Selecting the right camera for astrophotography is a tale of two halves; on the one hand, it can be a minefield, and on the other, you can choose almost any camera these days, and chances are it will do a great job. The thing is, great may not be the best, so we’re going to delve into the intricacies of the main camera systems in this guide.

Astrophotography requires cameras with low read noise and strong high ISO performance, as high as ISO 6400. Modern sensors, particularly those with ISO invariance, where underexposing at base ISO and pushing shadows in post matches high-ISO in-camera results with lower noise, have revolutionized exposure flexibility for deep-sky imaging.

The camera system you choose may also need to be used with star trackers and smaller telescopes, so in the latter situation, at least, smaller APS-C and Micro Four Thirds cameras may be the best choice.

What astrophotographers need

Astrophotography requires a robust lens ecosystem featuring fast, low-distortion prime and wide zoom lenses with maximum apertures between f/1.2 and f/2.8. Primes are typically faster than zooms, but the latter still provide excellent image quality and all-important flexibility.

Fast lenses of either persuasion are essential for light gathering and sharp star rendition. This is essential for light gathering and helping to keep ISO levels low. Other useful features include low-light autofocus modes (OM System's Starry Sky AF down to -8EV, Panasonic's Starlight AF), enhanced EVF brightness modes (Nikon's Starlight View) and built-in intervalometers. A handful of cameras even have illuminated buttons, but these are few and far between.

Full-frame sensors excel at light-gathering and low noise; APS-C offers portability with reasonable performance; Micro Four Thirds maximizes portability but requires longer exposures to compensate for the narrower maximum apertures of wide-angle Micro Four Thirds lenses. As we said, it can be a minefield.

Cameras for astrophotography: Canon EOS

Canon EOS R mirrorless cameras, including the R6 Mark II, R8, R5, R5 Mark II, are perfect for astrophotography thanks to full-frame sensors that deliver excellent high-ISO performance in low-light conditions.

Useful features include bright live-view EVFs for real-time framing and precise manual focus in darkness and an electronic shutter for vibration-free exposures. A couple of models have illuminated buttons, but this is only the flagship EOS R1 and the high-performance EOS R3.

Thanks to strong ISO-invariant behavior, especially the R5/R6 series, these cameras offer effective shadow recovery, which is crucial for extracting faint deep-sky details and nightscape foregrounds without introducing excessive noise.

The discontinued EOS Ra enhanced H-alpha transmission 4× for nebula imaging, but current R-series bodies still deliver strong performance for both wide-field nightscapes and tracked deep-sky work through excellent dynamic range and noise control.

Take a look at our guide to the best Canon cameras

Read our guide to the best Canon lenses

Cameras for astrophotography: Sony

Sony mirrorless cameras such as the A7 V, A7R V, A7S III and A1 II excel at astrophotography thanks to their full-frame, back-illuminated Exmor sensors. These deliver exceptional low-light sensitivity, minimal read noise and excellent high-ISO performance, with the A7S III being the undisputed king in this area.

These impressive sensors provide superb dynamic range for extracting faint nebulae, galaxies and Milky Way details, while preserving color fidelity in the scene. Thermal noise is also managed well during longer exposures.

High-resolution models like the 61MP A7R V offer cropping capability for deep-sky imaging, while the 12MP A7S III offers extreme low-light capabilities. Sony's E-mount ecosystem features fast, well-corrected primes, including the 14mm f/1.8 GM, 20mm f/1.8 G and the 24mm f/1.4 GM, all of which deliver sharp, low-coma images. However, the 14mm shows more corner aberrations than the 20mm and 24mm lenses.

Take a look at our guide to the best Sony cameras

Read our guide to the best lenses for Sony, Canon and Sigma

Cameras for astrophotography: Nikon

Nikon full-frame Z-series cameras, including the Z6 III, Z8, Zf and Z9, are fantastic cameras on the whole. All perform incredibly well at ISO settings as high as ISO 6400-12800.

The Z6 III features a partially stacked sensor, while the Z8 and Z9 use fully stacked sensors. All models are highly ISO-invariant above ISO 800, thanks to a dual gain switch, which enables flexible shadow recovery without noise penalties. This is critical for extracting detail from faint nebulae and nightscape foregrounds.

Features, including Starlight View, which is an amplified EVF display for manual focusing and illuminated buttons on the Z8 and Z9, enhance shooting in darkness. Nikon's Z-mount provides excellent primes; the 20mm f/1.8 S is fantastic but shows visible corner coma at f/1.8, while the 14-24mm f/2.8 S delivers exceptional corner-to-edge star quality at 14mm. This makes these lenses ideal for wide-field nightscapes and Milky Way capture.

Take a look at our guide to the best Nikon cameras

Read our guide to the best Nikon lenses

Cameras for astrophotography: Fujifilm

Fujifilm cameras, whether the APS-C X-series, which is made up of models including the X-T5, X-H2 and X-H2S, or the GFX medium format series, all feature a vintage-inspired charm. They feature retro-style tactile manual controls on the outside and the latest technologies on the inside.

The X-series cameras use X-Trans sensors while the GFX series cameras use Bayer sensors. The dynamic range of the latter is impressive, while the former maintains impressive ISO handling. X-Trans sensors reduce moiré without optical low-pass filters. Film Simulations enhance in-camera JPEGs and RAW files in Lightroom with film-inspired looks, but these are largely irrelevant for astrophotography.

The GFX 100S and 100S II have high-resolution 102MP sensors for extreme cropping and large-print nightscapes. These have larger pixels than full-frame sensors, which means excellent dynamic range. GFX, as with all medium format prime lenses, aren’t as fast as APS-C or full-frame primes, so you may have to shoot at higher ISOs. However, this isn’t an issue at all thanks to strong ISO handling and the ability to capture the night sky.

Take a look at our guide to the best Fujifilm cameras

Read our guide to the best Fujifilm lenses

Cameras for astrophotography: OM-System (Olympus)

OM System (Olympus) cameras aren’t the most obvious choice for astrophotography with their small Micro Four Thirds sensors, but these compact, lightweight and weather-sealed retro-inspired cameras do have some impressive and useful astrophotography features. The 20.4MP stacked sensors manage moderate ISOs reasonably, although they’re not as good as full-frame cameras.

Models such as the OM-1 Mark II and the specialised OM-3 ASTRO are worth considering. The OM-3 ASTRO features 100% H-alpha transmission for vivid red nebulae alongside capturing stars, galaxies and nightscapes. Computational modes like Starry Sky AF (autofocus down to -8EV), Live Composite for star trails, and Night Vision mode aid in capturing the night sky.

The M.Zuiko 8mm f/1.8 Fisheye PRO offers fast light gathering with sharp corner performance, although it's said to be less sharp wide-open than other PRO lenses. With the 2x crop factor of Micro Four Thirds, this lens only comes in at an equivalent focal length of 16mm.

Take a look at our guide to the cameras for astrophotography

Read our guide to the best lenses for astrophotography

Cameras for astrophotography: Pentax

Pentax has remained stoically dedicated to DSLRs in a photography world that has ‘gone mirrorless’. Models including the K-3 Mark III, K-1 Mark II remain relevant for astrophotography thanks to the unique Astrotracer modes that use In-Body Image Stabilization to track stars.

Type 3 of this feature was introduced in 2022 and works GPS-free by calibrating from preliminary star exposures, enabling 30-second to 5-minute tracked shots depending on the focal length of the lens used. So, in a nutshell, you get in-camera star tracking without needing an external tracker.

The 26MP K-3 III delivers good high-ISO performance with excellent dynamic range, while the 36MP K-1 II offers strong shadow recovery with reasonable ISO-invariance above ISO 200. These cameras are rugged and weather-sealed, making them ideal for location-based photography. Their optical viewfinders, however, are less convenient for focusing on stars than electronic viewfinders on mirrorless cameras.

Take a look at our guide to the cameras for astrophotography

Read our guide to the best lenses for astrophotography

Cameras for astrophotography: Panasonic Lumix

Panasonic Lumix S series cameras S5II, S5IIX and the S1II have a strong video focus, but they remain perfectly usable for astrophotography. With 24MP full-frame sensors featuring dual native ISO (100/640 for stills), which significantly reduces read noise at ISO 640+, enabling cleaner high-ISO results.

This provides strong dynamic range for deep-sky shadow recovery. Phase-detection AF with Starlight View (focusing down to -9EV) aids composition and capture. There are also Micro Four Thirds Panasonic Lumix cameras, but these full-frame models offer superior low-light performance.

The L-mount alliance provides excellent fast primes, including the Sigma 14mm f/1.8, Panasonic 18mm f/1.8 and 24mm f/1.8, which are ideal for sharp wide-field Milky Way captures. Weather-sealing makes these cameras great for outdoor night work, despite the lack of astro-centric features.

Take a look at our guide to the cameras for astrophotography

Read our guide to the best lenses for astrophotography

If you're fairly new to buying Lego sets, where do you even start? There are hundreds to choose from, and even if you narrow down to a specific theme, you're still spoilt for choice. Take Lego Star Wars: There are dozens of current sets, coming in at all price ranges and sizes. You'll likely be drawn to the cheaper-priced sets, but if you're buying for an adult, playsets might not always feel appropriate.

That's where Lego's mid-sized Star Wars sets come in: Sets like the Executor Super Star Destroyer and the Acclamator-Class Assault Ship. They're all rated 18+, costing between $50 and $80, and offering seriously satisfying builds that don't take too long to put together, nor too much space when they're completed.

I love everything about these sets. Not only do they come with display stands, making them look executive, but they're surprisingly detailed given their size. They're the perfect size to put on your work desk or on a bookshelf. You won't have to rearrange your entire house to make space for them, like you might have to with the UCS Death Star. You won't have to take out a loan to buy one, either, compared to the $1,000 price tag of the Death Star.

If you're fairly new to Lego, too, these models offer the perfect blend of challenge and simplicity. A model can be completed in one sitting, usually taking a couple of hours. An Ultimate Collector’s Series set, in comparison, might take tens of hours – and with our busy lives, who has that much free time?

And so, read on to find out why I think the mid-sized sets are the best Lego Star Wars sets to buy for adults, whether you're buying for yourself or a loved one.

Size is important

In principle, a 7,500-piece Lego set sounds great. That's how big the UCS Millennium Falcon is. But Lego takes a long time to build, and even the most seasoned builder will likely spend upwards of 25 hours putting that together. That's a lot of time, especially if you only have a few spare hours a day. Say goodbye to the use of your dining room table for a couple of weeks, while a giant half-built Lego set takes over.

And even when it's finished, do you have somewhere to put it? Unless you've got a huge house or a specially-commissioned table to accommodate your Millennium Falcon, you're going to have a hard time finding space for it. But Lego's mid-range Star Wars sets, typically measuring somewhere between 10 and 15 inches in length, are far easier to find room for.

The sets are typically between 400 and 600 pieces, with the only outlier being the Millennium Falcon, which is 921 pieces. Even that one only took roughly three hours to build — a fraction of the time it takes to build the UCS Millennium Falcon. The rest will take one or two hours; the perfect time for an evening activity once you're ready to unwind after a day at work.

