Twenty-five product categories are worth watching on Black Friday 2026, but only eight have published discount figures. Adobe’s 2025 Cyber Monday data put electronics at a 31 percent peak discount, toys at 28 percent, apparel at 25 percent and computers at 23 percent, with televisions at 22 percent, furniture and appliances at 19 percent and sporting goods at 17 percent.
We have ranked the list by evidence instead of hype. The first eight come from Adobe, the next three from Amazon’s 2025 announcements, three more from Shopify’s best-selling categories and the final eleven are categories retailers commonly promote that we could not tie to a published percentage. For a decision on which of these to wait for, read the guide to the best Black Friday deals to wait for, and for the basics see what Black Friday is.
Tier 1: Which 8 Categories Have Published Discount Data?
These figures are Adobe’s reported peak discounts for Cyber Monday 2025, published on 2 December 2025. Black Friday itself may differ.
| # | Category | Adobe peak discount | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electronics | 31% | Model numbers and price history |
| 2 | Toys | 28% | Stock levels and delivery dates |
| 3 | Apparel | 25% | Size, fabric and return window |
| 4 | Computers | 23% | Specifications, not just the brand |
| 5 | Televisions | 22% | Exact model and panel type |
| 6 | Furniture | 19% | Delivery and assembly costs |
| 7 | Appliances | 19% | Installation and warranty |
| 8 | Sporting goods | 17% | Whether the saving beats a normal sale |
Our guide to Black Friday tech deals worth waiting for goes deeper on the first, fourth and fifth rows.
Tier 2: Which 3 Categories Did Amazon Advertise Last Year?
These come from PhoneArena’s report on Amazon’s 2025 event, which ran from 20 November to 1 December. They are examples of promotions, not guarantees for 2026.
| # | Category | 2025 example | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Speakers and headphones | Select JBL products at half price; Bose audio up to 45% off | Whether last year’s models are being cleared |
| 10 | Amazon devices | Up to 50% off select devices | Whether the discount repeats outside sale periods |
| 11 | Samsung and Google devices | Up to 35% off | Storage size and carrier compatibility |
Tier 3: Which 3 Categories Sell Most Online?
Shopify said its top-selling categories over Black Friday Cyber Monday 2025 were cosmetics, clothing tops and pants, activewear, and fitness and nutrition. This shows demand, not discount depth, so these are categories where shoppers are active and stores compete for attention.
| # | Category | Evidence | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | Cosmetics | Shopify top category | Expiry dates and authenticity |
| 13 | Activewear | Shopify top category | Fabric, fit and returns |
| 14 | Fitness and nutrition | Shopify top category | Ingredients and best-before dates |
Tier 4: Which 11 Categories Do Retailers Commonly Promote?
These are categories that often appear in retailer sale pages. We could not source a percentage for any of them, so the ‘what to check’ column matters most.
| # | Category | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | Video games and consoles | Bundle contents, not just console price |
| 16 | Small kitchen appliances | Brand reviews and warranty length |
| 17 | Cookware | Material, size and care instructions |
| 18 | Bedding and mattresses | Trial period and return terms |
| 19 | Power tools | Battery included or sold separately |
| 20 | Vacuum cleaners | Replacement part availability |
| 21 | Footwear | Size exchange policy |
| 22 | Smartwatches and fitness bands | Compatibility with your phone |
| 23 | Cameras | Kit contents and memory card |
| 24 | Luggage | Dimensions against airline limits |
| 25 | Home decor | Delivery cost and fragile item handling |
For store-specific patterns, see what we cover in what Target usually puts on sale and the Home Depot tools and appliance guide.
How Do You Turn This List Into a Shopping Plan?
Choose the categories you actually need this season, then apply three filters. Check the product’s price history using our price history tracker guide, compare the same model at two sellers and confirm the return window. Walmart’s Early Black Friday begins on 12 November, so you can test prices ahead of the main days.
If you are on a laptop budget, our list of best budget laptops for students narrows the options, and our guide to reading Black Friday ads helps you decode the poster.
How Do You Compare Discount Depth Fairly?
A peak discount is the largest cut seen in a category, not what most items received. Compare like with like: use the same model, include delivery, tax and installation, and check what the item cost last month. A 25 percent cut on an inflated price can still leave you above the normal price.
| Compare | Ask |
|---|---|
| Percentage off | Off which price, and when was that price used? |
| Total cost | Does delivery, tax or installation change the result? |
| Timing | Is the item likely to fall further after the sale? |
| Alternatives | Is an older model cheaper and good enough? |
