Laptops can be a significant investment, but savvy shoppers can mitigate the costs by timing their purchases strategically. Even with the constant influx of new models in 2025, certain times of the year offer substantial savings, even on the latest and greatest devices. 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 to snag a laptop deal. These sales aren't just about doorbusters; they coincide with the release cycle of new laptop hardware, which typically happens at the start of the year or around October. This means that laptops from the previous generation, or those that become outdated after CES (the Consumer Electronics Show), see significant price drops. For instance, MacBooks often receive deep discounts shortly after new models are unveiled.
Retailers like Amazon and Best Buy aim to clear out older stock to make room for new arrivals. While you might not get the latest model, saving 20-30% off the original price can be a compelling trade-off. Black Friday deals can even slash prices on newly released MacBook Airs, which are notoriously slow to discount.
Black Friday in 2025 falls on November 28, with deals starting as early as late October, following Amazon's October Prime Day event.
Amazon Prime Day
Amazon's Prime Day is another key event for laptop deals, though they may not be as stellar as Black Friday's. Prime Day is an excellent opportunity to purchase affordable Chromebooks, which are already budget-friendly and see further price cuts during this event. Since Chromebooks primarily rely on web-based applications, hardware specifics are less critical.
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 for those looking for a budget laptop in the fall.
Other Sales Events
Beyond 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 around these times.
If You Want the New Hotness
For those seeking the latest and greatest laptops, keep an eye on announcements from Nvidia, Intel, or AMD. New laptop hardware was showcased at CES 2025, focusing on AI assistants and Mini-LED displays. Gaming laptop trends highlighted next-generation graphics, with Razer's RTX 5090 laptops drawing particular attention.
For those interested in the latest deals, our year-round coverage of the best gaming laptop deals is a valuable resource.
Ultrabooks often receive upgrades, with Intel's U-series processors released sporadically. Staying updated with tech news and rumors can help you catch these releases.
New Hardware Can Lower Prices, Kind of
Waiting for new hardware releases can also lead to price drops on last-generation models. While it might feel like a compromise to buy a year-old laptop, the generational improvements are often minimal. For example, the performance difference between 13th-gen and 14th-gen Intel laptops is negligible for everyday tasks.
Snagging a last-gen laptop at a discounted price is a smart strategy, applicable even to MacBooks. When a new MacBook model is released, the used market floods with discounted older models, offering savvy buyers a chance to save.
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, 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
