Adobe, which measures US online transactions across 1 trillion visits to retail sites, reported on 2 December 2025 that Cyber Monday reached 14.25 billion dollars in online spending, up 7.1 percent, while Black Friday reached 11.8 billion dollars, up 9.1 percent. Cyber Week as a whole totalled 44.2 billion dollars.
So which day has the better deals? Adobe’s discount data gives a partial answer by category, and NBC Select adds expert views on what a good discount means now. This guide uses both. The figures are for US online sales in 2025 and describe averages, not guarantees. In 2026, Thanksgiving is on Thursday, 26 November, Black Friday on 27 November and Cyber Monday on 30 November.
What Adobe Measured in 2025
Adobe’s release gives US online spending for the main shopping days. Cyber Monday was the biggest single day, and buy now, pay later (BNPL) use on Cyber Monday reached 1.03 billion dollars.
| Day or period (2025) | US online spend (Adobe) | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving Day | 6.4 billion dollars | Up 5.3% |
| Black Friday | 11.8 billion dollars | Up 9.1% |
| Cyber Monday | 14.25 billion dollars | Up 7.1% |
| Cyber Week total | 44.2 billion dollars | Up 7.7% |
Mobile made up 57.5 percent of Cyber Monday spending, according to Adobe.
Peak Discounts by Category
Adobe also reports the peak discount off listed price on Cyber Monday, and average discounts through the first week of December. The gap shows that the best prices are brief.
| Category | Peak Cyber Monday discount | Through first week of December |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 31% | 19% |
| Toys | 28% | 23% |
| Apparel | 25% | 18% |
| Computers | 23% | 20% |
| Televisions | 22% | 19% |
| Furniture | 19% | 15% |
| Appliances | 19% | 15% |
| Sporting goods | 17% | 15% |
These are Adobe’s 2025 US online figures, so they show what happened last year, not what will happen in 2026.
Which Day Wins for What
Adobe’s data does not rank the two days by discount, so any rule is a rough guide. Our own reading: Cyber Monday’s numbers are strongest for electronics, toys and computers. NBC Select notes that apparel, beauty and furniture may drop more in December, and that mattresses and large appliances are best bought around Presidents’ Day.
| Item | Where to look first (our reading) |
|---|---|
| Laptops, TVs, headphones | Cyber Monday and the days around it |
| Toys | Cyber Monday, but stock can sell out earlier |
| Clothing | Watch November and December |
| Furniture | Watch December |
| Mattresses and large appliances | Presidents’ Day, per NBC Select |
What a Good Discount Looks Like Now
NBC Select, quoting expert Guzik, says 20 to 30 percent off is now a good deal where 40 to 50 percent was once expected, as tariffs lead retailers to absorb costs and discount less. It also says inventory may be limited, so items could sell out faster. Rakuten’s Ashley Feinstein Gerstley cited tech discounts of about 30 to 50 percent, so the range depends on the product.
For tech picks to watch, see our guide to underrated tech gadgets worth buying.
A Plan for Both Days
NBC Select advises making a ranked list with a buffer, signing up for alerts, stacking savings through rewards cards, cashback extensions and promo codes, and watching shipping fees. Compare prices with a tracker such as CamelCamelCamel, Honey or Keepa and check return and price-match policies. To keep spending in check, use the 50/30/20 budget rule.
