Retailers including Amazon and Best Buy have launched promotions on Chromebooks during the Thanksgiving week. Experts at PCWorld have monitored these sales events, such as Black Friday and Prime Day, for multiple years, identifying them as the year's most attractive opportunities.
A standout offer on the Lenovo IdeaPad 3i stands out as a strong purchase option at present. For additional suggestions, refer to PCWorld's guide to leading Chromebooks.
Through years of observing Chromebook promotions, the team at PCWorld identifies optimal purchases and reasonable pricing. The selections cover renewed units, entry-level models with basic specs, and intermediate options featuring Google's enhanced 'Chromebook Plus' line. Within each group, the top promotions are highlighted, along with reasons for their appeal.
Selections emphasize affordability, with a new section this year for renewed Chromebooks—returned, checked, and resold at reduced rates. Essential Chromebook attributes include RAM (minimum 4GB, ideally 8GB) and display quality (preferring 1080p for reduced eye fatigue). Processor modernity matters less than in traditional laptops, though recent models are favored. With extended support periods of several years for current Chromebooks, this factor receives moderated attention compared to prior years.
This update, dated November 29, 2025, incorporates the most recent promotions and costs.
This Black Friday introduces choices for pre-owned, renewed Chromebooks via programs like Amazon Renewed, offering 90-day return policies. Consider these for additional savings.
The Acer Chromebook Plus 515 presents a reliable mid-tier Chromebook Plus model, priced slightly above entry-level. Its technical specs raise no concerns.
Competing options in the budget range include the Lenovo IdeaPad 3i from Amazon, equipped with 8GB RAM for no major trade-offs at an excellent rate. An alternative at Best Buy provides the same model with 4GB RAM for $40 less. The 8GB version remains the top pick, yet the 4GB discount from Best Buy fosters healthy rivalry, benefiting shoppers.
Similar budget picks feature the Asus CX15, favored for greater storage and a three-month Google Gemini trial, giving it a slight advantage. The Acer Chromebook 315 joins at $119, a compelling price despite 4GB RAM limiting tab multitasking compared to 8GB devices—though the impact is manageable.
Mediatek Kompanio processors, which are Arm-based, perform reliably on Chrome OS. They offer improved efficiency, extending battery life while delivering solid speed.
Solid mid-tier or high-end Chromebooks require at least 8GB RAM, a capable CPU, and a 1080p or higher display. The featured models meet these standards.
The Asus CX14 tops the midrange recommendations for its balanced specs and value, fulfilling key requirements without excess cost. For a Chromebook Plus upgrade, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 provides the strongest option, with its standard pricing outperforming sales on rivals despite no explicit discount label.
Alternatives like the Lenovo Flex 5i or HP x360 suit Chromebook Plus seekers. (A related piece clarifies if Chromebook Plus fits your needs.) The Flex 5i includes a Google Gemini Advanced subscription, offering 2TB cloud storage and access to advanced AI.
The Asus CM30 functions as a Chromebook tablet rather than a traditional laptop, but its specs impress for those open to the format.
If Chromebooks don't appeal and a full laptop is preferred, explore PCWorld's Black Friday laptop promotions or the broader deals overview.
PCWorld also compiles deals across various PC categories for comprehensive shopping.
Black Friday 2025 officially falls on November 28, followed by Cyber Monday on December 1. Amazon's Black Week begins November 20.
During the pre-holiday period, some stores inflate prices before applying Black Friday reductions—stay vigilant.
Entry-level Chromebooks typically range around $150 or below, potentially sacrificing preferred features. These appear in selections for bargain hunters. Renewed versions offer even lower prices for further economy.
Recommended mainstream Chromebooks start at $250 to $350, the baseline for endorsed models, with holiday deals possibly lowering them more.
Core evaluation criteria for Chromebook deals remain RAM, display dimensions and clarity, and processor. This year's sales include a notable consideration: the device's support duration.
Some vendors still offer Chromebooks with 4GB RAM, 768p screens, and outdated CPUs, listed here as budget entries when warranted. Ideally, selections feature 8GB RAM, 1080p or superior displays (ideally over 13 inches), and current processors. CPU power receives less emphasis, given Chromebooks' lighter demands.
Note that 'HD' typically indicates 768p resolution, which may strain viewing, while 'Full HD' or 'FHD' signifies the desired 1080p.
Suitable processors encompass Intel Celerons, Pentiums, Core series, AMD Ryzens, and Arm options from Mediatek or Qualcomm. Each has strengths and weaknesses, but variations matter less than RAM upgrades.
Opting for 8GB over 4GB RAM supports more tabs and fluid browsing. A 1080p display ensures laptop-comparable comfort. Storage is secondary, though at least 32GB SSD aids app and file management.
As detailed in PCWorld's Chromebook versus laptop comparison, a key risk is short support for older models. Google now extends backing to 10 years for new devices, reducing worries. This may lower prices on legacy hardware, under close observation.
PCWorld's editors test Chromebooks routinely; review their top Chromebook rankings for price-range advice and buying insights. Several favored models may discount during Black Friday.
Mark, a PCWorld contributor for the past decade with 30 years in tech coverage, has produced over 3,500 articles on topics like PC components, accessories, and Windows. His work has appeared in PC Magazine, Byte, eWEEK, Popular Science, and Electronic Buyers' News, earning a Jesse H. Neal Award for news. Recently, he cleared space by donating numerous Thunderbolt docks and USB-C hubs.