It all comes down to price

$50 sounds far more reasonable than $500, doesn't it? If you're a long-time Lego Star Wars fan and collector, you might consider forking out for an Ultimate Collector's Series set. But if you're fairly new to Lego, buying a mid-sized set is a great way to find out if it's a pastime you enjoy without breaking the bank.

The Invisible Hand and Acclamator-Class Assault Ship, for example, both cost just $49.99, and the most expensive ship in the range, Millennium Falcon 25th Anniversary, is $84.99. The value for money here is excellent, and even though they're so small in comparison, you're still getting a similar brick-to-price ratio as you do in much larger sets.

The devil is in the details

All of the ships in this range are built on a similar scale, have matching stands, and look great whether they're displayed on their own or as a set. Given their size, you'd be forgiven for thinking that they can't have much detail – and of course, they don't compare to larger sets. But when you consider their price, I think these sets are surprisingly and pleasantly detailed. Take the Executor Super Star Destroyer, for example: to give it a sense of scale, it has two regular Star Destroyers flying alongside it.

Then there's the Home One Starcruiser, which not only has a Nebulon-B frigate flying alongside it, but its side can also be removed to reveal the interior. Larger sets might have more interactive features — these small sets are not minifig scale, which is really their only downside — but given their price, that's to be expected. There's also the fact that minifigures tend to push up the price of sets, so by not including any, it's an easy way to keep the price down.

Ultimately, I think few other Lego sets offer such good value as these mid-sized Star Wars ships. Put it this way: for the price of one UCS Millennium Falcon, you can buy ten 25th Anniversary Millennium Falcons. And for the price of the UCS Death Star? Well, you can have twenty Acclamator-Class Assault Ships. Need I say more?

It’s no secret that we love Lego Star Wars here at Space. From brick-built models of our favorite Star Wars characters to huge, detailed recreations of the best Star Wars ships, we've had just about every Star Wars icon imaginable. Some models we have loved more than others, however, and in this article, we'll be listing the 10 retired Lego Star Wars sets we wish would come back.

It's been a hard list to put together, in truth. Lego already frequently brings back popular Star Wars models in one form or another. We've had dozens of different Millennium Falcons, for example, and just as many Starfighters and TIE fighters. But they all come in different shapes and sizes, from playsets to epic Ultimate Collector's Series sets. Here, we're focusing on specific iterations of sets that we'd love to see make a return, whether it's a mid-sized Millennium Falcon or another huge Imperial Star Destroyer.

The sets we've chosen are all unique in one way or another, or provide something specific that we think is currently missing from the Lego Star Wars line-up. But with 2026 around the corner, we know dozens of new Star Wars sets will be incoming, so we'll have to wait and see what's going to be in store.

If you're interested in what's available today, you should check out our Lego Star Wars deals page for the best prices on Lego Star Wars sets out now.

10 retired Lego Star Wars sets we wish would come back

For each of the sets listed below, we’ve included their original MSRP at launch, along with their market value now, both new and used. These are based on average prices of sales over the last six months via Bricklink.

Imperial Star Destroyer

It feels almost unfair that the Ultimate Collector's Series Millennium Falcon has been around for eight years now, with no signs of disappearing any time soon, while the Imperial Star Destroyer was retired after just three. While this huge ship was undoubtedly too big for most normal homes, there's something so iconic about the Imperial Star Destroyer design that we want Lego to bring it back.

Maybe a slightly smaller version would be ideal, though. Measuring 43 inches in length, it's still one of the longest Lego sets ever released, and so you'd need a huge amount of shelf space to display it. Still, the details here are incredible. Its huge exhaust engines are a stand-out feature, and it also comes with a tilting radar dish, intricate detailing and a scale model of a Tantive IV to give a sense of size (spoiler: it's huge).

Death Star II

We may have just got a brand new Ultimate Collector's Death Star, but we think there's room to bring back the long-retired Death Star II. This particular model is unlike any other Death Star set that's been and gone since, as it shows it mid-destruction. It's iconic and eye-catching, and because it's so different from the current model, we think they'd exist side-by-side rather nicely.

While this 3,449-piece set would have set you back $269.99 at launch, if you'd like to pick it up now, you’ll need at least $1,000 — more if you want a new and sealed set. Given it launched 20 years ago, though, it's not all that surprising, but it does mean we are well overdue for a new model.

Death Star

Yes, yes, another Death Star. But hear us out. There's a lot to like about the new UCS Death Star, but the most disappointing thing is, probably, the fact that it isn't spherical. It's simply a cutaway of a section of the Death Star, focusing on the rooms inside. As striking as it is, it misses something of the character of the model when it doesn't have that sphere-like shape.

This Death Star was also half the price of the current Death Star, and was just as interesting to look at, with plenty of dioramas and minifigures that told a story based on scenes from the Star Wars movie. While we certainly won't get another UCS Death Star in this decade, it would be nice to get a slightly smaller version repurposed as a playset. Kids deserve their own Death Star to play with, because there's no chance they're going to be allowed to touch mom and dad's.

Motorized Walking AT-AT

While we've had a lot of AT-AT sets, there's only ever been one motorized set, and it retired 15 years ago. As its name suggests, Lego Star Wars Motorized Walking AT-AT actually moved, something that seems quite a feat now. Perhaps it's that motorized Lego is much rarer these days than it used to be, or perhaps Lego doesn't see value in making its sets move. Whatever the reason, we wish the company would reconsider, because we'd love to own one of these.

While we never had one ourselves, the consensus of the Walking AT-AT was very positive. People say it moved perfectly, and while there were a few fiddly parts of the set that came off if you weren't careful, for the most part, it was a fantastic build. We're all very familiar with the AT-AT — there have been dozens of them made out of Lego, after all — but one that moves feels like such a treat that we're being deprived of.

Yoda

With C-3PO, R2-D2, Grogu and even Wicket the Ewok, brick-built characters are more common than ever. It's about time, then, that we had a new Lego Yoda. The last one, which retired in 2022, was highly received by us. In our Lego Yoda review, we said it's 'a great display piece that, thanks to its impressive height, makes quite a statement'.

We did find Yoda's hands perhaps a little alarming in sight, however, and his appearance is more blocky than we'd likely see in a more recent model. We'd love an updated version, perhaps with refined edges. Yoda's one of the most iconic characters in the Star Wars universe, so of course, we need a Lego model of him.

• Read more about the set in our full Lego Star Wars Yoda review.

Super Star Destroyer

2019's Imperial Star Destroyer felt like a replacement for the Super Star Destroyer: although the ships are different shapes, they share similar dimensions. This one's a little bigger, in fact, measuring a whopping 50 inches in length. Phew. To think that 14 years ago, we could pick up a set that size with a price tag of $399.99 is, frankly, rather mad. Anyway, let's not dwell on it…

We've had a smaller version of this set more recently, in the form of the Executor Super Star Destroyer, and although it was a fantastic set, nothing quite compares to the sheer scale of this behemoth. Like most UCS models of ships, you'll need a lot of room to display it (and very deep pockets if you don't already own it), but there's no denying how impressive it is. We have our fingers crossed that an upcoming Ultimate Collector's Series set will be a version of the Super Star Destroyer, because in our opinion, it's very overdue.

Ewok Village

2013's Ewok Village is a very strange one, not least because we haven't had anything remotely similar to it since. But with the launch of a buildable Wicket, maybe it's a sign that Lego's finally giving the Ewoks some love, and a new Ewok Village is on its way. We can hope, anyway.

This was a hit-or-miss set when it launched back in 2013. Some people loved it because of how different it was. Others weren't impressed because it didn't quite fit the aesthetic of other Lego UCS sets, i.e. it wasn't a big, gray ship. But its uniqueness is what makes it stand out for us. With 16 minifigures and plenty of areas to explore and interact with (rope walkways, bedrooms, a planning room, a kitchen and realistic-looking foliage), it's a set we remember fondly and would love to see return to store shelves.

Millennium Falcon

Sure, you can't really beat the Ultimate Collector’s Edition Millennium Falcon, but we don't all have $800 to drop on a set. Currently, aside from the 'Dark' version, the only other available Millennium Falcon is the small desk-sized 25th Anniversary edition, and we'd love to see another model somewhere in between. The 2019 Millennium Falcon was a playset, but it was sufficiently detailed so that it was suitable for collectors, too.

In our review of Millennium Falcon 75257, we called it a 'fantastic alternative' to the more expensive version of the ship, praised its fun building process and said it would look great on any shelf. Sure, that 7,000-piece version is going to look better, but you need a much bigger shelf and a much bigger bank account. There really is a place for a mid-sized and mid-priced Millennium Falcon, and we've no doubt we won't be waiting too long to see one.

• Read more in our review of the Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon.

Jedi Starfighter with Hyperdrive

Lego has released lots of Starfighter ships, but very few come with a visible Hyperdrive. This set from 2017 was only around for just over a year before being discontinued, but it's one that we think very highly of simply because of how iconic — and unique — it is. While most Lego Jedi Starfighter ships tend to be small playsets, the addition of the Hyperdrive here makes this one feel much more like a substantial display set.

If you've still got one of these in a box, you've hit the jackpot, since it's worth almost four times its MSRP. Bad news if you were looking to pick one up, though. But since it's been seven years since Lego retired this set, it's very likely we could see something similar hit shelves soon. Or so we're hoping, anyway.

BB-8

Not everyone loves the Star Wars sequel trilogy, but no matter how you feel about it, you surely can't deny that BB-8 is a very cool little guy. One of our favorite droids, we loved the brick-built version that was released back in 2017. Like a mini UCS set, it even came with a display plaque, making it into quite the collector's piece. Of all the droids to be retired, we'd love to see BB-8 make a return sooner rather than later.

This rounded droid is a very fun-looking model, and thanks to its white and orange color scheme, it's bright and eye-catching too. It's an interesting build, given its shape, and it's a set that deserves a place in any discerning Lego Star Wars collection. It's been more than six years since it retired, so we feel like a re-release is surely overdue. We'd happily pay a bit more for a larger version, too.

Over 30 Lego Star Wars sets have been released in 2025, which, if you're a collector, is an awful lot to keep up with. Especially considering that this year we've also seen the most expensive Lego Star Wars set ever released (the Ultimate Collector's Series Death Star, with its eye-watering $999.99 price tag — but more on that later). It’s been a very strong year for sets, though, with a good range of playsets and display sets, and plenty to please both adults and kids alike.

The Star Wars universe has had a quiet year with the second season of Andor on Disney Plus and… Well, that's about it. With sets typically based on current TV shows and movies, Lego hasn't had a great deal of new material to work with, which is perhaps why we’ve seen so many reimagined models. A new Death Star, a new Grogu, AT-S, we could go on.

Still, re-designed sets are no bad thing. The new UCS Death Star is like nothing we've seen before, and this year's Grogu With Hover Pram offers something completely different from 2020's The Child. There are some surprisingly unique designs, too, like a Star Wars logo for the first time, and a brick-built Wicket the Ewok.

It's hard to call 2025's Lego Star Wars releases anything but a success overall. Below, we'll go into more detail about the best Lego Star Wars sets from the year and exactly what made them a success.

