Live tech prices you can check against list price

How to tell a real tech deal from a fake one

Retailers love a crossed-out "was" price. The trouble is that the "was" price is often a number the product rarely sold for. Three checks cut through it:

1. Compare with the list price, not the "was" price. The list price (MSRP) is what the manufacturer charges in its own store. Anything at or above it is not a deal, however it is labeled. That is why every card on this page shows the list price.
2. Look at the price history. A product that has been $199 for three months is not on sale when it is $199 on Black Friday. We record the lowest price every day and show a 90-day low once we have enough history to be honest about it.
3. Check the exact model. Last year's model, a regional version or a bundle with a game you do not want can make a price look lower than it is. Our filters remove most of these, but the listing title is the final word.

When to buy which kind of tech

Headphones and earbuds drop in price fastest. Premium noise-cancelling headphones often sell well below list price within their first year, and the previous generation usually gets cheaper again once its successor arrives. The Sony and AirPods cards on this page show how big that gap can be.

Consoles rarely get cheaper in their first years. Discounts usually come as bundles (a game or a gift card included) rather than lower prices, and marketplace prices can sit above list price when stock is short. If the eBay price on this page is above list price, buy from a store that sells at list.

Apple products follow a predictable rhythm: the best prices on iPads and MacBooks appear a few months after release and again around big shopping events, while Apple's own store almost never discounts. Big-box stores and authorized sellers are where the savings show up.

Unlocked phones are often cheaper on marketplaces than at carriers, and they work with any of the budget plans on our phone plan comparison. Read our guide on unlocked vs. carrier phones before you decide.

Buying new tech on eBay safely

• Check the seller's feedback score and percentage. We already filter for 98% positive and at least 100 ratings.
• Read the return policy on the listing. Many sellers accept returns within 30 days, but not all.
• For phones, check that the listing says "unlocked" and the model number matches the US version.
• Pay through eBay checkout, never outside it, so eBay's Money Back Guarantee applies.

Frequently asked questions