The Two Biggest Shopping Events of the Year
Every November, shoppers brace for the one-two punch of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Together, these events mark the unofficial start of holiday shopping season and feature genuine discounts across nearly every category. But knowing which event is better for which type of purchase can save you even more.
What Is Black Friday?
Black Friday falls on the day after Thanksgiving in the United States and has spread globally. Originally an in-store event, it now runs online for days or even weeks. Retailers use this period to move large inventory volumes and attract holiday shoppers early.
What Is Cyber Monday?
Cyber Monday was coined in the mid-2000s to capture the surge in online shopping that happened the Monday after Thanksgiving, when workers returned to their office computers. Today it's a massive online-only event that often extends into "Cyber Week."
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | Black Friday | Cyber Monday |
|---|---|---|
| TVs & Large Electronics | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best | ⭐⭐⭐ Good |
| Laptops & Computers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best |
| Software & Subscriptions | ⭐⭐⭐ Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best |
| Clothing & Fashion | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great |
| Toys & Games | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best | ⭐⭐⭐ Good |
| Travel Deals | ⭐⭐⭐ Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great |
| Kitchen & Appliances | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best | ⭐⭐⭐ Good |
Tips to Get the Most Out of Both Events
Before the Sales Begin
- Build a wish list early. Research the items you want and note current prices so you can spot real discounts versus inflated "original" prices.
- Set price alerts. Use tools like Google Shopping or CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon) to track price history.
- Sign up for retailer emails. Many stores send exclusive early-access codes to email subscribers.
During the Sales
- Shop early — the best doorbuster deals sell out fast, even online.
- Compare the same product across multiple retailers simultaneously.
- Don't buy something just because it's on sale — stick to your wish list.
- Check return policies, especially for gifts bought weeks before the holidays.
After Cyber Monday
Don't stop shopping after Cyber Monday. Many retailers run "Cyber Week" deals through the end of November, and some of the deepest clearance discounts appear in mid-December when retailers are anxious to move remaining holiday inventory.
The Truth About "Fake" Discounts
Not every Black Friday deal is the bargain it appears to be. Some retailers inflate the "original" price weeks before the sale to make the markdown look impressive. Always verify a product's price history before celebrating a deal — tools like price trackers and comparison engines make this easy.
Bottom Line
If you're after big-screen TVs, appliances, or toys, Black Friday is usually your best bet. For software, subscriptions, and online-exclusive tech, Cyber Monday often wins. The smartest shoppers prepare early, compare prices, and stay disciplined about only buying what they actually need.