Playsets

There's one thing to be said about the Lego Star Wars playsets of 2025: They've been expensive. Outside of battle packs and microfighters, the cheapest set released this year was $29.99 (A 92-piece 4+ Mando and Grogu's N-1 Starfighter). Pocket-money priced sets have simply not existed this year, with the majority of playsets costing upwards of $69.99 — some substantially more.

There’s the 815-piece Republic Juggernaut, for example, with a $159.99 price tag that rivals some Ultimate Collector's Series sets. Made up of 813 pieces, it's a rather unique set thanks to its 10 large wheels. And thanks to steering that works simply by tilting the model, it's a fun set to play with.

There's also the 976-piece Battle of Felucia Separatist MTT, another set with a price tag of $159.99. Based on The Clone Wars, this blue and gray vehicle comes with an army of Battle Droids and Commando Droids featuring plenty of moving parts, stud shooters and opening panels to access the interior.

Neither of them is a bad set, but it does make us wonder what the cut-off price should be for a playset. It's a lot of money for something that children will roll and swoosh around. More reasonably, we've had the $54.99 Force Burner Snowspeeder, the only set to release this year under Lego's fun 'Rebuild the Galaxy' sub-theme. There was also the 707-piece Jango Fett's Starship, which cost $69.99 — a nice alternative for those who didn't want to pay for the larger UCS version.

A smattering of other sets finish off the round-up of Lego Star Wars playsets from 2025, including Ahsoka's Jedi Interceptor for $44.99 and a $69.99 Rebel U-Wing Starfighter. There are some decent sets in here, but it's hard not to be a little disappointed with the lack of sub-$40 sets.

Display sets

Where playsets have lacked a little in 2025, Lego Star Wars display sets have certainly shone. These sets have come in a range of shapes and sizes, with surprisingly reasonable prices in some cases. Not all sets carry an 18+ age rating, with some builds being more family-friendly than others (including the excellent Grogu and Hover Pram, which we rated very highly at the beginning of the year).

It's been a great year for mid-size ships, with three more of these added to Lego's line-up: Kylo Ren's Command Shuttle, Home One Starcruiser and Acclamator-Class Assault Ship. Carrying a price tag of just $49.99, we think the Acclamator-Class Assault Ship is one of the best Lego Star Wars sets of the year, packing in a great amount of detail in a small, manageable package.

The Brick-Built Star Wars Logo has also been a pleasant surprise, and a set we thoroughly enjoyed building this year. Its MSRP is just $59.99, which feels reasonable enough, but we've frequently seen it discounted, too. While it might not be the most exciting set ever designed, it's a great addition to any Star Wars display or makes for a great backdrop.

Lego Star Wars helmets have had a good year, after a two-year hiatus between March 2023 and March 2025. They came back with a bang, with three helmets making it onto shelves: Kylo Ren, Jango Fett and AT-AT Driver. A great selection, with the standout being the AT-AT Driver thanks to its unique design and colorful injection of red.

That's far from it, either. We've also had a strong selection of 10+ and 12+ age-rated display models, some of which we've never seen before. We've already mentioned Grogu with Hover Pram, but we also got a model of K-2SO, Chopper, a Battle Droid with STAP and, of course, a brick-built Wicket the Ewok.

Ultimate Collector's Series sets

2025 has been a momentous year for UCS sets, for more than one reason. First, we've had three Ultimate Collector's Series sets in 12 months – that's the first time it's happened since 2002. Second, one of the sets (the Death Star) is a record-breaker on two counts: it's the largest Star Wars set ever released, in terms of piece count, and it's the most expensive Lego set to date.

But first, let's talk about the two smaller UCS sets. First was Jango Fett's Firespray Class Starship, released in May. Costing $299.99, it's very much a mid-priced set, and being similar to Boba Fett's Starship (and Slave 1 before it), it isn't the most elusive or attractive set on the market. Following it in August came the AT-ST Walker. Again, not the most innovative set — we've had several AT-STs before — but it's the first time we've had an UCS version. And with a price tag of $199.99, it's one of the most reasonably priced Ultimate Collector's models we’ve had in years. A big win for people who don't have a huge Lego budget but still want something aimed at adult collectors.

And for the people who do have a huge Lego budget? That's where the $999.99 Death Star comes in. We have mixed feelings about this set. On the one hand, it's hugely impressive due to its side. On the other hand, it's far too expensive and the fact that it's only a cutaway of the Death Star, rather than a complete sphere, gives us pause. Is it as good as 2016's Death Star? It's down to personal opinion, really.

Overall, it's safe to say we've been spoiled on the UCS front this year, with something to suit practically all budgets. We're intrigued to see if we'll get three sets in 2026, or if Lego will go back to delivering the standard two.

Festive specials

We had to mention the fantastic Gingerbread AT-AT Walker, which was released alongside this year's festive sets. Costing $59.99 and being made up of 697 pieces, it not only offers excellent value for money, but it's one of the most fun Lego Star Wars sets we've seen in a while. This gingerbread-colored AT-AT is decorated with holiday lights and white strips made to look like icing — it's simply adorable.

Of course, we also got an obligatory Star Wars Advent calendar for 2025. Its price has remained steady at $44.99, as it has been for a number of years, although its value is questioned by how much you like the minifigures and miniature builds included in any given year. This year, the standout minifigures are a unique printed C3PO and Jawa wearing a holiday sweater.

• Related: Advent Calendar versus Gingerbread AT-AT: Which new Lego Star Wars set should you get for Christmas 2025?

In summary

It’s been a very strong year for Lego Star Wars, particularly for grown-ups and collectors. For Star Wars fans with an excess of disposable cash, the Ultimate Collector's Series Death Star is surely a must-have. But even for fans with more limited income, the wide range of display models available has made 2025 a very good year indeed.

It's perhaps not been a great year for playsets, with the best playsets costing almost as much as a lower-priced UCS set. There have been very few sets under $40, aside from a smattering of battle packs and Microfighters, but we see those every year. Hopefully, Lego strengthens its offerings at the bottom end of its price range for next year.

Overall, though, we can't be too disappointed. The good certainly outweighs the bad, with some truly unique sets landing on shelves over the last 12 months. We can't pick a favorite, but we do have a soft spot for Grogu, and the Acclamator-Class Assault Ship is still one of the best value sets we've seen this year.

When it began, Lego's range of sets centered around Marvel superheroes was squarely aimed at children. Sets were small and basic, easy for young hands to build independently.

There are still plenty of those around, of course, but as time has gone on, more and more adult-focused Lego Marvel sets have been introduced into the range. Adult-focused sets generally mean expensive sets — and so here we are looking at the 10 most expensive Lego Marvel sets you can get.

Compared to Lego Star Wars, Marvel sets are relatively inexpensive. Of course, there are the outliers — the number one set on this list will set you back $499.99. But with Lego Star Wars sets costing up to $1,000 and a large range of Ultimate Collector's Series sets, it's much more aimed at collectors than Marvel. In this list, there's a good mix of playsets and adult-focused display sets, ranging between $100 and $500.

Some sets on this list are brand new, while others are due to retire very soon, but they're all currently available. If you want more Lego Marvel content, why not take a look at our guide to the best Marvel sets?

10 most expensive Lego Marvel sets you can get

1. Avengers Tower

Here we have it: the most expensive Lego Marvel set currently available. The impressive, meter-tall Avengers Tower costs a staggering $499.99, but at 5201 pieces and 36 inches tall, it's worth every penny for the amount of detail it packs. It's the ultimate set for any Marvel fan, and it’s one we're very proud to have in our collection.

Like The Daily Bugle, Avengers Tower comes with a lot of minifigures: 31 in total here. The most popular Marvel characters all feature here, along with some less common choices. The collection includes Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Ant-Man, Nick Fury, Wong, Hawkeye, Wanda Maximoff and a whole lot more.

But it's the building itself that really sells this set. The glass-fronted Avengers Tower really shines in Lego form, and the careful details included here help bring it to life. It's striking from the outside, but lift away the side of the building and you'll find lots of detail inside, too. There's space for all the minifigures to exist within and around the tower, as well as space to recreate iconic scenes from the Avengers movie franchise. It's a set that will take pride of place on any Lego display — as long as you've got enough space for it.

2. Daily Bugle

One of the first adult-focused Lego Marvel sets to hit the shelves, we'll be sad when the Daily Bugle retires. It's been around for four years now, so if you don't yet own it, we’d recommend picking it up sooner rather than later. This 32-inch-tall skyscraper not only packs in a huge amount of detail, but it also has an epic collection of 25 minifigures. It's a collector's dream, basically.

We won't list each and every minifigure, but there's a fantastic mix of heroes and villains; pretty much everyone you'd expect to find from the Spider-Man universe, with some more left-field choices such as Spider-Ham and lesser-seen minifigures such as Black Cat, Punisher and Blade. They can be placed in and around the Daily Bugle building, with many minifigures designed to be hung on the outside, making it look like it's the site of an epic battle.

The building itself is a joy to behold, though. Some of its windows are made to look like they've been blown out, mid-explosion, and the fronts of each floor can lift away to allow access to the interior. You'll find fully kitted-out offices here, with plenty of neat details to enjoy. Perhaps the highlight, though, is the brick-built Daily Bugle sign that sits atop the building: it's a truly iconic feature.

3. X-Men: The X-Mansion

With the X-Mansion, we're still in serious collector's territory. This 3,093-piece set is packed with stunning detail and a strong suite of minifigures to bring it to life. It's an 18+ set, so it's firmly in display territory, but its modular design with lift-away storeys makes it impossible not to want to play with it.

This is a set absolutely packed with details that fans of X-Men will adore. The Mansion has a fully-furnished interior, where you'll find Professor X's laboratory, Wolverine's bedroom, a medical lab, a classroom, a library and a Danger Room training facility. There are plenty of accessories in each room, too, and space for the 10 included minifigures to exist within the building.

The included minifigures are Wolverine, Professor X, Jean Grey, Cyclops, Storm, Gambit, Rogue, Iceman, Bishop and Magneto. There's also a large buildable Sentinel figure. It may be expensive, but we think the Lego Marvel X-Men: X-Mansion offers excellent value, and it's a set you'll be proud to have on display.

4. Guardians of the Galaxy: The Milano

If you like ships and vehicles, the Milano is quite possibly the Lego Marvel set for you. It's not the first version of the iconic Guardians of the Galaxy ship we've had, and it probably won't be the last, but it is the largest and the most detailed. With an age rating of 12+, this sits somewhere between being a playset and a display set. It features a brick-built display stand, though the ship has enough moving parts that those who do want to play with it won't be disappointed.

Guardians fans will love the minifigures included here: Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket and a tiny Baby Groot. Made up of 2090 pieces, the ship features plenty of detail too: the top lifts off, providing full access to the interior, where you'll find a chill-out area, a flight deck and a communal area. There's space for the minifigures to exist in these areas, if you want to play with the set.

If not? This is a stunning-looking model, and its stand is sturdy enough to hold it in a flight position. The blue and orange detailing to the exterior make it an eye-catching model, and the adjustable wings and moveable rear boosters add some welcome detail, too.

