Quick answer
Buy a Windows laptop (or a MacBook) if you need full desktop software, lots of files offline or serious multitasking. Buy a Chromebook if you mostly work in a web browser, want something simple and low-maintenance, and like the idea of a published update end date. Buy a tablet if it’s mainly for watching, reading, video calls, drawing or apps on the sofa, and add a keyboard only if typing is a small part of the job.
All three get discounted around Black Friday (27 November 2026) and Cyber Monday (30 November). The deals look very alike, so the hard part is choosing the right type of device. This guide compares them for the people who usually buy them, then gives you a short checklist so you don’t end up with a bargain that feels slow after six months.
Who each one suits
Students (college and university)
A laptop is usually the safest choice. Courses can need particular desktop software, for example statistics packages, coding tools, design apps or exam-board software, and that may only run on Windows or macOS. Check the course handbook or ask the department before you buy. A Chromebook can work well for essay-and-research courses where everything happens in Google Docs, Microsoft 365 online and the university’s web portal. A tablet makes a good second device for notes and reading. Most students find it frustrating as their only computer.
Kids and homework
For primary-age children, a Chromebook or a tablet with parental controls is usually enough. Many UK schools use Google Workspace for Education or Microsoft 365, and both run in a browser. Chromebooks are quick to set up with a supervised account through Google Family Link, and they are hard to fill with junk software. A tablet is better for younger children and for apps, but a keyboard helps a lot once there’s typed homework. For more on controls and cases, see our kids’ tablet guide.
Parents and light home use
If the device is for emails, online banking, shopping, streaming and video calls with family, you don’t need a powerful laptop. A tablet is the easiest to pick up and use. A Chromebook is a good fit if you want a proper keyboard and a bigger screen for forms and letters. An entry-level Windows laptop also works, but cheap models with very little memory or storage can feel slow and run out of room for updates.
Working from home
A laptop is usually best here. Employers often require Windows or macOS for VPNs, security software and desktop apps such as the full Microsoft Office. Check with your IT team before buying a Chromebook for work. Look for a comfortable keyboard, a decent webcam and enough ports to plug in a monitor. Some Chromebooks are sold as “Chromebook Plus” models, which Google markets as meeting a higher spec, and these can suit browser-based jobs well.
Light use, travel and the sofa
A tablet is the lightest option and usually has the best battery life for watching and reading. A Chromebook is a close second if you also type a fair bit.
Laptop vs Chromebook vs tablet compared
Prices vary a lot by brand, spec and retailer, and they move around during the sales. Use the tiers below as a rough guide only, and check the retailer’s current price.
|
Windows laptop |
Chromebook |
Tablet (Android or iPad) |
| Typical price range |
Wide range: budget models up to premium. Expect to pay more for 16GB RAM |
Often one of the cheaper ways to get a keyboard and screen. Chromebook Plus models cost more |
Basic Android tablets are often low-cost. iPads and premium Android tablets cost more, and keyboards and pens are usually extra |
| Battery life |
Varies widely by model. Check the maker’s claim and independent reviews |
Often good for a school or work day on lighter models |
Often very good for video and reading |
| Apps and software |
Full desktop software, including Microsoft Office, games and specialist tools |
Web apps, Android apps from Google Play and Linux apps on some models. No traditional Windows software |
Phone-style apps from Google Play or the App Store. Some “desktop-class” apps on iPad |
| Storage |
Usually 256GB or more on mid-range models. Plenty of room for local files |
Often smaller, because it relies on cloud storage (Google Drive). Check how much you get |
Fixed on iPads. Some Android tablets take a microSD card |
| Offline use |
Fully usable offline |
Works offline for Docs, Gmail (with offline mode turned on) and downloaded files, but it’s at its best online |
Good for downloaded films, books and apps |
| Updates and lifespan |
Windows 11 is updated regularly. Hardware usually lasts many years if the spec isn’t too low |
Google promises 10 years of automatic updates from the model’s platform release date. Each model has a published end date |
Apple supports iPads for several years but doesn’t publish a fixed end date. Android support varies by maker, so check the stated update period |
| Best for |
Students, home working, gaming, specialist software |
Homework, browsing, Google Workspace, simple low-maintenance use |
Streaming, reading, video calls, drawing, kids |
A closer look at updates
Chromebooks: Google says ChromeOS devices get 10 years of automatic updates, counted from the platform’s release date. Older models released before 2021 may get extended updates with some features missing. The key word is platform. A model launched a while ago and sold cheaply on Black Friday may have fewer years left than a newer one. Google lists an “Automatic updates until” date for each model on its Chromebook Auto Update policy page, and you should check it before you pay.
Windows: Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025, so don’t buy a new or refurbished laptop that can’t run Windows 11. Microsoft’s minimum specification for Windows 11 includes 4GB RAM, 64GB storage and TPM 2.0. Those minimums are not comfortable in daily use (more on that below).
Tablets: Apple publishes which iPad models each new iPadOS version supports, but it doesn’t give a fixed number of years. Android tablet makers vary a lot. Since April 2024, UK law under the product security (PSTI) regime has required makers of connectable devices to tell you the minimum period they’ll provide security updates for. Look for that statement on the product page or the box.
Black Friday checklist: spec minimums and smart buys
Use this before you add anything to your basket.
- RAM: For a Windows laptop, aim for 16GB if you can. 8GB is fine for light use. Avoid 4GB unless the laptop is only for very basic tasks. For a Chromebook, 8GB is comfortable and 4GB is OK only for very light browsing.
- Storage: For Windows, look for at least 256GB SSD. Avoid 64GB “eMMC” models, because Windows updates alone can fill them. For a Chromebook, 64GB or more is better than 32GB. For a tablet, think about how many apps, photos and downloaded films you’ll store, because you usually can’t upgrade it later.
- Screen: A Full HD (1920 x 1080) screen is a good baseline on laptops of 14 inches or more. Lower resolutions can look grainy.
- Processor: Very cheap processors can feel sluggish. Compare the exact model in independent reviews rather than relying on the listing’s description.
- Update date: Check the Chromebook’s auto-update date and the tablet maker’s stated security update period.
- Model year: A “deal” can be an older model cleared out at a discount. That’s fine if it still meets the points above.
- Real discount: Check the price history and the “was” price. Our guide to was prices explains what counts as a genuine reduction.
- Refurbished: A good-grade refurbished laptop or iPad can beat a brand-new budget model. Read our guide to refurbished vs new and grades explained first, and check that it can run current Windows 11 or still has time left on its updates.
- Accessories: Tablet keyboards and styluses can add a lot to the cost. Price the full bundle you actually need.
- Pay safely: Paying by credit card can give you extra protection on purchases over £100. See Section 75 vs chargeback.
Where to start browsing
These are search links, not specific recommended products. Prices and stock change all the time, so check the spec, seller and reviews on each listing.
For more deals, see our Black Friday deals page, and our best time to buy laptops and TVs guide if you’re unsure whether to buy now or wait.
