Cyber Monday vs Black Friday: Which One Offers Better Deals in 2025?

As the holiday season approaches, many shoppers in the UK are gearing up for the big sales events. If you're wondering about Cyber Monday vs Black Friday, you're not alone. These two days promise huge savings, but knowing the details can help you score the best deals. In this guide, we'll break down what each day offers, especially for 2025, and share tips to make your shopping smooth.

What Is Black Friday?

Black Friday is a big shopping day that comes right after Thanksgiving in the US. In 2025, it lands on 28 November. It's known for huge price cuts across all kinds of products, so it often feels like the real start of the holiday shopping season.

In the past, Black Friday was mostly about going to stores in person. People woke up early, queued outside, and rushed in for limited "doorbuster" deals, usually on things like TVs or kitchen appliances. These days, the action is split between shops and websites, so you can hunt for deals from home or in a mall.

In the UK, the idea has caught on too. Big names like Amazon, John Lewis, and Currys take part, and many of them kick things off early in November instead of waiting for one day. Last year, spending hit the billions, and electronics were the biggest draw. A similar pattern is likely in 2025, with strong discounts on tech and home items, sometimes reaching around half off.

What Is Cyber Monday?

Cyber Monday comes right after Black Friday. This year, it falls on 1 December. It began in 2005 as a way to keep the shopping buzz going and to encourage more people to buy online after the weekend.

This day is mainly about shopping on the internet, not in stores. Shops and brands usually roll out deals that are only available online, so you can just sit at home and browse. In the UK, Cyber Monday is a big deal for things like tech gadgets, clothes, and smaller everyday buys.

A lot of sales that start on Black Friday carry over into Cyber Monday, but this day often brings new offers too. You'll see fresh discounts on laptops, accessories, and other popular items. It's a calmer option compared to busy shops, and many deals stay live until midnight.

Black Friday vs Cyber Monday: Main Differences

Now, let's take a closer look at Cyber Monday vs Black Friday. While both events aim to deliver big savings, they differ in timing, shopping style, and the types of deals you can expect.

• Timing & Shopping Style: Black Friday lands on a Friday and usually triggers an entire weekend of shopping, combining both in-store and online offers. Cyber Monday, on the other hand, takes place on a Monday and is designed for convenient online browsing, perfect for quick work-break shopping or evening deal hunting.
• Deal Categories: The kinds of deals you see are a bit different too. Black Friday usually covers a wider range, especially home items and big electronics. Think fridges, sofas, and other expensive things you might normally buy in a store. Cyber Monday leans more into tech, with stronger online-only discounts on smaller gadgets like fast chargers, power banks, and other accessories.
• Scale & Consumer Behaviour: Black Friday generally sees heavier in-person traffic, while Cyber Monday dominates in online sales.
• UK Trends: In the UK, Black Friday usually gives slightly bigger average cuts on average than Cyber Monday, about 37% versus 31%. Still, Cyber Monday can be best for tech fans, since many brands drop online-only deals then.

Black Friday vs Cyber Monday UK: Which Sale Day Is Better for You?

Choosing between Cyber Monday vs Black Friday depends on your needs. Let's weigh the options to help you decide.

If you prefer in-store experiences and big-ticket items, go for Black Friday. It's great for hands-on shopping, like testing a new TV before buying. Plus, early deals mean you can grab stock before it runs out. Crowds in 2025 will probably be busy, so it helps to plan ahead.

Cyber Monday is made for online shoppers who don't want queues. It often has the strongest tech deals, like chargers, power banks, and other gadgets, including high-power options such as the Anker Prime Charger (250W) for charging several devices at once. Smaller items like clothes or books can also be easier to find then.

So, think about your list. If it's heavy on electronics, wait for Monday. Otherwise, start on Friday.

Top Black Friday & Cyber Monday Tips for a Profitable Season

With the basics in place, here are some actionable strategies to help you make the most of both Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Smart preparation is the key to maximising your savings and avoiding missed opportunities.

1. Start with a Clear Shopping List

Define what you truly need before the sales begin. A focused list keeps you on track amid all the hype and reduces unnecessary impulse purchases.

2. Compare Prices Early

Begin researching prices in advance using tools like PriceSpy or Google Shopping. This helps you distinguish genuine discounts from inflated "before" prices. Signing up for retailer newsletters can also give you early access to upcoming deals and exclusive promo codes.

3. Watch for Tech Deals

If you're shopping for electronics, focus on useful, popular items, because they're usually the first to sell out once prices drop. On the Black Friday deal list on Anker's official website, the Anker Prime Docking Station is a great pick, and it's £100 off right now. It's the kind of upgrade that makes life easier, turning one laptop port into a full desk setup with loads of display, USB, and network options, while also charging your laptop.

4. Shop Early and Strategically

Many retailers launch early-bird deals well before the official dates. In the UK, also pay attention to free shipping thresholds, which commonly range from £20 to £50. Comparing offers across retailers can make a surprising difference—a deal at Currys might outperform one at Argos or vice versa.

5. Use Apps and Alerts to Stay Updated

Enable deal notifications on shopping apps or browser extensions so you don't miss time-sensitive flash deals. Setting a budget beforehand helps you control spending during peak excitement.

6. Check Return Policies & Warranty Options

Holiday sales bring longer return windows, so use that time and read the warranty before buying electronics. Coverage saves stress later. The Anker Laptop Power Bank (25K) fits this idea: its warranty is easy to find on the listing, and it packs 25,000mAh, three USB-C ports, and built-in cables to keep a laptop and devices running smoothly.

7. Stay Safe Online

Always shop through secure websites, look for trusted payment methods, and avoid unfamiliar or suspicious retailers. During busy sales periods, scammers become more active, so vigilance is essential.

Conclusion

Cyber Monday vs Black Friday is the big sales question in 2025, and both days bring real chances to save. Black Friday is great for big, in-store style buys and early stock. Cyber Monday leans more online and often suits smaller tech extras.

Checking prices ahead, setting alerts, and sticking to a short list help you avoid fake deals and rush stress. Use the weekend to compare, then grab the best offer when it shows up. And don't forget to check Anker's Black Friday deal.

FAQs

Is it better to shop on Black Friday or Cyber Monday?

It depends on your list. Black Friday usually has the widest spread of deals, including store-only offers and big items like TVs or appliances. Cyber Monday is more online-focused and often stronger for smaller tech.

Does Amazon do Cyber Monday or Black Friday?

Amazon does both, and in practice, it runs one long sale season. Deals often start in early or mid-November and roll through Cyber Monday. Prices change quickly, so it helps to use a wishlist and set alerts. Amazon tends to discount its own devices, home tech, and everyday items heavily during this stretch.

Is Cyber Monday still worth it?

Yes, especially if you shop online or want tech. Some products get a second price cut on Monday, and a few items that sold out over the weekend come back in stock.

It's also easier to compare prices across sites without rushing. Just watch for "same deal, new label" repeats.

Does Black Friday deal go to Cyber Monday?

Many deals do carry over, but you can't count on it. Limited-stock offers and store-only bargains often end on Friday or the weekend. Some brands refresh prices on Monday, either dropping them more or swapping in new items. If it's something you really want, buy it when the price is right.