so you can pick whichever fluoro hues you prefer.


Nintendo Switch Pro controller | AU$99.95 AU$75 on Amazon (save $24.95)
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$24.95 discount is a few dollars shy of the BF price, but still a great price.

Audio

Apple AirPods Pro (2021) | AU$399 AU$367 (save AU$32)

They were discounted by AU$80 on Cyber Monday – while this is no match for that deep discount, it's a brand-new Apple product so any discount is a good one. The 2021 version of Apple's noise-cancelling headphones includes a MagSafe Charging Case.

Sony WF-1000XM4 | AU$449 AU$335 on Amazon (save AU$114)

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 for AU$335, or silver for AU$339.

Apple AirPods (2019) with charging case | AU$219 AU$171 on Amazon (save AU$48)

Now that the Apple AirPods 3 are available, you can score yourself a 21% 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.

BIG SOUND

UE Megaboom 3 | AU$299 AU$219 at Amazon (save AU$80)

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. And that's particularly the case now that it's back to its Black Friday 2021 price of AU$219, or AU$80 off the RRP. Available in three colours – blue, red and purple.

SUPER PORTABLE

UE Wonderboom 2 | AU$129.95 AU$89 (save AU$40.95)

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, and this Boxing Day deal sees it at its lowest Amazon price ever. It's available in five colours: red, blue, grey, black and peach.

Sennheiser CX 400BT True Wireless earbuds | AU$198 AU$139 (save AU$59)

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.

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.

Sony WF-1000XM3 | AU$249 AU$178 on Amazon (save AU$71)

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$178, making them significantly cheaper than the newer version. This version still has good noise cancellation, a six-hour battery life and an expansive soundstage.

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.

Prime exclusive

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds | AU$399.95 AU$296 + AU$25 credit 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. This discount is only available on the black and white colour options.

Prime members purchasing any of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds can also score an additional AU$25 Amazon credit.

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.

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$249 + AU$25 credit on Amazon (save AU$150)

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. And it's a bigger discount than we saw during Black Friday! 

If you're a Prime member, this offer also scores you an additional AU$25 Amazon credit to use later. The AU$150 discount is available to all shoppers.

Phones & tablets

FLIPPIN' GOOD PRICE

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 (128GB) | AU$1,499 AU$1,099 on Amazon AU (save AU$500)

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$999. That's a AU$500 discount! Available in Cream, Green, Lavender and Phantom Black.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 (256GB) | AU$1,599 AU$1,097 on Amazon AU (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$500, 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$947 on Amazon (save AU$302)

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

Samsung Galaxy S21 5G (256GB) | AU$1,349 AU$1,048 on Amazon (save AU$301)

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 in time for Christmas! Also available to purchase in Phantom Pink, Phantom Violet, Phantom Grey and Phantom White.

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE (128GB) | AU$849 AU$697 on Amazon (save AU$152)

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$795 on Amazon (save AU$204)

For just over AU$100 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 20% discount is available on Amazon in navy.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE (Wi-Fi, 64GB) | AU$799 AU$689 on Amazon (save AU$110)

A 13% discount may not seem like much but if you've been on the lookout for an Android tablet you might have found that there haven't been too many offers lately. This 12.4-inch tablet comes with S-Pen support, fast charging and up to 13 hours of battery life. Note that the discount is being offered by a third-party seller on Amazon and does not qualify as Prime eligible – that said, there's free shipping anyway.

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

LG 65-inch C1 OLED TV | AU$3,999 AU$2,888 at JB Hi-Fi (save AU$1,004)

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. It's occasionally been a little cheaper this year, but as of writing this is the best Boxing Day C1 65-inch deal we've found. Also discounted at The Good Guys, but a bit pricier at AU$2,995.

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$2,140 on Appliance Central (save AU$615)

We rate the LG C1 as the best OLED TV you can buy. The 55-inch set is now very close in price to its Black Friday low of AU$2,035, so if you missed out last month, this deal is only AU$105 more. 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.

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.

Samsung HW-Q900A | AU$1,499 AU$898 on Appliance Central (save AU$601)

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. Nab this deal from Appliance Central.

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$349 on Amazon (save AU$150)

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 now knocked 30% off the setup.

Smart home

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$279.99 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 AU$280 or the 15-piece starter kit for AU$432.

Nanoleaf Shapes start kits | AU$349.99 from AU$248.63 on Amazon (save up to AU$101.36)

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 Boxing Day offers from Amazon see up to 29% 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$279.99
Shapes Triangles 9-panel kit: AU$349.99 AU$248.63

Nanoleaf Canvas (9-pack starter kit) | AU$349.99 AU$262.28 on Amazon (save AU$87.71)

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 AU$25% off on Amazon.

Nanoleaf Essentials Smart Bulb | AU$39.99 AU$31.99 on Amazon (save AU$8)

It doesn't look like a huge discount on paper, but that's 20% 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

Prime exclusive

Bose Sleepbuds II | AU$379.95 AU$279 + AU$25 credit on Amazon (save AU$100.95)

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$100 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. 

And if you're a Prime member, buying the Bose Sleepbuds II will also get you additional AU$25 Amazon credit to use at a later date.

Fitbit Charge 4 | AU$179 AU$129 on Amazon (save AU$50.95)

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 Rosewood for AU$129, while Blue and Black are AU$148 each. Better hurry, though – this deal ends on December 25.

Garmin Fenix 6 | AU$999 AU$489 on Amazon (save AU$510)

Amazon has knocked the standard Garmin Fenix 6 down to 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$262.50 on Amazon (save AU$316.50)

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 54% off on Amazon. What makes this model special is the ability to store music on it, but beyond that it's GPS is great and all the necessary tracking prowess is on board too. 

Note that Amazon's offer is just on the white model. If you're after a burst colour, then Pushys has the Aqua version for the same price.

Cameras

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$2,084.

Nikon Z 6II + Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4S | AU$4,599 AU$3,655 on Amazon (save AU$944)

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 21% off the list price. That's not far off from the Black Friday price we saw, which was 22% off last month.

Canon EOS M6 Mark II kit | AU$1,699 AU$1,298 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.

Canon EOS 1500D single lens kit | AU$879 AU$619 on Amazon (save AU$260)

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 has fallen under AU$620 for Boxing Day, making it an even better bargain than the AU$653 we saw on Cyber Monday last month.

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.

Fujifilm X-T200 kit (Champagne Gold) | AU$1,199 AU$896 + AU$100 credit on Amazon (save AU$303)

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.

Appliances

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

Instant Pot Vortex Mini air fryer | AU$149 AU$89 (save AU$60)

Discounts on kitchen appliances don't get better than this! A whopping 40% 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 three colours – black, red and white.

Instant Pot Duo Crisp (8L) | AU$389 AU$272 on Amazon (save AU$117)

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.

Vornado 660 Large Air Circulator | AU$259 AU$186 on Amazon (save AU$73)

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.

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 Amazon with a AU$204 discount in Black Sesame.

Miscellaneous

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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