Cyber Monday vs. Black Friday: Tips for finding the best deals
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Key takeaways:
At this point, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are practically Thanksgiving holiday traditions. One has people lining up with coffee in hand before sunrise, the day after Thanksgiving. The other lets you shop in pajamas while nibbling on a cookie (or some leftover turkey!) the following Monday. Both can lead to big savings.
The real question every year is the same: Shop early or wait for Monday? Each day has its perks. Let’s see how these shopping days work.
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Best deals by category
Black Friday still has bragging rights when it comes to major electronics and household items. Cyber Monday, though, has made a name for itself in the digital space, especially for smaller gadgets and online exclusives. Here are some of the deals you can expect to find.
TVs and big electronics. Black Friday usually wins here, with 30-50% off big brands like Samsung and LG.
Laptops and tablets. Both days deliver, but you’ll find bundles on Black Friday and surprise flash codes online on Cyber Monday.
Small tech and accessories. Cyber Monday wins here with deals on headphones, watches, and smart home gadgets.
Clothing and shoes. Fashion retailers go all-in online with extra codes, sitewide sales, and free shipping galore on Cyber Monday.
Home and kitchen. From air fryers to vacuums, Black Friday’s the moment to upgrade your home and kitchen.
Toys and games. Black Friday is toy central. If your kid’s wishlist is long, that’s the day to jump.
Subscriptions and apps. Cyber Monday is perfect for gifting Spotify, Hulu, or a new learning app at half off.
💡 One great rule of thumb: If it’s heavy or needs delivery, shop on Friday. If it fits in a box (or better yet, downloads instantly), wait for Monday.
What makes Black Friday stand out
Even as more people shop online, Black Friday still has that buzzing holiday season energy. You can almost hear the carts rolling before the doors open. Here’s what Black Friday has become known for:
Sales start early, sometimes Thanksgiving night, both in stores and online.
Doorbusters are still around, though quantities are smaller now.
It’s the best time for deep discounts on big-ticket items.
Some stores will combine their own deals with manufacturer deals.
If you're part of any loyalty programs, you may get early access and extra perks.
Bundling purchases (like a TV and soundbar combo) can give you even more savings.
If you’re the type who likes to research and plan your buys, Black Friday rewards you for it.
What makes Cyber Monday special
Cyber Monday is known for online and digital sales. It’s the perfect shopping day for those who’d rather scroll than stand in line. Some things to know about Cyber Monday:
Almost every major retailer participates in Cyber Monday, from Amazon to small online shops.
Deals can change by the hour, especially on gadgets and small tech.
Stacked promo codes can make online shopping deals even better.
You can expect markdowns on gifts like earbuds, tablets, and accessories.
Shipping promos or cash-back offers are common.
Flash sales keep things interesting throughout the day.
And if you miss something, many stores now extend it into “Cyber Week.”
Cyber Monday is built for multitaskers: parents working, kids at school, and checkout tabs open in between.
7 ways to get the best of both deal days
You don’t have to pick one day over the other. The real wins come from knowing what you want before the sales hit. Try these tips to take advantage of the best deals out there.
Set a budget and stick with it. It’s too easy to get swept up in “limited-time” deals.
Make a list early and track prices to know what’s actually a bargain.
Use browser extensions to spot coupon codes automatically.
Subscribe to brand emails for early-access alerts.
Compare stores before checking out.
Keep your receipts in case of a price drop later.
Let kids join in on holiday shopping by managing their own spending goals with Greenlight.
The best part is, you don’t have to choose just one shopping day. Black Friday is perfect if you want to get out of the house, take advantage of a few deals, and really experience that start-of-the-holiday-season energy. Then, Cyber Monday is a few days later, perfect for when you feel like shopping from the couch with a blanket, a snack, and zero crowds.
Want to budget as a family? Teach your kids essential budgeting skills with Greenlight’s award-winning educational money app. Try Greenlight, one month, risk-free.†
By: Alyssa Andreadis
Alyssa Andreadis is a writer with more than 25 years of marketing experience and is passionate about helping families feel confident with money. She’s written hundreds of articles on personal finance, parenting, and financial literacy. A single mom raising three money-smart teens, Alyssa brings a real-life perspective to her work. She lives in Pennsylvania and always has a knitting project in progress.
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