Maximize your laptop budget by buying smart! Laptops are pricey, but strategic timing can significantly reduce the cost. While new models constantly emerge, several periods offer better deals, even on the latest tech in 2025. With President's Day sales approaching, let's explore the optimal times to purchase.
Best Times to Buy a Laptop in 2025:
Major Sales Events: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Prime Day Back-to-School Season: A traditionally strong period for laptop deals. New Hardware Releases: Triggers price drops on previous generations.
Black Friday/Cyber Monday:
These sales are prime laptop-buying opportunities. New laptop hardware typically launches early in the year or around October, leading to substantial discounts on previous-generation models. Retailers aggressively clear inventory to make room for new stock. Savings of 20-30% are common. While not the newest, the cost savings are substantial. Black Friday deals often extend beyond the initial doorbusters. In 2025, Black Friday falls on November 28th, with deals likely starting in late October. Expect deals shortly after Amazon's October Prime Day.
Amazon Prime Day:
Prime Day deals aren't always spectacular, but affordable laptops are available, though often not high-end models. Prime Day excels for Chromebook deals, as these already budget-friendly laptops receive further price reductions. Expect Prime Day 2025 around mid-July.
October Prime Day:
Amazon's secondary October Prime Day event mirrors the summer event, offering similar discounts before the holiday season. Laptop deals are fewer than Black Friday, but still noteworthy for budget-conscious shoppers.
Other Sales Events:
Beyond Black Friday and Prime Day, holidays like President's Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July frequently feature tech discounts.
Seeking the Latest Tech:
For those prioritizing the newest models over price, wait for Nvidia, Intel, or AMD's new hardware announcements. CES 2025 showcased new laptops emphasizing AI assistants and Mini-LED displays. New generations of graphics cards, like Razer's RTX 5090 laptops, are highly anticipated. Intel's U-series processors have less predictable release cycles, requiring closer attention to tech news.
New Hardware's Price Impact:
New hardware releases immediately lower prices on previous generations. While purchasing a last-generation laptop might seem less appealing, the performance differences between generations are often minimal for everyday tasks. The cost savings often outweigh the slight performance gap.
Current Top Affordable Laptops:
If you can't wait for sales or new releases, consider these budget-friendly options:
Dell XPS 13: A top MacBook alternative. $999.00 (Check Dell for current pricing)
ASUS TUF Dash 15: A great budget gaming laptop (under $2000). $1,149.99 (Check Amazon for current pricing)
Microsoft Surface Pro 9: An excellent detachable laptop. $1,399.99 (Check Best Buy for current pricing)
Apple MacBook Air M2 (2022): A top choice for everyday use. $1,665.00 (Check Amazon for current pricing)
Remember to check current pricing at the respective retailers.