Laptops are a significant investment, but you can mitigate the cost by timing your purchase strategically. Even if you're eyeing the latest models in 2025, there are specific periods throughout the year when you can snag a laptop at a more affordable price. With President's Day sales approaching, let's explore the best times to buy a new laptop each year.
For the Best Time to Buy a Laptop in 2025, Keep in Mind:
- Big Sales Events: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Prime Day
- Back to School Timing
- New Hardware Releases
Black Friday / Cyber Monday
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are prime times to buy a laptop. Beyond the doorbuster deals, these sales coincide with the release cycle of new laptop hardware. Typically, new models are launched at the beginning of the year or around October, pushing older models into significant discount territory. For instance, after CES (Consumer Electronics Show), last-generation laptops, including MacBooks, often see deep discounts as retailers like Amazon and Best Buy clear inventory for the latest products.
While you might not get the newest model, savings of 20-30% can make this a worthwhile trade-off. Retailers leverage these sales to capture attention, making it possible to find even newly released laptops like the MacBook Air at reduced prices. Black Friday in 2025 will be on November 28, with deals starting as early as late October, following Amazon's October Prime Day event.
Amazon Prime Day
Amazon's Prime Day also offers laptop deals, though they may not be as extensive as Black Friday. However, it's an excellent time to find affordable Chromebooks, which are already budget-friendly and see even deeper discounts during Prime Day. Since most Chromebook tasks are browser-based, hardware specifics are less critical. Prime Day 2025 is expected to occur in mid-July.
October Prime Day
Amazon's second Prime Day in October mirrors the summer event, offering similar discounts before the holiday rush. While not as robust for laptop deals as Black Friday, it's still a valuable opportunity if you need a laptop in the fall.
Other Sales Events
Beyond the well-known Black Friday and Prime Day, other holidays like President's Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July also feature laptop discounts. Retailers often announce sales for these occasions, so keep an eye out for deals.
If You Want the New Hotness
For those seeking the latest and greatest laptops, monitor announcements from Nvidia, Intel, or AMD. At CES 2025, new laptop generations were unveiled, focusing on AI assistants and Mini-LED displays. We highlighted key trends in gaming laptops, with particular attention to next-generation graphics like Razer's RTX 5090 lineup.
To stay updated on the latest deals or check back periodically, we've curated the best gaming laptop deals year-round. Ultrabooks also receive periodic updates, with Intel's U-series processors releasing sporadically, making it essential to follow tech news and rumors.
New Hardware Can Lower Prices, Kind of
When new laptop hardware hits the market, prices for last-generation models drop. While spending on a slightly older model might seem less appealing, the generational improvements are often minimal. For instance, the performance difference between 13th-gen and 14th-gen Intel laptops is slight and may not significantly impact everyday tasks.
Buying a last-gen laptop at a discount is a smart move, especially with MacBooks. When a new MacBook is released, the used market floods with discounted older models. This strategy can help you get a high-quality laptop at a reduced price, regardless of the time of year.
Top Affordable Laptops to Choose From Right Now
If waiting for sales or new releases isn't an option, consider these budget-friendly laptops from our buying guides:
Dell XPS 13
If you don't want to splurge on a MacBook, the Dell XPS 13 is a top alternative. $999.00 See it at Dell
ASUS TUF Dash 15
For a gaming laptop under $2,000, the ASUS TUF Dash 15 is a great budget choice. $1,149.99 See it at Amazon
Microsoft Surface Pro 9
One of the best detachable laptops, we recommend the model with Microsoft’s ARM-based SQ 3 processor. $1,399.99 See it at Best Buy
Apple MacBook Air M2
The Apple MacBook Air (2022) is ideal for everyday use. $1,665.00 See it at Amazon
