Are you ready to find the best deals but wondering if Black Friday or Cyber Monday will offer you the best savings? These two shopping days are prime opportunities for discounts, with millions of shoppers tuning in each year.
According to the National Retail Federation, more than 186 million people shopped during Black Friday weekend, and Cyber Monday hit record sales, surpassing $11 billion in just one day.
With each day offering unique discounts and catering to different shopping styles, knowing where and when to shop can make a huge difference in what you save. This Black Friday vs Cyber Monday guide will break down the best deals for each day and show you how to align your strategy to maximize discounts on everything from electronics to apparel.
Get ready to make the most of your holiday shopping!
Black Friday
Black Friday marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season and is known for steep discounts, particularly on big-ticket items. Traditionally an in-store shopping event, Black Friday has expanded over the years to include substantial online deals, making it accessible to more shoppers.
Deal Type: Black Friday is famous for high-value discounts on items like electronics, large appliances, and furniture. It’s ideal for those looking to make big purchases at a fraction of the regular price, especially for products that typically come with a higher price tag.
Popular Retailers: Major retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon, and Target offer both in-store and online deals on Black Friday. The day is characterized by exclusive, limited-time offers and, often, early bird specials to entice shoppers.
Cyber Monday
Cyber Monday started as an online shopping alternative to Black Friday, targeting consumers who preferred digital deals. It has since evolved into one of the biggest online shopping days of the year, with brands focusing heavily on online promotions, especially for tech accessories, fashion, and digital services.
Deal Type: Cyber Monday offers online-exclusive discounts across various categories, often with a focus on tech accessories, fashion, and digital services. If you’re looking for online-only deals and enjoy the convenience of shopping from home, Cyber Monday is your day.
Popular Retailers: Cyber Monday’s deals are led by online giants like Amazon, along with specialized e-commerce platforms and tech retailers like Newegg and Dell. Discounts are typically site-wide, and there are often deals on popular software and digital subscriptions.
Pro Tip: For the best results, plan ahead by creating a list of items you want and checking for pre-sale teasers to see which day might offer the better deal. Black Friday is excellent for in-store shopping and major purchases, while Cyber Monday is perfect for tech, fashion, and digital finds. By knowing the strengths of each day, you can tailor your shopping strategy and save more on your holiday purchases.
Key differences between Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Use this comparison to align your shopping list with the most fitting day. If you’re after electronics or furniture, Black Friday is generally better, while Cyber Monday is ideal for fashion and tech accessories.
| Feature | Black Friday | Cyber Monday |
| Primary Deals | Electronics, appliances, home goods | Tech gadgets, fashion, beauty, subscriptions |
| Shopping Format | In-store and online | Primarily online |
| Best For | Big-ticket items like TVs, appliances | Smaller tech gadgets, apparel, and online services |
| Discount Type | Limited-time markdowns and doorbusters | Site-wide sales and promo codes |
| Retailer Focus | Large retail stores like Walmart, Best Buy | Online retailers and e-commerce platforms |
What’s typically on sale?
By focusing on the categories each day specializes in, you can target deals that best fit your needs. This strategy not only saves time but also ensures you don’t miss out on category-specific discounts.
Knowing what items are typically discounted on each day can help you prioritize. Here’s a detailed breakdown of popular categories, so you can decide when to shop.
Black Friday Deals
- Electronics and Appliances: Black Friday is ideal for discounts on big-ticket items like TVs, laptops, and major appliances. Expect doorbuster deals on items from brands like Samsung, LG, and Sony.
- Home Goods: Items like vacuum cleaners, cookware, and furniture often see deep discounts. Retailers such as Home Depot and Wayfair frequently run sales.
- Outdoor and Sporting Goods: Bikes, camping gear, and fitness equipment often see discounts, as retailers aim to clear seasonal inventory.
Cyber Monday Deals
- Tech Accessories and Gadgets: Cyber Monday tends to have the edge on smaller tech items, such as headphones, smartwatches, and tablets. Retailers like Newegg and Amazon focus heavily on this.
- Fashion and Beauty: Many online fashion retailers offer site-wide discounts, often combined with additional promo codes and free shipping.