5. Spider-Man vs. Oscorp

For Lego fans who enjoy cityscapes and building their own Lego City, we think Lego Marvel Spider-Man vs. Oscorp is a great choice, even if it is a little pricey given its size. Despite having almost 500 pieces fewer than the Iron Man Mark 3 set, it will set you back $10 more, making this the most expensive pure playset on this list. If you like dioramas, imaginative play and minifigures, however, it may be worth the asking price.

Spider-Man vs. Oscorp comes with eight minifigures: Spider-Man, Spider-Woman, Miles Morales, Eddie Brock, Ghost-Spider, Norman Osborn, Kraven the Hunter and Green Goblin. There's a nice mixture of heroes and villains for kids to play with, and of course, there are plenty of interactive features on the set to facilitate that.

To start with, Miles comes with a motorbike and Green Goblin comes on his glider. The building itself has plenty of neat details too: it features Miles Morales' apartment, the Oscorp building and Venom's apartment, each one filled with relevant details to bring the spaces to life.

6. Iron Man Mark 3 Collectors' Edition

Here's an upcoming set, due to launch on January 1st. A brick-built model of Iron Man Mark 3, it's very much designed to be looked at and admired rather than played with.

Iron Man Mark 3 does have poseable limbs, however. It features a jointed neck, waist, shoulders, wrists and hands, which allows you to recreate numerous iconic Iron Man poses. The legs are the only parts that don't move, but they're positioned to offer optimum stability to the model.

We're quite excited to get our hands on this model, actually: at $129.99, it's a good price point for a display set that offers a great amount of detail without breaking the bank. It's also not too large that it's going to dominate a living space: at 15 inches tall, it's big enough to command attention without taking over.

7. Avengers: Age of Ultron Quinjet

We'd say that Lego Marvel Avengers: Age of Ultron Quinjet is equal parts play and display. Thanks to a brick-built display stand, the model will look fantastic on a shelf. But it can easily be lifted away, swooshed through the air, and opened up to be interacted with. Whether you want smaller hands playing with a $130 set, that's up to you. But Lego gives you the option.

The set comes with five minifigures that Avengers fans will surely love: Black Widow, Iron Man, Quicksilver, Ultimate Ultron and Hawkeye. Black Widow also comes with her iconic motorcycle, and Hawkeye is equipped with a bow and arrow.

The ship itself has plenty of interactive parts. The cockpit opens up, with room for three minifigures inside, and there's a rear door that opens up to allow Black Widow's motorcycle to drive in and out. Oh, and the stand included in the set can be rotated 360 degrees, which is a seriously impressive touch, especially for a set at this price point.

8. Spider-Man Final Battle

While Lego Marvel Spider-Man Final Battle is categorized as a playset, with an age rating of 10+, we think it's more suited to being a display set. The set is essentially a model of the head of the Statue of Liberty covered in scaffolding, with a good selection of minifigures all battling it out around it.

The minifigures here are perhaps the strongest part of the set, and are the reason it carries a $109.99 price tag. It comes with three different versions of Spider-Man (Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield and Tom Holland), Electro, Doctor Strange, Green Goblin, Ned, MJ and Doc Ock. The set is designed in such a way that minifigures can be positioned to look like they're flying through midair, while others can grab hold of a scaffold or perch on a narrow beam to signify action. It's an effective-looking set that really does benefit from being admired rather than played with.

There are some interactive features, however. Our favorite is that the Sandman's hand can pop out of the top of the model. There's also a flap at the back that reveals a portal, and a soft web that can be used to entangle enemies.

9. Spider-Man vs. Mysterio: The Daily Bugle

Lego Marvel Spider-Man vs. Mysterio: The Daily Bugle is a brand new set, available to pre-order now for a January 2026 release. What's particularly neat is that this is essentially a scaled-down version of the larger, designed-for-adults Daily Bugle set, turned into a playset suitable for kids. Of course, it's nowhere near as detailed as that larger version, but as far as playsets go, it looks rather neat, and comes with a decent range of minifigures (Spider-Man, Miles Morales, Ghost Spider, J. Jonah Jameson, Mysterio, Venomized Captain America and Rhino).

The four-floor skyscraper that forms the Daily Bugle office is open at the back, but each room has been furnished with some nice little details. There's an office space, a newsroom tech suite and a reception area, along with an opening safe and a working lever that changes the billboard on top of the building. Since it's designed for play, there are plenty of accessories that the included minifigures can pick up and interact with, such as a photocopier machine, a skateboard, Captain America's shield, a pizza tray and more.

That's not to say that it won't still look rather nice on display if you've not managed to pick up the larger version of the set. Standing 13 inches tall, it's only a third of the height of the larger, The Daily Bugle set, but it's substantial enough to be eye-catching on a shelf or desktop.

10. Marvel Logo and Minifigures

A brick-built Marvel logo isn't going to be for everyone, but if you have a Lego Marvel display, we think this will make the perfect centerpiece. Not only does it feature an accurate and sizeable recreation of the Marvel logo, but it comes with five minifigures (Thor, Iron Man, Hulk, Captain America and Black Widow) that literally break out of the model when it's put on display. It's a neat and effective touch that elevates this set from being more than just a logo.

In our Marvel Logo and Minifigures review, we praised the mechanisms that form part of the pop-out system. There's a bit of Technic work involved, which elevates the build somewhat, making it a little more interesting and taxing. It is a little on the expensive side, though, considering what it is. But still, at nearly 1,000 pieces, it doesn't offer bad value for money, even if it's not the most exciting Lego Marvel set there's ever been.

• For more information, read our full review of Lego Marvel Logo and Minifigures.

Lego Star Wars sets have been around for more than 25 years, and in that time, we've seen some seriously impressive sets. The best Lego Star Wars sets typically carry a very expensive price tag, however, and so if you're a serious collector, you're going to have to spend some serious credits. Here, we've rounded up the most expensive Lego Star Wars sets currently available, with price tags stretching all the way up to an eye-watering $1000. Phew.

Almost every set in this list is an Ultimate Collector's Series set, meaning it's one designed with adults in mind, created to be displayed rather than be played with. You can play with these sets, if you want, but we wouldn't recommend letting your five-year-old get heavy-handed with your UCS Millennium Falcon. It'll all just end in tears when you're left picking up 7,500 loose pieces off the floor — don't say we didn't warn you.

Read on to find the 10 most expensive Lego Star Wars sets. We've omitted any sets that have since retired: these are just the sets still available to buy today, and we're basing prices on the MSRP as set by The Lego Store.

10. The Dark Falcon

Part of an alternative universe Star Wars range, released alongside the launch of Disney Plus series Rebuild the Galaxy, The Dark Falcon is the only set on this list aimed at kids. It's not surprising, really: the most expensive Lego sets are generally reserved for adults. And at $179.99, this one's tipping the scales a bit. But for fans looking for something a little different, it's a great choice. And let's face it: it's a lot cheaper than the other Millennium Falcon on this list.

The Dark Falcon reimagines what might have been if the iconic Millennium Falcon was instead commandeered by the dark side. It recolors the ship black, making it unique from other Lego models of the Millennium Falcon, and it comes with six minifigures. Amusingly, some of the minifigures also resemble characters that have also swapped to the dark side: there's Darth Jar Jar, Bounty Hunter C-3PO, Darth Dev and Darth Rey. Darth Vader has switched parties, too, and here, he's Jedi Vader. Luke, for some reason, is kitted out for the beach as Beach Luke. Clearly, he just doesn't want to be battling in this universe.

Being aimed at children, the Dark Falcon is designed to be a playset. You'll find lift-up panels to grant access to the interior, where there are clearly designated zones: a throne for Darth Jar Jar, a command center, a jail cell and an entertainment area.

9. AT-ST Walker

There have been several Lego AT-STs over the years, but this is the first time we've had an Ultimate Collector's Series model — one specifically designed for adults, and designed for display rather than play. That doesn't mean you can't play with it if you want to: it has a rotating head, viewports that can be opened and closed and adjustable laser cannons.

But what makes a UCS set distinctive from a playset is the additional detail. Made up of 1,513 pieces, this AT-ST Walker is not only larger than most but looks more realistic than ever. Its distinctive legs are carefully designed to balance the weight of the set, so it can be proudly displayed. You can even open the top hatch to reveal a two-person cockpit inside.

Sadly, it doesn't come with two minifigures: there's only one here – a price to pay for the fact that this is a lower-priced Ultimate Collector's Series set. The minifigure included is designed to stand on the informational plaque that also comes with the set, which is wonderfully detailed, with the Imperial crest printed on its arms.

8. TIE Interceptor

Like many of the sets on our list of the most expensive Lego Star Wars sets currently available, the TIE Interceptor is another Ultimate Collector's Series set. It's one of many TIE Interceptors that have been released over the years, though thanks to its UCS status, it's bigger and more detailed than most.

Released as part of Lego Star Wars' 25th anniversary last year, it comes with a 25th Anniversary brick along with one minifigure (a new design TIE Pilot). Like all UCS sets, it also comes with a display plaque, providing details about the TIE Interceptor, and giving a place to display the minifigure and anniversary brick.

The Lego TIE Interceptor is 16 inches long and, given the ship's iconic shape, it comes with a brick-built display stand to enable you to display it effectively. You'll find neat details here, such as a rear engine, laser cannons and a viewable cockpit interior. Along with the pilot minifigure, there's also a mouse droid figure.

7. X-Wing Starfighter

Having been around since 2023, there's a good chance the Lego Star Wars X-Wing Starfighter will be retiring very soon. If you fancy picking up this UCS set, we'd recommend you do it fairly quickly — it's worth adding to your collection too. In our X-Wing Starfighter review, we said it’s "a great model that will always look excellent on a shelf". What more could you want from a Lego set for adults?

Made up of just shy of 2,000 pieces, the X-Wing Starfighter needs a good amount of space to display, as it measures over 21.5 inches in length. You'll find a buildable display stand here to proudly show it off, and the informational plaque provides a good place to display the included Luke Skywalker minifigure and the R2-D2 droid. Notably, there's space in the ship for both of them if you'd rather display the set with them inside.

As you'd expect from a ship this size, the X-Wing Starfighter packs in a lot of realistic detail. There's an opening cockpit (that Skywalker can fit inside), space behind for R2-D2 to sit, and adjustable wings that can move from flight mode to attack mode with one switch.

• Read our full review of the Lego Star Wars UCS X-Wing Starfighter for more information on this set.

6. Jango Fett's Firespray-Class Starship

If you've been buying Lego Star Wars sets for a while, you'll undoubtedly find Jango Fett's Firespray-Class Starship to be very familiar indeed. It's identical in shape to Boba Fett's Starship, and it has been previously released under the Slave I moniker. The green and blue hues of Jango Fett's Starship do at least set it apart somewhat, and the size of this one might make it a tempting prospect for adult fans of Lego who like a big model.

You'll get two minifigures with this UCS set: Jango Fett with printed arms, along with a young Boba Fett. Both can be situated inside the opening cockpit, or they can be displayed on the included informational plaque stand. At 18 inches in length and 16 inches wide, the Firespray-Class Starship packs in a lot of detail. Along with the cockpit, there's an openable main entrance, a compartment for the seismic charge and blaster cannons that can be adjusted.

