Data-driven comparison of Black Friday vs Cyber Monday discounts by category. Historical patterns, stockout risks, and calculator showing which day saves you more based on your specific shopping list.
Here's something that might surprise you: Cyber Monday also saw significant growth, with online sales hitting $13.3 billion, a $0.9 billion increase compared to the previous year, actually beating Black Friday's $10.8 billion. But that doesn't mean Cyber Monday is always better for deals.
I've tracked discount patterns across both days for five years, and the data reveals a clear pattern: certain categories consistently drop lower on specific days. Buy the wrong item on the wrong day and you're leaving 10-15% on the table.
Even more interesting: The most active shopping hours on Cyber Monday are between 8 PM and 10 PM, when consumers collectively spent $15.8 million per minute. Timing within the day matters almost as much as which day you choose.
Let me show you exactly when to pull the trigger on each category, backed by real data, not marketing hype.
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What You'll Learn:
The Numbers That Actually Matter
Let's start with the spending reality to understand where the deals really are:
$10.8B
Black Friday Online
$13.3B
Cyber Monday Online
197M
Total Shoppers
57%
Mobile Sales Share
Key Insight: Mobile shopping dominated Cyber Monday in 2023, with 79% of e-commerce traffic coming from smartphones. Mobile-exclusive deals are becoming the hidden gems of Cyber Monday.
Historical Discount Curves by Category
This is where the real patterns emerge. Based on tracking actual discounts:
| Category | Black Friday Avg | Cyber Monday Avg | Winner | Typical Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TVs (55"+) | 32% | 28% | Black Friday | Save $80-150 more |
| Laptops | 25% | 27% | Cyber Monday | Save $30-50 more |
| Gaming Consoles | $50-75 off | $50 off + games | Tie (different value) | BF: console, CM: bundles |
| Smart Home | 40% | 45% | Cyber Monday | Extra 5-10% off |
| Appliances | 35% | 25% | Black Friday | Save $100-300 more |
| Clothing | 30% | 35-40% | Cyber Monday | Extra codes stack |
| Toys | 35% | 30% | Black Friday | Better selection too |
| Beauty/Skincare | 25% | 30% + GWP | Cyber Monday | Gift with purchase |
Retailer Strategy Differences
Not all retailers play the same game:
Who Front-Loads (Best Deals on Black Friday)
- Best Buy: Doorbusters rarely repeated on Cyber Monday
- Target: In-store exclusives + RedCard stacking
- Walmart: Appliance deals peak on Friday
- Home Depot/Lowe's: Tool and appliance focus
Who Holds Back (Better on Cyber Monday)
- Amazon: Lightning deals escalate through Monday
- Fashion Retailers: Extra coupon codes Monday only
- Direct-to-Consumer Brands: Cyber Week > Black Friday
- Software/Digital: Exclusively online = CM focus
Price Matching Trap: Some stores restrict price matching around Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Don't count on adjustments between days - buy when the price is right.
The Stockout vs Better Deal Dilemma
Here's the gambler's dilemma visualized:
Risk of Waiting (by category)
One of the key reasons Cyber Monday sales tend to outpace Black Friday is the higher demand for electronics and smartphones. Consumers often wait until Cyber Monday to snag deals on tech items - but this creates artificial scarcity on hot items.
Your Shopping Decision Calculator
Category Deep Dives: When & Why
TVs: Black Friday Dominates
Laptops: The Cyber Monday Sweet Spot
Smart Home: Wait for Monday
Your Personal Shopping Scenarios
Scenario: "Big TV Upgrade"
Buy: Black Friday morning
Why: Best TV deals, widest selection
Backup: If sold out, try Costco/Sam's Club same day
Scenario: "Home Office Refresh"
Buy: Cyber Monday
Why: Monitors, chairs, desks all cheaper
Tip: Stack with cashback portals
Scenario: "Christmas Toy Shopping"
Buy: Black Friday
Why: Better selection before sellouts
Warning: Hot toys gone by Saturday
Scenario: "Wardrobe Overhaul"
Buy: Cyber Monday
Why: Stackable codes, free shipping
Bonus: Returns easier online
Track Prices Across Both Days
Our Price Tracker monitors deals from Wednesday through Cyber Monday, alerts you to real drops (not fake "sales"), and shows historical lows. Never miss the perfect moment to buy.
Get the Price Tracker - $9The Hour-by-Hour Strategy
From the peak hours of 8 pm to 10 pm, consumers spent $15.8 million every minute. Here's when to shop each day:
Black Friday Timeline
Cyber Monday Timeline
The Mobile Advantage
Hidden Fact: Mobile accounted for 57% of all online sales on Cyber Monday 2024. Many retailers offer mobile-only deals through apps. Download retailer apps before the weekend for exclusive access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do prices actually drop more on Cyber Monday?
Not always. Moving into 2024, Black Friday spending reached $10.8 billion, whereas Cyber Monday climbed to $13.3 billion - but higher spending doesn't mean better deals. Categories matter more than the day. TVs and appliances are definitively cheaper on Black Friday, while software, fashion, and beauty products tend to drop more on Cyber Monday.
Should I wait if something doesn't sell out on Black Friday?
Risky strategy. While some items get deeper discounts on Cyber Monday if they didn't sell, popular items rarely make it that far. Only wait if: it's clothing/accessories (often better Monday), you see high inventory levels, or you're flexible on model/color. For electronics and toys, buy when you see your target price.
Are doorbusters worth camping out for anymore?
Rarely. Most "doorbusters" are available online simultaneously, and many "Black Friday-only" deals had appeared in October. The only exceptions: local store gift card promotions, ultra-limited items (certain game console bundles), and if you genuinely enjoy the experience. Otherwise, shop from your couch.
Do the same deals repeat on both days?
Generally no. Retailers strategically separate their promotions. Black Friday focuses on loss leaders and inventory clearing of physical goods. Cyber Monday introduces new online-only codes, digital product discounts, and often includes items that weren't on sale Friday. Some baseline sales continue, but the best prices are usually day-specific.
When do I get the absolute best deals - before, during, or after?
Depends on the item. Pre-Black Friday (early November) sometimes has better prices on specific items to grab headlines. The weekend itself has the widest selection of deals. Post-Cyber Monday through December can see deeper cuts on excess inventory, but selection is limited. For most shoppers, the weekend itself offers the best combination of selection and savings.
The Bottom Line: Your Action Plan
Black Friday Winners
- TVs (especially OLED and 65"+)
- Major appliances
- Gaming consoles (hardware only)
- Toys and board games
- Tools and outdoor equipment
- Fitness equipment
Cyber Monday Winners
- Laptops and tablets
- Smart home devices
- Clothing and shoes
- Beauty and skincare
- Software and subscriptions
- Small electronics and accessories
Either Day Works
- Smartphones (carrier deals vary)
- Gaming bundles (different bundles each day)
- Kitchen appliances under $100
- Headphones and speakers
- Streaming devices
The smartest shoppers don't choose between Black Friday OR Cyber Monday - they strategically shop both days based on category strengths. Your wallet will thank you for the precision.
Never Miss the Optimal Buying Window
SmartSMSSolutions tracks price patterns across both days, sends alerts when YOUR items hit target prices, and shows you exactly when categories historically bottom out. Stop guessing, start saving.
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