6 Products on Deep Discount in February
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Despite being the shortest month of the year, February has some great opportunities to score big savings on purchases big and small. The long weekend encompassing Valentine’s Day and Presidents Day meant major sales on big-ticket items like laptops, mattresses, and large appliances, among other great ways to save, and many sales are still running through the end of the month.
But that’s not all that tends to be available at an impressive discount this time of year. Now that Samsung has unveiled its new lineup for 2020, we're seeing lots of price drops on their older smartphones and tablets. Seasonal winter items such as snow blowers and space heaters also start to become more affordable in February, and you’ll find sales on outdoor tools so you’ll be ready for yardwork when spring arrives.
Here’s what you can find on deep discount in February, according to Consumer Reports analysts, who track prices all year.
We are updating this article all month with new deals as they become available, so check back often for the latest opportunities to save.
Smartphones
If your current smartphone is anything but “current” and you’re finally ready to get your hands on something newer, February may be a great time to find a recent model at a discount. While Black Friday in November is when you’ll find the widest variety of phones on sale, the final full month of winter has its own opportunities to save, especially on previous-year models.
In particular, Samsung announced the new Galaxy Z flip-foldable phones and S20s at its keynote on Feb. 11, which means older phones are dropping in price as retailers and carriers prepare for new inventory. You may find other brands on sale as well, but Samsung is the major player to watch this month.
If you’re looking for Apple iPhone deals, don’t expect a slew of amazing offers from the tech giant this month. You may see some sporadic price drops here and there at various retailers, but because Apple typically unveils its new devices in September and releases them in November, the holiday season tends to be a better time to find savings on the previous year’s models.
Not sure which phone is right for you? Our smartphone buying guide can help you find the perfect option to suit your lifestyle.
Here are a few great phones on sale right now:
Google Pixel 3a
The deal: $320 at Amazon for the 64GB unlocked model
CR’s test results: Google Pixel 3a
If you need a new phone on a budget, the Pixel 3a might be a good bet. It usually sells for $400, but you can buy it on Amazon for under $350. While it’s not as impressive as more expensive models, the Pixel 3a boasts an HD camera and a fingerprint scanner for added security.
Google Pixel 4
The deal: $550 at Best Buy, $598 at Amazon for the 64GB unlocked model
CR’s test results: Google Pixel 4
This slim, lightweight phone usually sells to the tune of $800, making this deal extra-enticing. You can even save an extra $50 at Best Buy if you're activating a new line with AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon. The Pixel 4 is a more powerful, better-performing model than the 3a, with an Ultra HD camera and wireless charging. It is one of the less durable phones we’ve tested, though, so invest in a good case.
Samsung Galaxy S9
The deal: $450 at Amazon for the 64GB unlocked model
CR’s test results: Samsung Galaxy S9
This phone may not be as new as its siblings, the S10 and S20, but it’s more affordable at its typical $500 to $600 price. And Amazon has it for even less right now in black only. The S9 has an impressive camera, expandable storage, and a solid battery life, making it a promising Android option if you don’t mind having an older model phone.
Samsung Galaxy S10
The deal: $747- $749 at Amazon and Walmart for the 128GB unlocked model
CR’s test results: Samsung Galaxy S10
The S10 usually starts at $900, but following the announcement of the new S20 on Feb. 11, it's now $150 off at these two retailers. It's one of the best smartphones CR has tested, and features a stunning bezeless screen, an impressive rear camera, a fast processor, and a longer battery life than you'll get with most other phones. The S10+, which is larger and has an even longer battery life, is also $150 off at both Amazon and Walmart, knocking it down to $850.
Tablets
As with smartphones, tablet sales will also be prominent this month. Retailers may still be clearing out their leftover holiday inventories, creating plenty of opportunities to get a new tablet for less.
When choosing the best tablet for you, consider what you plan to use it for. If you want to watch Netflix or edit photos, look for something with a larger, higher-quality screen. If you just want to do simpler tasks, such as playing games and browsing the web, you don’t need to spend a ton. Other factors to consider are battery life, storage size (and expansion options), size, weight, and processor power.
