Laptops are indeed a significant investment, but you can mitigate the cost by timing your purchase wisely. Even if you're eyeing the latest models in 2025, there are strategic times throughout the year when you can snag a laptop at a more affordable price. With President's Day sales approaching, let's delve into the best times to buy a new laptop annually.
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 opportunities for purchasing a laptop. These sales go beyond just doorbusters; new laptop hardware typically launches at the beginning of the year or around October, depending on the manufacturer. This means that laptops from the previous generation, especially those that became outdated after CES (Consumer Electronics Show), are heavily discounted. For instance, MacBooks have seen significant price drops shortly after new models are introduced.
Retailers like Amazon and Best Buy aim to clear out older stock to make room for new products, offering discounts of 20-30% off the original price. Even new models like the MacBook Air have been known to see price cuts during these events. Black Friday falls on November 28 in 2025, with deals starting as early as late October, often following Amazon's October Prime Day.
Amazon Prime Day
Amazon's Prime Day, while not as renowned for laptop deals as Black Friday, still offers opportunities for savings. You might not find the latest high-end models at steep discounts, but it's a great time to pick up a reliable Chromebook. These already budget-friendly devices see even lower prices during Prime Day, making them an excellent choice for web-based tasks. Expect Prime Day 2025 to occur around mid-July.
October Prime Day
Amazon's second Prime Day event in October mirrors the summer sale with similar discounts, though laptop deals are less abundant compared to Black Friday. It's still a viable option if you're looking to buy a laptop in the fall.
Other Sales Events
In addition to Black Friday and Prime Day, holidays like President's Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July often feature laptop discounts. For instance, Best Buy has announced a significant sale for the upcoming President's Day weekend.
If You Want the New Hotness
If your priority is getting the latest and greatest laptop, keep an eye on announcements from Nvidia, Intel, or AMD regarding new hardware. At CES 2025, a new generation of laptops was showcased, focusing on AI assistants and Mini-LED displays. Notable trends included next-generation graphics, with Razer unveiling its RTX 5090 laptops.
For those interested in the latest deals, our year-round coverage on gaming laptop deals is a valuable resource.
Ultrabooks also receive upgrades, though Intel's U-series processors can launch unpredictably. Staying informed through tech news and rumors is crucial if you want to purchase the latest models as soon as they're available.
New Hardware Can Lower Prices, Kind of
Waiting for new hardware releases can lead to significant discounts on last-generation models. While it might feel like a compromise to buy a slightly older model, the performance difference between generations is often minimal, especially for everyday tasks. For example, the performance gap between 13th-gen and 14th-gen Intel laptops is negligible for most users.
This strategy is particularly effective for buying MacBooks. When a new MacBook model is released, the market floods with discounted previous-generation models as owners upgrade. This approach can help you buy a high-quality laptop at a lower price, regardless of the time of year.
Top Affordable Laptops to Choose From Right Now
If you're not willing to wait for upcoming sales or new releases, consider these budget-friendly options from our laptop 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 an excellent 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
