The battle between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is more intense than ever, as these key shopping days continue to dominate the holiday retail landscape. With consumers eager to snag the best deals, the debate rages on: which day offers the most significant discounts? In this guide, we’ll delve into the shopping categories expected to see the biggest price drops this week, helping you decide when to hit “buy” for everything on your list.
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
This holiday season, online spending is projected to skyrocket, with estimates suggesting a record $253 billion in e-commerce sales. Shoppers are racing to fill their carts with gifts and essentials ahead of Christmas, spurred by enticing deals.
Black Friday shoppers recently shattered records, spending $11.8 billion online—a 9.1% increase from last year, according to Adobe. Cyber Monday is set to surpass this, with predicted sales reaching $14 billion. Overall, the period from Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday, dubbed “Cyber Week,” is anticipated to generate over $43 billion in sales, marking a significant five-day shopping extravaganza.
Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday 2025
Black Friday remains the heavyweight champion of shopping events, with retailers capitalizing on the post-Thanksgiving rush to unload unsold inventory, clear excess stock, and push seasonal items. The era of waiting in long lines for physical doorbusters is fading, as online deals gain prominence, often launching before the turkey is even served.
In contrast, Cyber Monday, although newer, has gained traction as a prominent “shopping holiday.” Initially aimed at promoting online-only deals, it now includes offerings from both online platforms and traditional retailers, with significant discounts flooding the market on the Monday after Thanksgiving. It’s a prime day for securing additional markdowns.
What Is Worth Buying on Black Friday Over Cyber Monday?
Black Friday is ideal for scoring big-ticket items. Adobe reports that electronics, video game consoles, and appliances were the top sellers this year. Popular choices included big-screen TVs, refrigerators, home theater systems, vacuums, and air purifiers. RetailMeNot highlighted that toys saw the year’s deepest discounts during Black Friday.
What Is Worth Buying on Cyber Monday Over Black Friday?
Cyber Monday is the day to shop for clothing, shoes, beauty, and everyday essentials. As its name suggests, it also features substantial discounts on online-exclusive products and services, like 50% off MasterClass and 60% off Rosetta Stone. It’s also the prime time for deals on streaming services and subscription boxes, such as BeanBox coffee.
According to Adobe, 2025’s Cyber Monday will also offer impressive deals on electronics, apparel, and computers. Additionally, items like Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Sunglasses are marked down by 20% today.
Retailers frequently provide extra Cyber Monday discounts, offering even lower prices compared to Black Friday if you’re patient. Deals are typically unveiled on Monday, promising attractive markdowns beyond the previous week’s offers.
Explore some of the top Cyber Monday deals available online now.
MasterClass Cyber Monday Deal
MasterClass offers 50% off an annual membership, reducing the cost to just $5/month for access to over 200 classes.
Amazon Cyber Monday Deals
Amazon is offering up to 67% off on electronics like headphones, TVs, and tablets, and up to 50% off toys.
Walmart Cyber Monday Deals
Walmart features discounts of up to 80% on home essentials, fashion, and more, including exclusive items by celebrities like Drew Barrymore and Sofia Vergara.
Best Buy Cyber Monday Deals
Best Buy presents deals on computers, monitors, smartwatches, and still-discounted TVs, ideal if you missed Black Friday offers.
T-Mobile Cyber Monday Deals
T-Mobile offers free phones with plans, including the latest iPhone or Samsung Galaxy, plus extra online-exclusive offers.
GAP Cyber Monday Sale
GAP provides 50% off sitewide and exclusive 60% discounts online for various clothing items.
Sephora Cyber Monday Sales
Sephora’s sales feature up to 50% off beauty products from brands like Rare Beauty and Fenty Beauty.
Huckberry Cyber Monday Deals
Huckberry offers up to 40% off outdoor gear and apparel for those looking to explore the great outdoors.
Alo Yoga
Alo Yoga discounts activewear and accessories by 30%, including collections by Joe Burrow and BTS star Jin.
With apparel expected to drive $47 billion in sales and cosmetics nearing $8.4 billion, this season is shaping up for substantial growth. Dive into Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals for a lucrative shopping experience.