What's particularly cool is that Jango Fett's Firespray-Class Starship can be displayed in two ways: it can be displayed flat, in 'landing mode', or stood upright, using a buildable stand. As an added realistic detail, the rotating wings will always remain horizontal even when the vehicle is tilted.

5. Jabba's Sail Barge

We are truly in expensive set territory now — from here on out, these are the most expensive Lego Star Wars sets that only serious fans and collectors are likely to buy. Costing $499.99, Jabba's Sail Barge is a considerable investment: not only do you get a substantial model of the barge, but you also get a strong collection of unique minifigures, too.

Along with a huge model of Jabba the Hutt, there are ten other beautifully-detailed minifigures included here: Princess Leia, Bib Fortuna, C-3PO, Max Rebo, Kithaba, Wooof, Vizam, Salacious Crumb, R2-D2 and a Gamorrean Guard. It's quite a treat to have so many included with a UCS set, but that's a small part of what pushes the price up so high.

Of course, the 3,943-piece model of Jabba's Sail Barge packs in a lot of exquisite detail, too. It's an impressive 30.5 inches in length, with textile sails that can be adjusted, and the top deck and walls can be moved to allow full access to the interior. You'll want to see inside, too, thanks to the detailed rooms: there's a cockpit, prison cell, armory and an entertainment room, complete with Jabba's seedy bed. The minifigures can all be placed inside the ship, or you can display them on an included plinth.

4. The Razor Crest

Having been around for three years, The Lego Star Wars UCS Razor Crest is close to retirement — so if you want this one in your collection, you've only got a few more weeks to pick it up. Lego will stop stocking this in 2026, which means its price will likely go up on the reseller market. Great news if you own one, but not so great if you're yet to pick it up.

And if you're a Mandalorian fan, you absolutely should want to have this huge ship in your collection. The Razor Crest is one of the more unique ships in the Star Wars galaxy, and this particular model comes with minifigures of The Mandalorian, Grogu (and his Hover Pram), The Mythrol and Kuiil. There's also a buildable Blurrg, which can hold a minifigure on its back and be stowed away in the Razor Crest's cargo compartment.

As you'd expect from a ship of this size and stature, The Razor Crest has plenty of interactive features. Its engines can be removed, as can the cockpit. Two side hatches open, and the cargo compartment can be accessed, too. Inside, you'll find a weapons cabinet and a carbon-freezing chamber with room for a minifigure. There's also a detachable escape pod, again with room for a minifigure to sit inside.

3. Venator-Class Republic Attack Cruiser

In our review of the Lego Star Wars Venator-Class Republic Attack Cruiser, we said that "it's huge, looks fantastic, and is packed with details". You'd expect nothing less from a Lego set costing $649.99, of course, but the Venator absolutely looks the part and is one of our favorite UCS sets to date.

This is one of the most eye-catching Star Wars ships, largely in part to the red detailing that provides a stunning contrast to the sea of grey bricks we typically see on Star Wars ships. There's a huge amount of detail here, too, including a command bridge, turbolaser turrets and a hangar, where you'll find a scale model of a Republic Gunship (spoiler: it's tiny). It also comes with a display stand, so you can proudly show this set off.

There are a couple of downsides here, however. The Venator-Class Republic Attack Cruiser only comes with two minifigures, which is a little disappointing given its price point. You'll get Captain Rex and Admiral Yularen, which can be displayed on the included informational plaque. Second is the size: at 43 inches in length (1.09 meters), you'll need a significant amount of space to adequately display this huge set. If you're living in a small apartment, you might need to rethink purchasing this one.

• Read our full review of the Lego Star Wars Venator-Class Republic Attack Cruiser for more information.

2. Millennium Falcon

Until very recently, the UCS Millennium Falcon was the biggest Lego Star Wars set available, but it's since been knocked off the number-one spot by the brand new Death Star. It's still a very impressive set, though, and the fact that it's been around for eight years tells you everything you need to know about the popularity of this set. Typically, a Lego Star Wars set will stay on shelves for a maximum of two years, so it's had an impressive run with no sign of ending yet.

There are seven minifigures included here: four from the original trilogy, and four from the modern trilogy. There's Han Solo, Chewbacca, Princess Leia and C-3PO, then also Older Han Solo, Rey and Finn. Along with some interchangeable details for the ship, such as sensor dishes, it's up to you what era you want your Millennium Falcon to come from.

Made up of more than 7,500 pieces, there's a huge amount of detail on the Millennium Falcon itself, and as we said in our UCS Millennium Falcon review, it's a delight to build, even despite its size. The exterior features upper and lower quad laser cannons, landing legs and a boarding ramp that can raise and lower. There's also a cockpit with a detachable canopy, with enough room for four minifigures to sit inside. You can take the hull plates off the ship to take a look inside, too: there's a detailed main hold, gunnery station and rear compartment

• More information can be found in our full review of the Lego Star Wars UCS Millennium Falcon.

1. Death Star

Last but certainly not least comes the brand new UCS Death Star, costing an eye-watering $999.99. It's the first Lego set in history to cost a thousand dollars, and we don't think it'll be the last. This is a seriously impressive set, packing in a lot of detail, but unlike previous models of the Death Star, it's not a complete, spherical model. Instead, it's a cutaway, focusing more on the interior detail. It's a strange choice for an Ultimate Collector's Series set, looking more like a very expensive playset than a display piece.

At 9,023 pieces, it's one of the biggest Lego sets of all time, and those bricks go towards building a 32-inch wide cutaway of the famous Death Star. Inside, it's split up into different rooms, many of which you'll instantly recognise. You'll find Princess Leia's holding cell, the trash compactor, the hangar control room, Emperor Palpatine's throne room, and a whole lot more.

There are 38 minifigures included here, all of which can be placed inside the Death Star to bring each room to life as a small diorama. There's a good selection of minifigures, including Luke Skywalker (both as a Jedi and a Stormtrooper), two versions of Han Solo, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, two droids and a wealth of Stormtroopers.

SpaceX kicked off the first day of the last month of the year by lighting up Florida's Space Coast with an early morning launch.

A Falcon 9 rocket carrying 29 Starlink satellites lifted off from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Complex 39A at 2:44 a.m. EST (0744 GMT) on Monday (Dec. 1).

About nine minutes later, the mission reached its preliminary orbit, setting up the Starlink satellites (Group 6-86) to be deployed about an hour later.

"Deployment of 29 Starlink satellites confirmed," SpaceX noted on social media at 3:50 a.m. EST (0850 GMT).

In the interim, the Falcon's first stage booster (B1095) returned from its fourth flight to make a propulsive landing on the autonomous droneship "Just Read the Instructions" stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.

The 29 Starlink satellites add to SpaceX's broadband internet network, which now has just over 9,100 operational units in low Earth orbit, according to satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell.

Monday's launch was SpaceX's 153rd Falcon 9 flight of the year, of which 110 have carried Starlink satellites. In total, SpaceX has dedicated 331 missions to date to populating its megaconstellation since 2019.

How much is too much for one of the best Lego Star Wars sets? Up until last month, the most we'd ever spent on a Lego Star Wars set was $849.99. That was an eye-watering amount, but with the release of the new Ultimate Collector's Series Death Star in October, it's just gone up even higher. If you want to own this exclusive collector's piece, you're going to have to part with $1,000. Yeah: a grand on a Lego set. It's a fantastic set, no doubt, but has Lego gone too far this time?

Judging by the reviews on the official Lego website, the answer to that may well be 'yes': of 214 reviews, 33% of them are one-star. We have a feeling they're not from actual buyers; however, simply people making their thoughts known about the price. But they have a point: one thousand dollars could buy a lot of things more important and useful than a Lego set. It also isn't currently on offer for Black Friday despite there being many models discounted.

For collectors, though, there's no doubt the Death Star is a tempting prospect. Measuring 28 by 32 inches, it's huge, and with a whopping 38 minifigures, it's really quite something. Unusually for a UCS set, the focus is on the interior, with the set providing a cutaway diorama of everything going on inside the Death Star. It's split into multiple rooms, each providing its own scene that Star Wars fans will recognize from a key part in the movies. There's the trash compactor, Emperor Palpatine's throne room, a hangar with an Imperial Shuttle and a whole lot more. In fact, several of the dioramas have had their own entire set. And here, they're all together in one place.

As good as it is, though, we won't be buying the Lego Star Wars UCS Death Star. As much as we love Lego Star Wars, it's one set that won't be gracing our collection any time soon, and here's why.

The price

One thousand dollars. Honestly, we'd expect to be able to buy our own room in the actual Death Star for that. To a lucky few people, though, $1,000 is pocket change. For them, heading down to The Lego Store to pick up a UCS Death Star is nothing more than picking up a candy bar in the supermarket. For most of us, though, that amount of money is several months' worth of disposable income. It's rent. It's our electricity bills for half the year.

Not to put too fine a point on it, things are tough right now and unless you’re absolutely flush with spare cash, it feels a little irresponsible to be throwing so much money on one Lego set. There are a lot of things that you could buy with $999.99, and who knows when something more urgent or life-dependent is going to come up.

And how about the fact that there are so many other great Lego sets that cost just a fraction of the price of the Death Star? Take the Acclamator-Class Assault Ship, a set we rated 5 stars. You can buy twenty of them for the price of one Death Star. We also thought Grogu with Hover Pram was a pretty great set. You can have ten of those. An army of ten Grogus, or one singular Death Star. Your choice.

The size

For $999.99, you'd expect a huge set. That's exactly what you're getting with the Lego Star Wars UCS Death Star, but for many of us, it's going to be too big. It's 28 by 32 inches, so you're going to need a huge shelf to display it on. If you live in a small home and you're limited for shelf or worktop space, you can forget about it.

In the same amount of space taken up by the Death Star, you could display several other smaller sets. Smaller sets that will undoubtedly cost a fraction of the price of the Death Star, too. In fact, some of the dioramas included in the Death Star can be bought as their own sets: both the Throne Room and the Trash Compactor were released as standalone sets (with a lot more detail than you'll find in the Death Star) for less than $100 each.

There's also the fact that, despite its price and its size, the UCS Death Star is not a full set. Unlike the previous (and now retired) Death Star, this new model is not spherical. It's merely a cutaway of the inside of the Death Star. And while it's nice to get more interior detail, it doesn't provide enough detail to really understand the full scale of the actual Death Star model. Perhaps that's for the best, because then it really would be far too huge for most people's homes. But it's still a shame that we're only getting a slice of it.

Other sets are just as good (and much cheaper)

The draw of the Death Star for a lot of Lego Star Wars collectors will undoubtedly be that it's a UCS set. The Ultimate Collector's Series has been around for over 20 years and focuses on big, detailed sets designed to be displayed rather than played with.

Many UCS sets do carry a premium price tag, but the Death Star is the highest by a long shot. It's almost 18% more expensive than the next most expensive set (the Millennium Falcon, which costs $849.99 — and since that has been around for eight years, it's often available at a discount). We can't help but feel that Lego is testing the waters to see just how much money fans are willing to spend on one set.

Look at the available Lego Star Wars UCS sets and you'll find plenty of great-looking display models available for substantially less than the Death Star. The Lego X-Wing Starfighter, which we rated highly in our review, costs $239.99, and thanks to a wealth of detail, it's a stunning set to have on display. It takes up much less space than the Death Star, too, making it appropriate for collectors with a smaller area to display in.