To learn more about what will work for you, check out CR’s buying guide and recommended tablets.
Ready to shop? Here are the sales we know about right now.
Apple iPad
The deal: $249 from Amazon
CR’s test results: Apple iPad (10.2-Inch, WiFi, 32GB)
This is the same low price this 32GB, WiFi-only model sold for on Black Friday, though it typically costs $330. In addition to having a slightly larger screen than the 9.7-inch model released in 2018, this one supports Apple’s Smart Keyboard cover, which attaches magnetically and doesn’t require charging or pairing like a Bluetooth keyboard—handy for anyone planning to do a lot of typing.
Apple iPad Pro 11
The deal: $735 at Sam’s Club
CR’s test results: Apple iPad Pro 11 (64GB 2018)
If you need a powerful tablet that can handle most any laptop-esque task, the iPad Pro 11 might be a great bet, especially because it’s discounted over $100 from the original $800 at Sam’s Club right now. CR’s tests have found the iPad Pro to have a fast processor, a bright screen, and great battery life.
Mattresses
You should never pay full price for a mattress. Why? All the top brands tend to observe major and minor holidays with discounts and special offers, so you rarely have to wait too long for a price drop.
In February, Presidents Day weekend is your best opportunity to find a deal on a new one, and these offers often start a week or so before the long weekend and may last a few days to a week after.
If you’re in the market for a mattress, you can find out more about the options by reading CR’s buying guide and reviewing our mattress ratings. A good mattress should last you eight to 10 years, so do the research and invest in one that will suit your sleeping style for years to come.
These are some of the best mattress deals you can find.
Allswell
The deal: $548 for a queen-size Allswell Luxe Hybrid mattress at Allswell with the code PREZ
CR’s test results: Allswell Luxe Hybrid mattress
The Allswell Luxe Hybrid is likely to be one of the least expensive mattresses you’ll find on sale over the long weekend. This innerspring mattress (typically sold for $645) offers decent support for most body types and sleep styles, and fares well in our stability tests—with this mattress, your partner shouldn’t jostle you around much in your sleep.
Casper
The deal: 10 percent off all mattresses using the code PRES10, or $1,166 for a queen-size hybrid at Casper
CR’s test results: Casper Hybrid
Casper’s Hybrid is an innerspring mattress with several layers of foam. It offers a good night’s rest for all the sleeper sizes and styles we test for. It’s on sale until Feb. 18 for $129 off its typical price of $1,295. (CR paid full price when we bought this mattress to test.) CR subscribers say Casper mattresses are a great value, and more than half of those surveyed would buy another.
Nectar
The deal: $699 for a queen-size Nectar Memory Foam at Nectar
CR’s test results: Nectar Memory Foam
This foam mattress from Nectar does a decent job of supporting most body sizes and sleep styles, and it's fairly firm. Our tests also show that this mattress doesn’t retain warmth and should dissipate body heat through the night. This $100 savings is available through Feb. 24.
Check out even more mattress deals still going on for Presidents Day weekend.
Snow Blowers
The end of the season is a great time to stock up on winter weather gear, and snow blowers are among the most deeply discounted products in February. You can pick one up now and be ready for any late-winter blizzards that might strike. And if none come, you’ll still be well-prepared for next winter.
There are many types of snow blowers, and Consumer Reports’ testing has found that size doesn’t always matter. You don’t necessarily need the most powerful model to get the job done, and you can choose among many models to find what will work best in your climate and for your home. You can spend as little as $200 for one that will handle light dustings or well over $1,000 for a model that removes heavier snow.
When choosing a snow blower, look for one that blends competent clearing ability with a smooth, single-lever chute control that sends snow in any direction you want it to go.
For more details, check out our buying guide and recommendations.
Here are a few worthwhile snow blower deals available now.
Briggs & Stratton Compact Two-Stage Snow Blower
The deal: $720 at Lowe’s
CR’s test results: Briggs & Stratton 1696610
This powerful compact snow blower is about $80 less than its regular price. That’s not as much of a discount as some of the other deals you’ll find, but it’s worth considering. This model can tackle snow up to 16 inches deep in a single pass. It clears quickly and is particularly adept at tackling a plow pile at the end of a driveway.
