Every year, shoppers ask the same question: Should I shop on Black Friday or wait for Cyber Monday? In 2025, the answer depends on what you’re buying and where you’re buying.
Black Friday, happening on November 28, 2025, has traditionally been about in-store doorbusters and early online deals. Cyber Monday, on December 1, 2025, is now more than just one day—it’s a full weekend of online-exclusive discounts.
To help you decide, we’ve compared Black Friday vs Cyber Monday by category and by store. By the end, you’ll know which day offers the deepest savings for your shopping list.
Electronics: Laptops, TVs, and Gaming Consoles
Electronics remain the biggest draw for Black Friday. Major retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, and Target compete with Amazon to offer record-low prices on laptops, TVs, headphones, and gaming consoles.
- Black Friday Advantage
- Expect huge doorbuster TV deals (think 65″ 4K TVs under $300).
- Gaming bundles (PlayStation 5 or Xbox with free games or gift cards) often drop first on Black Friday.
- Apple products—like AirPods, iPads, and older-gen MacBooks—see aggressive markdowns.
- Cyber Monday Advantage
- Better for laptops and monitors. Retailers often drop additional discounts on models that didn’t sell on Black Friday.
- Online-exclusive deals on smaller tech (wireless keyboards, chargers, smart home devices).
- Flash sales that change every few hours on Amazon and Newegg.
Verdict: Buy TVs and gaming consoles on Black Friday, but wait for Cyber Monday if you’re after laptops, monitors, or accessories.
Home & Kitchen Appliances
Home Depot, Lowe’s, Costco, and Macy’s all make appliances a centerpiece of Black Friday. But Cyber Monday has gained ground for small appliances and cookware.
- Black Friday Advantage
- Deep discounts on major appliances: refrigerators, washers, dryers, and ranges.
- Bundle deals—buy more, save more—especially at Lowe’s and Home Depot.
- Instant rebates and free delivery are common.
- Cyber Monday Advantage
- Best for small appliances like blenders, coffee machines, and air fryers.
- Retailers use Cyber Monday to clear inventory of gadgets that didn’t move during Black Friday.
- Amazon tends to dominate with Lightning Deals on kitchen tech.
Verdict: Go Black Friday for large appliances, Cyber Monday for small appliances and cookware.
Clothing and Fashion
Fashion deals are spread across both events, but the type of discounts differ.
- Black Friday Advantage
- Department stores like Macy’s, Kohl’s, and JCPenney slash prices up to 60% on coats, shoes, and accessories.
- Doorbuster coupons and stackable Kohl’s Cash make in-store shopping especially attractive.
- Winter apparel tends to sell out fast, so shopping early pays off.
- Cyber Monday Advantage
- Better for online-only brands (ASOS, Shein, Nordstrom online, Amazon Fashion).
- Flash codes like “EXTRA 30% OFF” appear only on Cyber Monday.
- Free shipping promotions are more common.
Verdict: Buy winter coats and footwear on Black Friday, save fashion splurges and online-only brands for Cyber Monday.
Toys and Kids’ Items
Parents often plan their holiday shopping around toys. Timing matters here.
- Black Friday Advantage
- Toy sections at Walmart and Target feature early doorbusters on popular items like Lego sets, Barbie, and Nerf.
- In-store stock tends to sell out fast, making early shopping critical.
- Cyber Monday Advantage
- Retailers restock or drop new online-exclusive deals on toys.
- Smaller brands and niche educational toys are more likely to discount online.
- Amazon often runs “Deal of the Day” promos on popular children’s toys.
Verdict: Buy must-have toys on Black Friday (to secure stock), then check Cyber Monday for add-on deals or second-tier gifts.
Beauty and Personal Care
Beauty is one category where Cyber Monday now shines.
- Black Friday Advantage
- Ulta and Sephora drop early Black Friday sales, often including holiday gift sets.
- Big-box stores bundle beauty tools (hair dryers, curling irons, shavers).
- Cyber Monday Advantage
- Online retailers roll out sitewide discounts, such as 20-30% off entire beauty lines.
- Exclusive online gift sets and deluxe samples with purchase.
- Subscription boxes (Birchbox, Glossybox) often save their best promotions for Cyber Monday.
Verdict: Cyber Monday is stronger for beauty deals, though Black Friday offers solid gift sets in stores.
Travel and Experiences
More people are gifting experiences instead of things, and retailers know it.
- Black Friday Advantage
- Airlines and hotel chains sometimes release early vouchers, but they’re limited.
- Costco Travel and Sam’s Club may bundle vacation packages with gift card bonuses.
- Cyber Monday Advantage
- The real deals drop on Cyber Monday: airlines, booking sites (Expedia, Booking.com), and hotel chains like Marriott and Hilton.
- Cruise lines and tours often launch flash sales lasting just 24–48 hours.
- Discounts can reach 40–50% off if you book during Cyber Week.
Verdict: Cyber Monday dominates travel deals, with broader selection and deeper discounts.
Black Friday vs Cyber Monday: Quick Comparison by Category
| Category | Best Day to Shop |
| TVs & Gaming | Black Friday |
| Laptops & Monitors | Cyber Monday |
| Major Appliances | Black Friday |
| Small Appliances | Cyber Monday |
| Clothing (In-Store) | Black Friday |
| Online Fashion | Cyber Monday |
| Toys (Hot Items) | Black Friday |
| Toys (Restocks) | Cyber Monday |
| Beauty | Cyber Monday |
| Travel | Cyber Monday |
Shopping Strategies for 2025
- Plan Ahead with Wish Lists
Add items to your online carts now. Many retailers show price changes automatically when sales go live. - Use Membership Perks
- Walmart+ and Target Circle offer early access.
- Amazon Prime members get faster shipping and access to Lightning Deals.
- Don’t Wait Too Long
Doorbusters on Black Friday are designed to sell out quickly. If it’s a must-have item, buy it immediately. - Stack Discounts
Use coupons, cashback apps, and store credit offers to maximize savings. - Check Return Policies
Both Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals are often final sale. Read the fine print before buying.
Final Verdict
Both Black Friday and Cyber Monday will be packed with deals in 2025, but the better day depends on what you’re buying.
- Shop Black Friday for big-ticket electronics, in-store fashion, and major appliances.
- Wait for Cyber Monday if you’re after laptops, small gadgets, beauty, travel, and fashion from online-only brands.
The smartest shoppers don’t pick one or the other—they take advantage of both. With sales now starting in early November and running through Cyber Week, 2025 offers more opportunities than ever to save.