Black Friday 2026: gaming laptop deals
worth waiting for (and what to skip)
Our best buy is the MSI Vector 16 HX AI (RTX 5070 Ti, A2XWHG-212US). Gaming laptop prices swing more than almost any other tech, so the right Black Friday move depends on the GPU. Here is our buy, wait or skip call on six gaming laptops, from an RTX 5050 starter to an RTX 5080 flagship, before the sale starts.
How we picked: we shortlist by Amazon Best Seller rank and number of ratings, then compare published specs. We don't test these products hands-on.
By Jamilur Rahman, Founder & Editor · Updated October 22, 2026
- Owner reviews checked
- Features side by side
- Quick & easy compare
- Smarter purchase
The short answer
When do Black Friday 2026 deals start? Black Friday is Friday, November 27, 2026, the day after Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26, and Cyber Monday is Monday, November 30. Amazon has not announced its 2026 Black Friday sale dates yet (we checked on October 22). In past years its sale started about a week before Thanksgiving and ran through Cyber Monday, so early laptop deals could show up in mid-November. That is a pattern, not an announcement.
Gaming laptops are a good Black Friday buy, but only if you pick the right one. Prices on these listings move up and down all year, and the best offers usually land on older or well-stocked configurations. Our plan: buy the MSI Vector 16 HX AI with an RTX 5070 Ti, because the listing already sits in a price band that is hard to beat for that GPU. Wait on the Lenovo LOQ, the Alienware 16 Aurora and the ROG Strix SCAR 16, because each could drop further. Skip the ASUS TUF Gaming F16 and the ROG Strix G16 at the price bands we saw, because you can get more for the money.
Waiting is not for everyone. If your current laptop has died, a student term starts soon, or you need it for a gift, do not gamble on a sale: set a price you would accept, check the listing during Black Friday week and buy if it hits that number. Stock on laptops can run out fast, and a sale on one configuration does not carry over to another. The prices here are bands we checked on October 22, 2026, and they can change at any time.
Compare them side by side
Everything that matters, in one table. Swipe to see all 6.
| Product | Best Buy Now MSI Vector 16 HX AI (RTX 5070 Ti, A2XWHG-212US) Gaming laptop, 16 inch (RTX 5070 Ti) |  Best Budget Laptop to Wait For Lenovo LOQ 15 (RTX 5050, Core i7-13650HX) Gaming laptop, 15.6 inch (RTX 5050) |  Best Dell Deal to Wait For Alienware 16 Aurora (RTX 5050, Intel Core 7 240H) Gaming laptop, 16 inch (RTX 5050) |  Skip at This Price ASUS TUF Gaming F16 (2025, RTX 5050, Core i5-13450HX) Gaming laptop, 16 inch (RTX 5050) |  Skip at This Price ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2025, RTX 5070 Ti, G615LR-AS96) Gaming laptop, 16 inch (RTX 5070 Ti) |  Best Flagship to Wait For ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 16 (2025, RTX 5080, G635LW-XS97) Gaming laptop, 16 inch (RTX 5080) |
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| BeastScore | 91 / 100 | 88 / 100 | 86 / 100 | 82 / 100 | 84 / 100 | 90 / 100 |
| Our call | Buy | Wait | Wait | Skip | Skip | Wait |
| Best for | High-end power without flagship money | A first gaming laptop on a tight budget | A bigger screen and brand support | A tough 16 inch build for school and play | A bright 240Hz screen and 32 GB of RAM | Top-end power and a Mini LED screen |
| Typical price (checked October 22, 2026) | $1,600–$1,700 | $860–$880 | $1,080–$1,120 | $1,220–$1,260 | $2,540–$2,560 | $3,290–$3,310 |
| Graphics | GeForce RTX 5070 Ti | GeForce RTX 5050 | GeForce RTX 5050 | GeForce RTX 5050 (max TGP 115W) | GeForce RTX 5070 Ti | GeForce RTX 5080 |
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX | Intel Core i7-13650HX | Intel Core 7 240H | Intel Core i5-13450HX | Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX | Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX |
| Screen | 16 inch FHD+ 144Hz | 15.6 inch FHD IPS 144Hz, G-Sync | 16 inch WQXGA 120Hz, 300 nits | 16 inch FHD+ 165Hz 16:10 | 16 inch 2.5K 240Hz ROG Nebula | 16 inch 2.5K 240Hz Mini LED HDR |
| RAM / storage | 16 GB DDR5 / 512 GB SSD | 16 GB / 1 TB | See listing | 16 GB DDR5 / 512 GB SSD | 32 GB DDR5 / 1 TB SSD | 32 GB DDR5 / 2 TB SSD |
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BeastScore here is our overall rating out of 100, based on published specs and Amazon owner reviews. Prices change daily, so tap "View on Amazon" for today's price. We may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Why each one made the list
What each pick does best, where it falls short, and the typical Amazon price when we checked.
