Key takeaways
- Pro: Black Friday pricing brings capable everyday laptops to bargain levels.
- Pro: The Dell Ryzen 5 offers a fast 120Hz IPS display uncommon in this range.
- Pro: Options span Windows, ChromeOS, and 2-in-1 touchscreen form factors.
- Pro: SSD storage keeps most models feeling responsive.
- Con: Celeron and Pentium chips struggle with heavier multitasking.
- Con: Some budget models ship with limited RAM or storage.
What's inside
Black Friday is prime hunting season for affordable laptops, but the flood of ultra-cheap listings makes it tricky to separate a real bargain from an underpowered dud. The sweet spot is a machine with enough memory and storage to stay useful for years, bought at a genuinely reduced price rather than a gimmicky markdown.
We examined a spread of Black Friday laptop deals, from budget business machines to Chromebooks and 2-in-1 touchscreens, to help you spend wisely on a laptop that won’t feel sluggish in six months.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
🎮 Get More From Your Setup — Free
Prime Gaming gives you free PC games every month, in-game loot, and a free Twitch channel sub — plus fast free shipping on all the gear above. New members get a 30-day free trial.
Watch: Black Friday Deals On Laptop: Review & Buyer’s Guide — Video Review
Design & Build
This lineup leans toward practical, portable everyday machines. The Dell 15.6-inch Ryzen 5 and jumper 15.6-inch models offer clean, lightweight designs with FHD displays, and the Dell adds a smooth 120Hz IPS panel that’s rare at this price. The ASUS 15.5-inch and HP touchscreen models keep things simple and light, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook and Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1 target buyers who want ChromeOS simplicity or a flexible touchscreen form factor.
Performance
Performance here tracks closely with the processor and memory. The Dell Ryzen 5 7520U with LPDDR5 and a 512GB SSD is the strongest all-rounder, comfortable with browsing, office work, and light multitasking. The jumper and generic Pentium Gold builds with 12GB of RAM handle everyday tasks acceptably, while the ASUS Celeron and Latitude 2-in-1 are best kept to basic use. The IdeaPad Chromebook is snappy for web-based work thanks to the lightweight ChromeOS.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Black Friday pricing brings capable everyday laptops to bargain levels.
- Pro: The Dell Ryzen 5 offers a fast 120Hz IPS display uncommon in this range.
- Pro: Options span Windows, ChromeOS, and 2-in-1 touchscreen form factors.
- Pro: SSD storage keeps most models feeling responsive.
- Con: Celeron and Pentium chips struggle with heavier multitasking.
- Con: Some budget models ship with limited RAM or storage.
Alternatives to Consider
For the best everyday performance, the Dell 15.6-inch Ryzen 5 with a 120Hz display is the standout, well ahead of the Celeron-based options. Buyers who live in a browser and want simplicity should consider the Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook, while those wanting a flexible touchscreen can look at the Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1. The jumper 15.6-inch with expandable storage is a reasonable middle-ground Windows pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I avoid Celeron laptops on Black Friday?
Not necessarily, but keep expectations modest. Celeron machines suit basic browsing and documents; for smoother multitasking, a Ryzen 5 or similar chip is a better long-term buy.
Is a Chromebook a good Black Friday deal?
If your work lives in a web browser and Google apps, a Chromebook like the IdeaPad 3i is fast, secure, and affordable. It’s less suitable for heavy Windows software.
How much RAM do budget laptops need?
Aim for at least 8GB, with 12GB or 16GB preferable for comfortable multitasking. The Dell Ryzen 5 and jumper models offer enough memory for everyday use.
Are renewed laptops worth buying?
Certified renewed models can offer strong savings, but check the warranty and seller rating. For a bit more, a new budget laptop often provides better peace of mind.
Verdict
The Dell 15.6-inch Ryzen 5 with its 120Hz IPS display is our top Black Friday pick for everyday value, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook is the best choice for browser-focused users wanting simplicity on a budget.
