Laptops come with a hefty price tag, but you can ease the financial burden by timing your purchase strategically. Even if you're eyeing the latest and greatest models in 2025, there are optimal times throughout the year when you can snag a deal. With President's Day sales approaching, we've identified the best periods to buy a new laptop.

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 are prime times to purchase a laptop. These events not only feature doorbuster deals but also coincide with the timing of new laptop hardware releases. Typically, new models launch at the beginning of the year or around October, leading to significant discounts on last-generation models. For instance, MacBooks often see substantial price cuts following new model announcements at CES (the Consumer Electronics Show).

Retailers like Amazon and Best Buy use these sales to clear out older stock, making room for newer products. Although you might not get the latest model, savings of 20-30% on the sticker price can make a big difference. Black Friday 2025 falls on November 28, but deals often start in late October, following Amazon's October Prime Day event.

Amazon Prime Day

Amazon's Prime Day is another key event, though the deals might not be as stellar as Black Friday. If you're flexible with your laptop preferences, you can find good deals, particularly on Chromebooks, which are already budget-friendly and see even deeper discounts during Prime Day. Prime Day 2025 is expected around mid-July, similar to last year.

October Prime Day

Amazon also hosts an October Prime Day, offering similar discounts to the summer event. While laptop deals might be fewer compared to Black Friday, it's a worthwhile option if you're looking for a budget laptop in the fall.

Other Sales Events

Beyond Black Friday and Prime Day, holidays like President's Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July often bring laptop discounts. For instance, Best Buy has announced a significant sale for this upcoming President's Day weekend.

If You Want the New Hotness

If your priority is getting the latest technology rather than a deal, watch for announcements from Nvidia, Intel, or AMD. At CES 2025, new laptops featuring AI assistants and Mini-LED displays were showcased, with a focus on next-generation graphics, such as Razer's RTX 5090 laptops.

Keep an eye on tech news and rumors, as new hardware releases, including Intel's U-series processors, can happen unexpectedly. Staying informed helps you grab the newest models as soon as they hit the market.

New Hardware Can Lower Prices, Kind of

New hardware releases also lead to price drops on last-generation models. While it might feel like a compromise to buy a year-old laptop, the performance difference between generations is often minimal. For example, the jump from 13th-gen to 14th-gen Intel CPUs is slight and may not significantly impact everyday tasks. Snagging a last-gen laptop at a discount is a smart move, especially for MacBooks, where used models see deep price cuts when new ones are released.

Top Affordable Laptops to Choose From Right Now

If waiting for sales or new models isn't your plan, here are some budget-friendly options from our laptop 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

The Apple MacBook Air (2022) is ideal for everyday use. $1,665.00 See it at Amazon