• Retailers are using more aggressive means of marketing
• Late night marketing and emails loaded with trackers are now the norm
• Tracking pixels and links monitor online activity without user knowledge

During the Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend, the top 50 retailers in the US sent close to 42 billion marketing emails to customers.

These stats come from Proton, one of the best secure email providers. The 'Spam Watch: The U.S. Inbox Overload + Hidden Tracker Report' examined emails sent from Tuesday, November 4, through Monday, December 1.

The report found that during this window, almost 80% of brands included a secretive tracking pixel or link in every single email during this period, and the Black Friday & Cyber Monday weekend saw 10 billion emails delivered into inboxes across the US.

Brands battling for attention

When it comes to the awards for the spammiest senders, home decor brand CB2 averaged 2.11 emails per day with 13 trackers in each email, Macy's managed to send seven emails in a single 24 hour period, and J. Crew sent three emails that each included a whopping 40 trackers.

Brands also disregarded the non-invasive marketing strategies and began sending emails late at night and even in the early morning. Banana Republic sent an email at 12:39 AM on Black Friday morning, and Macy’s sent seven emails between 10:58 PM and 12:16 AM on Saturday.

As for the trackers themselves, retailers often include a tiny invisible image within the email that can automatically capture the user’s location and device type. These trackers are used to build a user profile which retailers can use to bombard potential customers with aggressively targeted marketing campaigns.

"The Spam Watch findings confirm a harsh reality: the inbox has become a high‑volume, high‑noise channel where brands battle for attention while silently gathering data on every open. This is not accidental – it is an engineered assault on your attention and your privacy," said Anant Vijay Singh, Head of Product at Proton Mail.

"At Proton, we believe you shouldn't have to sacrifice your data just to shop online. We built Proton Mail to break this cycle, giving users the power to reclaim their digital freedom and block the silent stalkers that have taken over their lives."

Wix has returned with an impressive new discount for new customers. Right now, you can save 50% on the Core, Business, and Business Elite plans — but it won’t be available for long.

With Wix rarely offering discounts of this size, now is a great time to lock in savings on our top-rated website builder.

Wix offers a full AI website builder, drag-and-drop editor, built in marketing features, and a bunch of business tools, including ecommerce and bookings functionality — making it an excellent choice for small businesses looking to launch a new website in 2026.

Wix previously offered a similar discount before the Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend, only to drop the deal once Black Friday finally arrived. Now it is back, but will only be live until Thursday at 07:00 GMT.

Existing customers can save too

Wix isn’t just targeting new customers. When I logged into my Wix account this morning, I noticed another offer that is open to existing customers as well — but not for long.

Right now you can also lock in 50% off by extending your subscription to a 2- or 3-year plan. This is a great opportunity for those who already have a website built on Wix to save some extra cash on their subscription.

But hurry, Wix is advertising this deal as only available until 11th December at 08:00GMT.

Want to learn more about Wix? Read our full Wix review.

Upgrading your Wix website just got more affordable with up to 50% off some of the platform’s top apps.

From advanced SEO tools to apps for improved security, Wix’s App Market offers over 800 apps that can help you increase the functionality of your website. If what you need isn’t built into the website builder, chances are there is an app that can help.

So, now is a great time to invest in your website, helping you get ready for a successful 2026.

Why upgrade now?

With the festive shopping season far from over and the new year just around the corner, now is the perfect time to make some much-needed upgrades to your website.

For example, you could turn visits into follows with the Instagram Follow Us widget, double down on security with Blockify, or increase your average order value with the Upsell.com app.

This is exactly why I decided to buy today.

I’ve been using the free version of the Wix Google Reviews Pro widget on my site for over a year. It’s a great way to highlight other customers’ experiences and quickly build trust. But I’ve also had a bunch of reviews that don’t show on my current plan, so I decided to take the opportunity.

Want to learn more about Wix? Read our full Wix review.

Unlike many other website builders, Squarespace isn’t known for offering year-round deals. But right now, you can save a generous 20% on its website builder plans.

I first used Squarespace back in 2019, and still use it today. Although it offers great value for money, it is rare to find a discount as large as 20% off.

When you pick Squarespace, you aren’t just getting a basic website builder. You get an all-in-one platform that will help you create a perfectly designed site and offer you some helpful business and marketing tools for running and growing your business - and right now you can get all of that for 20% less.

So, if you’ve been considering Squarespace, now is a great time to buy.

Squarespace savings

Squarespace ranks in our list of the best website builders as ‘best for design’. This is thanks to its stunning templates, design-focused AI website builder, and a host of advanced design tools.

However, Squarespace also stands up to the likes of Wix when it comes to tools and features. With Squarespace, you get access to ecommerce features, email, SEO, and social media tools, an appointment scheduling platform, advanced analytics, and more.

Not sure if Squarespace is for you? Check out our Squarespace review to learn more.

There isn’t a lot you can get for $1 in today’s economy. But, right now, you can subscribe to IONOS' ‘Plus’ website builder plan for just $1/mo - for a limited time.

That’s just $1/mo to finally launch that new business idea or drop your old, outdated website platform for one of the top website builders.

Other discounts are available on IONOS’ other plans including the Starter plan for just $16/mo $6/mo and the Pro plan for $30/mo $17/mo - although neither stand up to the impressive discount on the Plus plan.

More for less

The Plus plan is IONOS' mid-level website builder plan that comes with a bunch of helpful extras when compared to the entry level plan.

This includes a range of AI-powered tools, including a page generator, text tools, image generator, SEO tool, and image recognition.

You also get Site Analytics and an integrated online booking tool, making it ideal for small businesses that want to promote and manage their business from one platform.

In July 2025, I decided to move one of my personal websites from Wix to Hostinger, calculating that it would save me over $160/year for the first four years, and around $60/year after that.

With over 85% off with its Cyber Monday website builder deal, if I moved now, I’d have saved even more.

Hostinger is well known for its generous Cyber Monday offers - and right now, you can get up to 85% off your subscription. But if you’re willing to commit to a 4-year plan, I’ve found a way to save you even more.

Exclusive deal: What you need to know

This deal stack will only be available during the Black Friday/Cyber Monday period. Our exclusive 15% discount can only be applied to 4-year plans, meaning you can lock in the deal price for that time period.

If you’re looking for a shorter-term subscription, you can save 10% with code TECHRADAR.

Bear in mind that your monthly cost will take a fair jump once the promotional period is over, but still offers good value for money.

Why pick Hostinger?

I switched my simple, personal website from Wix to Hostinger five months ago, and I’m glad I did.

Although I still use Wix for some more complex websites, it just didn’t make sense to pay Wix’s premium price tag without taking advantage of all its advanced features. But I wouldn’t have moved my site just anywhere - I trust Hostinger to offer a premium service with a reasonable price tag.

Except, right now, the price tag isn’t reasonable - it’s unbelievably low.

You thought I was done with seasonal streaming deals? Never. Cyber Monday is here, and it's your last chance to get a Paramount+ subscription for less than a cup of coffee.

It's December, the weather is awful, and you're really not missing out by saving money on a little sweet treat. In fact, you're getting much more bang for your buck.

• See all Cyber Monday streaming deals

I'm talking the Mission: Impossible movies, Scream, Gladiator, and kid-friendly classics like the Sonic the Hedgehog trilogy. Then there's the Taylor Sheridan-verse, which is expanding by the second.

There's Yellowstone and spinoffs 1883 and 1923, but there's another Sheridan show I'd recommend over anything else: Landman. Thankfully, Landman season 2 is currently airing on the streamer, so what better time to grab this deal?

Today's best Paramount+ Cyber Monday deal

Why you need to stream Landman season 2 this Cyber Monday

Where do I even begin with this one? For fans who couldn't get on board with Yellowstone but desperately want to dip their toe in the Sheridan-verse, Landman is the perfect choice. Despite being set in West Texas, cattle ranches are swapped out for oil rigs... and from the top to the bottom of the food chain, there's drama.

This ramps up in season 2, with Cami (Demi Moore) taking over the M-Tex corporation after husband Monty (Jon Hamm) died at the end of season 1. Tommy's (Billy Bob Thornton) set to reach breaking point, largely thanks to partner Angela (Ali Larter) and kids Ainsley (Michelle Randolph) and Cooper (Jacob Lofland).

But three episodes in, and we're only just warming up. I'll honestly be surprised if Tommy doesn't completely snap at some point in the next seven episodes, given he's barely hanging on by a thread as it is. I've never been so interested in the oil business, and I doubt I ever will be in other circumstances, but you can't help but be swept up in the chaos.

Whisper it, but I think Landman season 3 could be a given, thanks to how well seasons 1-2 have (so far) performed on the streamer. Trouble is, can Tommy hold on for that long?

Shop more Cyber Monday deals in the US

• Amazon: 45% off TVs, AirPods, air fryers & vacuums
• Apple: iPads, AirPods & MacBooks from $119
• Best Buy: $1,000 off TVs, laptops & headphones
• Dell: laptop deals from $249.99
• Home Depot: 40% off appliances, furniture, grills & tools
• Lenovo: 45% off laptops & tablets
• Lowe's: up to 30% off appliances, holiday decor & tools
• Samsung: up to $2,000 off appliances, TVs & phones
• Target: 40% off Christmas decor, clothing & furniture
• T-Mobile: up to $1,100 off latest iPhone 17
• Walmart: furniture, cheap TVs & vacs from $69
• Wayfair: 54% off Christmas, furniture & decor

Shop more of today's best Cyber Monday sales in the UK

• Amazon: up to 66% off tech & essentials
• AO: up to £500 off Dyson, Bosch & Hisense
• Argos: up to 50% off appliances, tech & toys
• Boots: save on 1,000s of beauty products
• Currys: deals on Ninja, Shark & Lenovo
• Dell: laptops from £279
• Dyson: up to £550 off vacuums
• EE: Switch 2 bundles from £20/month
• John Lewis: up to 50% off tech & fashion
• Lego: sets & accessories from £2.99
• Samsung: deals on appliances & phones
• Very: up to 40% off tech, toys & fashion

• Revolut finds only 17% of us feel ‘very confident’ in identifying fake websites
• Around two-thirds use trusted websites and avoid unknown links
• 4% admit they do nothing at all to protect themselves online

One in 10 millennials are expected to do most of their Black Friday shopping on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Facebook, and yet two in 10 have already been scammed while shopping online.

Most scammed millennials lost £100-£250, with 7% losing over £1,000, and this is the most confident age group at spotting scams.

New Revolut data has revealed only 17% of Brits feel ‘very confident’ in identifying fake websites or scam offers, but it’s combatting this with some top tips to iron out malicious activities.

Revolut explains how to avoid scams this Black Friday

Revolut says it is worried that social commerce growth (like TikTok Shop) has made scams harder to spot, with fraudsters often mimicking genuine brands and using fast-moving platforms to disappear quickly.

“As shopping increasingly moves to social media platforms, fraudsters are getting smarter at mimicking trusted brands,” Revolut Head of Financial Crime Woody Malouf shared.

British consumers say they use trusted websites or apps (66%), avoid unknown links in emails and ads (60%) and double-check website URLs (39%) to protect themselves, and while all of these steps are valid preventative measures, not enough consumers are actually taking them.

Checking URLs is one of Revolut’s main messages, highlighting that scammers often clone retail sites to steal money and personal data. But it might not always be so clear – keeping an eye on new social media shops with suspiciously positive reviews, or being wary of ‘too good to be true’ prices, are also effective for identifying scams.

“The best defence is caution, if it’s too good to be true, it often is and always shop from reliable websites with good reviews,” Malouf concluded.

With 4% of Brits taking no precautions at all and many more failing to do enough to protect themselves, the messaging is clear. Despite awareness of preventative steps, consumers are failing to use them.

This Cyber Monday, we've already seen a host of the best cloud storage providers offering huge discounts, and the latest to step up with a great offer is Carbonite.

The company is offering 40% off its Carbonite Basic Plan, and 60% off its Plus plan, with unlimited and encrypted cloud backup storage - ideal for a small businesses or self-employed creatives, especially if you have a bunch of projects on the go.

Carbonite is a simple service, so if you need cloud storage with lots of extra features, you should check out something like IDrive - which has a lot of useful extras.

That being said, Carbonite is simple and straightforward, with no storage limits, and great security features like two-factor authentication and 128-bit encryption.

If you're looking for a one-time payment plan, or for a cloud storage with another focus like sync or file sharing, check out our Cyber Monday cloud storage deal hub, which we will keep updating.

Today's top Carbonite deals

Also consider: more Cyber Monday deals

Hostinger is currently offering up to an impressive 85% off its website builder and hosting plans.

But always thirsty for a better deal, I’ve negotiated an extra discount when you take out a 48-month plan - generating total savings of up to 88%.

I’ve checked with Hostinger, and it's been confirmed - this is officially the best deal you can get on 4-year plans right now.

Just use our exclusive code TRBF15 at checkout to save an extra 15% on the already discounted price.

Here is how that looks for website builder plans:

Officially the best price on Hostinger plans right now

This deal is exclusive to TechRadar and is officially the best deal you can get right now on 48-month plans.

However, if you are looking for a short term plan, we can still help you save. Use the code TECHRADAR on all other plans to add an extra 10% off on top of Hostinger's Black Friday prices.

