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 better deals, even on the latest technology 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 New Hardware Releases
Black Friday/Cyber Monday:
These sales are prime laptop-buying opportunities. New laptop hardware typically launches early in the year or around October, leading to substantial discounts on previous-generation models. Retailers like Amazon and Best Buy aggressively clear inventory to make room for new stock. While you might miss the absolute newest features, savings of 20-30% are substantial. Black Friday deals often extend beyond doorbusters, creating excellent value. Even Apple products, known for retaining value, experience price drops.
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:
Amazon's Prime Day usually offers decent deals, although not always the most impressive laptop discounts. However, it's an ideal time for Chromebook purchases, as these already budget-friendly devices receive additional price cuts. The reliance on web browsers minimizes hardware concerns.
Prime Day 2025 is anticipated around mid-July, similar to previous years.
October Prime Day:
Amazon's secondary 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 buyers seeking affordability.
Other Sales Events:
Beyond Black Friday and Prime Day, retailers often discount electronics during holidays like President's Day (already featuring sales at Best Buy), Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July.
Seeking the Latest Technology:
If price is secondary to obtaining the newest hardware, monitor Nvidia, Intel, and AMD announcements for new laptop components. CES 2025 showcased a new generation with AI assistants and Mini-LED displays. Razer's RTX 5090 laptops exemplify this trend.
Ultrabook upgrades, particularly Intel's U-series processors, are less predictable, requiring closer attention to tech news and rumors.
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, say, 13th and 14th-gen Intel processors, is often negligible for everyday tasks.
Monitoring new releases and capitalizing on discounts for last-generation models is a highly effective strategy. This applies to MacBooks as well; new releases flood the used market with discounted previous models.
Current Affordable Laptop Options:
If immediate purchase is preferred, consider these budget-friendly options:
Dell XPS 13: A strong MacBook alternative. Price: $999.00 (Dell)
ASUS TUF Dash 15: A budget-friendly gaming laptop under $2,000. Price: $1,149.99 (Amazon)
Microsoft Surface Pro 9: A top detachable laptop. Price: $1,399.99 (Best Buy)
Apple MacBook Air M2 (2022): Excellent for everyday use. Price: $1,665.00 (Amazon)