Laptops can be a significant investment, but savvy shoppers know that timing your purchase right can lead to substantial savings. Even with the latest models hitting the market in 2025, there are specific periods throughout the year when you can snag a great deal on a laptop or gaming laptop. As President's Day sales approach, here’s a breakdown of the best times to buy a new laptop annually.
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 Deals
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are prime times to purchase a laptop. These events aren't just about doorbusters; new laptop hardware typically launches at the beginning of the year or around October, depending on the manufacturer. This means that slightly older models, including those that became outdated after CES (the Consumer Electronics Show), often see deep discounts. For instance, MacBooks, which are rarely discounted when new, have been known to see significant price cuts shortly after new models are released.
Retailers like Amazon and Best Buy use these sales to clear out inventory to make room for new products. While you might not get the latest model, you can save 20-30% off the original price, making it a smart financial decision. Black Friday deals can even cut the price of a newly released MacBook Air, which is typically resistant to early discounts.
Black Friday in 2025 falls on November 28, but expect deals to start rolling out as early as late October, shortly after Amazon's October Prime Day event.
Amazon Prime Day
Amazon Prime Day
Amazon's Prime Day is another excellent opportunity for laptop deals, though they may not be as robust as Black Friday's offerings. Prime Day is particularly good for snagging deals on Chromebooks, which are already budget-friendly and see further price reductions during this event. Since Chromebooks rely heavily on web-based applications, hardware specifications are less of a concern.
Prime Day 2025 is expected to occur around mid-July, similar to last year.
October Prime Day
Amazon's second Prime Day event in October also offers laptop deals, though they are not as plentiful as during Black Friday. It's a good option if you're looking to purchase a 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 like Best Buy frequently announce sales for these occasions, making them worthwhile times to check for deals.
If You Want the New Hotness
If your priority is getting the latest and greatest laptop, keep an eye on announcements from Nvidia, Intel, or AMD for new hardware. At CES 2025, new laptop generations were introduced, emphasizing AI assistants and Mini-LED displays. Gaming laptop trends showcased at the event highlighted next-generation graphics, with Razer's new RTX 5090 laptops drawing particular attention.
Intel Announces 13th Gen Raptor Lake Mobile Processors at CES 2023
For ongoing deals, our site offers year-round coverage of the best gaming laptop deals.
Ultrabooks, powered by Intel's less-powerful U-series processors, tend to be released sporadically throughout the year. Staying updated with tech news and rumors can help you catch these releases.
New Hardware Can Lower Prices, Kind of
Waiting for new laptop hardware to launch can also benefit you by lowering the prices of last-generation models. Although it might feel odd to spend on a year-old laptop, the performance differences between generations are often minimal. For example, a 13th-gen Intel laptop remains highly capable even after the release of 14th-gen models.
This strategy is particularly effective for buying MacBooks. When a new MacBook hits the market, used marketplaces are flooded with discounted last-year models, offering a cost-effective way to get a high-quality laptop.
Top Affordable Laptops to Choose From Right Now
If you can't wait for the next sale or new model, here are some top budget laptops from our 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
A great choice for a gaming laptop under $2,000.
$1,149.99 See it at Amazon
### Microsoft Surface Pro 9
One of the best detachable laptops, recommended with Microsoft’s ARM-based SQ 3 processor.
$1,399.99 See it at Best Buy
### Apple MacBook Air M2
One of the best laptops for everyday use.
$1,665.00 See it at Amazon