Note renewal costs

After your initial 4-year plan, your renewal costs will increase. Here are the current renewal costs for Hostinger's website builder plans:

Premium website builder plan = $12.19/mo
Business website builder plan = $18.99/mo

Although these are a significant jump, they still offer excellent value for money. You can discover everything these plans have to offer with our full Hostinger Website Builder review.

Black Friday 2025 is officially over, but many of the best eSIM providers still have massive discounts of up to 50% for Cyber Monday.

As an eSIM expert at TechRadar, I am tracking all the top offers in one place so you are ready for your winter getaway. Some of these deals are exclusive to TechRadar readers, thanks to our direct partnerships with top brands.

eSIMs are a go-to travel companion for frequent flyers who want to stay connected securely without relying on risky public Wi-Fi. In fact, a recent survey, conducted by TechRadar, revealed that 40% travelers prefer using eSIMs abroad for safer, faster connectivity.

I am spotlighting the biggest names in the eSIM market, like Ubigi, Saily, Airalo, and Holafly, who are offering exclusive savings.

Looking to revamp your home office? We are tracking down the best Cyber Monday office deals available now.

Best Cyber Monday eSIM deals 2025

• Ubigi: 500MB for free +10% off on any plans for first-time users
• Saily: 1 month free NordVPN subscription on selected plans
• Breeze: 50% off on annual travel pass
• Airalo: 15% off with exclusive code
• KnowRoaming: 50% off all fixed regional plans
• Holafly: 5% off with exclusive code
• SimLocal: 15% off on selected plans

Cyber Monday eSIM deals: Buying advice

When does Black Friday/Cyber Monday eSIM deals start and end?

Black Friday is over, and we are on to Cyber Monday - most retailers still have discounts available today.

All eSIM deals listed on this page are active and will remain live until Cyber Monday, which falls on December 1, 2025.

Can I purchase a Cyber Monday eSIM deal now and activate it later when I travel?

Yes, absolutely! Most eSIM providers allow you to set an early installation date so you can travel hassle-free. After you purchase and install your eSIM, your provider will let you know the window in which you need to activate and use it. This can vary depending on the provider, so it’s always worth double-checking.

This is also why I recommend taking advantage of Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals. You can buy an eSIM at a discounted price now and activate it later whenever you’re ready to travel.

Are the Cyber Monday deals available for all countries/regions?

All the eSIM providers listed on this page are offering discounts on all their plans. This means you can use it for specific countries, regions, or global plans.

How can I check if my phone supports eSIM technology?

All iPhones from iPhone XS, XR, and newer support eSIM. If you have any model older than these, eSIM won’t be available.

To further check if your phone supports eSIM, follow these steps:

• Go to Settings >General>About
• Look for “Digital SIM” or “eSIM”
• If you see “Digital SIM”, “eSIM”, or an EID number, your device supports eSIM
• Then check if your phone is unlocked
• Go to Settings>General>About>Carrier Lock
• If it says "no SIM restrictions", your iPhone is unlocked and ready for an eSIM

Similarly, follow these steps for android devices:

• Go to Settings> Connections (or Network & Internet)
• Look for SIM options
• Tap SIM Manager, Mobile Network, or SIM Cards depending on your phone
• Search for “eSIM”, “Add eSIM”, or “Download SIM”
• If you see “Add eSIM”, “Add mobile plan”, or “Download SIM”, your device supports eSIM
• Make sure your device is unlocked
• In Settings>About phone>Status, look for information on carrier lock

How do I set up and activate the eSIM on my device?

Once you’ve purchased an eSIM, you’ll receive an onboarding email with clear, step-by-step instructions on how to set it up.

If you buy your eSIM directly through the provider’s app, the activation process is even easier as you’ll be guided through everything on screen.

Typically, you’ll be asked to install the eSIM first. After installation, you can activate it in your phone’s settings. Make sure your device is connected to the internet and has enough battery before you begin. Most eSIMs can only be activated once, so it’s important to follow the steps carefully.

Activation usually takes just a few minutes. Once complete, you’ll see the new plan under your mobile services, and you can rename it if you prefer.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are done and dusted for another year, closing the curtain on a jam-packed sales season. However, you haven't missed out if you're only just beginning your hunt for a VPN bargain, because plenty of our top picks are still discounted... for the moment.

Right now, you can get our top-rated VPN, NordVPN, from only $2.88/month with our exclusive deal, and Surfshark, our #2 pick, is down to $1.99/month. Proton VPN is also down to an impressive $2.49/month, and ExpressVPN has even joined in on the act, offering a Basic two-year subscription at $2.44/month.

Time is running especially short, however, so you'll want to move quickly to secure your savings. We'll also continue to bring you insights from the VPN team here at TechRadar. Right now, you can check out Rob Dunne's top choice.

Note: all prices are in US$ but are available globally. Your local currency will be displayed on the VPN provider's website.

2025 Cyber Monday VPN deals – quick list

• NordVPN Basic: $3.09 $2.88/month + 4 months extra
• Proton VPN: $3.59 $2.49/month
• Surfshark One: $2.49 $2.19/month + 3 months extra
• ExpressVPN Basic: $3.49 $2.44/month + 4 months extra
• PrivadoVPN: $1.11/month + FREE antivirus
• FastestVPN: $30 lifetime plan + password manager
• Hide.me: $2.69 $2.07/month + 3 months extra
• CyberGhost: $2.19 $2.03/month + 4 months extra
• PIA: $2.03/month + 4 months extra
• Windscribe: $69 $29 per year
• Hotspot Shield 1-year: $7.99 $3.99/month – save 50%
• PureVPN: $2.16 $1.49/month
• Norton VPN: $6.66 $2.08/month

Cyber Monday 2025 VPN deals

Editor's Choice

The best VPNs

Here are five of the best VPNs currently on sale. Each offers something slightly different, so it's worth reading and finding out which one best suits your needs.

1. NordVPN: the best VPN overall
2. Surfshark: the fastest (and cheapest) VPN
3. Private Internet Access: the best US VPN
4. ExpressVPN: the best VPN for beginners
5. PrivadoVPN Free: the best free VPN

▲Back to the best Cyber Monday VPN deals

Is now the right time to buy a Cyber Monday VPN deal?

The deals we've included here for NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN and Proton are unlikely to change over the next couple of days, so if you're thinking about buying one of them, now is definitely the right time. In fact, many of the deals here will expire in the next day or so.

▲Back to the best Cyber Monday VPN deals

How we choose Cyber Monday VPN deals

There are hundreds of VPNs on the market. We only include services on this list that we would genuinely recommend to family and friends.

We've been testing VPNs on TechRadar for over 11 years. The editorial team members use them every day on the phones and laptops, and the lab team puts them through their paces every month.

A Black Friday VPN deal is only included on this pages if it meets all of the following criteria:

• It's a VPN we have actually tested: We wouldn't recommend something we've never had our hands on.
• It's a reliable service: you can trust it to keep you and your loved ones safe online.
• It's a price we would genuinely pay for it: if we don't think the price being asked is worthy of the service, then it's not going on our list. If we wouldn't pay for it, why should you?

▲Back to the best Cyber Monday VPN deals

Cyber Monday 2025 FAQs

▲Back to the best Cyber Monday VPN deals

▲Back to the best Black Friday VPN deals

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Christmas means family time, lots of food, infinite board game sessions, and, well, presents. A shiny new laptop may be waiting for you under the tree this year – or you might've bought one for your child or partner.

Either way, you should know that the online world is a dangerous place these days. It's crucial to pair your new digital device with security software that can protect all your activities.

The good news is that some of the best VPN apps have slashed their pricing for the holiday season. Keep reading as I'll walk you through the best VPN deals on the market and why you need one – no matter if you have a Windows, Linux, or Mac device.

Today's best Christmas VPN deals:

Why you need a VPN for your new laptop?

A virtual private network (VPN) is security software that encrypts all your data inside a secure tunnel that connects your devices to the wider internet. This prevents third parties from snooping on your online activities.

This protection is especially important if you're planning to use your new laptop on the go. Cybercriminals are known, in fact, to use unsecured public Wi-Fi to launch attacks and compromise your device with malware or phishing scams.

At the same time, a VPN also masks your real IP address. It does so by rerouting your connection through one of its international servers, instead.

IP-spoofing not only considerably boosts your anonymity on the internet, but it also grants you access to otherwise geo-restricted content. A streaming VPN, for instance, ensures you can watch your favorite shows when abroad. This skill is also essential in retaining access to your social accounts when traveling to countries where these platforms are blocked.

Even better, perhaps, signing up for a VPN service often means getting a well-rounded security boost. For instance, the likes of Surfshark, NordVPN, ProtonVPN, ExpressVPN, and others all come with built-in malware and ad-blocking power. Some providers even include a password manager tool to help you stay on top of your account logins and auto-generate super-strong passwords.

All the aforementioned VPN recommendations – and all of the top providers on the market – offer apps across all main platforms, namely Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS. NordVPN and Surfshark are also some of the very few providers even offering a Snapdragon VPN application – so you'll be covered even when using a next-generation PCs.

Now here's a great deal if you're currently scrambling for a last-minute PlayStation gaming gift. Right now loads of PS Store gift cards are discounted over at Currys thanks to discount code DIGITAL15, which can save you 15% on select digital gift cards.

I would definitely most highly recommend the £70 gift card, which comes in at just £59.50 (was £70) at Currys with discount code DIGITAL15 applied at checkout. That's a £10.50 saving and will give the recipient more than enough digital cash to pick up a brand new top game or a selection of things on sale.

If you want the largest possible savings, then pick up the £120 gift card, which is just £102 (was £120 ) at Currys with discount code DIGITAL15. This is a pretty hefty sum but, at £18 off, gives you a good way to top up your wallet ahead of 2025 for less.

Read on for a breakdown of even more of the options available today...

Don't miss PS Store gift card savings

Wondering what exactly you're getting for your cash here? These are digital gift cards, which are delivered in a few minutes as digital codes.

You can use them yourself, or copy them down into a card if you want to send them as a physical gift. Like any digital gift card, speed is definitely a big part of the appeal here - as there's no need to wait for any long festive delivery times.

These codes are compatible with the whole store so no matter if you, or the recipient, play on PlayStation 5 or PlayStation 4, you'll be covered.

If you're not in the UK, check the list below to find all the best rates on PS Plus subscriptions in your region.

• Cyber Monday spend hits $13.3bn in 2024 as the season total draws in on $240.8bn
• American consumers spent $15.8 million every minute at its peak
• Generative AI is starting to play a bigger role in purchasing decisions

American consumers pushed Cyber Monday spend to $13.3 billion in 2024, making it the biggest such event in history and surpassing initial predictions by over $100 million, new figures have claimed.

Adobe’s analysis found sales were up 7.3% year-over-year, meaning Cyber Monday has now become the largest online shopping day of the year, building on the hype of the preceding Black Friday deals.

In two hours alone between 8pm and 10pm, US buyers spent a whopping $15.8 million every minute, or about $1.9 billion in 120 minutes.

Cyber Monday is America’s favorite shopping day

The report claimed the five-day 2024 "Cyber Week" – beginning on Thanksgiving and ending on Cyber Monday – brought in $41.1 billion in sales, up 8.2% year-on-year. Current predictions estimate that the two-month holiday season, from November 1 to December 31, will bring in $240.8 billion in sales. If this is true, it would mark an 8.4% yearly rise, but already this season sales stand at $131.5 billion, up 9.0%.

Continually tough economic conditions have kept some consumers thinking twice about their spending, however generous discounts countered this and kept up spending. Electronics saw an average markdown of 30.1%, toys at 26.1%, and clothing at 23.2%.

Surprisingly, while the true power of artificial intelligence is yet to be realized outside of the office, GenAI-powered chatbots helped consumers make purchasing decisions more than ever this year, boosting traffic to retail sites by a staggering 1,950%. Social media influencers also saw their share of revenue increase 6.8% year-over-year.

Most consumers (57%) purchased via mobile, with Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services accounting for $991.2 million in transactions – about 7.5% of Cyber Monday’s purchases from a financial perspective.

“Early discounts were strong enough that many consumers felt comfortable hitting the buy button earlier on during Cyber Week, with Cyber Monday becoming ‘last call’ for shoppers to take advantage of big holiday deals," noted Adobe Digital Insights lead analyst Vivek Pandya.

Looking ahead, Adobe predicts discounts to become less attractive through December 2024, but key categories like electronics, toys and appliances are still likely to offer healthy savings, enabling buyers to purchase higher ticket items and driving total spend up.

You might also like

• Take your store online with the best ecommerce platforms
• UK shoppers will give away their data for bigger bargains
• The best payment gateways allow you to do business wherever you need

It’s Cyber Monday – and that means there's a ton of hefty bargains to be had. VPNs joined in the fun before Black Friday, too, with the cheapest prices we’ve seen all year, and they've carried through to the Cyber Monday VPN sales. All in all, it’s a great time to subscribe to a service.

If you’re more concerned about your digital privacy than saving each and every penny you can, however, you’ll be glad to learn that plenty of today’s best VPNs prioritize your security in a major way – and we're not talking the bare minimum, here.

Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through the huge savings available across the best secure VPNs, and why these handy pieces of tech are a must-have in today’s dangerous digital world.

Why you need a secure VPN

One glance at today’s cybersecurity news paints a grim picture – data breaches abound, snoopers are constantly sniffing after identifiable data, and censorship runs riot throughout countries with oppressive governments. It’s easy to feel helpless in the face of these threats, but there are a few things you can do to shore up your personal online privacy.

