Laptops can be a significant investment, but you can mitigate the cost by timing your purchase wisely. Even with the latest models in 2025, certain times of the year offer more affordable options. As President's Day sales approach, let's explore the optimal times to buy a new laptop throughout the 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 for snagging a laptop deal. These events not only feature doorbuster discounts but also coincide with the timing of new laptop releases, typically at the beginning of the year or around October. As a result, last-generation models see substantial price drops. Retailers like Amazon and Best Buy use this opportunity to clear out inventory for new stock, allowing you to save 20-30% off the original price.
For instance, even new MacBook models can see discounts shortly after their release during these sales. Black Friday in 2025 falls on November 28, with deals likely starting in late October, following Amazon's October Prime Day event.
Amazon Prime Day
Amazon's Prime Day, while not typically known for top-end laptop deals, is an excellent opportunity for budget-conscious buyers. Prime Day is particularly ideal for purchasing Chromebooks, which are already cost-effective and see even deeper discounts during this event. Since Chromebooks rely heavily on web-based tasks, the specifics of the hardware are less crucial.
We anticipate Prime Day 2025 to occur in mid-July, similar to previous years.
October Prime Day
Amazon's second Prime Day in October mirrors the summer event but with fewer laptop deals than Black Friday. It's still a worthwhile consideration if you're looking for a budget-friendly option 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 offer opportunities for laptop deals. Retailers often capitalize on these holidays to offer discounts on tech items.
If You Want the New Hotness
If your priority is to own the latest and greatest laptop, keep an eye on announcements from Nvidia, Intel, or AMD for new hardware releases. The CES 2025 showcased a new generation of laptops with AI assistants and Mini-LED displays, highlighting trends like next-generation graphics, including Razer's RTX 5090 laptops.
For those interested in the latest deals or wanting to check back periodically, resources are available year-round for the best gaming laptop deals.
Ultrabooks with Intel's U-series processors can be released unpredictably, making it essential to stay updated with tech news and rumors to catch the newest models as soon as they hit the market.
New Hardware Can Lower Prices, Kind of
New hardware releases can also benefit buyers of last-generation models, as prices drop immediately upon the launch of new products. The difference between generations like Intel's 13th and 14th gen is often minimal and may not significantly impact everyday computing tasks.
Taking advantage of these price drops on last-gen models is a smart strategy for purchasing laptops, including MacBooks. When a new MacBook is released, the market often sees a flood of discounted year-old models as owners upgrade.
Top Affordable Laptops to Choose From Right Now
If waiting for a sale isn't an option, consider these budget-friendly laptops from our buying guides:
Dell XPS 13
If you're looking for a MacBook alternative without the high cost, the Dell XPS 13 is an excellent choice.
$999.00 See it at Dell
Asus TUF Dash 15
For a gaming laptop under $2,000, the Asus TUF Dash 15 offers great value.
$1,149.99 See it at Amazon
Microsoft Surface Pro 9
The Surface Pro 9 with Microsoft’s ARM-based SQ 3 processor is one of the best detachable laptops available.
$1,399.99 See it at Best Buy
Apple MacBook Air M2
The MacBook Air M2 (2022) is an excellent choice for everyday computing tasks.
$1,665.00 See it at Amazon