Every year, as the last weeks of November approach, a big question arises: is it better to take advantage of Black Friday deals or wait for Cyber Monday? Both dates have become key events for consumers looking for deals.
The competition between these two days of discounted goods has grown so intense that deciding when to shop can make all the difference to your wallet and your overall shopping experience. Discover below whether to choose Black Friday or Cyber Monday for your purchases and their main differences.
What is Black Friday, and when is it?
Black Friday is an American shopping event held the day after the fourth Thursday of November, following Thanksgiving. This day marks the start of the Christmas shopping season and is known for its exceptional discounts.
In Spain and other countries, this day is a unique opportunity to get discounted products before the Christmas period. Large chains and online retailers usually extend their promotions over several days, although Friday remains the peak of the event.
The exact date of Black Friday varies year to year. In 2025, it will be celebrated on Friday, 28th November. This day boosts sales in physical stores, but it has also transformed online commerce.
Cyber Monday in Spain
Cyber Monday, meanwhile, is a must-see event for online shopping enthusiasts. This event also originated in the United States as a digital response to Black Friday, and its main objective is to offer significant discounts exclusively online.
It takes place on the Monday following Black Friday, which typically falls in late November or early December, depending on the year. In 2025, Cyber Monday will be on Monday, 1st December, marking the end of an intense weekend packed with deals.
Which is more popular, Black Friday or Cyber Monday?
Now that you know what each event is about, which one is better for shopping? Both events have gained enormous popularity in recent years, but there are notable differences in terms of their reach, impact and purchasing preferences.
While Black Friday has traditionally been the flagship shopping day for both brick-and-mortar and online stores, Cyber Monday has been gaining ground. The popularity of each event depends on several factors, although there are nuances that can tip the scales in favour of one or the other.
- Black Friday stands out for its higher sales volume and the variety of discounted products in all types of stores, both physical and online.
- Cyber Monday primarily focuses on e-commerce and usually offers additional discounts on technology, computers and gadgets.
- Black Friday tends to attract a wider audience, being more popular and generating more revenue, while Cyber Monday is preferred by those seeking digital deals and convenience.
To get a better idea of the difference in popularity between Black Friday and Cyber Monday in Spain, take a look at the table below based on recent participation and sales data:
Main channel
Physical and online store
Online
Types of discounted products
All kinds (electronics, fashion, home goods, toys, etc.)
Mainly technology, computing and gadgets
Main audience
More broadly, general consumers
Digital consumers, tech seekers
Popularity in Spain
Very high (85% participation)
On the rise (60% participation)
Estimated revenue (Spain)
More than €1.5 billion
Around €500 million
Usual duration
Friday (extendable throughout the weekend)
Monday after Black Friday
Main advantages
More variety of products and shops
More peace of mind and extra online offers
Is it better to buy a phone on Black Friday or Cyber Monday?
Choosing when to buy a mobile phone amidst a deluge of discounts depends on several factors. Buying on Black Friday usually offers more options and better availability, as most retailers – both physical and online – launch their biggest sales during this event. This increased competition among retailers can translate into additional promotions.
However, Cyber Monday has become a favourite event for tech enthusiasts, with additional discounts and flash sales on select smartphone models. If the goal is to find the lowest price, Cyber Monday can offer some truly amazing deals on specific devices.