The best, easiest, and most efficient of these is to invest in a secure VPN. Right off the bat, once you’ve picked out a provider, a plan, and downloaded the app onto your device of choice, your VPN will encrypt all of that device’s traffic. This makes it effectively unreadable to potential hackers and bad actors – and means you can go about your regular browsing with increased security.

A VPN’s functionality doesn’t end there, however, and most of today’s top picks all have a selection of tools designed to make the internet a safer, more private, place to be. Here are some of my favorites:

• Encryption: this is a VPN’s bread and butter and the first thing any privacy-minded user should check out. Titans like NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN use AES-256 encryption, which is the industry standard, and virtually uncrackable. It’s exactly what you want to keep your all-important personal information secure and out of the hands of bad actors.
• Kill switch: a VPN kill switch ensures that you don’t accidentally leave a trail of identifiable details over the web as you do your thing online. How? Well, they cut your internet connection if your VPN drops out for whatever reason, preventing you from sending unencrypted traffic over an unsecured route.
• Audit: this is a big one – today’s most trustworthy VPNs have all undergone third-party audits that verify that they stick to their no-logs privacy policies (and aren’t keeping hold of your data). Without an audit, there’s no way to prove that a VPN isn’t logging your information, and you’ll have to take their word on trust alone. That’s not ideal… or recommended.
• Stealth: a handful of VPNs have their own Stealth VPN protocols which are especially handy for folks dealing with VPN bans. Whether they’re enforced by your school, workplace, or even your government, VPN bans can be a real nuisance and cut you off from a world’s worth of content. A stealth protocol disguises VPN traffic as regular old HTTP traffic, however, making it much harder for ban enforcement to notice it.
• Extras: take a look at our top-rated VPNs and you’ll notice that they all have something in common – they offer a ton of extra privacy-boosting tools included in their bundles. These range from password managers to ad blockers, from cloud storage to data broker removal services. If you’re interested in really, seriously, shoring up your personal security, it’s worth taking a look over Cyber Monday.

The computer or smartphone in your hand was a significant investment - so to protect it, it is advisable to purchase a comprehensive security suite like Norton 360 Deluxe.

And good news - this Cyber Monday, this platform service is available at a greatly reduced price, so instead of the regular cost of $119.99 for a year, you can pay only $29.99.

We've also rounded up the best Cyber Monday antivirus deals in one simple guide.

Computer protection for less than $30 FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR? Yes, that is correct

Norton 360 has become my go-to security suite for protecting my digital life. It’s impressive how it combines powerful antivirus protection with features that make a difference in my day-to-day online activities. The antivirus engine is top-notch, catching everything from pesky viruses to more severe threats like ransomware. It's reassuring to know that I have such robust protection in place.

One of my favorite features is the secure VPN. I love how it encrypts my internet connection, especially when I'm out and about using public Wi-Fi. It makes me feel safe knowing that my online activities are private, allowing me to access content that might be restricted in my region. It truly expands my browsing experience and entertainment choices.

I can’t overlook the built-in password manager, either. It’s a lifesaver! I no longer stress forgetting or using the same passwords for multiple accounts—this tool generates complex passwords and securely stores them. Knowing my sensitive information is safe gives me great peace of mind.

As a parent, parental controls are a big plus. I can easily monitor my kids’ online activities and set limits on their screen time. This helps ensure they have a safer online experience while allowing them to enjoy the internet.

The cloud backup feature is another crucial part for me. I’ve had moments of panic during hardware failures, and knowing that my important files are backed up in the cloud is a huge relief. It takes away the fear of losing precious memories or important documents.

Norton 360 works seamlessly across all my devices—my PC, Mac, smartphone, and tablet—so I can stay protected no matter where I am or what I’m doing. Sharing a single subscription with my family makes it even more convenient.

Overall, Norton 360 has helped me feel more secure while online. Whether streaming a show, shopping, or just catching up on the news, I can do it all confidently, knowing I have a solid protective shield.

Traveling or working remotely typically requires a reliable and worry-free communication experience. However, often this is easier said than done, at least not without hefty roaming fees or insecure public Wi-Fi.

And this is where Firsty eSIM service comes in, offering you a smarter way to address this issue and stay connected, wherever you are. The best part? For a limited time, you can even claim a sweeter 10% off deal for all its plans.

We have done the hard work and tested the best eSIMs in the market and now with Black Friday over, we are bringing another deal this Cyber Monday. Our team has also rounded up the best Cyber Monday eSIM deals that are still available.

Why choose Firsty?

Setting up your Firsty eSIM is as straightforward as can be- download the app, activate the eSIM, pick the location, the number of days needed, and your desired package.

You can opt for the Regular plan for casual app usage (ideal for messaging apps, live maps, emails, and social media) and high speeds or an Ultra subscription that unlocks everything from streaming to hotspots - at extra high speeds.

Customers around the world have picked Firsty for their mobile connectivity needs, thanks to its exceptional capabilities that include global coverage in over 160 countries, high internet speeds, flexible data packages, easy setup, and encrypted connections.

Utilizing a global network of regional telecom partners, the Firsty eSIM tool automatically connects you to the best local provider and eliminates the need for manual intervention. With it, you just activate your eSIM and you’re good to go for 30 days or whatever period you choose.

Do you have some leftover data? As a bonus perk, you can pause your Firsty data subscription and continue using it on your next trip.

Black Friday is gone and now it's time to enjoy your purchases. If among these there's a new Fire Stick, good news – you're still in time to unlock all your latest gadget's potential for a bargain price for Cyber Monday.

Some of the best VPN providers offer Fire Stick apps, allowing you to watch your favorite home programs and films wherever you may be. What's more, many of these services feature among the best Cyber Monday VPN deals.

So sit back and relax, as here's everything you need to maximize your Cyber Monday binge-watching for less.

Today's best Fire Stick VPN deals:

Why you need a Fire Stick VPN?

Using a Fire Stick VPN is very handy especially when you traveling abroad as it allows you to keep watching your favorite TV series, sports, and shows as you'd do when you're at home. As long as you take your Fire Stick with you, that is.

A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts all your internet connections to prevent third-party snooping and spoofs your real IP address location. The latter skill doesn't only grant you online anonymity, but it's also what you need to bypass geo-restrictions that streaming platforms apply to their content.

All you need to do is download the VPN app on your new Fire Stick – all the VPN services mentioned earlier have a dedicated application – enter your credentials, and connect to a server located in the country you need for your desired content.

You can expect stable performances from the likes of NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN – no matter which one you opt for. All delivered great results during our last round of testing, unblocking virtually any streaming platforms we tried at impressive speeds.

Cyber Monday deals are your last chance to grab some discounted new tech gadgets and you may have already bagged yourself a shiny new bargain iPhone. If that's the case, good news: securing your smartphone can also cost you a fraction of the price, but only for today.

Some of the best VPN apps out there have joined the shopping savings season, in fact. These are great tools to boost your mobile security and online privacy, as well as improve your overall digital life (more on this below).

The web is full of Cyber Monday VPN deals, though, so I'll walk you through everything you need to know to get the best pick.

Today's best iPhone VPN deals:

Why you need an iPhone VPN?

Now that you know which are the best iPhone VPNs on sale right now, let's see why you should use such software in the first place.

A virtual private network (VPN)'s main job is encrypting all your internet connections to prevent third parties from snooping on your online activities. This is especially important when connecting your smartphone to public Wi-Fi as cybercriminals could use these unsecured hotspots to launch attacks and compromise your device.

A VPN also masks your real IP address location. It does so by rerouting your connection through one of its international servers instead. IP-spoofing not only considerably boosts your anonymity on the internet, but it also grants you access to otherwise geo-restricted content – whether that's a foreign streaming library or a censored website. This skill is especially handy when you're traveling abroad and need to access online services as you would do at home.

Remember, many providers these days do not offer just a VPN. The likes of Surfshark, NordVPN, ProtonVPN, ExpressVPN, and others all come with built-in malware and ad-blocker to boost your device security as well, for example. Some also offer a password manager tool to help you stay on top of your account logins within a couple of clicks.

Black Friday is gone, but Cyber Monday means more discounts – especially if you're tired of the likes of Google stealing your data. Proton isn't just offering a stunning Cyber Monday VPN deal for this shopping season, in fact. You are still in time to get Proton's full house for half of the price, too, with this limited-time offer.

Helping people cut ties with data-hungry Big Tech apps has been at the core of Proton's mission since the beginning. From a privacy-first alternative to Gmail, ProtonMail, the Swiss-based provider got bigger, offering now one of the best VPN apps, password manager, encrypted cloud storage, calendar, and even a documents tool.

While all Proton tools come with a generous free plan, the paid subscription is the one to go for to experience all its power and, actually, say goodbye to your Big Tech dependency for good. That said, a Proton Ultimate plan surely isn't usually cheap – not today, at least. Proton's 50% offer is set to expire by the end of the day, so make sure not to miss it!

How good is Proton's Cyber Monday deal?

As mentioned before, Proton Ultimate includes all privacy-first products within the provider's offering.

• Proton VPN is among our top recommendations, scaling up our top VPN rankings from #5 to #4 after our last round of testing. Besides being perhaps the most private VPN you can get right now, ProtonVPN also impressed us with great speeds and unblocking performances. Whether you need a VPN for privacy and security, unlocking streaming catalogs, or censored sites – ProtonVPN delivers on all fronts.
• Proton Mail is probably the most famous secure email service out there, being the choice for privacy-minded folks since 2014 thanks to its zero-access encryption protection. The provider has been boosting the service over the decade with some handy extra features, such as an email alias, tracker/phishing scams blocker, and 1-click unsubscribe option.
• First launched in beta in 2020, Proton Calendar was developed to give you an alternative way to digitally manage your day-to-day schedule, without giving away your privacy.
• As the name suggests, Proton Drive is the provider's iteration of encrypted cloud storage, perfectly complementing its Mail suite. The app got even better in July this year when an encrypted Docs tool also landed in its offering. Who needs Google or Microsoft now, really?
• Last but not least, Proton Pass is a great password manager that also supports 2FA and a passkey option. The latter option offers passwordless credential creation for all users.

All Proton tools are fully open-source so anyone can check out their codes to ensure everything works as it should.

As mentioned already, Proton's free plans are great to start with. Yet, if you're really planning to move away from the likes of Google or Outlook, you need the storage space that you can only get with the paid plan.

Also, you cannot use Proton's free VPN for streaming or torrenting, for example, making a paid sub a necessity for most people looking to sign up for this security service.

Again, you won't see this price for long so make up your mind and grab this great Proton's Cyber Monday deal before it's too late.

Are the best deals, the deals that last a lifetime? That’s certainly the sell from plenty of services out there today in the 2024 end-of-year sales – but if something sounds too good to be true then, often, that’s because it is.

We’ve picked out some of the most prominent lifetime deals and looked at what they're promising. Are they the deals of a lifetime or is there a better deal on offer?

Note: all prices are in US$ but the deals are available in UKP too.

Lifetime deals – quick list

• Lifetime VPN deal: FastestVPN – $22.90 for life!
• Best cheap VPN deal: Surfshark – $1.99 per month

• Lifetime password manager deal: Proton Pass – $199 EXPIRED
• Best password manager deal: NordPass – $1.16 per month

• Lifetime Ad Blocker deal: AdGuard – $33 for life!
• Best Ad Blocker deal: uBlock Origin – Free!

• Lifetime cloud storage deal: pCloud 3-in-1 – £599 for life!
• Best cloud storage deal: anything free

Lifetime VPN – FastestVPN vs Surfshark

FastestVPN is offering a lifetime VPN deal right now. Reach into your wallet for $22.90 and you’ve got FastestVPN forever!

So, is it a good deal?

YES! It’s an excellent deal. FastestVPN normally comes in at around $40 for a lifetime plan, so you can consider it a genuine 2024 lifetime deal bargain!

Drawbacks

We reviewed FastestVPN and we rate it as a 3.5-start product. That’s not bad at all. It’s got you covered for the basics of privacy and it’ll do the trick for most of your streaming, torrenting, and gaming needs. It’s a little more limited on some of the security trimmings, it’s got fewer server locations than a lot of our best VPN service providers and, despite its name, it’s a bit on the slow side but, at $22.90 for life, it’s a stone cold bargain. Go for it.

Alternative: Surfshark ($1.99/month)

But, discerning price-conscious VPN buyers should consider Surfshark. Ok, it’s not $22.90 for life. It’s $55 for 2 years ($1.99 per month is how it’s marketed) but it’s a 4.5-star VPN and it really is the fastest VPN on the market.

Lifetime password manager – Proton Pass vs NordPass

Privacy-centric Proton was offering a lifetime's access to its password manager and it's very handy email alias service and all with premium features. That came in at $199 for Pass + SimpleLogin. Sadly, the deal has expired but our alternative suggestion is still available:

Alternative: NordPass ($1.16/month)

We rate NordPass as the best password manager on the market right now. Does it have a lifetime deal, though? No but the $1.16 deal is pretty compelling and only commits you to spending $34.83 which is a lot less than $199.

Lifetime ad blocker – AdGuard vs uBlock

Tired of viewing the internet through a tiny space between massive adverts that follow you around the page? Of course you are. AdGuard is a browser add-on that removes adverts and other kinds of annoying page elements. That makes for a better user experience as well as quicker loading pages, and it saves you data too. This AdGuard has a 45% discount on its lifetime plans. So, is it a good deal?

