Laptops can be a significant investment, but savvy shoppers know that timing is everything when it comes to snagging the best deals. Even if you're eyeing the latest models in 2025, there are strategic times throughout the year when you can buy a laptop at a more affordable price. With President's Day sales approaching, let's explore the optimal times to purchase a new laptop.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are prime times to buy a laptop. These sales aren't just about doorbusters; they're also when retailers like Amazon and Best Buy clear out older stock to make room for new products. New laptop hardware typically launches at the beginning of the year or around October, meaning last-gen models see significant discounts. For instance, MacBooks often receive deep discounts shortly after new models are announced.
This strategy can save you 20-30% off the original price, making it a smart move even if you're not getting the latest model. Black Friday in 2025 falls on November 28, but deals often start in late October, following Amazon's October Prime Day event.

Amazon's Prime Day is another excellent opportunity to find laptop deals, though they might not be as stellar as Black Friday. Prime Day is particularly great for snagging affordable Chromebooks, which are already budget-friendly and see further price cuts during this event. Prime Day 2025 is expected around mid-July.
Amazon's second Prime Day in October offers similar discounts to the summer event, though laptop deals are less abundant compared to Black Friday. It's still a worthwhile event if you're looking for a budget laptop in the fall.
Beyond the well-known 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 frequently announce sales for these occasions.
If your goal is to get the latest and greatest laptop, keep an eye on announcements from Nvidia, Intel, or AMD. New hardware was showcased at CES 2025, focusing on AI assistants and Mini-LED displays. For gaming enthusiasts, Razer's new RTX 5090 laptops were a highlight. Staying updated with tech news and rumors can help you catch these releases.

When new hardware hits the market, last-gen models see immediate price drops. While it might feel odd to buy a slightly older model, the performance difference between generations is often minimal. For example, a 13th-gen Intel laptop remains a solid choice even after the 14th-gen release. This strategy is especially effective for MacBooks, where new releases lead to deep discounts on used models.
If you can't wait for upcoming sales or new releases, here are some budget-friendly options from our laptop buying guides:

If you don't want to splurge on a MacBook, the Dell XPS 13 is a top alternative. $999.00 See it at Dell

For a gaming laptop under $2,000, the Asus TUF Dash 15 is a great budget choice. $1,149.99 See it at Amazon

One of the best detachable laptops, we recommend the model with Microsoft’s ARM-based SQ 3 processor. $1,399.99 See it at Best Buy

The Apple MacBook Air (2022) is ideal for everyday use. $1,665.00 See it at Amazon