Why Black Friday and Cyber Monday Are Bad Days for Impulse Buying Electronics
Black Friday sales officially kick off on Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1. Before they end, Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price tracking tools.
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Sales data is current at the time of publication, but prices and stock levels are subject to change.
Not all Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals are as enticing as they seem. Especially with electronics, a new price tag could mean you’re being scammed and buying a cheaper model of something you really need. Or you could end up buying last year’s model, which has been on sale since summer, perhaps even at a better price a few months ago. Here’s how to avoid impulse buying a misleading Black Friday “deal” and ensure you get the most for your money.
Why You Shouldn’t Impulsively Buy Electronics on Black Friday or Cyber Monday
When you see food, clothing, or household goods with a big “Black Friday” or “Cyber Monday” sign, it’s probably worth taking advantage of the discount. Chances are, it’s the same item you’ll find on other days of the year. The same can’t be said for televisions.
Many electronics sold on Black Friday are special “door releases” or exclusive models released by retailers specifically for the holiday shopping season. These versions often contain cheaper components, have fewer features, or are inferior to their regular counterparts. A 55-inch TV from a well-known brand may look the same as a model designed for year-round use, but it may have a slower refresh rate, a lower-quality panel, or fewer HDMI ports. While you can certainly choose a cheaper TV on Black Friday, consider the value of what you’re buying.
Likewise, a “tremendous deal” on a laptop might actually be buying a last-year processor or a smartphone that’s about to be replaced. On Black Friday, retailers sell out obsolete items, and while the discount seems impressive, you’re buying technology that’s already outdated. The problem isn’t that it’s an old model, but that its price has been so low—or even lower!—since the summer.
Alternatively, some deeply discounted appliances are refurbished units or opened, repackaged returns. Again, while this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, impulse buyers may not fully understand what they’re buying.
How to Tell if a Black Friday or Cyber Monday Sale is a Good Deal
The key phrase here is impulse buying. Black Friday is psychologically engineered to provoke impulse buying. Limited-time offers, countdowns, and “while supplies last” alerts create an artificial sense of urgency that interferes with rational decision-making. When you’re caught up in the moment, it’s easy to convince yourself you need a new tablet, smartwatch, or gaming console, even if you haven’t previously considered such a purchase.
To avoid fraud, do your research. The easiest way to ensure you’re buying the right product is to check the model or serial number . And in online stores, finding and double-checking these numbers is quick and easy.
Seriously, compare not just prices, but specifications . Pay attention to processor speed, RAM, storage capacity, screen resolution, refresh rate, and connectivity options. A $300 laptop isn’t the best option if a slightly more expensive model offers significantly better performance and will last for years.
If you do see a good deal, it might be worth waiting. Cyber Monday, post-Christmas sales, and even January sales often offer electronics at prices comparable to Black Friday or even lower—all without the usual chaos and pressure. On the other hand, if you wait, you risk getting more out-of-stock items, so the risk depends on you and the popularity of the item you’re eyeing (and how much you want it).
Bottom line: Don’t fall victim to false advertising for a low-quality product and make the most of holiday deals by doing a little research beforehand.
How long do Cyber Monday deals actually last?
Black Friday sales officially begin on Friday, November 28, 2025, and will run throughout Cyber Week—the five-day period from Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday, December 1, 2025. However, the dates of Black Friday and Cyber Monday have been shifted as retailers compete for shoppers. You can take advantage of the same Black Friday deals early in the season , and we expect the sale to end by December 3, 2025.
Which stores have the biggest sales on Cyber Monday?
With both large retailers and small businesses competing for Black Friday shoppers, you can expect sales at virtually every store until Monday, December 1, 2025. The “best” discounts depend on your needs, but in general, the biggest discounts tend to be offered by large retailers that can afford lower prices, such as Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Home Depot. You can find all the best sales from major retailers on our blog .
Are Cyber Monday deals worth it?
In short, yes, Cyber Monday still offers discounts rarely seen during the rest of the year. If you’re shopping or looking for gifts, now is the time to look for deals on essentials, especially tech , home goods , and fitness equipment . Of course, if you’re looking to save money, the best way to save is to buy nothing.
Are Cyber Monday deals better than Black Friday?
Black Friday used to favor large retailers and higher-end appliances, while Cyber Monday favored cheaper appliances and gave small businesses the opportunity to compete online. However, today, this distinction has become virtually meaningless. Every major retailer runs sales on both days, so it’s best to know what you need, use price trackers, or consult guides like our blog, which uses price trackers, and not worry about finding the perfect time.