The Verge just pulled back the curtain on something most tech publications keep secret - what their readers actually buy. Using affiliate link data from Black Friday sales, The Verge revealed the top products readers clicked 'buy' on through their site, and the results show consumer behavior that goes way beyond typical tech purchases.
The Verge just did something refreshingly honest in the deals space - they opened up their affiliate data to show what readers actually purchased during Black Friday, not just what they recommended. The transparency move reveals buying patterns that paint a fascinating picture of consumer priorities during the biggest shopping day of the year. The results show that readers don't just buy the flashy tech products that grab headlines. Instead, they're quietly clicking 'add to cart' on practical items that solve real problems. The ChomChom Roller Pet Hair Remover, now $15 down from $28, consistently appears on staff and reader favorites lists. According to the site, it's become a reliable bestseller among pet owners who need quick furniture cleanups before visitors arrive. Apple dominated the tech portion of the list, but in predictable ways. AirTags at $18 (down from $29) topped purchases, driven by increased airline support for tracking lost luggage. The newly released AirPods Pro 3 at $220 and the base AirPods 4 at $69 both made strong showings, reflecting the company's continued grip on the wireless audio market. But it's the non-tech items that tell the more interesting story. The Slice Auto-Retractable Box Cutter at $16 and LifeStraw personal water filter at $10 both outperformed many gadgets, suggesting readers prioritize practical safety and utility tools over pure tech novelty. Streaming services proved to be major draws. Disney Plus and Hulu's ad-supported bundle dropped to $5 monthly (saving $8), while HBO Max offered its ad-supported tier for $3 monthly. These deep discounts on entertainment subscriptions clearly resonated with readers looking to lock in long-term savings on content. The surprise inclusion of Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses at $239 highlights growing interest in practical AI applications. These first-generation glasses capture 1080p video, play music, and offer real-time translation features - representing one of the most sci-fi products currently available to consumers. Microsoft's Surface Laptop 13-inch at $550 (down from $900) and Sony's DualSense Edge controller at $160 rounded out the higher-ticket items, showing that readers are willing to invest in quality computing and gaming gear when the discounts are substantial enough. What makes this data particularly valuable is its authenticity - these aren't curated recommendations but actual purchase behaviors tracked through affiliate links. The Verge's willingness to share this information provides rare insight into the gap between what tech media promotes and what consumers actually buy.
The Verge's affiliate data reveals a more nuanced picture of consumer tech purchasing than typical holiday roundups suggest. While Apple products dominate the premium category, readers are equally drawn to practical non-tech solutions and heavily discounted streaming services. This transparency in sharing actual purchase data sets a new standard for authenticity in tech deal coverage and provides valuable insight into real consumer behavior beyond the hype cycle.
