Prime Day vs Black Friday: When to Buy What
Not sure whether to wait for Prime Day or Black Friday? This guide compares the two biggest Amazon sales events and reveals which is better for different product categories.
Two sales events dominate Amazon's calendar: Prime Day in July and Black Friday in November. Both promise massive discounts, but which one actually delivers better deals? And more importantly, which should you wait for?
This guide breaks down the real differences between Prime Day and Black Friday, with data-driven recommendations for when to buy specific products.
The Essential Difference
Prime Day (July)
- Amazon-exclusive event
- Requires Prime membership
- Focus on Amazon devices and services
- Clears summer inventory
Black Friday/Cyber Monday (November)
- Industry-wide event
- No membership required (though Prime helps)
- Broader product selection
- Holiday gift-buying season
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | Prime Day | Black Friday |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 48 hours | 4-5 days (Thu-Mon) |
| Best Discounts | Amazon devices | TVs, appliances |
| Competition | Amazon only | All retailers |
| Inventory | Full stock | May sell out |
| Timing | July | Late November |
| Returns | Standard 30-day | Extended to January |
Which Sale Is Better by Category
Electronics
Amazon Devices: Prime Day Wins
Amazon discounts its own products more aggressively during Prime Day:
| Device | Prime Day Price | Black Friday Price | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Echo Dot | $17-22 | $22-25 | Prime Day |
| Fire TV Stick 4K | $22-25 | $25-30 | Prime Day |
| Kindle Paperwhite | $95-100 | $100-110 | Prime Day |
| Ring Video Doorbell | $50-60 | $60-70 | Prime Day |
TVs: Black Friday Wins
TV manufacturers plan their biggest discounts for Black Friday:
- Deeper discounts on premium brands (Samsung, LG, Sony)
- More inventory available
- Retailers compete aggressively
- New model year timing works better
Laptops and Computers: Black Friday Wins
- Back-to-school sales in July compete with Prime Day
- Black Friday sees steeper laptop discounts
- More brand variety in November
- Gaming PC deals peak at Black Friday
Headphones and Audio: Tie
- Both events offer comparable discounts
- Brand-specific timing varies
- Check Prime Day first, wait if prices aren't right
Home and Kitchen
Small Appliances: Prime Day Slightly Better
Instant Pot, air fryers, and coffee makers often hit lowest prices during Prime Day:
- Brands use Prime Day to boost mid-year sales
- Less competition from gift-buying
- Summer cooking items promoted heavily
Large Appliances: Black Friday Wins
- Refrigerators, washers, dryers discounted more in November
- Retailers clear inventory before new year
- Installation deals often included
Cookware and Kitchen Tools: Tie
- Both sales feature kitchen deals
- Lodge, Le Creuset, All-Clad appear in both
- Buy when you see a good price
Fashion and Apparel
Winner: Black Friday
Fashion deals are better around Black Friday for several reasons:
- Fall/winter inventory at peak
- Holiday party shopping drives deals
- More brands participate
- Prime Day fashion deals are more limited
Exception: Athletic wear and summer clothing may be better during Prime Day clearance.
