The best laptop Black Friday deals aren't always the ones with the biggest percentage off. A laptop is good value when three things line up. The specification suits what you'll actually use it for. The price is genuinely lower than it was in the weeks before. The retailer's delivery and returns terms give you a way out if it turns out to be wrong.
Black Friday falls on Friday 27 November this year, so you have about five weeks to work out what you need and start watching prices. Here's how to do it without spending every evening refreshing product pages.
What makes laptop Black Friday deals good value in the UK
A big red "was" price tells you very little. Before you get excited about a reduction, check these three things:
- The right spec for you. A cheap laptop that's too slow for your work is money wasted. So is a powerful one you'll only use for email.
- A real reduction. Compare the price with what the same model has sold for recently, not with the highest price it ever reached.
- Sensible terms. Delivery cost, returns window, who pays return postage and what warranty is included all affect the true value.
You also have legal protections. If you buy online as a consumer, you generally have 14 days from the day you receive the goods to cancel, and sale items aren't excluded. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, goods must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described. Citizens Advice has clear guidance on what to do if something goes wrong.
If the laptop costs over £100 (up to £30,000) and you pay at least part of it by credit card, Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act makes the card provider jointly responsible with the retailer if there's a problem.
How to check the specification you actually need before comparing prices
Write down what you'll use the laptop for before you look at a single deal. Browsing, documents and streaming need far less power than photo editing, coding or gaming. Then check these points:
- Processor: compare the exact chip model and generation, not just "Core i5" or "Ryzen 5". A newer mid-range chip can outperform an older, higher-tier one.
- Memory (RAM): 8GB copes with everyday tasks. 16GB is more comfortable for heavy multitasking, creative work or gaming. Check whether the memory can be upgraded later, as many thin laptops have it fixed to the board.
- Storage: go for an SSD. 256GB fills up quickly if you keep photos or games locally, so 512GB is a more comfortable starting point for many people.
- Screen: look at resolution, size and brightness. Full HD (1920 x 1080) is a sensible minimum on most sizes.
- Battery and weight: these matter if the laptop will travel with you to work, uni or the train.
- Ports and graphics: make sure it has the connections you need. Gamers should check the exact graphics chip.
Then note the full model or part number. Laptops often share a familiar name across several configurations, and a sale version may come with less memory, smaller storage or an older chip than the one you read reviews about. Matching the full model number is the only reliable way to compare like with like.
How to judge whether a laptop discount is real
- Start tracking now. Note today's price for each laptop on your shortlist. A price-history tool helps, but a simple note on your phone works too.
- Look past the "was" price. What matters is what the laptop has cost over the past few weeks, not its launch price.
- Compare the exact model across retailers. The same part number can be priced quite differently from shop to shop.
- Add up the total. Include delivery and any extras you'd need, such as a case or a mouse. Be wary of add-ons slipped in at checkout.
- Weigh up refurbished. A well-graded refurbished laptop can work out better value than a modestly discounted new one.
- Ignore countdown timers. If you'd only buy because a clock is ticking, it probably isn't the right laptop.
Computer and hardware retailers to check, including Tekshop, Gotraka, MonsGeek and Currys Business
These four retailers sell quite different things, so it's worth knowing which one fits what you're shopping for.
| Store | Useful for | Delivery | Returns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tekshop | New and refurbished laptops | Free next working day, mainland UK | 30 days for unused items |
| Gotraka | Gaming PCs, monitors, components | Free 2-3 working days over £99 | 14 days for unwanted items |
| MonsGeek | Mechanical keyboards | UK costs not confirmed; added at checkout | 30-day return policy |
Tekshop
A family-owned, Nottingham-based retailer selling laptops, desktops, tablets and PC components from brands including Lenovo, HP, Dell, Acer and Asus. You can buy new, refurbished Grade A or Grade B. Refurbished stock is inspected, cleaned and tested by in-house technicians, and Grade A items are ex-display or slightly imperfect but in excellent condition.
Delivery is free on the next working day for mainland UK orders, with same-day dispatch if you order before 2pm. Unused items can be returned within 30 days, and faulty devices come with free collection or a prepaid label. If the model you want isn't in stock, its custom sourcing service can try to find it for you.
Two things to watch. Some customers have found it hard to tell new from refurbished in product descriptions, so confirm the condition before you pay. It also doesn't deliver to BFPO or PO Box addresses. Check the latest Tekshop codes and deals before you order.