HELL, YES! We rate AdGuard as one of the best ad blockers out there and give it a 4.5-star rating in our AdGuard review. It’s particularly good for desktop use.

Drawbacks

None really. There are even better ad blocker services out there but, at this price, and for this length of time, it’s hard to beat AdGuard today.

Alternative: uBlock Origin

uBlock Origin is our top-rated ad blocker and, if all you need is a browser extension, then it’s arguably a better choice. Why? Because it’s free.

Lifetime cloud storage – pCloud vs free services

Lifetime deals are fairly commonplace in cloud storage but if you’re looking for a lifetime special, look no further than pCloud. You can get the 3in1 Lifetime for $599 instead of $1,563. So, is it a good deal?

NOT BAD. pCloud is one of our best cloud storage providers and the discount is certainly welcome.

Drawbacks

Lifetime deals are a bit more limited when it comes to data storage. 5TB is a big deal now, but 100GB felt like a lot 20 years ago. How’s that looking these days?

Alternatives: free services

There are a lot of free cloud storage services out there. In fact, pCloud and most other providers offer a certain amount for free. Just check that you really need all that space before you pay.

BONUS: Lifetime language learning – Babbel

Language learning app Babbel has a few 2024 Black Friday deals still live including the fairly chunky $299 lifetime offer. So, is it a good deal?

MAYBE. Babbel is one of the biggest language learning platforms but we’ve never reviewed it ourselves on TechRadar. It's very well-liked, won awards as the best product in its category, and it’s certainly well-established, having been around for 16 years. More to the point, the lifetime plan normally costs $599, so it’s certainly a discount. It's a pretty good deal, so long as you're committed to the learning.

Drawbacks

It’s not exactly cheap, particularly when Babbel’s main rival has a free tier...

Alternative: Duolingo

Duolingo is free to use, so it costs absolutely nothing. That’s a pretty good deal all year round. Granted, functionality is more limited than what Babbel offers but it’s still a daily available language learning tool.

Another alternative: Rosetta Stone

Not to be outdone, the other big-three language learning app has a lifetime deal of its own. Right now, you can get a lifetime's subscription to Rosetta Stone for $149. That's full access to all 25 languages for half the price that Babbel's offering.

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

If you didn't manage to grab a discounted subscription on one of the best VPN apps over the Black Friday weekend, don't worry too much – you still have time until the end of the day to make the most of great Cyber Monday VPN deals.

But, what is the difference between the two shopping sales? And when is actually the best time to buy your next VPN?

Today's best VPN deal:

Black Friday or Cyber Monday: what's the difference?

Black Friday traditionally marks the start of the Christmas shopping season, falling on the Friday after Thanksgiving in the United States. The event has evolved over time, and US retailers joined the Black Friday sales en masse during the 1980s. The concept would later take off on a global scale around the 2010s.

By contrast, Cyber Monday is a much younger event that first came about in 2005 across the e-commerce community to encourage people to shop online. As the name suggests, it falls on the Monday after Black Friday – so this year, it's on December 2.

The big difference between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is that, while the first event includes every retailer you can think of, Cyber Monday generally focuses on tech gadgets and kitchen appliances. This is why you'll find VPN deals on both days.

So, when should I buy a VPN?

Well, with the Black Friday weekend now gone, Cyber Monday is the latest chance you have to get a premium VPN subscription for a fraction of the price.

The VPN providers that axed their prices for Black Friday have done so for Cyber Monday, too, with their offers mostly staying the same on both days. The truth is, actually, that most VPN deals already landed on the market before the Friday madness started.

I would usually recommend bagging your discounted goodies as early as possible before they sell out, but we all know there's no such risk with VPN subscriptions. But, remember – you have time just until the end of the day, so hurry up!

Opting for a Cyber Monday VPN deal may mean you have had more time to carefully choose the best pick for your needs. That said, don't worry too much about buying the wrong VPN service. All this year's VPN deals come with a handy money-back guarantee period that allows you to try it risk-free, for up to a month, to see if it's your perfect match.

Imagine if lifetime VPN protection costs less than the price you'd probably pay for a meal in most US or European towns. This isn't a dream or a scam, but just the cheapest Cyber Monday VPN deal you can get today.

FastestVPN is used to going wild on both Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Although we didn't think it was possible, the provider even managed to beat last year's crazy offer. TechRadar's readers can now buy a FastestVPN lifetime subscription for less than $23.

The service may not be among the best VPN apps just yet, but it covers all the essentials by offering basic privacy-boosting tools, decent speeds, and impeccable streaming unlocking. Make sure not to miss this time-limited offer, and keep reading as I walk you through everything you need to know.

Today's cheapest Cyber Monday VPN:

How good is FastestVPN?

FastestVPN isn't in my usual list of top VPN recommendations.

For starters, the service doesn't live up to its name when it comes to connection speeds. It also boasts a way smaller server network compared to its highest-rated competitors.

The new app design looks significantly better, which is great, but the service still lacks the extra security and privacy features offered by the likes of NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and Proton VPN.

That said, FastestVPN is still a great choice if you're looking for a reliable streaming VPN. From several Netflix catalogs and Amazon Prime to Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and HBO – the provider managed to unblock everything we threw at it last time we put it to the test. The only downside is FastestVPN's smaller location pool, so you should definitely check if the country you need access to is among the 49+ on its list.

FastestVPN doesn't offer all the handy extra features many VPNs have these days, either, such as built-in ad-blocker, kill switch, or double VPN security. Yet, it does cover all the basics. These include implementing the most secure AES-256 encryption on today's best VPN protocols (IKEv2, OpenVPN, and WireGuard). I also love seeing an independently audited no-log privacy policy to back its claims of never storing users' data.

All in all, FastestVPN isn't the service for you if impeccable speeds, service customization, and additional privacy/security tools are your priority. Surfshark's Cyber Monday VPN deal is probably a better option in that case, starting from as little as $1.99 a month.

However, if you're after a budget option to boost your browsing and streaming experience – without risking price spikes on your plan renewal – FastestVPN's lifetime subscription may just be the answer to all your wishes.

From fluctuating prices to fake shops and phishing scams, shopping for the best Black Friday deals is anything but easy these days. Luckily, there's a simple way to improve your online shopping experience – connecting to a VPN.

The best VPN apps keep you safe against scams and snooping as they encrypt your internet connections and prevent threats from reaching your devices. They also spoof your real IP address location to grant you anonymity and get you the best deals no matter where you are. Even better, you can buy one of the top services for a fraction of the price right now thanks to Black Friday VPN deals.

So, if you're looking to get the best from your Black Friday spend, here's everything you need to know about how a VPN can help.

Today's top Black Friday VPN:

Access worldwide deals

IP spoofing is perhaps the biggest reason VPNs have become such popular tools everywhere. A masked IP isn't just great for online anonymity, unblocking streaming catalogs, or censored sites – it also allows you to access worldwide deals no matter where you are.

For example, if you're traveling abroad right now, there's a big chance you cannot shop from your favorite stores as you would when you are home. With a VPN, however, you can trick your ISP into thinking you're browsing from your home country in no time.

I know all this sounds quite technical and complicated but, in reality, it's very simple. All you need to do is connect to a VPN server located in the country of your choice and enjoy even more savings on the best deals worldwide.

Escape dynamic pricing

Sometimes there's no need to travel outside your country to notice a change in the pricing of the offer you've been watching. This is because some online stores and websites may enforce dynamic pricing.

Such a technique makes price tags fluctuate based on how long you spend on a particular site, how many times you open the same page, your overall online browsing profile, and so on. The key to escaping such price discrimination? Online anonymity.

While clearing your browser's cookies and opening a page in incognito may do the trick at times, connecting to a VPN is the ultimate way to keep your browsing private as you'll have a different IP for every browsing session you initiate.

Minimize online scams

Shoppers aren't the only ones loving the Black Friday season – scammers are, too. Fake shops and phishing scams are popping out like mushrooms during this period, in fact. Even authorities are now sharing tips on how to shop safely.

As mentioned earlier, all virtual private network (VPN) services can boost your overall privacy online. Some VPNs, however, also come with built-in malware and ad-blocker (Surfshark included) to minimize phishing and other scams before infecting your device or stealing your data.

While technology definitely helps you boost your defense against scams, you also need to learn how to spot Black Friday scams' red flags to reduce even more your chances of falling victim to cybercriminals.

Secure your sensitive data

Last but not least, a VPN's main job is securing all your sensitive data to minimize online tracking. This is very important every time you browse the internet (especially from an unsecured public Wi-Fi hotspot) and even more as you're hunting for the best Black Friday offer.

A VPN encrypts all internet connections while rerouting your data through one of its international servers. These two actions combined are meant to prevent third-party snooping and hacker attacks so your identity and financial information are less vulnerable to being compromised.

The likes of Surfshark and NordVPN – ExpressVPN, too, but only for US users – even offer extra ID theft protection on their top-tier plans. Again, Surfshark's offering is the cheapest as it enables you to bag yourself the Surfshark One security bundle for as little as the equivalent of $2.49 a month.

2024 has been a big year for PC lovers as the long-awaited Snapdragon X chip finally landed on Windows. Such an ARM-based processor surely means better battery life and super-fast performances, but its expensive pricing may not make it a buying option for anyone – until now, at least.

We are right in the middle of Cyber Monday, marking the last day of the biggest week of the year for discounted shopping after all. Among the best Cyber Monday PC deals available, there's also a next-generation Windows laptop. The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge seriously axed its pricing to celebrate Black Friday, in fact, going from $1,349.99 to a stunning $799.99 alongside the opportunity to get up to $500 in trade-in credit for an eligible device.

The good news doesn't end here either. Getting one of the best VPN apps is also a bargain right now thanks to some great Cyber Monday VPN deals that make these services even better value for money. So, why risk the privacy and security of your shiny new PC?

Why you need a Snapdragon VPN?

A VPN, short for virtual private network, is security software that encrypts all your internet connections. This activity boosts your online privacy and security by preventing your ISP (internet service provider), cybercriminals, and anyone else from knowing what you're doing online.

Every time you connect to a VPN, your real IP address location is also masked. IP-spoofing doesn't just mean online anonymity but also grants you access to content that'd otherwise be geo-restricted – whether that's a foreign streaming library or a censored website.

Using a VPN is especially crucial if you'll be using your new PC to connect to public Wi-Fi, as hackers may exploit these unsecured networks to compromise your device. A gaming VPN can also boost your defense against widespread DDoS attacks and any potential bandwidth throttling.

While not delivering the same security as the best antivirus software, many VPNs – our top pick NordVPN, included – now come with built-in malware and ad-blocker to strengthen the overall security of your device.

How to pick the top Black Friday Snapdragon VPN

The first thing you need to check when choosing your Snapdragon VPN is that the software you picked comes with ARM support. Snapdragon devices have some VPN compatibility issues, in fact, that providers are slowly addressing.

At the time of writing, only six of the top VPN services on the market support Windows ARM devices. These are NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access (PIA), Proton VPN and Windscribe. More providers are expected to join this list soon.

Now that you have boiled down your choices, you really need to think about what you'd like to use your VPN for.

All the Snapdragon-supported services come with strong privacy and security features, such as an independent audited no-log privacy policy, strong encryption protocol, and extra security features. Yet, for example, if connection speeds are a priority for you, I would opt for one of the fastest VPNs around – NordVPN, Surfhark, or Proton VPN.

Your budget is another big variable – especially during Cyber Monday. Among these six, the best cheap VPN out there, Surfshark, made the most dramatic reductions to its prices with a discount of up to 87% off and six months free on top.

Most providers aren't just offering great VPN services nowadays. Therefore, if you want to gear up your new Snapdragon PC with a security bundle, I recommend looking into ExpressVPN's new 2-year plan which includes its Identity Defender suite – and it's now a bargain.

ExpressVPN's ID theft suite, however, is available for US users only at the time of writing. If you're based somewhere else, you could opt for a top-tier NordVPN plan that includes its new (and discounted) NordProtect bundle.

With the best shopping sales season finally here, the web is flooded with jaw-dropping Black Friday VPN deals you can choose from.

Some of the best VPN providers have seriously axed their pricing for the occasion, with more companies joining the Black Friday frenzy every year.

While you are hunting for your next VPN bargain, you may have noticed a memorable absence – Mullvad has never joined Black Friday sales. But, why is that?

A "fair pricing model"

As described by the Swedish provider itself on its pricing page, Mullvad operates under a "fair pricing model." This means that you'll simply pay a one-flat monthly rate instead of the need to commit to a longer plan.

Mullvad's competitors, however, have a completely different approach. Almost all the big names across the industry offer discounted prices to users who decide to commit for longer.

Take, for example, Surfshark which is currently our top pick as the best cheap VPN. The equivalent monthly fee for its most basic offering is $1.99 when you sign up for its two-year plan. This goes up to $2.99 for its 12-month subscription. Surfshark's monthly plan is then anything but cheap, clocking to a pretty pricey $15.45.

The business model is clear here – users are pushed to subscribe for longer to have the same service for a fraction of the price.

It's also worth mentioning that you'll be charged the whole amount upfront, not just $1.99 every month. The tiny pricing generally goes up, too, on automatic resubscription after the initial period is up.