Toys and Games
Winner: Black Friday (for variety), Prime Day (for specific items)
Black Friday Advantages
- Full holiday toy inventory
- Every major brand participates
- In-store doorbuster deals
- Gift-buying mindset benefits selection
Prime Day Advantages
- Less crowded buying period
- Good for specific items you've researched
- LEGO and board games often discounted
- Video games and consoles see deals
Beauty and Personal Care
Winner: Prime Day
Beauty deals are often better during Prime Day:
- Less competition from holiday gift sets
- Skincare and makeup brands participate actively
- Subscribe & Save stacking available
- Fewer "gift with purchase" gimmicks
Pet Supplies
Winner: Tie
Pet deals are consistent across both events:
- Food and treats discounted equally
- Beds and accessories comparable
- Prime Day may have edge on electronics (feeders, cameras)
Strategic Buying Timeline
What to Buy During Prime Day (July)
Definitely Buy:
- Amazon devices (Echo, Fire TV, Kindle, Ring)
- Small kitchen appliances
- Beauty and skincare products
- Pet supplies you need now
- Subscribe & Save stockpile items
Consider Buying:
- Headphones and earbuds
- Fitness equipment
- Office supplies
- Phone accessories
Skip (Wait for Black Friday):
- TVs (unless the deal is exceptional)
- Laptops
- Large appliances
- Fashion (especially fall/winter)
- Holiday gifts (selection improves later)
What to Buy During Black Friday (November)
Definitely Buy:
- TVs and home theater equipment
- Laptops and computers
- Large appliances
- Fall and winter clothing
- Holiday gifts
- Toys (best selection)
Consider Buying:
- Amazon devices (still good, just not as cheap)
- Gaming consoles and games
- Furniture
- High-end audio equipment
Skip (You Missed the Best Price):
- Items you saw cheaper on Prime Day
- Products with limited holiday inventory
October Prime Day: The Third Option
Amazon now runs a second Prime Day event in October called Prime Big Deal Days. Here's how it compares:
| Factor | July Prime Day | October Prime Day | Black Friday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Amazon devices | Early holiday shopping | Biggest selection |
| Discounts | Deepest on Amazon gear | Moderate | Deepest on TVs |
| Strategy | Buy Amazon products | Preview holiday deals | Stock up on gifts |
October Prime Day Recommendation:
- Good for early gift shopping
- Helps avoid Black Friday chaos
- Discounts typically not as deep as July
- Worth checking if you're organized
Price Tracking Strategy
Before Prime Day
- Start in June: Add items to your wishlist
- Check historical prices: Use CamelCamelCamel
- Set target prices: Know what you'll pay
- Compare to Black Friday prices: Decide if waiting makes sense
Before Black Friday
- Start in October: Research what you need
- Watch October Prime Day: Might find early deals
- Track prices weekly: Prices sometimes rise before "discounts"
- Know the real deal: Compare to year-round pricing
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Prime Day Mistakes
Buying TVs at Full Discount Prime Day TV deals exist, but Black Friday typically beats them by $50-200 on premium models.
Assuming Everything is a Deal Not all Prime Day prices are the lowest. Some items are discounted more at other times.
Forgetting Subscribe & Save Stacking You can often stack Prime Day discounts with Subscribe & Save for additional savings.
Black Friday Mistakes
Waiting for Cyber Monday Best deals often sell out Thursday-Friday. Cyber Monday is for what's left.
Ignoring Amazon in Favor of Stores Amazon's Black Friday deals often match or beat in-store doorbusters without the crowds.
Buying Gifts You'll Need to Return Extended return windows help, but buying on Prime Day gives more time to evaluate.
Deal Quality Comparison
Prime Day Deal Quality
Excellent Deals (30-50% off)
- Echo devices
- Fire TV and Kindle
- Ring and Blink security
- Select small appliances
Good Deals (20-30% off)
- Headphones and earbuds
- Beauty products
- Pet supplies
- Office electronics
Modest Deals (10-20% off)
- Most other electronics
- Fashion
- Home goods
Black Friday Deal Quality
Excellent Deals (30-60% off)
- TVs
- Laptops
- Major appliances
- Toys and games
Good Deals (20-40% off)
- Amazon devices
- Fashion
- Kitchen appliances
- Gaming
Modest Deals (10-25% off)
- Specialty items
- Premium brands
- Niche products
FAQ
Which sale has better overall discounts?
Black Friday offers broader discounts across more categories. Prime Day offers deeper discounts on Amazon's own products. For Amazon devices, Prime Day wins. For most other products, Black Friday is stronger.
Should I have Prime for Black Friday?
Prime helps with faster shipping and early access to some deals, but Black Friday discounts are available to everyone. Prime is essential for Prime Day but optional for Black Friday.
What if I miss both sales?
Amazon runs deals year-round. Subscribe & Save, warehouse deals, and regular coupons can match or beat sale prices on many items. December also brings holiday deals.
Are Prime Day deals really the lowest prices?
For Amazon devices, yes—Prime Day typically offers the year's lowest prices. For other products, prices can be matched or beaten at other times, especially Black Friday.
When should I start watching for deals?
For Prime Day: Start checking prices in mid-June. For Black Friday: Start in early November. Use price trackers to monitor items on your wishlist.
Plan Your Shopping Calendar
The best shopping strategy uses both sales: Prime Day for Amazon devices and summer needs, Black Friday for TVs, laptops, and holiday gifts. Knowing which sale favors which category helps you avoid FOMO and ensures you actually get the best prices.
For alerts on the best Prime Day and Black Friday deals, check ValidSave.