- 1. Best Buy Now
MSI Vector 16 HX AI (RTX 5070 Ti, A2XWHG-212US)
BeastScore 91 / 100Typically $1,600–$1,700 on Amazon (checked October 22, 2026)This is the cheapest way we found into the RTX 5070 Ti class on Amazon. The listing says it has an Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX, a 16 inch FHD+ 144Hz screen, 16 GB of DDR5 and a 512 GB SSD, plus Thunderbolt 5. That storage is small, so plan on a bigger drive or an external one for a big game library. The 144Hz FHD+ screen is not the fanciest panel, but a 5070 Ti drives it with room to spare. A Black Friday cut may happen, but the band we saw is already well below most other 5070 Ti laptops, so we say buy.
Pros- RTX 5070 Ti graphics at a mid-range price
- Thunderbolt 5 for fast external drives and docks
- Intel Core Ultra 7 HX processor suits games and streaming
Cons- Only 512 GB of storage and 16 GB of RAM in this configuration
- The screen is 144Hz FHD+, not a high-end QHD panel
- Mid-range 144Hz panel for a high-end GPU
- 2. Best Budget Laptop to Wait For
Lenovo LOQ 15 (RTX 5050, Core i7-13650HX)
BeastScore 88 / 100Typically $860–$880 on Amazon (checked October 22, 2026)The LOQ is Lenovo’s entry-level gaming line, and this one pairs an RTX 5050 with an Intel Core i7-13650HX, 16 GB of memory and 1 TB of storage. The listing says the 15.6 inch FHD IPS screen runs at 144Hz with G-Sync. That is plenty for 1080p play and esports titles. The CPU is a previous-generation chip, so this is a budget build, not a long-term one. Lenovo’s entry laptops are the kind that stores often mark down for the holidays, but we cannot promise one. Set a price you would accept and wait for Black Friday week.
Pros- One of the lowest-priced RTX 50 series laptops we found
- 1 TB of storage in the base configuration
- G-Sync display helps smooth out frame rate dips
Cons- RTX 5050 will force lower settings in new AAA games
- The CPU is an older 13th-gen chip
- FHD screen is fine, but not a showpiece
- 3. Best Dell Deal to Wait For
Alienware 16 Aurora (RTX 5050, Intel Core 7 240H)
BeastScore 86 / 100Typically $1,080–$1,120 on Amazon (checked October 22, 2026)The Alienware 16 Aurora is Dell’s mainstream gaming line. The listing gives it an RTX 5050, an Intel Core 7 240H and a 16 inch WQXGA 120Hz screen with 300 nits of brightness. A sharper screen than the cheapest laptops is a nice touch, but a 5050 may struggle to run new games at that resolution without turning on DLSS. The listing also includes 1 year of onsite service from Dell, which is rare at this price. RAM and storage are not stated in the details we read, so check them before you buy. Dell often runs sales, so we say wait.
