Maximize your laptop budget by buying smart! Laptops are pricey, but strategic timing can significantly reduce the cost. While new models constantly emerge, specific periods offer better deals, even on the latest tech in 2025. With President's Day sales approaching, let's explore the optimal times to purchase.
Best Times to Buy a Laptop in 2025:
Major Sales Events: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Prime Day Back-to-School Season New Hardware Launches
Black Friday / Cyber Monday
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are prime shopping times. New laptop hardware typically releases early in the year or around October, leading to substantial discounts on previous-generation models (often those released before or after CES). Retailers like Amazon and Best Buy aggressively clear inventory to make room for new stock. This might mean sacrificing the absolute latest features, but savings of 20-30% are significant. These sales, combined with Black Friday/Cyber Monday promotions, yield exceptional deals. Even Apple products, known for their price stability, sometimes see considerable Black Friday discounts shortly after release.
Black Friday falls on November 28th, 2025, but deals often start in late October. Expect deals to emerge soon after Amazon's October Prime Day event.
Amazon Prime Day
Amazon's Prime Day offers deals, though laptop discounts might not be as dramatic as Black Friday. However, it's a good time to find affordable laptops, particularly Chromebooks, which are already budget-friendly and see further price reductions during Prime Day. Chromebook functionality is largely web-browser based, minimizing hardware concerns.
Prime Day 2025 is anticipated around mid-July, similar to previous years.
October Prime Day
Amazon's October Prime Day event mirrors the summer sale, with similar discounts ahead of the holiday season. Laptop deals are less prevalent than on Black Friday, but it remains a viable option for budget-conscious fall shoppers.
Other Sales Events
Beyond Black Friday and Prime Day, retailers often offer tech discounts during holidays like President's Day (already featuring Best Buy sales), Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July.
Seeking the Latest Tech
For those prioritizing the newest features over price, wait for announcements from Nvidia, Intel, or AMD regarding new laptop hardware. CES 2025 showcased new laptops with AI assistants and Mini-LED displays, notably Razer's RTX 5090 models. Intel's U-series processors are released less predictably, requiring closer attention to tech news and rumors. New hardware releases often trigger immediate price drops on previous generations.
New Hardware's Price Impact
New hardware releases immediately lower prices on previous generations. While purchasing a last-generation laptop might seem less appealing, the performance difference between generations is often minimal for everyday tasks. The savings significantly outweigh the minor performance gap. This strategy applies to MacBooks as well; new releases create a surge of discounted previous-generation models in the used market.
Currently Affordable Laptops:
If you're not waiting for sales or new releases, consider these budget-friendly options:
Dell XPS 13: A top MacBook alternative. $999.00 (Dell)
ASUS TUF Dash 15: A great budget gaming laptop (under $2000). $1,149.99 (Amazon)
Microsoft Surface Pro 9: A leading detachable laptop (SQ 3 processor recommended). $1,399.99 (Best Buy)
Apple MacBook Air M2 (2022): Excellent for everyday use. $1,665.00 (Amazon)
