There is no doubt that when it comes to shopping, this pre-holiday season is the most anticipated of the whole calendar. However, with the advent of e-commerce platforms, the experience has changed, and today it is even as enjoyable to shop by clicking as it is to visit a store or shopping mall.
There are two dates that were complementary at some point and today have parallel readings, as each has specifications and properties that are attractive to consumers eager for the best deals. For all those who wonder which is better, Black Friday or Cyber Monday, here are some facts.
Patrick Mahomes steps into AT&T Stadium for his first start against the Cowboys on Thanksgiving
Shopping and sales season
According to data from the National Retail Federation, in 2025 a total of 186.9 million could shop in stores and online between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday.
For this study, Black Friday continues to hold the lead over Cyber Monday, with the former registering 130.4 million people (70%) planning to make a purchase, while the latter expects 73.9 million people to make a purchase.
Here, contemplation goes through two great reasons that motivate the purchase, one is the area of opportunity that offers imply and the other goes through tradition that goes beyond necessity.
What is Black Friday?
The day known as Black Friday was coined in 1950 because of the chaos observed by the Philadelphia police due to the shopping that year, but today it is a commercial analogy to describe that stores go from red to black numbers thanks to the day. This traditional shopping day takes place on Friday, November 28, 2025, the day after Thanksgiving.
What is Cyber Monday?
Cyber Monday takes place on the first Monday after Thanksgiving (December 1, 2025) and is a complementary sale to Black Friday that is just as lucrative for retailers and today has considerable momentum on online platforms.
What is the best day to shop?
It is worth noting that due to their proximity, both days are touched in all stores and platforms, so sometimes there is no longer a border and the perception that the offers continue and in fact increase. There’s no one-size-fits-all winner-it depends on what you’re buying.
Black Friday
This date remains the heavyweight champion for shoppers seeking deals on electronics, TVs, appliances, and household items. The deepest discounts on high-cost purchases tend to land between Thanksgiving and Black Friday morning, with major retailers pushing aggressive markdowns to drive store traffic.
Many shoppers appreciate the immediacy: buying in-store means no shipping delays, easier returns, and the opportunity to compare products physically.
Best for:
- TVs and home theater systems
- Laptops and desktops
- Home appliances
- Toys and seasonal items
- Shoppers who want items immediately and can buy in-store
Cyber Monday
Cyber Monday shines in categories that benefit from digital convenience. Historically linked to tech deals, the day now features strong promotions on smart home devices, gaming, clothing, beauty products, and small electronics. The biggest advantage is accessibility-no lines, no crowds, and a wider variety of online-exclusive discounts.
Thanks to improved e-commerce logistics, many Cyber Monday deals include free shipping, extended return windows, and bonus online-only perks like stackable promo codes or digital coupons.
Best for:
- Smart home tech, headphones, tablets
- Apparel and accessories
- Beauty and personal care
- Online-exclusive bundles
- Shoppers who prefer to avoid stores entirely
In the end, the best strategy is to use both days to your advantage. With retailers blurring the lines between the two events, savvy shoppers monitor prices throughout the entire weekend, compare across stores, and grab the moment when their must-have item hits its lowest point.
