"2025 Laptop Buying Guide: Best Times for Deals"

Laptops can be a significant investment, but savvy shoppers can mitigate the cost by timing their purchases strategically. Even with the constant release 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 This timing means that laptops from the previous generation, or those that become outdated after CES (the Consumer Electronics Show), are heavily discounted. For instance, MacBooks often see significant price drops shortly after new models are announced.

Retailers like Amazon and Best Buy aim to clear out older stock to make room for new products, which can lead to savings of 20-30% off the original price. These sales events are perfect for grabbing a high-quality laptop at a reduced cost. Black Friday in 2025 falls on November 28, with deals starting as early as late October, following Amazon's October Prime Day event.

Amazon Prime Day

Amazon's Prime Day is another excellent opportunity to find laptop deals, though they may not be as substantial as those during Black Friday. Prime Day is particularly advantageous for purchasing Chromebooks, which are already budget-friendly and see further price cuts during this event. Since most Chromebook activities are browser-based, the specific hardware isn't as crucial. Prime Day 2025 is expected to occur in mid-July, similar to last year.

October Prime Day

Amazon's second Prime Day event in October offers similar discounts to the summer version, 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 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 great 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, waiting for announcements from Nvidia, Intel, or AMD is key. At CES 2025, a new generation of laptops was unveiled, focusing on AI assistants and Mini-LED displays. Gaming laptop trends highlighted next-generation graphics, with Razer showcasing its new RTX 5090 lineup.

For those interested in current deals or looking to check back periodically, 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 laptop hardware 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 typically incremental. For example, the performance difference between 13th-gen and 14th-gen Intel laptops is minimal, especially for everyday tasks. This strategy is particularly effective for purchasing MacBooks, as new releases often lead to significant discounts on older models in the used marketplace.

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