Laptops can be a significant investment, but strategic timing can help you secure the best laptop or gaming laptop at a more affordable price. Even with the latest models launching in 2025, there are prime times throughout the year to snag a great deal. As President's Day sales approach, let's explore the optimal times 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 undoubtedly prime times to purchase a laptop. Beyond the doorbuster deals, these sales coincide with the release cycle of new laptop hardware, typically in early January or around October. This means that laptops from the previous generation, or those that become outdated post-CES (Consumer Electronics Show), are heavily discounted. For instance, MacBooks, which are rarely discounted when new, have seen significant price cuts during these sales.
Retailers like Amazon and Best Buy aim to clear out older stock to make way for new arrivals, offering savings of 20-30% off the original price. Black Friday falls on November 28, 2025, with deals starting as early as late October, following Amazon's October Prime Day event.
Amazon Prime Day
Amazon's Prime Day is another key event for laptop deals, though typically not as robust as Black Friday. It's an excellent opportunity to find affordable laptops, especially Chromebooks, which are already budget-friendly and see even deeper discounts during Prime Day. While top-end devices might not be heavily discounted, Prime Day, expected in mid-July 2025, remains a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers.
October Prime Day
Amazon's second Prime Day event in October mirrors the summer sale, offering similar discounts before the holiday rush. Although laptop deals may not be as plentiful as during Black Friday, it's a worthwhile consideration for those seeking a fall purchase.
Other Sales Events
In addition to Black Friday and Prime Day, other holidays like President's Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July often feature laptop discounts. Retailers like Best Buy have already announced significant sales for President's Day, making it a great time to explore laptop deals.
If You Want the New Hotness
For those less concerned about deals and more focused on the latest technology, keep an eye on announcements from Nvidia, Intel, or AMD. The CES 2025 showcased a new generation of laptops featuring AI assistants and Mini-LED displays, with a particular interest in next-generation graphics, such as Razer's RTX 5090 laptops.
Ultrabooks and other devices also see upgrades throughout the year, often unpredictably. Staying informed about tech news and rumors is crucial for grabbing the newest models as soon as they're available.
New Hardware Can Lower Prices, Kind of
The release of new laptop hardware often results in price drops for last-generation models. While it might feel like settling for a slightly older model, the differences between generations are typically minimal. For example, a 13th-gen Intel laptop remains a strong choice even after the 14th-gen release, as the performance differences are negligible for most users.
This strategy is particularly effective for purchasing MacBooks, where new releases prompt owners to sell their previous models at a discount on used marketplaces.
Top Affordable Laptops to Choose From Right Now
If you can't wait for sales or new releases, here are some budget-friendly options from our laptop buying guides:
Dell XPS 13
If you're looking for a MacBook alternative without breaking the bank, the Dell XPS 13 is a top choice.
$999.00 See it at Dell
Asus TUF Dash 15
For gaming enthusiasts on a budget, the Asus TUF Dash 15 offers great performance under $2,000.
$1,149.99 See it at Amazon
Microsoft Surface Pro 9
The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is an excellent detachable laptop, especially with the ARM-based SQ 3 processor.
$1,399.99 See it at Best Buy
Apple MacBook Air M2
For everyday use, the Apple MacBook Air M2 (2022) remains one of the best laptops on the market.
$1,665.00 See it at Amazon