Maximize your laptop budget by buying smart! Laptops are pricey, but strategic timing can significantly reduce the cost. While new models constantly emerge, several periods offer substantial savings, even on the latest tech in 2025. With President's Day sales approaching, let's explore the optimal times to purchase a laptop.
Best Times to Buy a Laptop in 2025:
Major Sales Events: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Prime Day Back-to-School Season: Late Summer/Early Fall New Hardware Releases: Following CES and major manufacturer announcements
Black Friday/Cyber Monday:
These sales are prime laptop-buying opportunities. New laptop hardware typically launches early in the year or around October, leading to deep discounts on previous-generation models. Retailers aggressively clear inventory to make room for new releases. Savings of 20-30% are common. While you might miss the very latest features, the substantial price reductions often outweigh this. Black Friday deals, in particular, can be incredibly competitive. Black Friday falls on November 28th, 2025, but expect deals to start appearing in late October.
Amazon Prime Day:
Prime Day offers decent, though not always spectacular, laptop deals. It's particularly advantageous for Chromebooks, which are already budget-friendly and receive further price cuts during the event. Expect Prime Day 2025 around mid-July.
October Prime Day:
Amazon's secondary October Prime Day event mirrors the summer sale, offering similar discounts before the holiday shopping rush. Laptop deals are less abundant than during Black Friday, but still worth considering for fall purchases.
Other Sales Events:
Beyond Black Friday and Prime Day, holidays like President's Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July often feature tech discounts.
Seeking the Latest Tech:
If prioritizing the newest features over price, wait for Nvidia, Intel, or AMD's new hardware announcements. CES 2025 showcased the latest generation of laptops, featuring AI assistants and Mini-LED displays. Keep an eye on tech news for release dates.
New Hardware Impacts Pricing:
New hardware releases immediately lower prices on previous-generation models. While purchasing a slightly older model might seem less appealing, the generational improvements are often incremental. The performance difference between, say, 13th and 14th-gen Intel processors is often negligible for everyday tasks.
Top Affordable Laptops (Current Selection):
If you can't wait for sales or new releases, consider these budget-friendly options:
Dell XPS 13: A top MacBook alternative.
ASUS TUF Dash 15: A great budget gaming laptop.
Microsoft Surface Pro 9: An excellent detachable laptop.
Apple MacBook Air M2: A solid choice for everyday use.
Remember to check our regularly updated laptop buying guides for the most current deals and recommendations.