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 better deals, even on the latest tech in 2025. With President's Day sales approaching, let's explore the optimal times to purchase.
Best Times to Buy a Laptop in 2025:
Major Sales Events: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Prime Day Back-to-School Season: Typically August/September New Hardware Releases: Generally early year or around October
Black Friday / Cyber Monday:
These sales are prime laptop-buying opportunities. New laptop hardware often launches early in the year or around October, leading to substantial discounts on previous-generation models. Retailers aggressively clear inventory to make room for newer products. Savings of 20-30% are common. While you might miss the very latest features, the price reduction is often worthwhile. Black Friday deals, in particular, can be exceptionally attractive, even for recently released models like MacBooks.
Black Friday falls on November 28th, 2025, but expect deals to start appearing in late October. Anticipate deals shortly after Amazon's October Prime Day event.
Amazon Prime Day:
Prime Day deals aren't always spectacular for laptops, but decent options at affordable prices are available, though typically not high-end models. However, Prime Day is excellent for Chromebook deals, as these already budget-friendly laptops receive further price cuts. The hardware limitations are less critical with Chromebooks, as most tasks are browser-based.
Prime Day 2025 is expected around mid-July, similar to previous years.
October Prime Day:
Amazon's October Prime Day event mirrors the summer sale, offering similar discounts ahead of the holiday season. Laptop deals are less abundant than during Black Friday, but it remains a worthwhile consideration for fall purchases.
Other Sales Events:
Beyond Black Friday and Prime Day, retailers frequently discount electronics during holidays like President's Day (already offering sales!), Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July.
Seeking the Latest Tech:
If price isn't the primary concern, wait for new hardware announcements from Nvidia, Intel, or AMD. New laptop generations were announced alongside CES 2025, featuring AI assistants and Mini-LED displays. Keep an eye on tech news for releases.
Ultrabook upgrades, especially Intel's U-series processors, tend to be less predictable, requiring close attention to tech news and rumors.
New Hardware's Price Impact:
New hardware releases immediately lower prices on previous-generation models. While purchasing a slightly older laptop might seem less appealing, the generational improvements are often incremental. The performance difference between, say, 13th and 14th-gen Intel processors is minimal for everyday tasks.
Capitalizing on deals for last-generation laptops after new releases is a savvy approach. This is particularly true for MacBooks; new releases flood the used market with discounted previous models.
Top Affordable Laptops Currently Available:
If you're not waiting for sales or new releases, consider these budget-friendly options:
Dell XPS 13: A top MacBook alternative. $999.00 (See Dell)
ASUS TUF Dash 15: A great budget gaming laptop (under $2,000). $1,149.99 (See Amazon)
Microsoft Surface Pro 9: An excellent detachable laptop. $1,399.99 (See Best Buy)
Apple MacBook Air M2 (2022): Ideal for everyday use. $1,665.00 (See Amazon)
