Laptops can be a significant investment, but savvy shoppers know that timing is everything when it comes to snagging a great deal. Even if you're eyeing the latest models in 2025, there are strategic times throughout the year when you can find these coveted devices at more affordable prices. As we approach President's Day sales, let's dive into the best times to buy a new laptop annually.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are prime times to purchase a laptop. It's not just about the doorbuster deals; it's also when retailers slash prices on slightly older models to make room for new inventory. New laptop hardware typically launches at the start of the year or around October, so you'll find deep discounts on last-generation models post-CES (Consumer Electronics Show). For instance, MacBooks, which rarely see discounts when new, can be snagged at 20-30% off during these sales.
Black Friday in 2025 falls on November 28, but expect deals to start as early as late October, shortly after Amazon's October Prime Day event.
Amazon's Prime Day, typically in mid-July, offers another chance to find laptop deals. While the discounts might not be as steep as Black Friday, it's an excellent opportunity to buy budget-friendly Chromebooks. Since Chromebooks are already affordable and primarily web-based, the hardware specifics are less critical, making them a smart choice during Prime Day sales.
Amazon's second Prime Day in October mirrors the summer event with similar discounts, though laptop deals may be fewer compared to Black Friday. If you're looking for a laptop in the fall, this event is still worth checking out.
Beyond the well-known Black Friday and Prime Day, other holidays like President's Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July often feature laptop deals. Retailers like Best Buy frequently announce significant sales during these times.
For those more interested in the latest and greatest laptops rather than deals, keep an eye on announcements from Nvidia, Intel, or AMD. The CES 2025 showcased a new generation of laptops with AI assistants and Mini-LED displays. If you're looking for cutting-edge technology, such as Razer's RTX 5090 laptops, staying updated with tech news is crucial.
For ongoing deals and updates, our site covers the best gaming laptop deals year-round.
Ultrabooks often see upgrades with Intel's U-series processors, which can appear unpredictably throughout the year. Staying informed about tech news and rumors can help you catch these releases.
New laptop hardware releases can immediately lower the prices of last-generation models. While it might feel like a compromise to buy a year-old laptop, the generational improvements are often minimal. For instance, the performance difference between 13th-gen and 14th-gen Intel laptops is usually negligible for everyday tasks.
Snagging a deal on a last-gen model after new releases is a savvy way to buy, including for MacBooks. When a new MacBook hits the market, you'll find last year's models at deep discounts on used marketplaces as owners upgrade.
If you can't wait for sales or new releases, here are some top budget laptops from our buying guides:
If you're looking for a MacBook alternative without breaking the bank, the Dell XPS 13 is an excellent choice. $999.00 See it at Dell
For gamers on a budget needing a laptop under $2,000, the Asus TUF Dash 15 is a solid pick. $1,149.99 See it at Amazon
One of the best detachable laptops, the Surface Pro 9 with Microsoft’s ARM-based SQ 3 processor is highly recommended. $1,399.99 See it at Best Buy
For everyday use, the Apple MacBook Air (2022) with the M2 chip is a top performer. $1,665.00 See it at Amazon