Laptops can indeed be a significant investment, but savvy shoppers can mitigate the cost by timing their purchases wisely. Even with the constant stream of new releases, there are specific times throughout the year when you can snag the best deals on laptops or gaming laptops, including the latest models in 2025. With President's Day sales approaching, we've identified the prime 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 renowned for their laptop deals, offering more than just doorbuster discounts. New laptop models typically launch at the beginning of the year or around October, depending on the manufacturer. Consequently, older models, particularly those that have been superseded by new releases at CES (the Consumer Electronics Show), often see significant price reductions. This trend holds true even for MacBooks, which are usually slow to receive discounts, especially when newly released.

Retailers like Amazon and Best Buy aim to clear out their inventory to make room for new products, which means you can save 20-30% off the original price. These savings can make a considerable difference, even if you're not getting the latest model. The combination of deep discounts and the allure of Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions makes it an ideal time to find an affordable laptop. For instance, I've seen MacBook Airs discounted just weeks after their launch.

Black Friday is scheduled for November 28, 2025, 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 snagging laptop deals. While the discounts might not be as steep as those during Black Friday, there are still worthwhile offers to be found, especially for those not fixated on the latest high-end models. Prime Day is particularly advantageous for purchasing Chromebooks, which are already budget-friendly and see further price cuts during the event. Since Chromebooks primarily rely on web-based operations, the specific hardware isn't as crucial.

We anticipate Prime Day 2025 to occur around mid-July, similar to last year.

October Prime Day

Amazon's second Prime Day event in October offers another chance to find laptop deals before the holiday season. While not as extensive as Black Friday, it's still a valuable opportunity for those seeking 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 are also excellent opportunities to explore laptop deals. Retailers often discount tech products during these times, making them worth considering for your laptop purchase.

If You Want the New Hotness

For those less concerned with savings and more interested in cutting-edge technology, it's crucial to keep an eye on announcements from Nvidia, Intel, or AMD regarding new laptop hardware. In 2025, CES showcased a new generation of laptops with a focus on AI assistants and Mini-LED displays. Key trends, especially in gaming laptops, included next-generation graphics, with Razer unveiling its RTX 5090 lineup.

For those interested in ongoing deals, we provide comprehensive coverage of the best gaming laptop deals throughout the year.

Ultrabooks also see regular upgrades, though Intel's less-powerful U-series processors may be released sporadically. Staying updated with tech news and rumors can help you catch these new releases as they happen.

New Hardware Can Lower Prices, Kind of

Waiting for new laptop hardware to launch can benefit you by driving down the prices of last-generation models. Although it might feel like a compromise to buy a slightly older model, the incremental nature of laptop generations means the performance difference is often minimal. For example, the gap between 13th-gen and 14th-gen Intel laptops is typically small and not noticeable in everyday tasks.

Snagging a last-gen laptop at a reduced price after a new model's release is a smart strategy, applicable even to MacBooks. When a new MacBook model is released, the market floods with discounted previous-generation models, providing savvy buyers with excellent opportunities year-round.

Top Affordable Laptops to Choose From Right Now

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

Dell XPS 13

If you're looking for a MacBook alternative without the premium price, the Dell XPS 13 is an excellent choice. $999.00 See it at Dell

ASUS TUF Dash 15

For gamers on a budget under $2,000, the ASUS TUF Dash 15 offers great performance without breaking the bank. $1,149.99 See it at Amazon

Microsoft Surface Pro 9

One of the best detachable laptops available, 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 perfect for everyday use and offers exceptional value. $1,665.00 See it at Amazon