By contrast, to get Mullvad, you'll always pay the equivalent of 5 euros every month, all year around – roughly $5.26 at the time of writing.

"We love a good deal, but we don't want to lock you (and your money) into a long-term payment scheme," explains the provider. "Feel free to top up your VPN account for an entire year, or just pay month to month for the exact same rate."

So, does Mullvad ever have any sales at all?

"Nope. Not for Christmas or any other holiday or event that you can think of," said the provider, noting that you can get a 10% discount when you pay with accepted cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Monero) due to lower fees and less administration.

How good is Mullvad?

You may not have the opportunity to bag yourself Mullvad for a bargain price with a Black Friday or Cyber Monday VPN deal. Yet, the provider is still one to consider subscribing to – especially if boosted privacy and online anonymity are your main needs. Mullvad is, in fact, among the most private VPN services on the market right now.

For starters, its payment model allows you to open up an account without the need to hand over any personal information. Its strict no-log privacy policy has even been tested in real life after being hit by an inconclusive police raid in 2023.

Mullvad also comes with a reliable built-in ad-blocker to minimize online tracking, while regularly improving its service to offer maximum privacy and security.

The provider doesn't lag behind also when it comes to performance, securing a spot among the fastest VPNs out there during our last round of testing with peaks at over 950Mbps when connected to WireGuard.

That said, Mullvad isn't the right service for you if you're looking for a reliable streaming VPN able to unlock foreign libraries across most platforms. During our tests, the service crucially failed to do so for most of Netflix's catalogs, Prime Video, and Disney Plus.

If flexible streaming is what you are after, you should definitely head to our Black Friday VPN deal hub and make sure not to miss the chance to bag yourself a strong streaming VPN at its lowest rate of the year.

I finally got my hands on the Meta Quest 3S VR headset to test it out for our in-depth Meta Quest 3S review, and using the headset has given me flashbacks of using the Oculus Quest 2 – and made me realize how rubbish its visuals were this whole time.

The Meta Quest 3S uses the same chipset and has the same RAM as the Meta Quest 3, meaning it can play all the same VR games and apps as its sibling like the upcoming Batman: Arkham Shadow (it even comes with a free copy of the game). But its most noticeable downgrade is its displays. Instead of the crisp 2064 x 2208 pixels per eye dual-display setup of the Quest 3 you have to make do with the Quest 2’s 1832 x 1920 per eye single display setup, which the Quest 3S is repurposing.

The Meta Quest 3S also relies on the Quest 2’s fresnel lens system instead of the pancake lenses used by the Quest 3. I won’t get into the weeds of how these lenses differ technically, but know that fresnel lenses are bulkier and cause blurriness at the fringes of your field of view.

The Quest 3 is worth upgrading to

Back when I was regularly using my Oculus Quest 2 – which was later rebranded as a Meta Quest 2 – I definitely noticed that the visuals weren’t as crisp as watching a show on my phone or playing a game with my PS5 on a 4K TV. But I’d also often feel that people who were overly critical of the resolution or screen door effect were being too harsh (the screen door effect is when you see black lines over the display because you can see the gaps between pixels).

I had a fantastic time using it and felt (and still feel) it was hands-down the best VR headset for most people at its peak thanks to its solid performance for its super-low price.

But back then the Oculus Quest 2 was my baseline for VR headsets; I had never used another headset before – save for the odd demo at a gaming convention or university fair. Now that my baseline is the superior Meta Quest 3 I finally understand everyone’s Quest 2 visuals criticisms.

That’s not to say the Meta Quest 3S isn’t an excellent VR headset for the price. Starting at $299.99 / £289.99 / AU$499.99 for the 128GB model and achieving what the Meta Quest 3S achieves is nothing to sniff at. If you're new to VR and haven't yet been spoiled by better VR headsets, then its issues won't be as noticeable or annoying.

However, when weighing up your options between the two Meta Quest 3 headsets, remember it’s not just a matter of picking your preferred storage size as there are some significant other differences to consider.

Top-quality visuals won’t matter to everyone, and when you’re immersed in an interactive experience the Quest 3S’ deficiencies aren’t as noticeable. Just note that if you plan to be a VR power user that hops in a couple times a week at least, and who wants to enjoy Netflix or Xbox game streaming in VR or MR, then the sharper Meta Quest 3 is the headset you should get.

So if you can still find the 128GB Meta Quest 3 before it sells out try to grab it before the discontinued model is gone for good and you have to make do with the pricier 512GB model instead.

You might also like

• And it’s gone – discontinued Meta Quest 3 model already selling out online
• Pico 4 Ultra VS Meta Quest 3: the battle of the mid-range VR headsets
• Meta plans to make connecting your Quest headset to Windows 11 easier

While Cyber Monday may be over, some of the best Cyber Monday VPN deals still remain. Whether you're looking for a lifetime deal for under $23, a security suite for less than $2.50, or even the most secure VPN available for its cheapest ever price, there's an offer out there for you.

We've monitored the very best Cyber Monday VPN deals as they've gone live and now we're continuing to monitor these deals for however long we can while they're still live. Pick up the best while you still can.

Cyber Monday VPN deals - quick list

• NordVPN - from $2.99/month with 3 months extra
• Surfshark - from $1.99/month with up to 6 months extra
• ExpressVPN - lowest ever price with up to 6 months free
• PIA - from only $2.03 per month
• PrivadoVPN - from $1.11/month plus three months free
• Proton VPN - up to 70% off
• FastestVPN - lifetime plan for $22.90 exclusively for TechRadar readers
• Hide.me VPN - from $2.29 per month with 3 months free
• IPVanish VPN - from $2.19 per month
• Norton VPN - $9.99 for the first year of coverage
• Bitdefender VPN - 1-year plan for $34.99

Cyber Monday VPN deals

The best VPN providers

Cyber Monday VPN deals aside, we're constantly testing the best VPNs to see which ones are really the pick of the bunch. These providers have offers that run throughout the year that rival their Cyber Monday offerings, but each offers specific benefits that may suit your needs more than others.

1. NordVPN: the best VPN overall
2. Surfshark: the fastest (and cheapest) VPN
3. Private Internet Access: the best US VPN
4. ExpressVPN: the best VPN for beginners
5. PrivadoVPN: the best free VPN

Back to Cyber Monday VPN deals ▲

Is now the time to buy a Cyber Monday VPN deal?

Yes!

Offers, such as FastestVPN's exclusive TechRadar deal on its lifetime plan, will likely not be beaten on price. Providers such as NordVPN and Surfshark sit comfortably among the best VPNs for most use cases, so it's positive to see such providers continue to improve on their Cyber Monday deals from last year, even if it's in the form of improved features and capabilities for the same monthly cost.

Something to remember when considering Cyber Monday VPN deals is that almost all providers offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. This guarantee gives you the opportunity to test a VPN service for a month and, if you're not happy, cancel your subscription and request your money back.

If you're new to VPNs, or not sure what provider suits you best, you can use these grace periods to your advantage. Alternatively, to see if you're likely to miss out on a better deal, check out some of last year's best VPN deals from over Cyber Monday below to see whether there's a particular deal or provider that takes your fancy.

Back to Cyber Monday VPN deals ▲

How I choose Cyber Monday VPN deals

There are hundreds of VPN services on the market right now, and just because they're there, doesn't mean they're worth using. I only include services that I would genuinely recommend to my family and friends—if I wouldn't point it out to the people I love, how could I justify recommending it to you?

I test VPNs every single day, and I've lived and breathed them for the past three years (nearly four). A deal is only included in one of my pages if it meets all of the following criteria:

• It's a VPN I have actually tested: I wouldn't recommend something I've never had my hands on.
• It's a reliable service: you can trust it to keep you and your loved ones safe online.
• It's a price I would genuinely pay for it: if I don't think the price being asked is worthy of the service, then it's not going on my list. If I wouldn't pay for it, why should you?

Back to Cyber Monday VPN deals ▲

Cyber Monday VPN deal FAQs

Back to Cyber Monday VPN deals ▲

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Somehow, we're about to take the plunge into the final month of 2023—wasn't it January a couple of days ago? The good news is that it's been a blockbuster year for VPN deals, and if you're looking to grab one last bargain before the Black Friday (extended) weekend is well and truly over, here's your last chance.

NordVPN is discounting its 2-year plan by 69%—meaning you can try one of the best VPNs in the business for a measly $2.99 a month. I've never seen a deal like this, not in all the time I've spent putting VPNs through their paces, and NordVPN is even throwing in an extra 3 months of coverage for free.

I'm also massively excited to announce that TechRadar (and Tom's Guide, our sister publication) has teamed up with NordVPN, and boy, do we have one hell of an exclusive for you. Get a free Amazon gift card (worth $10, $20, or $30 depending on the plan you pick) to spend on absolutely anything—because who doesn't need a winter pick-me-up?

If it sounds too good to be true, you might be a cynic, but this massive Cyber Monday VPN deal ends today, November 29th, 2023.

 Which NordVPN plan should I pick? 

The honest answer here is that it depends on a few factors—what features are a must-have, and what’s your budget?

Most people will stick with NordVPN’s Standard plan, which is a steal at $2.99 a month and will bag you a $10 Amazon gift card. NordVPN is incredibly easy to use, no matter which device you install it on, and ensures that your personal information (like logins and bank details) doesn’t end up in the hands of snoopers or cyber criminals—which is doubly important at this time of year when we’re all doing a lot of online shopping.

NordVPN is also the fastest VPN I’ve ever tested. It managed to max out my connection line during my most recent review, and can keep up with any HD streaming you have planned for the holiday season. So, whether you want to catch up on what’s new on Netflix, revisit old favorites on Amazon Prime, or browse the best of British on BBC iPlayer, NordVPN has your back.

If you’re looking for a little something extra, NordVPN’s Plus plan includes NordPass, the service’s very own password manager. This handy tool is a lifesaver if you’re constantly logging in and out of social media accounts and other services, and will remember all of those complex passwords for you. Opt for the Plus plan at $3.99 a month, and you’ll get a $20 Amazon gift card that’s yours to keep.

Finally, for those wanting to splash out, there’s the NordVPN Complete plan. This is the crown jewel, and comes with access to NordPass and 1TB of NordLocker cloud storage. NordLocker gives you a super-secure place to store all those digital mementos, important documents, and super-secret files (AKA those holiday snaps from 2017). Pick up a Complete plan for $4.99 a month and you’ll receive a shiny $30 Amazon gift card.

Regardless of the NordVPN plan you end up going for, you’ll be covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee—which is plenty of time to put the VPN through its paces and check out all of its features, before committing for the long haul.

There’s really never been a better time to snag a NordVPN subscription, especially if you’ve been on the fence previously—but remember, this mind-boggling deal ends on November 29, 2023.

Need some extra help to track down all the latest Black Friday and Cyber Monday bargains? Check out our AI deal finder below to pull through all the deals available on all our brands. That includes TechRadar, Tom's Guide, PC Gamer, and many, many more!

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Black Friday may have come and gone, but there are still plenty of opportunities to grab amazing Cyber Monday VPN deals. 

If you're looking to boost up your online privacy and your everyday streaming experience, too, a virtual private network (VPN) is the perfect tool for the job. Even better, many of the best VPN providers out there have lowered their subscription rates to ridiculous prices for Cyber Monday. 

I'll break down the latest bargains available right now, so you don't miss out on any big savings.  

The best Black Friday and Cyber Monday VPN deals

How to choose best Cyber Monday VPN deals

There's a lot to consider when it comes to choosing the best Cyber Monday VPN deal, and the ones above are the ones absolutely worth buying right now.

As a rule of thumb, price isn't everything—even on a special day like today. That's the reason I decided to add ExpressVPN's offer in my roundup of the best deals out there, despite the price being way higher than competitors.

ExpressVPN is the service which all here at TechRadar use everyday both at work and in our free time, and we can honestly recommend it for its smooth user experience and stable connections.

If you're after a reliable streaming VPN (and some extra savings, too), I recommend going for NordVPN—its unblocking powers are absolutely faultless. A keen gamer? Surfshark, NordVPN and IPVanish were the fastest VPNs out there last time we checked.

PIA is then the service I would suggest buying if you are a more experienced user who's after a truly customizable experience.

Need some extra help to track down all the latest Black Friday and Cyber Monday bargains? Check out our AI deal finder below to pull through all the deals available on all our brands. That includes TechRadar, Tom's Guide, PC Gamer, and many, many more!

Cyber Monday VPN deal FAQs

• Amazon: up to 65% off everything
• AO: up to 40% off appliances, TVs and tech
• Argos: up to 50% off toys, tools and Apple
• Boots: discounts on 1,000s of beauty products
• Currys: up to 40% off all tech
• Dyson: shop exclusive deals
• eBay: up to 60% off refurbished items
• Ebuyer: up to 45% off computing
• EE: huge phones and broadband sale
• Emma: up to 65% off mattresses + more
• John Lewis: best for tech, home and clothing
• Jessops: up to £550 off cameras
• Ninja: up to 25% off air fryers
• O2: up to £600 off phones
• Samsung: best deals on Samsung tech
• Scan: PC components and peripherals
• Shark: up to £100 off vacuums
• Simba: up to 55% off mattresses
• Superdrug: up to 60% off
• Toolstation: up to 30% off tools and DIY
• Very: tech, decor, appliances and furniture
• Vodafone: half-price SIMs from £11.50

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Despite continuing economic challenges, this year’s Black Friday 2023 sales were the most lucrative to date, with Adobe’s monitoring and forecasting reports suggesting that US consumers spent $86.6 billion from November 1 to 24.