Pros- A sharper 16 inch WQXGA screen than most RTX 5050 laptops
- Onsite service for one year is included
- Cooling design aimed at long sessions
Cons- RTX 5050 is light for a WQXGA screen in new games
- 300 nits is not bright for a gaming screen
- RAM and storage are not clear on the listing
- 4. Skip at This Price
ASUS TUF Gaming F16 (2025, RTX 5050, Core i5-13450HX)
BeastScore 82 / 100Typically $1,220–$1,260 on Amazon (checked October 22, 2026)The TUF Gaming F16 is a good laptop in this class, with a 16:10 FHD+ 165Hz screen, 100% sRGB color and a 115W max TGP on the RTX 5050. The listing says it meets MIL-STD-810H durability testing. The problem is the price band we saw, which sits well above the LOQ and the Alienware Aurora for the same GPU. You also get 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD, which is on the small side. We would skip it at today’s price. If a real Black Friday cut lands it near the LOQ’s price, it becomes a good buy.
Pros- Good 16:10 165Hz screen with 100% sRGB
- Durability testing is stated on the listing
- 115W max TGP helps the RTX 5050 run at full speed
Cons- Costs more than other RTX 5050 laptops with more storage
- Only 512 GB of storage
- An older 13th-gen Intel processor
- 5. Skip at This Price
ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2025, RTX 5070 Ti, G615LR-AS96)
BeastScore 84 / 100Typically $2,540–$2,560 on Amazon (checked October 22, 2026)On paper this is the better-equipped cousin of the MSI Vector. The listing says it has an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, an RTX 5070 Ti, 32 GB of DDR5 and a 1 TB SSD, with a 16 inch 2.5K 240Hz ROG Nebula display. That is a real step up in screen and memory. But the price band we saw is close to $900 more than the MSI with the same GPU. For most players that gap buys little extra frame rate. We would skip it at this price, and only look again if Black Friday cuts the gap in half.
Pros- 2.5K 240Hz display is a big step above the MSI panel
- 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage as listed
- Intel Core Ultra 9 HX processor with a strong cooling design
Cons- Costs far more than the MSI with the same RTX 5070 Ti
- The extra spec rarely adds much frame rate
- Heavier and pricier than most buyers need
- 6. Best Flagship to Wait For
ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 16 (2025, RTX 5080, G635LW-XS97)
BeastScore 90 / 100Typically $3,290–$3,310 on Amazon (checked October 22, 2026)The SCAR 16 is ASUS’s flagship 16 inch gaming laptop. The listing says it has an RTX 5080, an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, 32 GB of DDR5 and a 2 TB SSD, with a Mini LED HDR screen that has 2,000+ dimming zones and 240Hz. The listing also says you can reach the RAM, SSD and fans without a screwdriver. That is a lot of laptop, and a lot of money. At this price, a Black Friday cut of a few hundred dollars is likely to matter, so we say wait.
Pros- RTX 5080 is a big step above the 5070 Ti class
- Mini LED HDR screen is among the best on a gaming laptop
- Tool-free upgrades for RAM, storage and fans
Cons- Priced far above nearly every other laptop here
- Heavy to carry and drains a battery quickly
- Overkill for 1080p or esports-only play
All 6 compared, in one look
See every pick on one chart, or tap one to put it head to head with MSI Vector 16 HX AI (RTX 5070 Ti, A2XWHG-212US). Ratings out of 10 are our estimates from published specs and Amazon owner reviews, not hands-on tests. Bigger shape = better.
- Value todayMSI Vector 16 HX AI (RTX 5070 Ti, A2XWHG-212US) · 8.8/10
- Sale upsideASUS ROG Strix SCAR 16 (2025, RTX 5080, G635LW-XS97) · 9.0/10
- Gaming powerASUS ROG Strix SCAR 16 (2025, RTX 5080, G635LW-XS97) · 9.8/10
- Years of useASUS ROG Strix SCAR 16 (2025, RTX 5080, G635LW-XS97) · 9.4/10
- Easy to buyLenovo LOQ 15 (RTX 5050, Core i7-13650HX) · 9.0/10
Which one should you buy?
Find your situation below. That's your pick.
BuyThe strongest value for an RTX 5070 Ti laptop right now. A deeper cut is possible, but we would not bet against this price band holding up.
- You want RTX 5070 Ti power without flagship money
- You can add storage later
- You do not want to gamble on a sale
WaitA likely sale item and already cheap. If it falls under your price limit during Black Friday week, buy. If you need it now, it is a fair price today.
