Best Tech Deals Jan 2026: Quest 3S, Steam Sale & AirTags

The Post-Holiday Tech Inventory Goldmine

It is easy to assume that the best deals vanished the moment the calendar flipped to 2026. Most of us are currently staring at credit card statements and vowing to live a minimalist lifestyle until spring. But if you have a lingering gift card or a specific tech gap to fill, January 4th is actually a strategic sweet spot. Retailers are currently desperate to clear out holiday overstock, and some of the most aggressive price cuts are happening right now on gear that actually matters.

Forget the clearance bin junk. We are seeing major discounts on hardware that was at the top of everyone’s wish list just two weeks ago. From the virtual reality headset that finally makes sense for the average person to the last-minute scramble of the Steam Winter Sale, here is what is worth your attention before the mid-winter price hike kicks in.

The Quest 3S is the Smart Money VR Move

Meta’s Quest 3S was already the best value in virtual reality, but the current promotional stack is bordering on ridiculous. Right now, the 128GB model is sitting at $249.99, which is a clean $50 off the sticker price. However, the real reason to pull the trigger is the Amazon-exclusive $50 digital credit included with the purchase. When you factor in that credit, you are essentially getting the hardware for $200.

But wait, there is more—and it is the kind of detail that actually moves the needle for younger gamers. Meta is currently bundling the viral sensation Gorilla Tag with new Quest 3S activations. For the uninitiated, Gorilla Tag is a massive community-driven hit that usually requires a separate purchase. Getting that, plus the $50 store credit to spend on something like Batman: Arkham Shadow, makes this the most complete starter kit we have seen in years.

Is it as pretty as the $500 Quest 3? No. It uses the older Fresnel lenses and has a slightly lower resolution. But it uses the exact same Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor. That means you get the same performance, the same high-end mixed reality capabilities, and access to the same library for less than half the price. If you have been waiting for a sign to jump into VR, this is it.

Last Call for the Steam Winter Sale

If you are a PC gamer, you have exactly twenty-four hours to act. The Steam Winter Sale officially wraps up tomorrow, January 5th, and it is the last major storefront discount event until the Spring Sale in March. This is the moment to stop "watching" your wishlist and start moving titles into your library.

While the usual suspects like Elden Ring and Baldur's Gate 3 are seeing deep discounts, the real gems this year are in the newer releases. Silent Hill F is currently seeing its first significant price drop, and for anyone looking to lose their mind in a fog-drenched Japanese village, now is the time to buy. On the indie front, keep an eye out for titles like Animal Well or Dave the Diver. These games offer dozens of hours of entertainment for the price of a fancy sandwich.

The beauty of the Steam sale isn't just the AAA blockheads; it is the ability to take a chance on a weird, experimental title for five bucks. Clear out your backlog now, or prepare to pay full price for the next two months.

AirTags and the Polarizing iPhone Crossbody Strap

We all have that one person in our life—or we are that person—who treats their car keys like a disappearing act. Apple AirTags remain the gold standard for tracking, and the current four-pack deal is the lowest we have seen since Black Friday. At $64.98 for a pack of four, you are paying about $16 per tag. That is a small price to pay to never have to tear your couch cushions apart again.

However, let’s talk about the wildcard of the season: the iPhone Crossbody Strap. This is an editorial favorite that tends to split the room. Some people think wearing your phone like a purse is a bridge too far, but for anyone who travels, goes to concerts, or simply doesn't have reliable pockets, it is a game-changer. There is a certain freedom in having your camera and wallet (via MagSafe) accessible at hip-height without fumbling through a backpack. It is a niche recommendation, but once you try it, the "fanny pack for your phone" vibe starts to make a lot of sense.

High-Wattage Utility for the Real World

Away from the flashy screens, there are two pieces of "boring" tech that are actually the most useful things you can buy this month. First is the Baseus 163W car charger. It is currently marked down to $28.49 from its usual $50, and it solves the number one problem with car tech: cable clutter. It features dual retractable USB-C cables, meaning you never have to worry about a passenger forgetting their cord or having three feet of tangled wire draped over your gear shift. It is fast enough to charge a laptop on a road trip, which is a rare feat for a cigarette lighter plug.

For the more adventurous (or the more paranoid), Anker’s 521 Portable Power Station is currently sitting at $129.99, down from $200. This is not just a battery pack for your phone; it is a 256Wh power plant that can run small appliances, lamps, and medical devices during a blackout. With the winter storm season in full swing, having a reliable LiFePO4 battery that lasts for 10 years of use is a legitimate investment in peace of mind.

The January Verdict

Post-holiday shopping shouldn't be about buying things you don't need just because they are on sale. It should be about grabbing the high-value items that you missed out on during the December chaos. Whether it is the sheer value of the Quest 3S bundle or the utility of a retractable car charger, these deals represent a final window of opportunity. Once these inventories are cleared, we likely won't see prices this low again until the summer. Pick your targets, use those gift cards wisely, and get ready for a very well-equipped 2026.