The figures reveal a significant uptick on Thanksgiving – a day when consumers spent $5.6 billion in 24 hours – and Black Friday itself, which saw sales total $9.8 billion.

Looking ahead, Adobe reckons we’ll have spent more during this year’s festive season than any other before.

Consumers are still happy to spend in 2023

We look to be on track to spend $221.8 billion this holiday season, compared with $210 billion in 2022 and $205 billion in 2021.

Of the money spent in November, up to Black Friday, $6.5 billion (7.5%) was through a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) scheme. Adobe hasn’t released figures for previous years, however a short-term look at the two months leading up to Black Friday shows a gradual decrease in the number of BNPL users, suggesting that consumers could well be saving throughout the year for this very notable occasion, even amid troubling times financially.

The analysis also reveals the best time to spend, noting that apparel and toy retailers begin to drop prices around one week before the big day. Electronic sellers do so a couple of days earlier still.

There are small, early savings up to a month in advance as retailers look to build up hype, but the figures show that the most considerable savings still happen on Black Friday itself.

Cyber Monday is expected to be just as successful this year, but it will likely be a few weeks until we begin to quantify the scale of cyberattacks targeting rushed shoppers this season.

More from TechRadar Pro

• Email fraud could be the biggest online security fraud this Black Friday - here's how to stay safe
• Want to start selling online? Here are the best ecommerce platforms
• Check out our roundup of the best free website builders

There's nothing quite like the comfort and ease of a good office chair. Falling into the right cushioned seat changes your entire day. We know. We've tested out more than our fair share of them. We're a little bit of obsessed with them. That's why we're currently tracking down all the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday office chair deals. And that's when we found our #1 pick on offer. 

The Branch Verve is currently down from $549 to just $466 at Branch. Make sure to use the code BFCM to get the full discount from the chair-maker.  

We've assembled plenty of the best office chairs on the market - but there's something quite special about the Branch Verve, which earned a TechRadar Editor's Choice award. 

It's admittedly not the cheapest office chair you'll find on Cyber Monday. For a similar budget chair, we'd recommend one like the Furmax mid-back mesh office chair, currently $42 at Amazon (or, in the UK, this Rattantree mid-back office chair with flip-up armrests, down from £60 to £48 at Amazon). But at those prices, you'll miss out on the extra comfort levels offered by Branch's high-end executive-managerial chair. 

Because that was our main take-away after trying out the unit in our 5-star Branch Verve review. Everything just feels comfortable. But at this price, you'd hope so, of course. The style is professional, discrete, with a deliciously subtle touch of class. 

The desk chair has this really ingenious inverted-A backrest design, which provides sexcellent support to the upper and lower body. Elsewhere, the the design combines foam, fabric, and mesh, giving you both breathability and plushness. 

With a height adjustment range of 16.5 to 20.5 inches (42 - 52 cm), anyone over six-foot-five may find it a bit too short, especially since there's no headrest included. However, the seat itself is surprisingly spacious, Making adjustments to find the perfect spot is incredibly easy, we found. Tilt controls, height adjustment, seat depth are all easily and comfortably within arms reach.

For those concerned about relieving lower back pains, we can tell you we never once experienced back fatigue or pain in this chair, and we sometimes put in 10 to 12 hours of work in a day. There are a range of colorways to suit, too. Just be sure to keep an eye on your cats, as the seat fabric is susceptible to being shredded by sharp claws - we learned this the hard way. 

Overall, we reckon the Branch Verve is the perfect combination of form, function, and affordability. Worth a peek this Cyber Monday - and check out our hub for all the best Cyber Monday deals on office furniture and more. 

Our team of expert deal-hunters have been tracking down all the best Cyber Monday office chair deals - but when we saw our favorite executive office chair get a big discount for the shopping season, we had to share. 

The Humanscale Freedom is currently on offer, down from $1634 to just $1305 at Amazon.  

We were big fans of this chair when we tested it out. In our Humanscale Freedom review, we ranked it as easily one of the best office chairs on the market - and certainly our top pick for anyone looking for an executive office chair with headrest. 

Yes, it is expensive - as you'd expect for an office chair pitched at the C-suite. However. after regularly using the chair for over three years, we found it was still as comfortable as the day we bought it. No flattening of the padding, no awkward and uncomfortable cushioning, and the headrest is precisely as it was when we assembled the chair all that time ago. 

You'll find plenty of adjustments and customizations to really personalize the chair. That means more than just changing the height of the seat. You can slide the seat pan forwards and backwards, and alter the height of the headrest and backrest. Both armrests move in tandem, so you won't find yourself lop-sided in that critical meeting. 

What really impressed us here is the innovative design of the backrest. It features dynamic lumbar support, so the back of the chair moves with your body for consistent and natural support without needing to manually adjust it. 

Overall, we’ve been thoroughly impressed with the Humanscale Freedom in terms of its quality and comfort levels. But if this chair is a bit out of budget, head over to our hub for all the latest Cyber Monday deals on office furniture, hardware, software, and more.  

Cybersecurity firm Proofpoint has warned that American shoppers are at high risk of being victims of email fraud as Black Friday reaches its height, and has laid the blame with the retailers.

In fact, its study found that more than half of the top 50 online retails across the US are not taking appropriate measures to protect their consumers from email fraud and cybercrime.

With email authentication and verification measures hitting headlines recently, the study found that a further 12% had not even implemented a DMARC record.

Retailers put consumers at risk, says report

Proofpoint cites an external study that suggests consumers will spend on average $875 on core holiday items, including gifts, decorations, and food. This year, holiday retail is expected to bring in around $960 billion.

Separately, TechRadar Pro has covered plenty of studies around cybercrime during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, with some studies indicating that attackers spend all year prepping for this season.

The already-hectic weekend is the perfect cover for threat actors to use pressure tactics to rush victims into parting with sensitive information.

Group VP and GM for Sender Security and Authentication at Proofpoint, Robert Holmes, said: “The influx of emails from brands offering great deals during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping period makes it an opportune time for cyber criminals to capitalize on the spike in email traffic and target shoppers with creative and convincing lures and scams.”

In-house research found that one-third of Americans regard familiar branding as sufficient proof that an email is safe.

More than ever, the runup to Christmas is a time to pay close attention to cybersecurity best practices. Proofpoint highlights the need to be aware of imitation sites, dodgy links, and any collection of sensitive data, urging customers to verify before committing to a purchase.

More from TechRadar Pro

• It's Black Friday for hackers too - so watch out for these scams
• Shared too much? Time to check out the best identity theft protection
• Clicked a dodgy link and downloaded something bad? Here’s the best malware removal

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday just around the corner, and sales already underway, NordLayer has shared some insights about preventing hackers from getting hold of your details.

According to the cybersecurity company, Black Friday spend rose 2.3% year-on-year in 2022, but another Barclays study found that losses relating to these sales rose by as much as 22%.

It is believed that hackers prepare to deploy Black Friday scams months in advance, with search volume for “Black Friday” peaking in April as threat actors look to establish a network of resources.

Black Friday scams to look out for

NordLayer has partitioned Black Friday-related scams into five key areas, spanning all steps of the buying process from research and marketing to purchases.

The most prevalent type of attack, says the company, is phishing. Typically, these scams employ a sense of urgency to pressure victims into parting with confidential and sensitive information. Because of the urgent nature of timed Black Friday sales, victims are less likely to pick up on scams.

Another scam to look out for is the fake website – this is a method designed to impersonate legitimate sites, including taking payment for goods but never delivering. They are more easily identifiable because their web addresses differ from their legitimate counterparts. Check for misspellings, the use of numbers rather than letters, and that the correct domains are being used.

Other methods used by hackers include selling counterfeit and empty gift cards, creating fake order confirmation pages, and using social media. In fact, nine in 10 (88%) of all purchase scams are conducted through social media, according to Barclays.

NordLayer’s head of web engineering and cybersecurity expert Carlos Salas added some context: “Black Friday is a convenient occasion for fraudsters to try to exploit data or money with a higher success rate.”

While the threat remains present year-round, paying even closer attention amid Black Friday sales, whether you’re shopping specifically for promotions or just more generally, can help prevent your data or money from getting into the wrong hands.

More from TechRadar Pro

• Worried you may have shared too much online? Here’s the best identity theft protection
• Get a handy cybersecurity boost by using the best firewalls
• How to spot fake Amazon reviews this Black Friday

It seems the ecommerce industry is still in rude health, as despite being in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, UK consumers remained steadfast in their commitment to the sales period.

Delivery management firm nShift found that UK parcel volumes over Black Friday were up by 8% in 2022 compared to last year, and 80% over a typical Friday. 

Cyber Monday was even better - up by 30% over last year’s, making for a 70% increase over a typical Monday. 

Undeterred consumers

nShift also tracked consumer spending data across other Northern European nations, with all seeing a considerable increase on ecommerce platforms compared to the average Friday. At the top of the rankings was Denmark with a 126% increase, and Finland seemingly the least enthusiastic with a 58% increase.

Of the other nations, Norway saw an 84% increase, Sweden 79%, Belgium 69% and Netherlands 67%. 

What’s more, in the four days leading up to Black Friday, the UK saw the highest increase in parcel volumes, between 43% and 75% compared to their respective days last year.

No doubt this is related to early Black Friday deals, which retailers are starting to implement earlier and earlier to get ahead of the competition - making it more of a Black week than a Black Friday. 

“Shoppers this year are just as eager as last year for a bargain," nShift CEO Lars Pederson said. 

Perhaps it's because of, rather than in spite of, the economic situation that sales increased, with shoppers itching to save money and bag a bargain before the prices rise again. 

Pederson noted that as the sales period is crucial for retailers, they have to get their delivery service right. He warned that, “if consumers don't get the delivery experience they want, they will shop around for a better one.”

nShift further advised that making the experience tailored to the customer is vital, by providing good delivery options, keeping customers informed about their order and offering a hassle-free return service.

• Missed Black Friday? Don't worry, here are some of the best technology deals around

With the Cyber Monday deals rolling out in force, there's still time to find a deal on one of the most in-demand appliances of this long shopping weekend. 

We're talking about air fryers, of course, which have been selling like hot cakes (which we're pretty sure you can cook in an air fryer). While we're seeing more Cyber Monday air fryer deals in the US, those in the UK may have to look a bit harder to find a deal worth getting – but we're here to help.

The best offer we have seen (so far) in the US is on the Ninja Foodi 4-in-1 8-Quart 2-Basket Air Fryer, which is now just $99.99 at Walmart, down from $149.99 for a saving of $50, while in the UK the Tefal ActiFry Genius XL AH960840 is down from £249 to just £149 at Currys, a saving of £100.

To help you quickly find a deal we've listed several retailers that still have air fryers in stock. While not all of these outlets will necessarily still have deals running, availability is starting to come back – but if you see a deal you want, our advice is to snap it up while you can.

Where to buy an air fryer (US): Quick links

• Amazon: up to 48% off on various air fryers
• Best Buy: up to $120 off air fryers
• Newegg: air fryers less than half price 
• Target: save up to 35%
• Walmart: decent deals on top-brands
• Lowes: only a handful of deals
• Sears: air fryers up to 58% off

Air fryer Cyber Monday deals (US)

Where to buy an air fryer (UK): Quick links

• Amazon: limited options deals available
• Argos: a few air fryers are in stock, although not on offer
• Currys: some discounts on in-stock air fryers for 'Black Friday and beyond'
• John Lewis: some availability but no offers, other than on Instant Pot
• Lakeland: air fryers in stock but no Cyber Monday deals
• Robert Dyas: air fryer Cyber Monday deals across a limited selection

Cyber Monday air fryer deals (UK)

The best air fryers will quickly become your go-to appliance for cooking snacks and meal for families – they take up much less space than a conventional oven, and cook food faster and using less energy. An air fryer is also much easier to keep clean by far, and food cooked in them is healthier, as they use less oil.

However, supply and stock issues have made finding a good deal over Black Friday and Cyber Monday a challenge. There's been far more stock available in the US than the UK, with stock coming and going on popular models such as the Ninja Foodi Max Dual Zone.

If you're looking for deals on other home appliances, we're also tracking all the best Cyber Monday coffee maker deals, and the best Cyber Monday vacuum deals.

Scroll down for more Cyber Monday deals in the US and UK.