- You want the cheapest RTX 50 series laptop
- You play at 1080p or play esports titles
- You can wait for a price drop
WaitDell discounts its laptops often, and this one has room to drop. Wait for Black Friday week and check the RAM and storage before you pay.
- You want a sharper 16 inch screen
- Onsite service matters to you
- You will check the RAM and storage first
SkipThe RTX 5050 does not justify this price band when the LOQ and Alienware cost less. Revisit only if a real discount lands.
- You want a tough 16:10 laptop for school and play
- You will only buy near the LOQ’s price
- You value the 165Hz screen
SkipThe same GPU costs far less on the MSI Vector. Wait for a real cut before you pay for the nicer screen and extra memory.
- You want a 2.5K 240Hz screen and 32 GB of RAM
- You can find a real discount
- You want an RTX 5070 Ti from ASUS
WaitFlagships have the most room to fall in a sale. Set a firm price limit and wait for Black Friday week, since you will pay a lot either way.
- You want the top-end RTX 5080
- You edit video or work with HDR content
- You can wait for a flagship price cut
MSI Vector 16 HX AI (RTX 5070 Ti, A2XWHG-212US)
The cheapest way we found into the RTX 5070 Ti class on Amazon. The price band is already low, so we would buy now rather than hope for a bigger cut.
- RTX 5070 Ti graphics
- Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX
- Thunderbolt 5
Quick tips before you buy
An RTX 5050 suits 1080p. An RTX 5070 Ti or RTX 5080 suits QHD and above. A sharper screen on a weak GPU only means you turn settings down.
Sellers list the same laptop with different RAM and SSD sizes, and the price jumps with them. Compare configuration numbers before you compare deals.
Marketplace resellers can list the same laptop at higher prices or with other warranties. Look for “Ships from Amazon” or the brand name on the buy box.
Gaming laptops run best on the charger, and the battery often lasts only an hour or two under load. Budget for a good power brick in your bag.
Quick answers
When do Black Friday 2026 deals start on Amazon?+
Black Friday is November 27, 2026, the day after Thanksgiving on November 26. Amazon has not announced its 2026 sale dates yet. In past years its sale started about a week before Thanksgiving and ran through Cyber Monday, which is November 30. Treat early laptop deals in mid-November as likely, not certain.
Are gaming laptops cheaper on Black Friday?+
Often, but not always. Sale cuts tend to land on older or well-stocked configurations rather than brand-new models. A listing can also sit at a low price in October, so check the price band now. If a laptop is already low, a bigger Black Friday cut is possible but not guaranteed.
What is the best time to buy a gaming laptop?+
Black Friday week and Cyber Monday are the strongest known windows, with back-to-school sales in summer next. New GPU generations also push last year’s models down in price. If your laptop is broken or you need one soon, buying now beats waiting for a sale you cannot predict.
Is an RTX 5050 enough for gaming?+
It is enough for 1080p gaming and esports titles, and DLSS can help in newer games. It is an entry-level GPU, so expect to lower settings in demanding AAA games. If you want to play new releases on high settings, step up to an RTX 5060 or RTX 5070 class laptop.
Black Friday or Cyber Monday: which is better for gaming laptops?+
Neither day wins every time. Amazon’s sale usually runs for several days, so offers can appear early and last through Cyber Monday. Popular laptops can sell out, so if you see your price on Black Friday, buy it. Cyber Monday is often better for accessories like mice, headsets and cooling pads.
How much should I spend on a gaming laptop?+
For 1080p gaming, a laptop with an RTX 5050 or RTX 5060 can cost under about $1,300 at the bands we saw. For high-refresh QHD, the RTX 5070 Ti class is the sweet spot at $1,600 or more. Spend more only if you want a flagship screen and an RTX 5080.
Should I buy a gaming laptop or a gaming PC on Black Friday?+
A desktop gives more power for the money, but a laptop travels and needs no extra monitor, keyboard or mouse. Pick a laptop if you move between a dorm, office and home. Pick a desktop if the machine stays at one desk and you want an easy upgrade path later.
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