Laptops are undoubtedly a significant investment, but savvy timing can help mitigate the cost. Even if you're eyeing the latest models in 2025, there are prime times throughout the year when you can snag a great deal on a new laptop or gaming laptop. With President's Day sales approaching, here's a breakdown of the best times to make your purchase.
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 launch of new laptop hardware, typically at the beginning of the year or around October. This timing means that last-generation laptops, or those that have just become outdated post-CES (Consumer Electronics Show), see substantial discounts. For instance, MacBooks, which rarely go on sale, often see price cuts during these periods.
Retailers like Amazon and Best Buy use these sales to clear out older inventory to make room for new products. While you might not get the absolute latest model, savings of 20-30% off the original price can make a significant difference. Black Friday falls on November 28, 2025, with deals likely starting in late October, right after Amazon's October Prime Day event.
Amazon Prime Day
Amazon's Prime Day, though not as renowned for laptop deals as Black Friday, still offers opportunities to find affordable laptops. While the top-end models might not see the most significant discounts, Prime Day is an excellent time to pick up a budget-friendly Chromebook, which is already cost-effective and often sees further price reductions during the event. 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 season. Although laptop deals are less abundant than during Black Friday, it's still a worthwhile opportunity if you're looking for a fall purchase.
Other Sales Events
In addition to 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 capitalize on these occasions to offer deals on tech items, making them excellent times to check for laptop offers.
If You Want the New Hotness
If you're after the latest and greatest laptops, keep an eye on announcements from Nvidia, Intel, or AMD. New laptop hardware, highlighted at events like CES 2025, often focuses on innovative features like AI assistants and Mini-LED displays. For instance, CES 2025 showcased Razer's new RTX 5090 laptops. Staying updated with tech news and rumors is crucial, as new hardware releases can happen unexpectedly.
New Hardware Can Lower Prices, Kind of
Waiting for new laptop hardware can also benefit you by lowering the prices of last-generation models. The differences between consecutive generations are often minimal, so opting for a slightly older model can still provide excellent performance at a reduced cost. This strategy works well for all types of laptops, including MacBooks, where new releases lead to significant discounts on used models in the marketplace.
Top Affordable Laptops to Choose From Right Now
If you can't 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 a great budget choice.
$1,149.99 See it at Amazon
Microsoft Surface Pro 9
One of the best detachable laptops, the Surface Pro 9 with Microsoft’s ARM-based SQ 3 processor is highly recommended.
$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
