Laptops can indeed be a significant investment, but savvy shoppers can mitigate the costs by timing their purchases wisely. Even with the constant release of new models, there are prime times throughout the year when you can snag the best laptops or gaming laptops at more affordable prices, including the latest models in 2025. As we approach President's Day sales, let's explore the optimal 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, and Prime Day
- Back to School Timing
- New Hardware Releases
Black Friday / Cyber Monday
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are renowned for their laptop deals, extending beyond just the headline-grabbing doorbusters. New laptop hardware often launches at the start of the year or around October, depending on the manufacturer. This timing means that slightly older models, especially those that became outdated after CES (the Consumer Electronics Show), see substantial discounts. For instance, MacBooks have historically been discounted shortly after new models are introduced.
Retailers like Amazon and Best Buy capitalize on these events to clear out older stock to make room for new arrivals. While you might not get the latest model, saving 20-30% on the price can be a compelling trade-off. Black Friday 2025 falls on November 28, but expect deals to start rolling out in late October, following Amazon's October Prime Day.
Amazon Prime Day
Amazon's Prime Day is another significant event for laptop deals, although they might not be as impressive as Black Friday's. Nonetheless, Prime Day is an excellent opportunity to purchase affordable Chromebooks, which are already budget-friendly and see further price cuts during this event. Prime Day 2025 is expected to occur in mid-July, similar to last year.
October Prime Day
Amazon's second Prime Day in October offers similar discounts to the summer event, though laptop deals are less abundant than during Black Friday. It's still a worthwhile event to consider for fall laptop purchases.
Other Sales Events
Beyond the well-known Black Friday and Prime Day, holidays like President's Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July also bring significant discounts on laptops. Retailers like Best Buy often announce special sales for these occasions.
If You Want the New Hotness
For those less concerned about deals and more interested in cutting-edge technology, keep an eye on announcements from Nvidia, Intel, or AMD for new laptop hardware. CES 2025 highlighted new laptops with AI assistants and Mini-LED displays, with a focus on next-generation graphics, like Razer's RTX 5090 laptops.
If you're looking for year-round deals, particularly on gaming laptops, we've got you covered.
New Hardware Can Lower Prices, Kind of
Waiting for new hardware releases can also benefit buyers, as it often leads to price drops on last-generation models. While it might feel odd to buy a slightly older laptop, the performance differences between generations are usually minimal, especially for everyday tasks. This strategy is particularly effective for purchasing MacBooks, where new releases prompt owners to sell their older models at a discount on used marketplaces.
Top Affordable Laptops to Choose From Right Now
If you can't wait for the next big sale or new model release, here are some top budget laptops to consider from our buying guides:
Dell XPS 13
If you're looking for a MacBook alternative, 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
One of the best detachable laptops available, 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) stands out as one of the best laptops for everyday use. $1,665.00 See it at Amazon