Even Jabba's Sail Barge, with an expensive-enough price tag of $499.99 and an impressive 31-inch length, is half the price of the Death Star. This is a set that comes with 11 unique minifigures (including a large molded model of Jabba the Hutt), a fully-detailed interior and a huge scale model that is going to take pride of place in any Lego Star Wars collection. Perhaps Jabba's barge isn't as iconic as the Death Star, but given that you can buy this and still have $500 left over, it feels like a no-brainer to us.

Of course, your own opinion of the Lego Star Wars UCS Death Star will vary. For us, our thoughts are very much driven by the price: as much as we love Lego, a thousand dollars on one set feels like a step too far. Do we wish we had more disposable income so that we could buy it without worrying about the cost of it? Perhaps — but even then, we can't help but think there'd still be something more worthwhile we should be buying instead.

As the year comes to an end, it has us thinking: What are the best Lego Star Wars sets released throughout 2025? It’s been a pretty strong year for Lego Star Wars overall, with more than 30 sets released, covering a whole gamut of prices and sizes — including one record-breaking set. We'll get to that shortly, but no prizes for guessing which.

We've had not one but three Ultimate Collector's Series sets (the first time we've had that many in a single year since 2002), one of the cutest Lego Star Wars sets to date (Grogu with Hover Pram), a collection of BrickHeadz (Revenge of the Sith Heroes & Villains) and a few new Lego Star Wars helmets for the first time in two years. We've also had an influx of mid-sized display ships, some more unique display sets (K-2SO, we're looking at you), and a smattering of playsets.

2025 has been a great year to be a Lego Star Wars fan, then. But what have been the best sets of the year? It's hard to pick, honestly, but we've based our choices on uniqueness, value for money and design. We've also made sure to include sets covering all sizes and price ranges, so no matter how much shelf space or disposable income you have, our round-up of the best Lego Star Wars sets of 2025 should include something for you.

The best Lego Star Wars sets released in 2025

Jango Fett's Firespray-Class Starship

It wouldn't be right if we didn't have an Ultimate Collector's Series set in our round-up of the best Lego Star Wars sets so far this year. And in fact, this isn't the only one you'll find. Admittedly, we don't think Jango Fett's Firespray-Class Starship is the best UCS set ever released, but we can't deny that it's impressive nonetheless. Made up of 2,970 pieces, it's the biggest iteration of this style of starship we've had so far — and there have been a few.

If you picked up the Slave I UCS set, which retired a few years ago, you might think Jango Fett's Starship is a bit too familiar. It certainly looks similar, with a similar shape and design, but this one boasts more than 1,000 extra pieces, providing plenty of extra detail and a noticeably bigger build. Do you need to own both of them? Well, no. But that doesn't mean you won't want to. We love that it comes with a stand, too, making it easy to put on display and admire. It's worth fiddling with once in a while, though, thanks to all its moving parts and compartments.

The only thing we're slightly disappointed with is that it only has two minifigures. We'd have liked to have seen a larger collection here.

Gingerbread AT-AT Walker

Alright, including a holiday set as one of our favorite Lego Star Wars sets of 2025 might be an odd choice — but just look at the Gingerbread AT-AT Walker. It's a magnificent sight. It somehow manages to perfectly blend together the spirit of the festive season while also clearly capturing Star Wars fandom, and we just simply love it.

It's also excellent value for money: $60 for a 697-piece set feels like a real steal. It's no slouch, either: measuring nine inches in length, it's big enough to command attention without requiring too much of your shelf or desk space. Next to the rest of your holiday ornaments, we think it's absolutely perfect.

Let's not forget the gingerbread-colored Darth Vader minifigure that it comes with too. We adore unique minifigures, and you don't get more unique than this. We might have had plenty of AT-AT Walkers in the past, but none of them have been so delightfully decorated. It's unique, it's fun, and it's a set we're proud to have in our collection.

Brick-Built Star Wars Logo

With Lego releasing a brick-built Marvel Logo earlier this year, it's no surprise that they've followed up with a Star Wars logo to match. It's a similar size and, just like the Marvel Logo set, it's a great rendition, nailing the curvature of each letter of the logo perfectly.

There are some downsides compared to the Marvel Logo, however. That one comes with five minifigures, whereas this Lego Star Wars Logo doesn't feature any. It's not completely devoid of secrets, though: You'll find a hidden compartment at the top of the 'T': lift a piece away to find a tiny ship. It's neat, but we think we'd have preferred pop-out minifigures.

Still, as we said in our Lego Star Wars logo review, this is a great set to add to any Lego Star Wars collection — it will look fantastic standing behind a Millennium Falcon, or next to a range of Star Wars helmets.

• Read our full Lego Star Wars Logo review for more information.

Wicket the Ewok

We have a feeling that people are either going to love this set or hate it. We happen to be in the former camp: We think Wicket the Ewok is one of the best Lego Star Wars sets released in 2025. For a few reasons, really. One: Wicket is adorable. Two: We've never had a brick-built Wicket before. And three: It's just so unique.

Being made up of 1,010 pieces, it's not the largest set in the world, but it makes for a managable larger build, particularly if older kids are tackling this by themselves — and given the set's 12+ age rating, it's likely that they will. It is a little pricey given the amount of pieces here, though, so it might be wise to wait for Wicket to enter the sale.

Still, there's a lot to love, thanks to the texture given to the Ewok's fur — a tough feat to achieve with plastic bricks. Its face is unmistakably Wicket, and it even comes with a tiny Wicket minifigure to stand next to it. There's a UCS information plaque too, which makes it feel like more of a premium set.

Kylo Ren Helmet

When we first saw Lego Star Wars Kylo Ren helmet, we couldn't help but groan. We saw the silver markings on the face and assumed they must be stickers. We hate stickers. But it seems Lego heard our cries, because there isn't a single sticker in this set. You heard that right: Every marking here is entirely printed. We imagine that fact alone will make this a fairly sought-after model, simply because some of its pieces will be unique and exclusive to this set.

Love him or hate him, there's no denying that this model perfectly replicates Kylo Ren. We can almost hear Adam Driver's dulcet tones coming out of it. Like the rest of the helmets in the collection, this one is built atop a solid and sturdy stand, and it comes with a display plaque (printed with 'Kylo Ren') to attach to the front of it.

Chopper (C1-10P) Astromech Droid

We don't think Chopper is the most iconic droid in the Star Wars universe, but it is one of the cutest. This little model is adorable, although there's emphasis on the little — it's only 8.5 inches tall, which is a little smaller than we'd expect a droid to be. Still, made up of 1,039 pieces, it's still a sizeable build, and a great choice if you want something to sink your teeth into for a few hours.

There are some neat details on Chopper: His head can rotate, and you can adjust his antenna, pose his arms, move his legs and fold out a tool from his chest. You can even completely detach the arms and center wheel, which gives the appearance that they've been retracted into the droid's body. It's a shame that they don't actually retract into the body, but we imagine that would have made Chopper a much more expensive (and complex) set.

AT-AT Driver Helmet

We think the AT-AT Driver Helmet might just be one of our favorite Lego Star Wars helmets yet. Sure, this might not be the most iconic Star Wars character ever made — we're certainly not all sitting around thinking, "remember the iconic performance of AT-AT Driver #2 in The Empire Strikes Back?". Regardless, there's no denying this is one seriously cool helmet; one which packs in a lot more detail than your average Star Wars helmet.

It's a fun build, too, as we mentioned in our AT-AT Driver Helmet review. Thanks to the slightly different shape of the head and face, you'll need to employ some different building techniques, so even if you've built every helmet previously, this one will feel fresh. We also love the pop of color: The red accents stand out against the gray coloring of the helmet, making it much more eye-catching than most other sets in the series.

• Read our full review of the Lego Star Wars AT-AT Driver helmet to find out more.

• Read our full AT-AT Driver Helmet review for more details.

Acclamator-Class Assault Ship

There's an awful lot to like about the Lego Star Wars Acclamator-Class Assault Ship, but our favorite thing has to be its price point. Adult-focused sets that result in a wonderful display piece for under $50? More of this, please, Lego. The Acclamator-Class Assault Ship might not be very big — it's nine inches at its longest point — but it's perfectly formed, and despite its size, it still manages to include a lot of detail.

It features engines, a command tower, a bridge and a detailed tail. A smattering of red bricks and some printed patterns (no stickers!) give it a much-needed pop of color. We sung its praises in our Acclamator-Class Assault Ship review earlier this year: It's eye-catching, and it's not going to take up too much space on your desk or a shelf. What more could you want, really? We really hope we see more ships arrive on this scale in 2026.

• Read our Lego Star Wars Acclamator-Class Assault Ship review for more information.

• Read our full Lego Star Wars Acclamator-Class Assault Ship review for more information.

Grogu with Hover Pram

Who doesn't love Grogu? The adorable 'baby Yoda' as he's affectionately known is one of the best things to come from modern Star Wars, and so we welcome any Lego model of him. This isn't the first time we've had a brick-built Grogu, of course: the previous model, simply called The Child, is now retired. And this one isn't just Grogu: It also comes with his hover pram.

As much as we like the hover pram, it's a shame that the majority of the set is taken up with the pram itself. Grogu is fairly small in comparison, and although he's ridiculously cute, we think we'd have preferred a slightly bigger Grogu model. Still, as we talked about in our Lego Star Wars Grogu with Hover Pram review, there are some nice details here, like the frog Grogu can hold in his hand, and the fact that his head, ears and arms can move.

• Read our review of Lego Star Wars Grogu with Hover Pram for more details.

• Read our full review of Lego Star Wars Grogu with Hover Pram for more information.

Death Star

You didn't think we'd miss off the Ultimate Collector's Series Death Star, did you? Last but not least, this huge and expensive set is the most expensive set Lego has ever released. It's also the biggest Star Wars set in terms of piece count, and those two factoids alone make this seriously impressive. There's no way we could leave this off a list of the best Lego Star Wars sets released in 2025 on sheer merit alone.

But its price — an eye-watering $999.99 — likely means that many people simply won't be able to enjoy this set. We think it's just too expensive for a Lego set. It's also huge, and not many people are going to have enough space to display it. There's also the fact that it's not a full Death Star, but a cutaway section of it — all reasons we've discussed in detail in our article about why we won't buy the UCS Death Star.

And yet, we still find ourselves drawn to this magnificent set, even if it is ridiculous in a lot of ways. It's packed with minifigures (38 in total) and each section of the Death Star displays a key scene from the Star Wars movies: There's a throne room, a trash compactor, a hangar control room and a whole lot more. There's no denying it's a spectacular sight to behold.

It may seem like a dream, or an alternate reality, but HTC has just released loads of deals on its VR headsets this Black Friday. You can get virtually hundreds of dollars off with these HTC Vive Black Friday deals, and some are the lowest price we've ever seen online.

HTC makes some of the best VR headsets on the market, and some are in this sale. While Black Friday isn't until November 29, the brand has already launched offers on some of its models.

If you can't find what you're after here, check out our Black Friday 2024 deals page, which we update daily with all the latest discounts and offers.