Toro Two-Stage Snow Blower
The deal: $1,399 at Home Depot
CR’s test results: Toro Power Max HD 928
This beefy two-stage snow blower is available for $100 less than its regular price. It quickly clears a 28-inch-wide path with each pass, wider than any other model here, so it’s a great option if you have a large driveway. As a brand, Toro two-stage snow blowers are also some of the most reliable that we’ve tested.
Troy-Bilt Storm 2410 Compact Two-Stage Snow Blower
The deal: $629 at Home Depot
CR’s test results: Troy-Bilt 2410
This lean and mean compact two-stage snow blower is only 24 inches wide but really packs a punch. You’ll save $70 by buying now, which is a good deal when you consider it’s already the cheapest recommended model in its class in our ratings. It’s quick to clear even 16-inch-deep snow and capable of clearing a plow pile at the end of your driveway with ease.
Space Heaters
If you are perpetually cold, live in a drafty house, or want to curb your heating bill without sacrificing comfort, a space heater is just the ticket. They often go on sale in February as retailers are preparing to bring out their wares for spring. If you work in an office that never seems to be warm enough or you’re simply sick of arguing about the thermostat at home, a good space heater can make everyone happy and comfortable. And getting one on sale only sweetens the deal.
Perhaps the most exciting news is that the models with the strongest performance in temperature control, safety, and noise typically cost less than $100, so sales will make them a great investment for any budget.
There are a few models on sale, but it might be good to check out the options with our buying guide to find which is best for you.
Lasko Designer Space Heater
The deal: $47 at Amazon and Walmart
CR’s test results: Lasko Designer Series 6435 space heater
This unusual-looking space heater might be great if you want one that's stylish. It heats a typical room quickly, runs quietly, and even oscillates to better distribute heat. It’s only a few dollars less than the regular price, but it’s a great value for less than $50.
Lasko Motion Heat Plus Space Heater
The deal: $70 at Costco
CR’s test results: Lasko CC23160 Motion Heat Plus space heater
This space heater typically sells for over $100 at other retailers, but Costco has it for about $30 less. Like the Designer model above, this heater oscillates, distributing heat more evenly within a room. It’s also good for spot heating, making it a promising option for your office. But it's a bit noisier than other models.
String Trimmers
Though we typically see seasonal items go on sale toward the end of the time they’d actually be useful, there are often preseason sales. If you’re a lawn-care enthusiast, you’ll be happy to know you can find big discounts on string trimmers in February.
The ideal string trimmer will be able to trim, edge, and cut tall grass with ease, and you can find many top-rated gas and electric models that handle these tasks. We’ve found that electric models tend to be better for smaller properties, but it might be better to avoid cordless options because they tend to be less powerful and less efficient.
It might be good to read our string trimmer buying guide before you buy because there are lots of different options for different needs. Once you’re ready to buy, here are some great options on sale this month.
Ego Battery String Trimmer
The deal: $159 at Amazon
CR’s test results: Ego ST1502SF string trimmer
The Ego trimmer is a great option if you want something cordless and rechargeable. It has typically sold for $180 to $220, making this low price worth considering. Our testers found that it handled well and was easy to maneuver. It’s designed to reduce how much it vibrates your hands. It is a little more powerful than others, so you will want to keep a strong, steady grip while using it.
Troy-Bilt Gas String Trimmer
The deal: $130 at Home Depot
CR’s test results: Troy-Bilt TB35 EC string trimmer
This gas-powered string trimmer is easy to handle and works great on tall grasses and weeds. It typically costs around $160, but Home Depot has a great discount on it. Walmart has it for about $12 more, which is still a decent discount.
Cub Cadet Gas String Trimmer
The deal: $180 at Home Depot
CR’s test results: Cub Cadet SS 470 string trimmer
The Cub Cadet trimmer usually costs more than $200, making Home Depot’s lower price worth considering. It has two separate strings to cut down on trimming time, which may help reduce the amount of fuel needed to get your yardwork done. Overall, our testers found that it performed well.
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