Fourth of July vs. Prime Day Sales: Our Secret to Shopping the Best Deals

CNET

03-07-2025

Every year, bargain hunters across the country, especially us, look forward to Amazon's legendary Prime Day sale (running July 8 to 11 ). However, Fourth of July sales happen first, offering some of the biggest discounts of the year. With massive deals varying in many categories, regardless of what you're looking for, you're sure to find a deal suited for you.
Sales around the July Fourth holiday are packed with deals in just about every category. There are even some that don't see as much love during Prime Day, like deals on outdoor tools. Since the two-sale event dates are so close together, this year could cause confusion for shoppers on which deals to take advantage of during Fourth of July and which ones to save for Prime Day.
So, if you're wondering whether it's best to shop the Fourth or hold out for Prime Day, we're here to help out with all you need to know about both events.
Fourth of July sales vs. Prime Day deals: Which is best?
There's no definitive way to say which sale is best, but each has its own pros and cons that might influence your buying behavior, which we explore below.
Both sales offer some of the lowest prices we'll see all year. In all likelihood, the two sales, and competing sales, are going to blur into one big discount jamboree for the first half of July. Ultimately, the best sale for you will be the one that has the deals on products that you desire at the retailers you want to shop at.
Fourth of July sales vs. Prime Day deals: Which retailers take part?
Prime Day is primarily centered around Amazon -- it being an Amazon-manufactured annual event, after all -- so you'll mostly be shopping in one place. That's certainly convenient, but not everyone wants to put yet more money into Amazon's coffers. Previously we've seen big-box retailers try to steal away some of the buyers who are already in a spending mood, with a similarly timed sale. Last year places like Walmart, Best Buy and Target joined in, and we expect to see that this year as well. But the chances of your local mom-and-pop retailers getting involved are pretty slim.
For Fourth of July sales, though, it's much more likely that every store in your neighborhood will be slashing prices, so you could support some local businesses. And that's not to mention the fact that every big-box retailer in town will be running sales on and around the Fourth. That's ideal if you want to get your hands on your purchases the same day.
Fourth of July sales vs. Prime Day deals: Which product categories will be on sale?
Prime Day and Fourth of July sales both offer a varied slate of deals in pretty much every product category, though there can be a difference in the volume of deals per category for each sale.
For example, if you're after consumer electronics, especially Amazon devices, Prime Day should be your go-to sale, whereas appliance, furniture and mattress sales are more plentiful around Fourth of July.
That's not to say you can't snag a mattress deal on Prime Day or pick up a set of the best headphones at a discount during Fourth of July sales, but it's worth knowing which sale will cater to your needs more closely.
Fourth of July sales vs. Prime Day deals: Why not both?
Since so many Fourth of July sales (and some really early Prime Day deals) are already live, you can make the most of those sales and snap up anything you need before the holiday arrives and before the madness of Prime Day takes over.
When it comes to snagging deals around sales like these, it's best to set a price you'd be happy to pay in your mind and grab the item if it hits that mark. Waiting for a potentially lower price during limited event hours doesn't always work out and you could end up with a hefty shipping time or, worse, miss out on the sale entirely if the item sells out. For the sake of a few bucks, it's often wise to shop early.
One positive aspect of the two sales events occurring closely is that you'll have a second chance to pick up any products that you missed out on earlier in the month. By shopping both sales, you're more likely to get everything you want rather than putting all of your eggs in one sale basket.