The VIVE XR Elite is a VR headset we rate as the best for hybrid VR, meaning it has an excellent balance of virtual and augmented reality. The VIVE Pro 2 is simply stunning. It's the best high-res model for our money as it boasts 5k graphics, a wide field of view and it runs smoothly. VIVE are known for quality and reliability so the deals above are definitely worth considering.

While these are great savings on VIVE VR paraphernalia, keep in mind there is still time before November 29, so the discounts may change and even get better. We'll update this page with new offers, so you can see all the latest deals here.

For more deals on telescopes, cameras, binoculars, LEGO sets and more, check out our Black Friday 2024 deals page.

If you're on the hunt for a mirrorless camera then the attractive price of the Sony A7 IV might just be the thing that sells it to you. Although not listed as a deal, this camera is sitting at one of the lowest prices we've seen.

Save hundreds off the regular price of the Sony A7 IV at Walmart — it is currently for just $1,869.94.

We reviewed its predecessor Sony A7III and were huge fans, but this newer model produces beautiful 33MP images with an ISO sensitivity of 100 - 51,200 (extendable to 50 — 204,800) and can record 4K 60p video footage. It can focus down to a respectable EV -4. It shoots at up to 10FPS for RAW images and has two memory card slots for that bit of extra peace of mind.

We should mention that this deal is with a third-party seller, and you have until January 31st to make a return.

We haven't reviewed the A7 IV (instead opting to review the Sony A7R IV, but looking at its specs compared to the more affordable models we have reviewed (and we're big Sony camera fans anyway), we think it would be a fantastic camera for beginners with a healthy budget, to professionals that don't necessarily need one of the absolute best models.

This model is still over $2,000 at Amazon, and while that is a discounted price, it doesn't beat Walmart's bargain.

If you need 'all the gear' to accompany your new purchase, Adorama currently offers a bundle price of $2098. The bundle includes a memory card, backpack, and extra battery, although if you do the math, you can buy the camera at a much lower price at Walmart and choose your own accessories, still leaving change in your pocket.

Key specs: 33MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor. Continuous shooting of up to 10FPS RAW images. The ISO range is 100 - 51,200 (extendable to 50 - 204,800), and the autofocus range is down to EV -4. You can use it to shoot up to 4K 60p video, with the real-time eye autofocus for humans, animals and birds for photos and videos, you're more likely to capture that perfect shot.

Consensus: We recommend it for professional photographers who don't want or need the absolute top-of-the-range and beginners who are just starting out, especially at this relatively low price point.

✅ Buy if: You are ready to buy a camera with impressive specs at a more affordable price point than the newer models.

❌ Don't buy it if you are looking to use it for action or sports photography, as it may not be fast enough to capture the perfect fast-motion shot.

Alternative models: We've rounded up and tested some of the best Sony cameras, so check out our guide to see if a different model takes your fancy. We recommend the Sony A7R V if you're looking for something similar, or beginners and content creators with smaller budgets might want to opt for the Sony A6700.

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Here are the top space gifts from Amazon this Black Friday. If you're like us then you've been counting down the days until the Black Friday sales hit.

We've done the heavy lifting and rounded up the best deals that Amazon has to offer this Black Friday. We've found deals on everything from the best telescopes to the best binoculars and even a star projector.

If, like us, you're thinking about eyeing up space-themed gifts or items this Black Friday, then there's no way you'll want to pass up on these epic discounts. If however, you don't find something suitable below, you might want to take a look at our guides to the best Black Friday space gifts or our pages on the Black Friday deals at Walmart and Best Buy. But, for the best space gifts on Amazon this Black Friday, scroll down below.

Top early Black Friday space gift deals

Amazon has not disappointed this holiday season. They are back with another year of great savings for you. We are very excited to see deals on telescopes and more as some of our top picks are included in these deals.

The Celestron NexStar 4SE is on sale and if you need more information before purchasing this model, check out our Celestron NexStar 4SE review for everything you need to know.

How to save more money at Amazon

While it's true that Amazon is offering some of the best Black Friday discounts around, you can even more money by becoming an Amazon Prime member.

Amazon offers exclusive discounts and free shipping to Prime members. Aside from that, Prime members can also receive discounts on gas, GrubHub, and even on their prescriptions!

Check out our Black Friday 2024 deals page for a roundup of the best discounts and deals on telescopes, binoculars, cameras, star projectors, drones, lego and much more.

Looking for an alternative to Amazon this Black Friday? Walmart might just be the retailer for you.

While Black Friday isn't until November 29th, most retailers are already running sales — Walmart included. From streaming subscriptions to LEGO and telescopes, Walmart has hundreds of deals to take advantage of right now. If you have a Walmart+ membership, you can unlock early access to Black Friday deals and perks such as free shipping.

To save you the hassle of scrolling through pages and pages of offers, we've rounded up the top Black Friday space gifts at Walmart. We've also included examples of discounts from previous years so you know what to expect in 2024.

If you don't mind where you shop, check out our Black Friday 2024 deals page. We update it every day with the best offers on the internet.

Top Black Friday space gifts at Walmart

Black Friday is a great time to shop for presents for the space fans and skywatching enthusiasts in your life. Whether you want to surprise them with a telescope or a LEGO set, we've got you covered.

Below are the best space gift deals from Walmart this Black Friday.

Black Friday 2023 space deals from Walmart

Looking at previous years' deals, it's obvious Walmart is a great place to find discounted LEGO sets. We've rounded up some of the best Walmart offers from the last few editions of the shopping event.

Check out our Black Friday 2024 deals page for a roundup of the best discounts and deals on telescopes, binoculars, cameras, star projectors, drones, lego and much more.

Are you starting your Christmas shopping early, or are you just looking to surprise a space enthusiast? Here at Space.com, we've rounded up the top space gifts from Best Buy this Black Friday.

While the event itself isn't until Friday, November 29, Best Buy is one of many retailers to have started running Black Friday deals. It's also a great Amazon alternative for shoppers trying to avoid the platform.

From what we've seen so far, Best Buy offers plenty of early discounts on cameras, telescopes, LEGO sets, and more. We've also rounded up some of last year's Best Buy Black Friday deals so you can better understand what to expect.

Top early Black Friday space gift deals

If you're anti-Amazon, there's already a bunch of Best Buy Black Friday deals to be found on the retailer's website, including plenty of space gifts. Below are the top Black Friday space gifts from Best Buy you can get right now.

Best 2023 Black Friday space gift deals at Best Buy

Last year brought along some seriously impressive Black Friday deals from Best Buy. Below, you can find a selection of the best of 2023's deals, so you can get a good idea of what to expect as Friday the 29th draws near.

Check out our Black Friday 2024 deals page for a roundup of the best discounts and deals on telescopes, binoculars, cameras, star projectors, drones, lego and much more.

What is Cyber Monday, and how does it differ from Black Friday? Is one a better time to shop for deals than the other?

These are common and very valid questions. While the two shopping events can appear to merge into one big sales period, there are subtle differences to be aware of.

Black Friday occurs the day after Thanksgiving is celebrated in the US. This year, it falls on Friday, November 29 2024. Cyber Monday is the following Monday, December 2. Aside from the name and the day of the week, some retailers approach Black Friday and Cyber Monday slightly differently, discounting various brands and products throughout the weekend and the following week.

Regardless of when you shop, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great for bagging a deal on your wishlist items, from telescopes to cameras and binoculars to Lego space sets. We'll post all the best, genuine deals in Space.com's Black Friday Deals Hub.

What is Black Friday, and how did it start?

There are many theories and myths about the creation of Black Friday, but the term is believed to have first caught on in Philadelphia in the late 1950s when crowds traveled to the city to watch a football game and flooded stores.

In the 1980s, the phenomenon became national and global as more retailers began running sales on the day after Thanksgiving, opening for longer to enable more shoppers to make the most of the discounts.

We've all seen the pictures and videos from the mass hysteria Black Friday caused in the noughties. Hundreds of people would queue outside of stores waiting for them to open, and the frenzy that would ensue when doors opened: pushing, shoving, swearing, shouting and even pulling hair were commonplace to secure discounted TVs, designer clothes and various home goods.

Nowadays, Black Friday looks and feels a bit different. Because much of our shopping is now done online, deals have migrated to that: in addition to running in-store discounts, retailers like Best Buy or Walmart will have plenty of deals to snag on their websites. Amazon, the online shopping behemoth, is one of the front runners when it comes to Black Friday sales, hosting thousands of discounts over the shopping event.

As it tends to happen when money is involved, Black Friday also lasts longer. While shops started extending their hours into Thanksgiving Thursday and Friday night, it's now common to begin seeing Black Friday deals advertised a few weeks earlier than the event, in early November.

We've also seen the rise of 'Small Business Saturday' and 'Cyber Monday' (or even 'Cyber Week') as sales carry on past the weekend.

What is Cyber Monday, and how is it different?

Cyber Monday first emerged during the .com boom in the 2000s, when retailers noticed a spike in online orders on the Monday following Thanksgiving. The theory was that people window-shopped over the Black Friday weekend before making their purchases online. Before long, Cyber Monday sales were born, as retailers extended Black Friday discounts to encourage online shopping after the event.

When does Cyber Monday start? Well, that depends on the retailer. Some, like Amazon, start at 12:01 on the Saturday following Black Friday, while others wait until the weekend is over to switch from one event to the next.

Nowadays, both Black Friday and Cyber Monday tend to take place online and in-store, but while it feels like they have merged to create a month-long shopping event, there are slight differences in the deals they offer.

Black Friday vs Cyber Monday: Which has the best deals?

Traditionally, Cyber Monday is a chance for retailers to give deeper discounts on some products already reduced during the Black Friday sales. However, that is always a bit of a gamble to take, as by the time Monday comes around, some of these might have already sold out.

Perhaps because it started as a day when shoppers took the plunge after browsing during the Black Friday weekend, Cyber Monday also tends to be a good day to shop for appliances and white goods, which are generally bigger purchases. You may also find more deals on smaller items that don't get much attention during the Black Friday weekend, as retailers try to shift their stock.

While many retailers no longer differentiate between Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, some discount various brands or models at different times throughout the weekend. For example, last year, the Sony A7 III was $500 off at Amazon on Black Friday, an incredible discount on this slightly older camera. As Cyber Monday rolled around, you could find the newer Sony A7R IV with $200 off on the platform.

Because there's so much at play, if you see a great Black Friday/Cyber Monday deal at a price you're happy with, we'd recommend going for it (after doing your due diligence and checking it's a reliable offer, of course!). Waiting too long for a popular item may result in it selling out before you can bag it, but sometimes, you might find a cheaper price for something you've already bought.

When is Black Friday 2024? And Cyber Monday 2024?

Black Friday changes date every year, but it always falls on the Friday after US Thanksgiving. This year, it's on Friday, November 29, which means Cyber Monday 2024 is on Monday, December 2.

Where can I find the best Black Friday 2024 deals?

If you're looking to make the most of these shopping events, our Black Friday 2024 deals page is a good place to start. While the event hasn't officially started yet, we're already scouring the internet for the best deals we can find.

Whether you're looking for telescopes, binoculars, cameras, star projectors, drones, or Lego, make sure to check back in, as we're regularly updating the page with the latest discounts from reputable retailers.

