Maximize your laptop budget by purchasing strategically! Laptops are a significant investment, but smart timing can significantly reduce the cost. While new models constantly emerge, specific times of the year offer substantially better deals, even on the latest technology in 2025. With President's Day sales approaching, let's examine the optimal times to buy.
Best Times to Buy a Laptop in 2025:
Major Sales Events: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Prime Day Back-to-School Season: August-September New Hardware Releases: Typically early year or around October
Black Friday/Cyber Monday:
These sales are prime opportunities. New laptop hardware often launches early in the year or around October, leading to deep discounts on previous-generation models. Retailers aggressively clear inventory to make room for newer products. Savings of 20-30% are common. While not the newest models, the substantial savings often outweigh the minor generational differences. Black Friday deals often start appearing in late October. Black Friday falls on November 28th, 2025.
Amazon Prime Day:
Prime Day deals aren't always spectacular for laptops, but decent options at affordable prices can be found, especially if you're not seeking top-of-the-line features. Prime Day is excellent for Chromebooks, which are already budget-friendly and receive even deeper discounts. Expect Prime Day 2025 around mid-July.
October Prime Day:
Amazon's secondary Prime Day event in October offers similar discounts to the summer event, but with fewer laptop deals compared to Black Friday. Still worth considering for budget-conscious fall shoppers.
Other Sales Events:
Beyond the major events, retailers often discount electronics for holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July.
For the Latest Technology:
If price is secondary to having the newest technology, wait for announcements from Nvidia, Intel, and AMD regarding new laptop hardware. CES 2025 showcased new laptops featuring AI assistants and Mini-LED displays.
Keep an eye on tech news for releases of Intel's U-series processors, which tend to be less predictable.
New Hardware Impacts Pricing:
New hardware releases immediately reduce prices of previous-generation models. While purchasing a last-gen laptop might seem less appealing, the generational improvements are often incremental. The performance difference between, for example, 13th and 14th generation Intel processors is often negligible for everyday tasks.
Top Affordable Laptops (Current Selection):
If you can't wait for sales or new releases, consider these budget-friendly options:
Dell XPS 13: A strong MacBook alternative.
ASUS TUF Dash 15: A great budget gaming laptop (under $2000).
Microsoft Surface Pro 9: An excellent detachable laptop (the SQ 3 model recommended).
Apple MacBook Air M2 (2022): A top choice for everyday use.