Maximize your laptop budget by buying smart! Laptops are a significant investment, but strategic timing can significantly reduce the cost. While new models constantly emerge, several periods offer substantial savings, even on the latest technology in 2025. With President's Day sales approaching, let's explore the optimal times to purchase a laptop.
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
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are prime times for laptop deals, extending beyond just the initial doorbusters. New laptop hardware typically launches early in the year or around October, depending on the manufacturer. This means previous-generation models (often becoming obsolete after CES) receive deep discounts. This trend is evident with MacBooks, for instance, following new model releases.
Retailers like Amazon and Best Buy aggressively clear inventory to make room for newer products. While you might miss the absolute newest features, savings of 20-30% off the original price are substantial. Combined with Black Friday/Cyber Monday promotions, you can secure incredibly affordable laptops. Significant discounts have been observed on MacBook Airs shortly after their release – a rarity for Apple products.
Black Friday falls on November 28th, 2025, but deals often begin in late October. Expect deals to emerge shortly after Amazon's October Prime Day event.
Amazon Prime Day
While Amazon Prime Day laptop deals aren't always spectacular, they still exist. You'll likely find solid, budget-friendly options, though high-end models are less common.
Prime Day is ideal for Chromebooks. Already affordable, Prime Day discounts make them even more attractive. The hardware is less critical with Chromebooks, as most functionality relies on web browsers.
Prime Day 2025 is anticipated 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. While laptop deals are less abundant than on Black Friday, it's a worthwhile consideration for fall purchases.
Other Sales Events
Beyond Black Friday and Prime Day, retailers often discount electronics during holidays like President's Day (with Best Buy already announcing sales), Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July.
Seeking the Latest Technology
If prioritizing the newest technology over price, wait for new hardware announcements from Nvidia, Intel, or AMD. A new generation of laptops was announced alongside CES 2025, featuring AI assistants and Mini-LED displays. Razer's RTX 5090 laptops are a notable example.
Ultrabook upgrades are frequent, though Intel's U-series processors release less predictably. Staying informed about tech news and rumors is crucial. New hardware often appears unexpectedly.
New Hardware Impacts Pricing
New hardware releases immediately lower prices on previous-generation models. While purchasing a slightly older laptop might seem less appealing, generational improvements are often incremental. The performance difference between a 13th-gen and 14th-gen Intel laptop, for example, is negligible for everyday tasks.
Combining new hardware releases with deals on last-generation models is a highly effective strategy. This applies to MacBooks as well; new releases trigger significant discounts on previous models in the used market.
Currently Affordable Laptops
If immediate purchase is necessary and sales aren't a priority, consider these budget-friendly options:
Dell XPS 13: A top MacBook alternative. $999.00 (Dell)
ASUS Asus TUF Dash 15: A great budget gaming laptop under $2,000. $1,149.99 (Amazon)
Microsoft Surface Pro 9: An excellent detachable laptop. $1,399.99 (Best Buy)
Apple MacBook Air M2 (2022): Excellent for everyday use. $1,665.00 (Amazon)