More US Cyber Monday deals

• Amazon: 50% off TVs, AirPods, clothing & toys
• Apple AirPods Pro 2: down to $199 at Amazon
• Best Buy: up to $700 off TVs, laptops & iPads
• Cheap TVs: $79.99 smart TVs from Best Buy 
• Christmas trees: prices starting at $38.99
• Dell: laptops from $299.99
• Gifts ideas: 40% off  holiday gifts from Amazon
• Home Depot: 50% off tools & appliances
• Lowe's: $750 off appliances, decor & tools
• Macy's: coats, sweaters & boots from $10
• Overstock: 70% off decor and furniture
• Nectar: up to $500 off mattresses + free gifts 
• Nordstrom: 50% off UGG, Nike & North Face
• Samsung: $2,500 off TVs & appliances
• Sephora: 50% off makeup, perfume & gifts
• Target: 45% off toys, TVs, Keurig & more
• Toys: 50% off best-selling toys at Walmart
• Ulta: up to 50% off makeup, hair & perfume
• Verizon: get the iPhone 14 Pro for free
• Walmart: 60% off toys, TVs, vacuums & laptops
• Wayfair: up to 80% off sitewide, + free shipping

More UK Cyber Monday deals

• Amazon: up to 60% off TVs, laptops, and more
• Adidas: up to 50% off trainers and clothing
• AO: deals on appliances, headphones and TVs
• Argos: up to 1/3 off toys
• B&Q: 25% of Christmas decorations and tools
• Boots: half-price fragrances and make-up
• Box: up to £1,000 off TVs, laptops and PCs
• Currys: 40% off TVs, laptops and vacuums
• Dell: up to 45% off laptops and desktops
• Disney: 30% off Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar
• Dyson: best-price guarantee on vacuums and hair care
• EE: unlimited data SIMs from £14 per month
• Game: consoles, games and accessories from £4.99
• Ikea: Christmas tree + £10 voucher for £25
• John Lewis: up to 40% off tech, fashion and home
• Lego: popular sets from under £10 - plus free gifts
• Ninja: save up to £90 on air fryers and pans
• Peloton: up to £500 off
• Reebok: up to 50% off sitewide
• Samsung: up to £250 off phones and tablets
• Shark: up to £220 off cordless vacuum cleaners
• Sonos: 20% off portable speakers and soundbars
• Very: offers on TVs, Lego and fashion
• Virgin: broadband deals from £25 per month
• Wayfair: furniture, lighting and mattress deals

Today (Cyber Monday) could be the most fraudulent day of the year, according to new findings from SEON. 

Following hot on the heels of Black Friday is Cyber Monday - the day when retailers encourage consumers to shop online, rather than in the store. Since its inception, Cyber Monday has become just as important for the retail industry as its forebear, and one that cybercriminals equally seek to take advantage of - perhaps more so. 

Fraud attempts on Cyber Monday far exceed fraud attempts on a “regular” Monday, but this year we could be looking at a record-breaker.

Bot programs and fake profiles

In its report, SEON predicted a 100% increase in fraud attempts on Cyber Monday, making it a much bigger threat than Black Friday, for which the company anticipated a 57% increase.

The company bases its claims on proprietary data, having processed 26% more transactions on Black Friday, compared to a “normal” Friday, and saw a 57% increase in declined transaction rates. 

In contrast, it processed roughly 19.5% more transactions on Cyber Monday than on a “regular” Monday, but observed a 100.3% increase in declined transaction rates. Bot programs and fake profiles, SEON says, are the most popular weapons in every cybercriminal’s arsenal this holiday season. 

Besides proprietary data, SEON also bases these assumptions on “growing economic pressures” forcing more people to turn to online fraud. 

Cybercriminals always try to take advantage of significant events and steal people’s identity data, payment information, and ultimately - money. The Olympic Games, World Cups, and the Covid-19 pandemic are just some of the examples of global events that fraudsters take advantage of. 

Most of the time, they set up fake landing pages and send out phishing emails connected to these events. These would either present their victims with fake login forms to extract sensitive data or trick them into downloading malicious software. 

As usual, people are advised to be extra careful when receiving emails, especially those with hyperlinks or attachments. 

• Check out the best firewalls right now

IDrive is our favorite offer in our Cyber Monday cloud storage deal lineup but they delivered the best deal out there, by far, bar none. How they do it, we don’t know but they managed to offer 10TB of cloud storage, exclusive to our readers, that’s twice the usual 5TB they offer outside of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.  Note that you will get 10TB for as long as you will remain an iDrive customer. There's no promotional period or catch.

The headline price is $3.98, which is just over $0.01 a day, which is incredibly cheap for cloud storage that includes data transfer to and from the service (so-called ingress). 

This superb offer is only valid for the first year though. At the end of the first year, you’ll have to fork out $79.50, which is a lot but far less than what others are charging.

You still get all the premium features - that made iDrive our number one Cloud Storage provider - with no strings attached. That includes multi-device backup, 256-bit AES encryption for enhanced security and privacy, up to 30 file versions for historical restorations and the ability to ship physical hard drives for faster backup or restore of data.

How much do others charge? Google charges a staggering $540 for 10TB per year, while Microsoft doesn't offer such an option on its Onedrive/Microsoft 365 subscription.

• Add resources to your site with the best cloud hosting services here

'Tis the season for savings! And this year, WP Engine is getting into the holiday spirit a little early with its Black Friday web hosting deal. From November 1 to December 1, 2022, you can get four months free on all its shared hosting plans. 

By using the coupon code: cyberweekend22 when you're checking out, you can also save 20% on your first month. So whether you're looking to give your website a boost, or trying WP Engine for the first time, now's the perfect time to take advantage of this limited-time offer. 

WP Engine is one of the most popular WordPress hosting providers for a reason. It offers managed WordPress hosting, which means that it take care of all the technical details of running a WordPress website. All you have to worry about is creating great content.

Why is this a great deal?

WP Engine is fast and because its servers are optimized for WordPress, your site will load quickly for visitors. This is important because people are more likely to abandon a slow website than a fast one. Plus, Google also takes loading speed into account when determining search rankings, so a fast website could also mean better SEO for your site.

Also, WP Engine takes security seriously. It has built-in security features like firewalls and malware scanning to keep your site safe from hackers. WP Engine also offers 24/7 customer support in case you need help.

WP Engine has a 99.9% uptime guarantee, so you know your site will almost always be up and running. 

Uniquely, WP Engine lets you build the perfect web hosting plan for you. This means that you can avoid paying extra for add-ons such as automated plugin updates that you may not necessarily need.

• Need a site builder? Check out the best Black Friday website builder deals right now

You don't have much time left to grab a great Cyber Monday 3D printer deal. Whether you're a beginner looking for a budget-friendly pick or a professional or crafter looking for a machine for business, we've reviewed over 50 models in our workshop and these are the best ones with the biggest discounts.

We've comprehensively tested over 50 of the best 3D printers and I've been tracking down all the best deals for Cyber Monday. Right now, there are sizable discounts on many 3D printers from our top-reviewed brands including Bambu Lab, Prusa, Creality, Anycubic, and Elegoo. What I've done here is track a range of options from budget 3D printers for beginners right up to professional-grade machines designed for crafting and prototyping.

I'd also recommend checking out this article from our resident 3D printer expert Alastair, who's rounded up his 16 top-performing 3D printers that all have Cyber Monday deal prices - although I don't expect 3D printers this good to stay on sale for long. It's an informative read and there are some big savings to be had. For more savings on tech, check out our rolling round up of the best Cyber Monday home office deals.

Cyber Monday 3D printer deals in the US

• Amazon: Save on 3D printers from Bambu Lab, Anycubic, and more
• Best Buy: Save over $300 on 3D printers
• Walmart: 3D printer deals under $110
• Anycubic: Big discounts on 3D printers and materials
• Elegoo: Up to 53% off 3D printers and accessories
• Creality: Big savings across 3D printers and more
• Bambu Lab: Up to 47% off 3D printers

Cyber Monday printer deals in the UK

• Amazon: Save on 3D printers from £150
• Bambu Lab: Up to 31% off top-rated 3D printers
• Creality: Big savings on 3D printers for beginners and pros
• Elegoo: Save up to 53% of 3D printers and accessories

Black Friday 3D printer deals: Filaments and resins

Black Friday and Cyber Monday 3D printer deals: FAQs and buying advice

Update: Amazon reduced the price of this standing desk by .... $0.01.

Right now, you can save $130 off the FEZIBO electric adjustable height standing desk at Amazon. That brings its price down to just $199.98, making it one of the cheapest standing desk deals we've seen for Cyber Monday. Note that you need to be an Amazon Prime member to access this price as it is a Prime Exclusive.

Many of us have shifted to working from home during the last couple of years, and if your home office furniture is starting to show the strain, Cyber Monday 2022 is a great opportunity to upgrade and this standing desk - Amazon's best-selling one - seems to be a no-brainer.

An electric desk like this gives you the option to switch between sitting and standing, and pick the perfect height for comfortable working. It's controlled via a convenient keypad on the right-hand side, and you can save three presets for quick access. Oh and don't forget to check out our Cyber Monday office chair deals to get the perfect match for your desk.

(Not in the US? Scroll down for deals in your region).

Today's best standing desk Black Friday deal

This isn't this desk's absolute cheapest ever price (it dropped down slightly lower in September) but it's still a huge saving and well worth checking out if you're in the market for a new workstation.

It's not your only option though if you're looking for a standing desk this Black Friday. We've rounded up a collection of other great deals from around the web so you can find the ideal one for your home office.

More desk deals

No matter where you live, you'll find all the lowest prices for desks from around the web right here, with offers available in your region. 

It's Cyber Monday. Now is the time to snap up some amazing deals on your website builder subscription before the sale period comes to an end.

I've secured an exclusive 15% discount on top of Hostinger's already generous Cyber Monday sale price - getting you up to 88% off 48-month plans.

You'll also find deals from fifteen of the best website builders, including Bluehost, Squarespace, IONOS, Wix, Elementor, Network Solutions, Brizy, CodeDesign, and Webflow, ranging from 25% to 96% off.

My top 5 Cyber Monday website builder deals

These are the top Black Friday/Cyber Monday website builder deals I've found so far:

• EXCLUSIVE Hostinger Business Website Builder plan: $13.99/mo $2.34/mo (with code TRBF15, 48-month plan only)
• IONOS Plus plan: was $22/mo now $1/mo
• Bluehost Business plan: $13.99/mo $4.19/mo
• Squarespace Core plan: $23/mo $18.40/mo
• One.com Ecommerce plan: $27.99/mo $10.99/mo

All of the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday website builder deals of 2025

Meet the author

Cyber Monday website builder deals FAQs

The Black Friday weekend in Singapore has officially ended, but Cyber Monday is here to take its place for one more day of discount mayhem! If you've been holding off making any purchases in the hopes retailers were saving their biggest discount for today, now's your time to shine. Just note that most deals will come to an end at 11.59pm SGT tonight, December 1, so you only have a few hours left.

As we suspected, the Amazon Singapore Black Friday sale has been revealing plenty of great discounts since it went live on November 20. You can follow our love coverage of that sale for all the latest deals.

But, what other retailers still have Cyber Monday deals live in Singapore? We've compiled a list of all the major ones that have deals ready for you to shop a little further down.

Read on to find out more.

Cyber Monday 2025 in Singapore: Top retailers

• Amazon: big discounts on a huge range of items
• Dyson: Black Friday deals with up to SG$600 in savings and gifts
• ErgoTune: up to SG$130 off chairs including the Vesby, Joobie & Supreme
• Harvey Norman SG: mega deals with guaranteed 50% off
• HP SG: up to SG$600 off select products + add a mouse for SG$1
• Lazada SG: up to 80% off a wide range of products
• Lenovo: up to 50% off laptops & SG$1 monitors and accessories
• Meta: discounts on Quest VR headsets
• Secretlab: up to SG$300 off gaming and office chairs
• Shopee: vouchers, flash sales and discounts across homewares, tech and games
• Steelcase: 30% off sitewide with code BF2025
• Trend Micro: antivirus software from SG$59

Black Friday 2025 in Singapore: Key information

Singapore Black Friday 2025: our deal predictions

Thanks to the Amazon Singapore Black Friday sale now being live, we have a better understanding of what products you can expect to see discounted as we approach the official Black Friday date.

As expected, headphones are extremely popular, along with portable Bluetooth speakers. We've also seen some great early discounts on TVs from brands such as LG, TCL, Sony and Samsung.

We'll of course be hoping to see discounts on new 2025 releases so watch this space. Games consoles should be big-hitters, too, especially with the launch of the PlayStation 5 Pro towards the end of 2024 and the popular Nintendo Switch 2. While Sony's latest console may not get the discount treatment, its arrival should mean greater savings on the current models.

Laptops are another category that tends to receive excellent savings during Black Friday, especially from brands such as Lenovo, which always seems to be holding a sale of some description throughout the year. We're hoping the company will go all-out when Black Friday rolls around. You never know, Apple MacBooks may also come down in price, watch this space.

Throughout the year brands such as Dyson, Ecovacs, Tineco and Roborock have all offered discounts across cordless vacuums, steam floor cleaners and robot vacuums, both through marketplaces such as Shopee or Lazada and directly from the source. It’s highly likely some of these deals will be beaten during Black Friday.

Black Friday vs Amazon Prime Day: Which is better?

Amazon Prime Day is an Amazon-exclusive sale, so while you might find some retailers matching deals, they’re not officially part of that sale. It’s also typically full of Prime member-exclusive deals. Black Friday, on the other hand, is a major shopping event where any and all retailers can jump in, including Amazon. The deals from Amazon SG also won’t all be locked behind a Prime membership, though Prime members might find some extra savings on hot ticket items.

Black Friday is typically the biggest shopping event of the year, but for the best deals on Amazon-branded devices such as Kindle ereaders or Echo smart speakers, Amazon Prime Day generally has the best offerings.

What can an AI tell you about Black Friday deals? Not much, it turns out, but when we posed a few contrarian thoughts about the upcoming shopping bacchanalia, AI image generator Dall-E 2 returned some interesting images that got us thinking about what this Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping season will be like for consumers.