- Digital Subscriptions and Services: Cyber Monday is an excellent time to purchase online subscriptions, including streaming, software, and fitness services.
How to get the best deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Each day has specific techniques to help you grab the best deals. Here’s how to make the most of each shopping event.
Black Friday Action Plan
- Check Sneak Peek Ads and Start Early
Stores like Walmart and Target release “sneak peek” ads days or even weeks in advance. Planning early lets you spot which in-store deals are worth going for. - Create a Shopping Map
For in-store deals, especially in larger stores, make a map of the layout to find items quickly. This approach saves time and ensures you get items before they sell out. - Sign Up for Store Loyalty Programs
Many stores offer additional Black Friday discounts or early access for loyalty members. Signing up early can give you an edge.
Cyber Monday Action Plan
- Bookmark Sites and Set Alerts
Setting up alerts on price-tracking apps like Honey or PriceGrabber lets you monitor price drops. Bookmark the items you’re interested in, so you’re ready to buy when deals start. - Use Multiple Promo Codes
Many online stores allow you to stack promo codes on Cyber Monday. Look for additional discount codes on sites like RetailMeNot to maximize savings. - Focus on Limited-Time Flash Sales
Cyber Monday often features short-term flash sales. Setting alarms for specific times can help you grab deals before they expire.
Pro Tip: For both days, check return policies before purchasing, especially on large items. Some stores may have stricter policies for discounted items.
Black Friday vs Cyber Monday discounts: Which day offers the best savings?
Use this guide to plan your purchases based on item type. If tech accessories or apparel are on your list, waiting for Cyber Monday could maximize savings. Certain categories consistently perform better on one day over the other. Here’s a closer look at how discounts compare by item type.
Electronics and Appliances
- Best Day: Black Friday
- Why: Big-box stores aim to clear large electronics early in the season. Discounts on TVs, washers, and refrigerators are often best on Black Friday.
Fashion and Apparel
- Best Day: Cyber Monday
- Why: Cyber Monday leans heavily on fashion deals, with online stores offering deep discounts on clothing, accessories, and winter wear.
Tech Gadgets and Accessories
- Best Day: Cyber Monday
- Why: Smaller tech items such as earbuds, smartwatches, and tablets are discounted more on Cyber Monday, as retailers use this day to clear out their tech inventory.
Timing Tips: Maximizing your shopping strategy
Shopping strategically on Black Friday and Cyber Monday can help you avoid common pitfalls and find the best prices.
Black Friday Tips
- Go In-Store for Doorbusters: Many of the steepest discounts are available only in-store. Arriving early can ensure you’re able to grab these limited-stock items.
- Use Store Pickup Options: For online Black Friday deals, opt for in-store pickup to skip long shipping times and avoid crowds.
Cyber Monday Tips
- Stay Online and Take Advantage of Digital Deals: Since Cyber Monday is primarily online, you can avoid the crowds altogether. Look out for bundled digital product deals and limited-time flash sales.
- Sign Up for Free Shipping: Many retailers offer free shipping codes on Cyber Monday, which can further reduce your overall cost.
Pros and Cons: Black Friday vs Cyber Monday
Use the pros and cons to decide if you’re comfortable shopping in-store on Black Friday or if Cyber Monday’s online convenience is more appealing for your needs.
| Shopping Day | Pros | Cons |
| Black Friday | – Ideal for electronics and big-ticket items | – Crowds and long lines at stores |
| – Early access to holiday season deals | – Limited stock on certain popular items | |
| – Great for large electronics and appliances | ||
| Cyber Monday | – Convenient online shopping, ideal for smaller tech | – Some items may be out of stock from Black Friday |
| – Often offers site-wide and promo code discounts | – May not have deep discounts on large appliances | |
| – Great for fashion, beauty, and subscriptions |
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right day to shop Black Friday or Cyber Monday can make a difference in both savings and convenience. Black Friday is your go-to for electronics, appliances, and in-store deals, while Cyber Monday shines with online discounts on tech accessories, fashion, and digital services.
Ultimately, having a list, setting alerts, and timing your purchases are all essential to maximizing your savings on both days. Plan ahead, set a budget, and get ready to shop smart for the best deals of the season!