Looking for a new laptop this Black Friday? Here are 25 expert picks that can save you up to $500 right now

Processor: Intel Pentium
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128GB

Here's a fairly basic and well-priced Chromebook that comes with a welcome bump up to 8GB of RAM to help boost performance. It's still best-suited to general use because of the entry-level processor and limited storage space, but it's up to the job of web browsing, light work, writing documents, and streaming media. Plus, you get the superior battery life of up to 10 hours with this Chromebook, compared to similarly priced Windows machines.

Processor: AMD Ryzen 5
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 512GB

There's a big $230 saving available on this solid HP 15 Laptop in the latest Best Buy sale. Yes, some of the components are from the previous generation, but there's still a mid-range AMD Ryzen 5 processor and 8GB of RAM that ensure overall performance is strong for everyday use. Plus, there's a reasonable 512GB of storage. Overall, it's a great option to handle all everyday jobs, some more advanced work and light multitasking.

Processor: Intel Core i5
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 512GB

If you want something cheap and lightweight, then this Asus Vivobook 14 at Best Buy is a good option. At 14-inches, it's a little smaller and more portable than the 15.6-inch models that are commonly found at this price point. Specs-wise, this model is pretty impressive too. Under the hood, a combination of a Core i5 chipset, 12GB of RAM, and 512GB SSD means that this is a great option if you just want to cover the basics.

Processor: Intel Core i5
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 512GB

If you're looking for a solid workhorse machine that doesn't break the bank, this HP Omnibook 5 is a great place to start. Under the hood, you get a decent (but not excessive) Core i5 chipset alongside a spacious 512GB storage drive. With 8GB of RAM, this one isn't a high-end machine, but it should cover the basics nicely if you're just looking to browse, shop, or do lighter work tasks.

Processor: Intel Core i5
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 512GB

If you're looking for a cheap machine to handle the basics, then this Dell 15 laptop is almost unbelievably affordable thanks to Dell's discounts this week. Under the hood, this machine's combination of a Core i5 chipset and 16GB of RAM makes it perfect for simple tasks like browsing, answering emails, or streaming media. Despite its price, you can expect a smooth Windows 11 experience here.

Processor: Snapdragon X
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 512GB

If I had a smaller budget, I'd be highly tempted by this Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 with a Snapdragon X. This chipset gives this lightweight machine superb battery life and more than enough power for everyday tasks. Although it's a slightly larger 15-inch model, there's no doubt this one is a great choice for casual users who want something that can go the distance. As a Snapdragon-based model, however, make sure that all your favorite apps are fully compatible before you jump on board.

Processor: Ryzen 7
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 512GB

For something with a little more power, I'd consider upgrading to this Ryzen 7-equipped OmniBook 5. Not only is the chipset much more powerful here, but you also get 16GB of RAM for more multitasking headroom overall. At just shy of $600, this certainly isn't the cheapest laptop on the market right now, but it is one that's still excellent value - and it should last you a few good years, too.

Processor: AMD Ryzen 7
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 512GB

Here's another rock-solid choice if you want a reliable machine for everyday use. Despite it's reasonable price, this ThinkBook 14 features a powerful Ryzen 7 chipset alongside 16GB of RAM, meaning it's a good choice if you need something with a bit of power under the hood. As a 14-inch machine, this one is also a great choice if you want something that's relatively portable.

Processor: Snapdragon X Plus
RAM: 32GB
Storage: 1TB

This is easily one of the best deals in the entire HP anniversary sale today. It's for a Snapdragon-based Omnibook 5, which also features a huge 1TB SSD and 32GB of RAM as standard. Snapdragon chipsets are a little less popular than their Intel counterparts because software support on some niche apps isn't quite as good. They do, however, feature incredible battery life and outstanding performance for everyday tasks.

Processor: Ultra 7
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 1TB

You really can't beat the Dell 14 Plus if you're looking for a solid and reliable Windows 11 workhorse machine. It's a model that we reviewed really highly due to its compelling mix of performance, a sensible design, and value. That last selling point is made even better with today's big discount at the official Dell Store - a deal that knocks a whopping $350 off this Ultra 7 configuration.

Processor: AMD Ryzen 7
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 1TB

ThinkPad laptops are an office favorite – in fact, I'm typing this article out on a ThinkPad as we speak. It's no surprise that they're a great choice for professionals or casual users, and right now, there's a great deal on this Ryzen 7 configuration. Alongside a powerful chipset and 16GB of RAM, this machine also features a spacious 1TB SSD, ensuring plenty of drive space for many years to come.