I think it's a safe assumption that this won't be a typical Black Friday and pre-Christmas shopping season. We face extraordinary upheaval around the world, and a deepening cost of living crisis that in many countries is threatening to turn into a full-blown recession. Yet, recent studies point to consumers being both more financially cautious and, yet, more deeply invested in Black Friday than in recent years.

There have been signals.

During Amazon's Prime Day 2 (its new attempt to own the shopping season by preempting Black Friday), US consumers spent, according to Numerator, on average $46.68, which is down roughly $15 from Amazon's mid-year Prime Day. It's also clear that Amazon may have jumped the shopping gun, with the majority of purchases revolving around household and personal items and not gifts. Only 19% of shoppers reported buying gift items.

The larger question, though, is how consumers' economic concerns will manifest themselves when the real deal, the actual Black Friday, arrives on November 25.

A joint study between TechRadar's parent company Future and The Lens found that 41% of consumers are making "significant changes to spending habits" in the face of raising inflation concerns. Another 40% plan to make at least some, slight changes. Only 14% seem comfortable conducting financial business as usual.

That same study found that 76% are Primed (get it?) and ready to participate in Black Friday and Cyber Monday deal shopping.

This makes sense not only because we want to get our shopping over and done with so we can enjoy the holiday and festive season, but because these deals may be more important than ever.

That was sort of the conundrum we presented to, in a fashion, Dall-E 2.

One of a growing number of artificial intelligence-based image and art generators, Dall-E 2 asks you for a detailed text description of the image you want and will generate a few options based on that set of ideas. Plus, Dall-E 2 can iterate, letting you adjust the size of the image, roughly edit some portions of it (like erasing an element), and then generate updated images.

For this story, I input "A person shopping for Black Friday Deals but with an empty wallet and under bad weather. There are family members who want gifts. It should be a 1920 x 1080."

To Dall-E's credit, it quickly generated a few options that were perhaps, too on-the-nose, but I do think it got the sentiment right.

The idea we're discussing here is an impending shopping season, decreased discretionary funds, an uncertain economic future, and families that, not unreasonably, want gifts.

The image above is the result after we removed illegible text from the image (it may have said 'Black Friday,' but we can't be certain) and asked Dall-E to add more segments, extending the image to our desired HD format (it did not understand the 1920 x 1080p direction).

I've also presented a few of DALL-E's other ideas on the query.

Overall, it gets the sentiment right, though, this AI image generator can't answer the central question: Will Black Friday Shoppers shop at the same level and spend as much overall? It also leaves open the notion of whether retailers and tech companies will rise to meet the challenge of offering more extraordinary sales this Black Friday Deals season.

I think it's safe to assume that inflation will have an impact on how consumers shop and what they expect from tech brands. During Prime Day 2, 29% of consumers bought something they've been waiting for, but at a lower price. Yet, an almost equal number (26%) passed on a great deal because they decided it wasn't a necessity.

We can infer that there's some tension between impulse buys based on incredible deals, and people spending money they may not have. During this cost of living and inflation crisis, retailers will likely have to offer excellent prices on must-have products and gifts.

The question is: will they?

You, by the way, can get a head start on Black Friday deals, which really begin way before November 25, by visiting our Black Friday deals page.

With less than a month to go, the countdown to Black Friday has officially begun.

As retailers around the globe start their preparations, web hosting and website builder providers are already finalizing the deals, promotions and discount codes up for grabs for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. 

Some hosting services are even going the extra mile by offering discounts throughout the month of November 2022 - so what's on offer already?

Hosting and site builder deals loading 

Most web hosting providers have opted for price cuts on the most popular services, from shared hosting and managed WordPress hosting, to VPS hosting and WooCommerce.

Although the vast majority of these Black Friday discounts specifically target new customers exclusively, Nexcess has already told TechRadar Pro that existing customers who need additional hosting accounts can take advantage of its offer.

“At Nexcess, we'll be having Black Friday all month long. Starting November 1, get 75% off managed WordPress, WooCommerce, and Magento hosting plans. Valid through November 30,” a company spokesperson said.

ScalaHosting will also be targeting new customers exclusively for Black Friday 2022. With the code BFCMTECHR22, customers will get 50% off for 12 month terms only, with the deal running from October 28, 2022 till December 31, 2022.

Not quite as long as Scalahosting, but Bluehost will be running its Black Friday deals all month long, with customers set to see a 70% price cut off its Choice Plus package from November 7, 2022 and 75% off its Website and Online Store plans from November 21, 2022. The WordPress hosting provider is additionally slashing the price of its Google Workspace plans by half.

Web.com also revealed the promotions new customers can expect in the lead up to Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

“This Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Web.com customers can snag great deals on effortless one-stop web solutions. From November 25th through November 28th, there will be a 25% off sitewide promotion, a 50% discount on Pro Website, and a $1.99 blog domain deal,” a Web.com spokesperson told us.

“Customers can expect bargains on professional services as well, including 50% off Pro SEO assist (annual term), Pro Design, and Pro Business Directory setup and 60% off DIY annual. Customers should also stay tuned for new products coming in the post-holiday season.”

Elsewhere, Hostinger is offering 100 SSD GB storage, a free domain and free unlimited SSL certificates for $2.49 per month with an extra 10% off with the coupon code BLACKFRIDAY.

Website builder service Zyro says it plans to have discounts for its Website and Business plans, but it will start later next week.

TechRadar Pro also spoke with Derek Musso, PR Director at Namecheap who said: "Looking at what we’ve done in recent years, I think holiday shoppers can expect to see significant discounts from Namecheap for Black Friday and Cyber Monday on a wide range of web products and services."  

Ready for the rush? 

According to statistics from Moosend, 2021 was the most profitable Black Friday and Cyber Monday season for most online businesses.

This year, Future Publishing predicts that Black Friday will raise $158 billion in sales in the US alone.

Oren Inditzky, VP of Online Stores at Wix, thinks that with the right balance of tools for driving traffic, store optimization, and operational functions, business owners can prepare for a successful Black Friday.

“There are many tools that Wix encourages business owners to use on the platform to help drive traffic including email marketing that include coupons and flash sales, an omnichannel approach to increase customer reach via both marketplaces and social media, SEO and influencers,” Inditzky noted.

“Additionally, with flash sales heavily moving the needle with traffic, it’s important to ensure that sites can handle increased usage from the rush and continue to load quickly. Speed is important and Wix has six optimization steps to take. Another key tool is the use of pre-order in order to anticipate inventory needs and allows business owners to get ahead of your competition. Gift cards are also a great tool to combat inflation and supply chain issues.”

Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2022 will be no exception to the current model that sees both days as an opportunity for web hosting and website builder providers to offer competitive deals in order to gain new customers.

• Check out our list of the best cheap website builder deals on the market

With Black Friday now not far away, WooCommerce has kicked off its sale early by offering a 40% discount on WooCommerce themes and extensions.

In a bid to help ecommerce platforms prepare their online stores for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, the themes and extensions discount will be available from Tuesday, October 4, 2022 until 7 am PDT Friday, October 7, 2022.

Note that the offer excludes Storefront Extensions Bundle, WooCommerce In-Person Payments M2 card reader, and WooCommerce In-Person Payments WisePad 3 card reader. 

The discount is only valid on the price for new purchases and does not apply to subscription renewals. All product subscriptions renew at regular price after the first year, so be sure to check the renewal price is within your budget. 

Why is this a great deal? 

WooCommerce is a flexible, open-source commerce solution built on WordPress. The company started in 2008 as WooThemes and in 2017 decided to focus exclusively on ecommerce.

Today, WooCommerce works with small and medium businesses to build the store they want and sell online.

This deal comes at a critical time of the year for ecommerce sites as the preparation for the huge spike in traffic is well underway.

Despite the fact that this sale cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotions, discounts, or coupons, it’s still worth it as your online store could benefit greatly from smart coupons, progressive discounts, buy one get one free options, and dynamic pricing features at a discounted rate.

The buy one get one free extension, for example, usually costs $49.00, but you’ll pay just $29.40 for the first year if you purchase during this sale period.

The WooCommerce extensions on sale come with a 30-day money back guarantee and a one year support service that includes assistance with product installation, configuration and use.

• Here’s our list of the best cheap website builder deals on the market 

Are you looking for cheap web hosting? Maybe you're not happy with your current provider, or you're just starting out and need to find the best deal possible. In either case, finding the best cheap web hosting deal can be tricky. 

There are so many providers out there, each offering different deals and features. Therefore, it is imperative to know which one is right for you in order to make sure you’re getting the best price possible.

Here are 5 ways to find cheap web hosting

Whether you're just starting out or if you've been in business for years, these tips will help save some money.

1. Regularly check best cheap web host deal

To get the best deal on web hosting, it's important to be proactive and regularly check for discounts and sales. By checking for deals on a regular basis, you'll be more likely to find one that meets your needs.

Checking out our list of cheap website builders and the best cheap web hosting deals where we compiled the best web hosting deals in one place so that you can easily compare them side-by-side, is a great way to not miss out on any web hosting deals.

You can also set up a Google Alert for "web hosting deals." This way, you'll be notified any time a new deal is posted online. By regularly checking for deals, you can be sure that you're getting the best possible price on web hosting. You don't need to wait until your contract is up to start looking for a better deal.

2. Wait for Black Friday and Cyber Monday

If you are patient enough to wait a little, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great opportunities to find affordable web hosting deals. Most providers offer significant discounts during these times, so it's a great opportunity to save some money.

Just be sure to read the terms and conditions of each deal before you buy. Many providers may require you to sign up for a long-term contract in order to get the discounted price. So if you're not ready to commit, taking advantage of the deal may not be worth it.

However, you could stumble across some fantastic Black Friday web hosting deals that could save you and your business a ton of money in the long run.

Ensure that you're comparing pricing and features carefully when looking at deals. Some providers may offer a lower price but with fewer features and add-ons included. Ensure you read the fine print prior to making any purchase.

3. Sign up to the best web hosting providers’ mailing list

Another way to find great deals on web hosting is to sign up for the mailing lists of the best providers. This way, you'll be one of the first to know about any special promotions or discounts that they're offering. And since most providers offer different deals at different times, it's a good idea to have multiple providers on your list. That way, you can compare and contrast the deals and choose the best one for you.

Additionally, many providers offer loyalty rewards for their customers. So if you've been with a provider for a while, be sure to ask about any loyalty programs that they might have. You could get a discount just for being a loyal customer.

To find out if a provider offers a mailing list, simply visit their website and look for an option to sign up. Usually, you can find this at the bottom of the homepage or in the "Contact" section.

You could get discounts sent straight to your email inbox, which could save you time searching for it yourself.

4. Key in cheap web hosting deals on a search engine of your choice

Another way to find great deals on web hosting is to simply search for them online. This could be through a specific provider's website or through a general search engine like Google, Bing, or Yahoo. Simply searching for "cheap web hosting deals" will bring up a variety of results, including both providers and deal pages.

When searching for deals, be sure to check the expiration date. You can also be specific in your search, e.g. web hosting deals for students - this will bring up deals that match your budget.

5. Summer sales could be just what you’re looking for

Just like any other product or service, web hosting providers offer sales throughout the year. However, summertime is typically when the best deals are available. Many providers offer discounts of up to 50% during the summer months, so it's definitely worth checking out.

Additionally, many providers offer special promotions for new customers. So if you're thinking about switching providers, summer could be a great time to do it. You could potentially save a lot of money by taking advantage of these promotions.

• Check out our list of the best website builder services on the market

Check out the latest Hostinger coupon codes.

Check out the latest Hostgator coupon codes to get discounts this month.

Despite supply chain issues and product shortages, consumers in the US still managed to spend a record $204bn this holiday shopping season.

As part of its Adobe Digital Economy Index, Adobe ,which is known for its Creative Cloud software suite, provides a comprehensive view into the ecommerce market in the US by analyzing direct consumer transactions online. To do so, it uses Adobe Analytics data compiled from over one trillion visits to retail sites, 100 million SKUs and 18 different product categories.

Over the course of the 2021 holiday season, consumers spent a total of $204.5bn which is up by 8.6 percent year over year.

According to a new blog post from Adobe, a record 38 days surpassed $3bn in daily spending compared to 25 days in 2020 as consumers have started spreading out their shopping outside of the traditional big sales day events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Increased demand for online shopping

Although retailers were faced with persistent supply chain challenges including congested ports, cargo delays and disruptions in overseas manufacturing, demand for online shopping wasn't deterred last year.

However, consumers did see over 6bn out-of-stock messages online during the 2021 holiday season representing a 253 percent increase over the 2019 holiday season and a 10 percent increase year over year.

One interesting trend that Adobe observed this year was an increase in the use of Buy Now Pay Later services which saw revenue up 27 percent year-over-year. Although more retail stores are now open to shoppers, curbside pickup also remained popular and was used in 23 percent of all online orders this season.

Senior director of Adobe Digital Insights, Taylor Schreiner provided further insight on the role ecommerce played in the 2021 holiday shopping season, saying:

“This holiday shopping season was the first time where big promotional moments like Cyber Monday and Black Friday took on less of the spotlight. Like we saw during the Covid-19 pandemic, e-commerce has become a ubiquitous daily activity and a flexible way for shoppers to navigate product availability and higher prices.”

We've also featured the best ecommerce platforms, best ecommerce hosting and best shopping cart software