Featured laptop selections include: Budget option under $500: The Dell Inspiron 15 features a 1080p touchscreen display along with solid processor capabilities. Mid-range choice under $800: The Samsung Galaxy Book4 serves as a versatile performer equipped with 16GB of RAM to handle multitasking efficiently. High-end model: The MSI Summit A16 AI+ delivers exceptional power via its Ryzen AI 9 365 processor and a sharp 16-inch screen at 2560×1600 resolution with touch support. Gaming option: The MSI Thin A15 provides strong 1080p gaming performance with an RTX 4060 graphics card, available below $700.
For those seeking a high-performance gaming laptop or a Chromebook offering extended battery endurance, the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales in 2025 present prime opportunities to secure attractive discounts.
As the individual responsible for PCWorld's laptop evaluations over multiple years, I have guided our experts in assessing a vast array of laptops across diverse designs, sizes, and budgets. Beyond that, I update our daily laptop bargain summaries and weekly top laptop compilations, giving me a keen insight into market trends and the ability to identify genuine value from overhyped offers.
Interested in our testing approach? Refer to our detailed guide on laptop evaluation methods.
Focusing solely on Amazon offers? Explore our collection of prime Amazon Black Friday laptop promotions.
This content was refreshed on November 29, 2025, incorporating the most current promotions and costs.
Seeking a reliable laptop for routine tasks? This guide is tailored for you. On a personal note, I rely on a modest Chromebook for drafting and refining reviews, appreciating its straightforward design immensely. Review the recommendations that follow.
Leading recommendation for budget: The Dell Inspiron 15 handles everyday activities such as internet surfing and social media navigation with ease. Its 15.6-inch Full HD touchscreen stands out as an uncommon perk at this cost level. Combined with a 512GB SSD, it ensures ample storage for extended use without constraints.
Mid-tier laptops provide enhanced capabilities compared to entry-level models, generally featuring superior processors and greater capacity, with costs between $500 and $800.
Leading mid-range recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy Book4 manages daily professional demands seamlessly, powered by an Intel Core 7 150U CPU. The expansive 15.6-inch 1080p screen accommodates tasks like spreadsheet handling or document organization effectively. Additionally, the included 16GB RAM supports future-proofing and fluid operation across multiple applications.
In pursuit of advanced options such as OLED screens or convertible designs? The selections ahead cover slim, portable devices and those with superior display quality.
Leading premium recommendation: The MSI Summit A16 AI+ combines upscale elements, abundant memory and storage, and rapid operation for less than $1,000. It includes a spacious 16-inch 2560×1600 touch-enabled display for vivid imagery, a robust 10-core Ryzen AI 9 365 processor ideal for intensive tasks, 32GB RAM for seamless multi-tasking, and a 1TB SSD offering substantial space for data and software.
Gamers, now is the ideal moment to acquire a swift gaming laptop. The options listed are potent yet affordable, capable of powering through the majority of titles.
Leading gaming recommendation: The MSI Thin A15 offers the optimal balance of capability and cost in this group. Its RTX 4060 graphics card excels at 1080p play, the Ryzen 5 7535HS CPU manages demanding software adeptly, and 16GB RAM ensures fluid performance in contemporary games. Securing this setup below $700 represents outstanding value.
Discover our compilations of top PC accessories and components across numerous categories for additional savings.
Black Friday 2025 falls on November 28. However, promotions on laptops are already underway, transforming what was once a one-day event into an extended sales period akin to a full week of opportunities.
Cyber Monday 2025 arrives on December 1. To maximize chances of obtaining desired items, we recommend accessing sites at midnight, allowing early grabs before inventory depletes.
Discounted laptops do not imply reduced build quality. Quite the contrary, this year features promotions on several top-tier models. For more generic electronics like wireless headphones, bargains might involve lesser-known brands of subpar items instead of preferred options. With laptops, however, our suggestions stick to established marques such as HP, Lenovo, and Dell.
Black Friday indeed brings worthwhile laptop reductions from reputable sources. While some stores may label standard pricing as specials, at PCWorld we scrutinize price trends to spotlight offers that match or undercut historical lows.
It is advisable to visit sites from laptop makers like Lenovo, HP, and Dell directly. While platforms such as Amazon, Newegg, and Best Buy offer reliable promotions, they may lack the breadth available from producers.
Given PCWorld's name, our team rigorously examines countless laptops. For our favored choices, consult our comprehensive 2025 best laptops overview. We also provide targeted lists for budgets under $500 and student-friendly models. During Black Friday, expect discounts on several of these highlighted units, so targeted guides prove useful for specific needs.
Ashley Biancuzzo oversees PCWorld's laptop and Chromebook reporting. With consumer technology experience dating back to 2016, her articles have graced outlets including USA Today, Reviewed, Polygon, Kotaku, StarWars.com, and Nerdist. Outside work, she engages in gaming, sci-fi literature, and time with her adopted greyhound.