Best Laptop Deals in 2025: When to Buy

Laptops can be a significant investment, but savvy shoppers can mitigate the cost by timing their purchases strategically. Even with the constant influx of new models, there are specific times throughout the year when you can snag the best deals on laptops, including the latest models in 2025. With President's Day sales approaching, let's explore the optimal times to buy a new laptop annually.

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 prime times to purchase a laptop, offering more than just doorbuster deals. New laptop hardware typically launches at the beginning of the year or around October, depending on the manufacturer. This timing means that laptops from the previous generation, especially those showcased at CES (the Consumer Electronics Show), often see significant discounts. For instance, MacBooks have been known to receive substantial price cuts shortly after new models are unveiled.

Retailers like Amazon and Best Buy aim to clear out older stock to make room for new arrivals, which can lead to savings of 20-30% off the original price. These sales events are not just about discounts; they're about getting a great laptop at a fraction of the cost. Black Friday in 2025 falls on November 28, with deals likely starting in late October, shortly after Amazon's October Prime Day event.

Amazon Prime Day

Amazon's Prime Day is another key event for laptop deals, though they may not be as spectacular as Black Friday's. Prime Day is an excellent opportunity to purchase affordable Chromebooks, which are already budget-friendly and see further price reductions during this event. Since Chromebooks primarily rely on web-based applications, the hardware specifics are less critical, making them a smart buy during Prime Day. Expect Prime Day 2025 to occur around mid-July.

October Prime Day

Amazon's second Prime Day in October offers similar discounts to its summer counterpart, though laptop deals are less abundant compared to Black Friday. It's still a worthwhile event to consider if you're looking for a budget-friendly laptop in the fall.

Other Sales Events

Beyond Black Friday and Prime Day, other holidays like President's Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July also feature laptop deals. Retailers often use these occasions to offer discounts on tech products, making them excellent times to check for laptop sales.

If You Want the New Hotness

For those less concerned about deals and more interested in the latest technology, keep an eye on announcements from Nvidia, Intel, or AMD. At CES 2025, new laptop generations were introduced, focusing on AI assistants and Mini-LED displays. Gaming laptop trends highlighted next-generation graphics, with Razer's RTX 5090 laptops drawing particular attention.

For those interested in the latest deals or wanting to monitor them regularly, we provide year-round coverage of the best gaming laptop deals.

Ultrabooks often receive upgrades, with Intel's U-series processors released sporadically. Staying updated with tech news and rumors can help you catch these releases as they happen.

New Hardware Can Lower Prices, Kind of

Waiting for new hardware releases can also benefit you by lowering the prices of last-generation models. While it might feel like a compromise to buy a year-old laptop, the generational improvements are often minimal. For example, the performance difference between 13th-gen and 14th-gen Intel laptops is slight and may not significantly impact everyday tasks.

Purchasing a last-gen laptop at a discounted price is a smart strategy, applicable even to MacBooks. When a new MacBook model is released, the market is flooded with discounted older models, offering a cost-effective way to own a high-quality laptop.

Top Affordable Laptops to Choose From Right Now

If you can't wait for upcoming sales or new releases, here are some top budget laptops from our buying guides:

Dell XPS 13

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

Asus TUF Dash 15

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

Microsoft Surface Pro 9

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

Apple MacBook Air M2

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