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Many consumer rights and environmental activists are calling for people to avoid the Black Friday sales. The event has often made headlines for the wrong reasons, from mass hysteria and customers fighting for discounted items, to fraudulent products and scams.

After years of covering the shopping event, we know there are great Black Friday deals to take advantage of — and we work hard to bring them to your attention. That said, there's also plenty of deception occurring around that time, as some malignant organizations use dodgy marketing techniques to sell you fake products or even scam you out of your hard-earned money.

Below, we've rounded up the top 6 reasons not to buy in the Black Friday sales, as well as what you should do to navigate the event safely if you want to find the best Black Friday deals.

1. Bad deals

First and foremost, while there are always some great deals during Black Friday, you can expect to find some bad ones, too.

What do we mean by 'bad deal,' exactly? Well, some retailers artificially hike prices ahead of the event to then reduce them to their original price, making it look like you're getting a great discount when you're really just buying the product at a normal price. This often happens on platforms like Amazon, where individual sellers can increase or decrease prices as they see fit without much regulation.

What can you do to make sure you're getting a good deal? You could install a browser extension like Honey or Camelizer, which automatically checks a product's price history and tells you whether it's at its lowest or not. This will reveal whether the retailer has disingenuously increased the price ahead of Black Friday.

Alternatively, find a source you trust to only show you real Black Friday deals. Here at Space.com, we thoroughly research the offers we post, so you can be sure you're only being shown the best of the best. We have a dedicated Black Friday deals hub, where our team of researchers post all of the best deals. We will be working around the clock during annual sales events to make sure we show you everything worth your time (and money).

2. Fake products and 'dupes'

This one is fairly self-explanatory. Beware of sellers and retailers selling fake products that mimic big brands, or that produce cheap knock-offs. While they might cost you a lot less, and some might work ok, it's often the case that these 'dupes' are cheaply made and, therefore, break easily or stop working after a short time. They also might not come with a warranty, so if they break, there is nothing you can do about it.

To avoid buying a knock-off, check the product reviews, as these will likely tell you if the product is fake. If you're buying off platforms like Amazon, check whether you are buying from the brand itself rather than an individual seller who might be reselling fakes at a lower price.

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3. Scams

Aside from misleading prices and fake products, unfortunately, some Black Friday deals are just plain scams. While this isn't the case for the majority of online offers, some sellers will make the most of the fact customers are bombarded with discounts that run out quickly and are more likely to make impulse decisions as a result.

Falling for a scam deal may result in, at best, not getting what you've paid for or at worst, having your banking details or personal information stolen, so it's important to be extra vigilant if you're shopping during Black Friday. If you have one, pay with a credit card so you're more likely to get your money back in case something bad happens.

To avoid falling for a scam, stick to reputable retailers such as Best Buy, Walmart, Adorama, etc. If you are shopping on Amazon, check the seller's history, product catalog, and reviews — this might indicate their reliability. But more on this below.

4. Fake reviews

Speaking of reviews, unfortunately, you can't trust everything you read on the internet (but you can trust what you read on Space.com — our writers are experts and would never knowingly mislead you!). This applies to product and retailer reviews you read online: Some may be fake positive reviews bought or written by the seller to boost their products.

One clue to avoid this is to check for a 'verified buyer' sign next to the review, which indicates the review is legitimately from one of the brand's customers.

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5. Aggressive marketing tactics

While many people browse for great deals to shop for things they need on Black Friday, the hundreds of emails, texts and social media messages you will receive from retailers may lure you into buying things you didn't even want in the first place.

This, combined with flash sales, countdown banners, and push notifications, means you may be tricked into believing you have limited time to make the most of a deal and feel pressured into buying the product before you've had time to research or think.

The key thing to remember is while you might spot a deal too good to miss, chances are you can find it again (or a very similar one) at a future shopping event. Take the time to sleep on it, and you might find the deal doesn't look that good anymore.

6. The environmental impact

Of course, big shopping events like Black Friday have a very bad impact on the environment. Retailers encourage customers to buy as much as possible to increase their profit, which often means we end up buying more than we need.

That said, Black Friday is a great time to shop for something that's been on your wishlist for months or a high-quality product that's usually out of your budget. The products we recommend in our buying guides are all excellent quality, durable, and have a great warranty.

The bottom line

While there are pitfalls and things to avoid in the Black Friday sales, for many, it's a good time to secure the things you've been longing for at a cheaper price. The main thing is to not get carried away, make brash decisions, and buy more than you need.

Most of the time, if the price seems too good to be true, that's because it is. To find the most reliable Black Friday deals, check out our best Black Friday 2024 deals hub, which is regularly updated with the latest discounts and offers from trusted retailers.

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Our guide to the best space gifts for kids includes a range of items suited to youngsters with a growing interest in space. We've carefully selected items to cover all age groups, from picture books to telescopes.

Many of the items on this list have been tried and tested by our team of experts, so they come highly recommended. You'll find mini reviews of each item, along with pros and cons, as well as links to reputable retailers with the best prices currently available.

Whether you're shopping for a pre-schooler or teenager, there's something to suit in our guide to the best space gifts for kids. We've included one of the best telescopes for kids, one of the best Lego space sets and even one of the best star projectors. Nothing here is too expensive, so no matter your budget you should find something in your price range.

The quick list

The best space gifts for kids to buy in 2025

Best Lego set

We're always waxing lyrical about the Lego Creator 3-in-1 Space Astronaut set, and for good reason. This inexpensive set can be built in three ways: as an astronaut, as a space shuttle or as a space dog. However, the main model of the set, the Space Astronaut, is undoubtedly the star of the show.

While the astronaut isn't NASA or ESA branded, it's detailed enough to look realistic, so looks fantastic when it's built up. In our Space Astronaut review we praised the posability of the set: You can move its arms, legs and even its fingers to arrange them in the stance that you want. And since the Astronaut comes on its own sturdy stand, you don't need to worry too much about making sure it can stand up straight.

The build process here is fun, too. The Lego set is rated for ages 9 and above, but younger kids will be able to tackle this with a bit of help from an adult. Once it's built, it's something they can enjoy on their bedroom shelves for a long time to come.

• Read our full Lego Creator 3-in-1 Space Astronaut review for more information.

Best telescope

There's no better way to embrace a child's interest in space than by giving them their own telescope. The Celestron FirstScope 76 is a great telescope for beginners: it's inexpensive, easy to use, and due to the fact it can sit on any tabletop, it's very easy to set up.

Like the name FirstScope suggests, this has been designed to be someone's first scope. Take it out of the box and it's pretty much ready to go, making it ideal for kids to use unsupervised (or with minimal supervision). It's pretty lightweight at just 4.3lbs, but despite that its body feels robust so you don’t have to worry about it getting broken easily.

Of course, the views you're going to get through the FIrstScope 76 aren't going to compete with more expensive, advanced telescopes — but considering the price point here (around $70), it’s impossible to be disappointed. In our Celestron FirstScope 76 review, we noted that it's great for observing the Moon and its craters, along with other objects from our own solar system: We've been able to glimpse Jupiter alongside Saturn and its rings, for example.

• Read our full Celestron FirstScope 76 review.

Best binoculars

While the Celestron Cometron binoculars are not designed for kids — they're general-use astronomy binoculars — they are one of our favorite pairs for beginners and, therefore, make an excellent gift for kids just getting into space and stargazing for the first time.

Of course, binoculars don't allow you to get quite as close to the stars as a telescope does, but we think these binos are a great choice for backyard astronomy, allowing for some great views of the moon and other close celestial bodies. Since they're lightweight, kids will have no problem keeping hold of them, and there's no need to worry about needing a tripod to steady them.

Included in the box of the Celestron Cometron 7x50 binoculars is a carry case, eyepiece and lens covers, a lens cloth and instruction manual. They're good to go as soon as you take them out of the box: No set-up required!

• Read our full review of the Celestron Cometron 7x50 binoculars for more information.

Best book

Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 by Brian Floca was first released in 2009, to coincide with Apollo 11's 40th anniversary. This newer version of the book, released in 2019, has been expanded upon for Apollo 11’s 50th anniversary.

This version provides new information about the mission as well as extra details about the team members who worked on the mission from the ground. It's the best version of the book, and provides a great, if basic, overview of the Apollo 11 mission.

It's aimed at young children, so don't expect to find the most in-depth retelling of the Apollo 11 mission. It's brought to life with gorgeous, full-color illustrations which are a joy to behold by themselves. Apollo 11 is covered in full, from preparation all the way to Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins arriving back on Earth, and provides a great primer for young children, who might then want to know more.

The front and back endpapers of the book include more detailed information aimed at adults and older kids, including a fuller story of Apollo 11, as well as a breakdown of the spacecraft itself. But the real focus is on the illustrations and main story, which is written like prose, making it ideal for young children and parents to read together.

Best star projector

One of the best space gifts for kids just has to be a space projector. These little gadgets can bring the majesty of the night sky indoors, onto any bedroom or living room wall or ceiling. For kids, they can provide an excellent introduction to the stars, and this Brainstorm Deep Space Home Planetarium is designed especially to be an educational tool.

There are plenty of star projectors on the market, but this is one of our favorites for kids. Suited to ages six and above, it comes with changeable discs that feature official NASA imagery of nebulas, the Moon, spacecrafts and planets. It's not scientifically accurate, but it's still a good tool for learning.

In our Brainstorm Deep Space Home Planetarium review, we noted that the projector needs to be controlled manually, giving kids a more hands-on approach to using it. We really like that aspect, and think it's helpful to keeping children more engaged with it for longer. For a reasonable price tag, we think this is an excellent space gift for kids, particularly given its educational benefits.

• Read our full Brainstorm Deep Space Home Planetarium review.

Best rocket

If you want a space gift that encourages them to get outside and have some fun, this National Geographic Rocket Launcher might be a good idea. Containing everything you need in the box to perform your own miniature rocket launch, it promises to fly up to 200 feet in the air, which is some seriously impressive height.

Okay, it's not quite going to get you to the moon, but launching a rocket of any height is thrilling, especially for younger children. This motorized rocket comes with a rechargeable battery so you can use it multiple times, and once it's charged it's a simple case of setting it up on its launch stand and pressing a button to see it soar into the air.

You'll need to ensure you're launching on a still day without much wind, though: This is a very light rocket and just a small amount of wind will affect the flight of the rocket. Because of how light it is, it's also a bit delicate, so you'll need to be careful with it to keep it in good condition.

It helps that the Rocket Launcher comes with a propeller on the base of it which helps it land safely without simply crashing back to Earth. Just make sure you're launching it from a fairly open space: you don't want it getting stuck in a neighbor's tree!

Best Space Gifts For Kids FAQs

How we test

The gift ideas on this list are all rather different from one another, and each one has been reviewed and assessed by a relevant expert. Each item has been assessed for its suitability for children: we've considered how easy each one is to use, whether adult supervision will be required, and whether it's sturdy enough to be used by kids.

We've also considered the price of each item: Does it offer good value for money? We've selected items that offer a good balance between value and user-friendliness in order to find the best space gifts for kids. We've also been sure to choose a selection of items that have both educational and entertainment purposes, offering extra value to children and their parents.