Laptops are a significant investment, but you can minimize the cost by buying at the right time. While new models constantly emerge, several periods offer significantly better deals, even on the latest and greatest in 2025. With President's Day sales approaching, let's explore the best times to purchase a laptop throughout the year.
Best Times to Buy a Laptop in 2025:
Major Sales Events: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Prime Day Back-to-School Season New Hardware Releases
Black Friday / Cyber Monday
Retailers like Amazon and Best Buy clear inventory to make room for newer products. While you might not get the absolute latest model, savings of 20-30% off the original price are significant.
Combined with aggressive Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions, you can find extremely affordable laptops. We've seen Black Friday deals slash prices on MacBook Airs shortly after their release—even Apple laptops, typically resistant to discounts, are affected.
Black Friday falls on November 28th, 2025, but the sales season often begins in late October. Expect deals to emerge shortly after Amazon's October Prime Day event.
Amazon Prime Day
Prime Day is ideal for finding Chromebook deals. Already affordable, Chromebooks receive further price reductions. The advantage is less concern over specific hardware since most Chromebook tasks are browser-based.
We anticipate Prime Day 2025 around mid-July, similar to previous years.
October Prime Day
Amazon's October Prime Day event mirrors the summer sale, offering similar discounts before the holiday season. Laptop deals are fewer than Black Friday, but it's worth noting for fall budget shoppers.
Other Sales Events
Beyond Black Friday and Prime Day, retailers frequently discount electronics for holidays. President's Day sales are underway, with Best Buy already announcing significant promotions. Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July also present good opportunities.
If You Want the Latest Models
If prioritizing the newest technology over price, wait for Nvidia, Intel, or AMD to announce new laptop hardware. This year, new laptops were unveiled at CES 2025, featuring AI assistants and Mini-LED displays. We analyzed key gaming laptop trends from the event, with significant focus on next-generation graphics, particularly Razer's RTX 5090 laptops.
Ultrabooks receive frequent upgrades, though Intel's U-series processors release sporadically. Stay informed about tech news and rumors; new hardware often appears unexpectedly. To acquire the newest models immediately, constant vigilance is required.
New Hardware Impacts Pricing
New hardware releases reduce prices on previous generations. While spending on a last-generation laptop might seem less appealing, the generational improvements are often incremental.
The difference between a 13th-gen and 14th-gen Intel laptop, for example, is minimal for everyday tasks. One CPU generation won't dramatically improve Photoshop performance.
Finding a deal on a last-generation model is a smart strategy, applicable to MacBooks as well. New MacBook releases cause a surge of discounted previous-generation models in the used market. This approach offers significant savings.
Top Affordable Laptops Currently Available
If you're not waiting for sales or new releases, consider these budget-friendly options from our laptop buying guides:
### Dell XPS 13
A top MacBook alternative, especially if you want to avoid Apple's price point. $999.00 See it at Dell
### ASUS TUF Dash 15
A great budget gaming laptop under $2,000. $1,149.99 See it at Amazon
### Microsoft Surface Pro 9
One of the best detachable laptops; the ARM-based SQ 3 processor is recommended. $1,399.99 See it at Best Buy
### Apple MacBook Air M2
Excellent for everyday use. $1,665.00 See it at Amazon