Gotraka
A UK-based tech and gaming retailer specialising in custom-built and pre-built gaming PCs, graphics cards, monitors and components from brands such as ASUS, Corsair and NZXT. It's worth a look if you're weighing a gaming desktop against a gaming laptop, or want a monitor to plug your laptop into at home.
Orders over £99 get free 2-3 working day UK delivery, and next-day delivery is available if you order before 3pm. Faulty items are replaced or refunded at no cost. Unwanted items can go back within 14 days, but there's a small returns fee and the original delivery charge isn't refunded. Its advisers are available by phone, live chat and email if you need help checking compatibility. It sells physical products only, so no software licences. See Gotraka offers on SavZen.
MonsGeek
MonsGeek sells mechanical keyboards, including magnetic-switch models, DIY kits, keycaps and switches. It's a good option if you want a proper desktop keyboard to go with a new laptop. The official storefront lists prices in euros, even with the UK selected, and doesn't confirm UK delivery costs. Overseas orders have shipping added at checkout and take 7-16 days to arrive.
Check the final total in pounds, including any card fees for paying in a foreign currency, and allow plenty of time if it's a Christmas present. The site states a 30-day return policy and a 2-year parts warranty. The MonsGeek store page has its current codes.
Currys Business
Listed under Electronics on SavZen. Have a look at the Currys Business deals page when you're comparing prices. If you're buying for a business rather than for yourself, the consumer rights mentioned above may not apply in the same way, so read the terms before ordering.
Using SavZen codes and ZenPoints on tech purchases
Each store's SavZen page lists its current codes and deals, labelled "Verified" or "Unverified". Codes are checked by people and by automated tools, but offers change daily, especially around Black Friday. Check the page on the day you buy rather than relying on what you saw last week. SavZen's free browser extension can also find and apply codes at checkout.
On a laptop-sized purchase, ZenPoints are worth understanding. They're reward points issued by SavZen, not by the retailer, and you earn them on eligible purchases made through SavZen. To qualify, turn off your ad blocker, go to the store through SavZen and complete your purchase. Points show as pending once the order is tracked, then confirmed when the retailer approves it. Confirmation times vary by store.
If you return the laptop, or use a code that isn't listed on SavZen, ZenPoints may not be awarded. Once they're confirmed, you can redeem them for rewards such as gift cards or vouchers. They aren't cash. New members get 50 ZenPoints after verifying their email address. The ZenPoints rewards page explains the details.
You pay the same price as going to the retailer directly. SavZen may earn a commission from the retailer, which keeps the service free, and you can read how SavZen makes money. If you're buying a laptop for uni, our guide to student discounts is also worth a read.
Questions to ask before buying a laptop in a sale
- Is this the exact model number I researched?
- What has it cost over the past few weeks?
- Is it new, Grade A or Grade B refurbished?
- What's the total, including delivery?
- How long do I have to return it, and who pays the postage?
- What warranty is included? Your statutory rights apply anyway, so weigh any paid extended warranty against that.
- Can I upgrade the memory or storage later?
- Would I still buy it at this price without the countdown timer?
Once you've settled on a model, open the retailer's SavZen store page on the day and see which codes are currently labelled Verified. Then go through to the store from there so any eligible ZenPoints can track.
Frequently asked questions
When is Black Friday 2026 in the UK?
Black Friday is on Friday 27 November 2026, and Cyber Monday follows on 30 November. Many retailers run offers across a longer period, so start tracking prices early.
Is a refurbished laptop a sensible Black Friday buy?
It can be, as long as you check the condition grade, the returns window and the warranty before paying. Refurbished goods still have to be as described and of satisfactory quality for their price and condition.
Can I return a laptop I bought in a Black Friday sale?
If you bought online as a consumer, you generally have 14 days from delivery to cancel, and sale items aren't excluded. Some retailers offer longer: Tekshop allows 30 days for unused items. Check who pays return postage.
Do I still get ZenPoints if I return the laptop?
No. ZenPoints may not be awarded if an order is cancelled, returned or changed. They only become confirmed once the retailer approves the order.
Is it worth paying for a laptop by credit card?
If the laptop costs over £100 and up to £30,000, paying at least part of it by credit card gives you Section 75 protection. This makes the card provider jointly liable with the retailer if something goes wrong.
