Laptops can indeed be pricey, but savvy shoppers know there are strategic times throughout the year to snag a great deal, even on the latest models in 2025. With sales events like President's Day on the horizon, understanding when to buy can save you a significant amount. Let's break down the best times to purchase a new laptop.
For the Best Time to Buy a Laptop in 2025, Keep in Mind:
- Big Sales Events: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and 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, offering more than just doorbuster deals. New laptop hardware typically launches at the start of the year or around October, depending on the manufacturer. This means that models that are a generation old or have just become outdated post-CES (Consumer Electronics Show) are heavily discounted. Retailers like Amazon and Best Buy clear out older stock to make room for new products. While you might not get the latest model, saving 20-30% off the sticker price is a compelling reason to buy.
For instance, even new MacBook models have been discounted shortly after their release during these sales. Black Friday in 2025 falls on November 28, with deals starting as early as late October, often right after 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. Prime Day deals are more modest but can be excellent for budget-friendly options, particularly Chromebooks. Since Chromebooks are already affordable and primarily web-based, they're a smart pick during this event. Expect Prime Day 2025 to occur in mid-July.
October Prime Day
Amazon's second Prime Day in October mirrors the summer event but with fewer laptop deals compared to Black Friday. However, it's worth watching if you're looking for a fall purchase.
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 often feature laptop discounts. Retailers such as Best Buy frequently announce sales for these occasions.
If You Want the New Hotness
For those who prioritize having the latest technology over getting a deal, keep an eye on announcements from Nvidia, Intel, or AMD. At CES 2025, new laptop generations were unveiled, focusing on AI assistants and Mini-LED displays. Notable trends included Razer's RTX 5090 laptops. For the latest ultrabooks, Intel's U-series processors can be released unpredictably, so staying updated with tech news is essential.
New Hardware Can Lower Prices, Kind of
When new hardware hits the market, it often leads to price drops on last-generation models. While buying a year-old laptop might feel less exciting, the differences between generations are typically incremental. For example, the performance gap between 13th-gen and 14th-gen Intel laptops is minimal for everyday tasks. Snagging a deal on a slightly older model can be a smart move, especially for MacBooks, where new releases prompt owners to sell their current models at a discount.
Top Affordable Laptops to Choose From Right Now
If you can't wait for sales or new releases, here are some budget-friendly options from our laptop buying guides:
Dell XPS 13
A top MacBook alternative at a more affordable price.
$999.00 See it at Dell
Asus TUF Dash 15
A budget-friendly gaming laptop under $2,000.
$1,149.99 See it at Amazon
Microsoft Surface Pro 9
One of the best detachable laptops, recommended with Microsoft's ARM-based SQ 3 processor.
$1,399.99 See it at Best Buy
Apple MacBook Air M2
A top choice for everyday use.
$1,665.00 See it at Amazon
