Key takeaways
- Pro: Black Friday pricing makes lightweight everyday laptops very affordable.
- Pro: The Vivobook Go offers DDR5 RAM and durability at a budget price.
- Pro: Options include Chromebooks and a flexible 2-in-1 touchscreen.
- Pro: Slim, light designs are easy to carry for students and commuters.
- Con: Celeron and entry chips struggle with heavier multitasking.
- Con: Some models ship with limited RAM or storage.
What's inside
Buying a laptop on Black Friday can save you a substantial amount, but the season’s flood of rock-bottom listings hides plenty of underpowered machines dressed up as bargains. The smart move is to focus on what you’ll actually use the laptop for and match that to the right spec at a genuinely reduced price.
We examined a range of Black Friday laptop deals, from Chromebooks and lightweight everyday machines to renewed 2-in-1s, to help you find the best value without buyer’s remorse.
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Watch: Laptop On Black Friday: Review & Buyer’s Guide — Video Review
Design & Build
This lineup emphasizes portability and simplicity. The Acer Gateway Chromebook 314 and ASUS Vivobook Go 15 are slim, light, and easy to carry, with the Vivobook adding military-grade durability. The renewed ASUS 15.5-inch and HP 14-inch models keep costs down with straightforward designs, while the Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1 offers a flexible convertible touchscreen. Build quality varies with price, but each is built to be a practical, grab-and-go companion for everyday tasks.
Performance
These are everyday and entry-level machines rather than powerhouses. The ASUS Vivobook Go with a Ryzen 3 7320U and 8GB of DDR5 RAM is the strongest all-rounder here, comfortable with browsing and light multitasking. The Chromebook and generic AI laptop handle web-based work smoothly, while the Celeron-based ASUS, HP 14, and Latitude 2-in-1 are best kept to basic browsing, documents, and streaming. SSD storage across the group keeps things reasonably responsive.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Black Friday pricing makes lightweight everyday laptops very affordable.
- Pro: The Vivobook Go offers DDR5 RAM and durability at a budget price.
- Pro: Options include Chromebooks and a flexible 2-in-1 touchscreen.
- Pro: Slim, light designs are easy to carry for students and commuters.
- Con: Celeron and entry chips struggle with heavier multitasking.
- Con: Some models ship with limited RAM or storage.
Alternatives to Consider
For the best everyday performance, the ASUS Vivobook Go 15 with a Ryzen 3 and DDR5 RAM is the standout among these budget picks. Buyers who live in a browser should consider the Acer Gateway Chromebook 314 for its speed and simplicity. Those wanting a flexible form factor can look at the renewed Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, keeping expectations modest for its entry-level chip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cheap Black Friday laptops worth buying?
They can be, for basic tasks like browsing, writing, and streaming. Just match the spec to your needs and avoid the weakest chips if you multitask heavily.
Is a Chromebook a good budget choice?
If your work lives in a web browser and Google apps, a Chromebook like the Gateway 314 is fast, secure, and affordable. It’s less suited to heavy Windows software.
How much RAM should a budget laptop have?
Aim for at least 8GB, as in the Vivobook Go, for smoother everyday use. Less than that can feel cramped even for basic multitasking.
Should I buy a renewed laptop on Black Friday?
Certified renewed models offer savings, but check the warranty and seller rating. Sometimes a new budget laptop at a Black Friday price is the safer bet.
Verdict
The ASUS Vivobook Go 15 with a Ryzen 3 and DDR5 RAM is our top Black Friday pick for everyday value, while the Acer Gateway Chromebook 314 is the best choice for browser-focused users wanting simplicity on a budget.
