For years, consumers debated whether to wait for Cyber Monday or strike early on Black Friday. But with sales starting earlier and lasting longer, the line between the two has blurred. Especially at Amazon, where most shopping happens online, the question remains: which day offers the better discounts?
The Shift in Holiday Shopping
Traditionally, Black Friday meant braving crowds in stores while Cyber Monday was the online equivalent. Now, retailers like Amazon launch “Black Friday” deals weeks in advance, stretching the sale into a month-long event. This raises a key point: the urgency of Cyber Monday has diminished. It’s no longer the exclusive opportunity it once was.
Amazon’s Black Friday Dominance
Based on years of tracking these sales, Amazon’s Black Friday deals tend to be more substantial and widespread than those on Cyber Monday. Additional price cuts or new discounts on Cyber Monday are rare. The most sought-after products from top brands – Apple, Samsung, Sony, and others – are unlikely to see further reductions.
The reality is that Black Friday has become the main event, with Cyber Monday acting as a less impressive encore. This year has already seen record-low prices on items like Apple AirPods and DJI drones before Black Friday even arrives. Any further drops are more likely to occur on Black Friday itself, followed by stable pricing or an increase as stock depletes.
Why Black Friday Is the Better Bet
Amazon’s Cyber Monday sale, starting on the Saturday before and running through Monday, essentially extends the Black Friday period. However, deals will likely fade as the week progresses.
Popular items – especially those from Apple or Amazon’s own Kindle line – are prone to selling out or reverting to full price. According to shopping reporters who monitor these sales closely, waiting for Cyber Monday is often a missed opportunity.
“Think of Cyber Monday as your last chance to shop deals, not your best chance.”
How to Shop Smart
Given the trend, grabbing deals on Black Friday is the recommended strategy. If you’re unsure about a price, consult price trackers like camelcamelcamel to review historical data and confirm whether it’s a genuine discount.
The bottom line: while Cyber Monday still exists, Amazon’s best deals are consistently found during Black Friday. The pressure to buy fast is real, but for the deepest discounts, Black Friday remains the superior time to shop.