Processor: AMD Ryzen 7
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 1TB

The Yoga 7 is a slightly more upmarket choice at Lenovo, and this particular deal is on a handy 2-in-1 model that you can use as both a laptop and tablet. Under the hood, you also get a decent Ryzen 7 chipset, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD; meaning plenty of space and enough power for most applications. You get a decent display here too, with a 1200p IPS glass panel.

Processor: AMD Ryzen 7
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 1TB

Like the idea of an Apple MacBook but need a Windows 11 machine? I have the perfect option for you; the stunning Dell XPS 13. These have been some of our favorite premium laptops for many years here at TechRadar, and this is a great price on the latest Intel-based configuration. It's pricey, but you get a superb lightweight design with this machine as well as more than enough power to skip through even relatively demanding workloads.

Processor: Intel Ultra 5
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 512GB

This OmniBook Ultra Flip features a handy 2-in-1 design and a stunning OLED display. It's a superb option if you're looking for something a little more premium than the usual standard Windows 11 machines. It is pretty pricey, however, and you'll have to spend even more if you want a chipset that's more powerful than the Ultra 5 that this baseline configuration features.

Processor: Intel Ultra 7
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 1TB

Looking for a higher-end laptop that looks as good as it runs? The latest Slim 7i is a fine choice. Our review praised this machine's display, battery life, and value – something made even better by today's deal at the official Lenovo Store. This particular configuration also includes one of the latest Intel Core Ultra 7 chipsets, which means that you're certainly not lacking in performance, either.

Processor: Apple M2
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 256GB

Newer M3 and M4 models are now available, but this is a new record-low price for the MacBook Air 13-inch with an M2 chip. Sure, it's an older version, but this is still a powerful laptop for those needing a premium powerhouse for school and productivity, coding, or creative work. You also get double the amount of RAM at 16GB, although the 256GB of storage feels a little paltry in 2025. Still, we rated it highly in our MacBook Air M2 review, thanks to the stylish design, clear display, impressive performance, and long 18-hour battery life.

Processor: Apple M4
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 256GB

This MacBook Air with the M4 chip is the latest version of Apple's popular laptop and it's now available at a record-low price on Amazon. You get a great-looking 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, while the boost to 16GB of RAM keeps all your programs running smoothly. It's just a shame Apple still insists on only 256GB of storage as standard, which feels a little miserly in 2025. Nevertheless, this is still one of the best laptops you can buy if you need a performance powerhouse for productivity and creative tasks – especially after this largest-ever $200 discount.

Graphics card: RTX 5050
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 512GB

Cheaper gaming laptops often dissapoint when it comes to performance, but the discount is so big on this Lenovo LOQ at Best Buy that it's actually a really great buy. The RTX 5050 inside this machine isn't a super high-end graphics card, but it is one of the latest - and it's more than enough to play most games smoothly right now. You will likely be tweaking a few graphical settings here and there, but I think you'd be surprised at this machine's bang for the buck.

Graphics card: RTX 5060
Processor: Ryzen 7
RAM: 16GB

This Lenovo Legion 5 melds a solid, well-thought-out design with decent specs and a gorgeous OLED display. It's arguably a little pricey for a machine with a mid-range RTX 5060 graphics card, but cheaper options simply can't beat this models' quality display and hardware. Under the hood, a combination of a Ryzen 7 chipset and RTX 5060 means you'll have no issues running even the most demanding titles at 1080p.

Graphics card: RTX 5070
Processor: Intel Core i7
RAM: 16GB

This Gigabyte A16 at Newegg is just about the cheapest gaming laptop you'll find anywhere with an RTX 5070 graphics card. Because of that, it's easily one of the best bang-for-the-buck options right now if you're purely focused on performance over things like OLED displays or a premium design. With that said, this Gigabyte isn't a 'cheap' machine by any means, and it was well reviewed by our sister site PCGamer.

Graphics card: RTX 5060
Processor: Ryzen 9
RAM: 16GB

I usually recommend that our readers wait until Black Friday to buy a Razer gaming laptop - and this is why. Right now, there's a huge $500 price cut on the Blade 14 at Best Buy, which brings the latest model to well under $2,000. That may seem pricey for a machine with an RTX 5060 graphics card, but you're also getting a really premium experience here with a lovely MacBook-like design and OLED display. I have one of the older 13-inch models myself, and it's held up great these past few years.