Laptops can be pricey, but you can ease the financial burden by choosing the right moment to buy, even if you're eyeing the latest models in 2025. With major sales events like President's Day coming up, it's worth knowing the best times to purchase a new laptop throughout the year.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are prime times to snag a laptop deal. Not only are there doorbuster discounts, but retailers like Amazon and Best Buy slash prices on older models to make room for new stock. For instance, laptops that become a generation old after CES (Consumer Electronics Show) often see significant price drops. Even MacBooks, which rarely go on sale, can be found at discounted rates shortly after their release. Black Friday in 2025 falls on November 28, but expect deals to start rolling out from late October, right after Amazon's October Prime Day.
Amazon's Prime Day isn't just for household gadgets; it's also a solid opportunity for laptop deals. While top-tier gaming laptops might not see the deepest discounts, Prime Day is perfect for snagging affordable Chromebooks. These budget-friendly devices become even more attractive with Prime Day price cuts. Expect Prime Day 2025 to happen around mid-July, similar to last year.
Amazon's second Prime Day event in October offers another chance to find laptop deals, though not as extensive as Black Friday. It's an excellent opportunity if you need a laptop in the fall without waiting for the holiday season.
Beyond Black Friday and Prime Day, holidays like President's Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July often feature laptop discounts. For instance, Best Buy is gearing up for a big President's Day sale this weekend.
If your priority is getting the latest and greatest, keep an eye on announcements from Nvidia, Intel, or AMD. At CES 2025, new laptop generations were unveiled, emphasizing AI assistants and Mini-LED displays. For gaming enthusiasts, Razer's RTX 5090 laptops were a highlight. Ultrabooks also see regular updates, so staying updated with tech news can help you catch the newest releases.
When new hardware hits the market, prices on last-gen models drop. While it might feel like a compromise to buy a year-old laptop, the performance difference between generations is often minimal. For example, a 13th-gen Intel laptop remains competitive even after the 14th-gen release. Snagging a deal on last-gen hardware is a savvy move, especially for MacBooks, where new releases prompt owners to sell their previous models at a discount.
If you can't wait for upcoming sales or new releases, here are some top budget laptops to consider 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 a gaming laptop under $2,000, the Asus TUF Dash 15 is a budget-friendly option.
$1,149.99 See it at Amazon
The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is one of the best detachable laptops, especially with the ARM-based SQ 3 processor.
$1,399.99 See it at Best Buy
The Apple MacBook Air (2022) is perfect for everyday use and remains a top pick.
$1,665.00 See it at Amazon