Cyber Monday vs. Black Friday: Which One Is Better?

If you’re a deal-hunter, Cyber Monday and Black Friday probably have permanent spots on your calendar. Both Thanksgiving-based sales blitzes, these two events offer deals and discounts for all kinds of items.

But which one has the better deals? And is there a benefit to participating in both? Here’s your guide to Cyber Monday versus Black Friday.

Cyber Monday and Black Friday are two of the largest sales events of the year — but they aren’t one and the same. Here are nine factors that make these two shopping events distinct:

So, when is Cyber Monday and Black Friday? Black Friday happens the Friday after Thanksgiving, and Cyber Monday is the following Monday. But many retailers have deals and promotions over the entire four-day weekend stretch to give customers ample opportunity to shop and save. It’s also common to find sales and promotions during the weeks leading up to and after the events.

Black Friday has traditionally been an in-store shopping event — particularly at malls and big box stores. If you haven’t already guessed by the name, Cyber Monday concentrates on online shopping. But as both events have grown in popularity, many Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions are available both in-store and online for many retailers.

The type of product you're looking for may influence which shopping event you gravitate towards. Black Friday often features doorbuster deals and significant discounts on large items like TVs and appliances, making it an excellent event for homeowners and people who like to wait for sales to make big purchases. In contrast, Cyber Monday typically offers better deals on tech products and smaller items — think gadgets and home goods — targeting folks making more everyday purchases.

Black Friday is famous for drawing massive crowds outside of big-box retailers. For consumers who aren't fans of the chaos or prefer doing their shopping away from the holiday hustle and bustle, Cyber Monday's online deals are likely a better choice. But if you enjoy window shopping and the rush of the in-person experience, Black Friday might better suit your needs.

While many retailers give you free shipping during both shopping events, Black Friday tends to offer it with a broader range of products compared to Cyber Monday. Keep in mind that shipping promotions and costs vary by retailer, so shop around to make sure you're getting the best deal and not overspending.

Black Friday traditionally has a broader selection of deals on items with higher price tags, like TVs, electronics, and appliances. Inventory for these products tends to go quickly, leading to stock shortages and occasional in-store quarrels. Cyber Monday tends to have more inventory available and more deals on smaller, less expensive items.

Cyber Monday isn’t the same as Black Friday when it comes to time investment. With big crowds and location-based discounts, people tend to dedicate the day to shopping on Black Friday. Some people even take the day off work or school to take advantage of the deals. People sometimes have to circle for parking spots and shimmy their way through crowds. If you’d rather not spend your time shopping and waiting in line, Cyber Monday can make for an attractive alternative. You can do all of your shopping online without dealing with crowds — or even leaving your desk.

When do Black Friday sales end? While both Cyber Monday and Black Friday are traditionally one-day events, Black Friday often has deals available much longer than Cyber Monday’s — some of which last the entire week before or after. Cyber Monday tends to remain a one-day event.

The ease of online shopping makes Cyber Monday a better sales event if you want to compare deals between different retailers. It's challenging to go from store to store to compare prices and gauge inventory levels during Black Friday. Online, all you have to do is keep a few tabs open.

Black Friday traditionally has better deals, but it all depends on what you’re looking for. Retailers might switch up their prices depending on the product, demand, and the market.

Don’t do all of your shopping on either day. Instead, do your best to take advantage of both and find the deals you’re looking for. Preparing a shopping list beforehand and staking out retailers that sell the products you’re eyeing can help save you a lot of time, especially because most stores list their prices online.

Still not sure how to handle these sales? Here are some frequently asked questions.

Black Friday deals typically last longer, often extending through the weekend. Sometimes, they start before the day itself or run beyond Cyber Monday.

Yes, it's common to find free shipping on both Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Shipping prices heavily depend on the merchant, so shop around.

It depends on your preference. In-store shopping on Black Friday might have the most doorbuster deals, but online shopping during Cyber Monday provides convenience and easier deal comparisons.

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