Laptops are a significant investment, but you can ease the financial burden by timing your purchase to coincide with the best deals. While new models are constantly hitting the market, certain times of the year offer more affordable options, even for the latest models in 2025. With President's Day sales approaching, let's explore the optimal times to buy a new laptop throughout the year.

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 snag a laptop deal. Beyond the doorbuster specials, these events coincide with the launch of new laptop hardware, typically at the beginning of the year or around October, depending on the manufacturer. This timing leads to significant discounts on models that have just become a generation old, especially after CES (the Consumer Electronics Show). For instance, MacBooks often see deep 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, offering savings of 20-30% off the original price. Black Friday in 2025 falls on November 28, with deals starting as early as 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 might not be as spectacular as Black Friday's. Prime Day is ideal for picking up a solid, budget-friendly laptop, particularly Chromebooks, which are already affordable and see further price reductions. Prime Day 2025 is expected in mid-July.

October Prime Day

Amazon's second Prime Day in October offers similar discounts to the summer event but with fewer laptop deals than Black Friday. It's a good opportunity for fall purchases.

Other Sales Events

Beyond the major sales, holidays like President's Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July also bring laptop discounts. Retailers often announce special sales for these occasions, so keep an eye out.

If You Want the New Hotness

If you're after the latest and greatest, wait for announcements from Nvidia, Intel, or AMD on new laptop hardware. CES 2025 showcased new laptops with AI assistants and Mini-LED displays, with a focus on next-generation graphics, such as Razer's RTX 5090 laptops. For ultrabooks, Intel's U-series processors can launch unexpectedly, so staying informed through tech news is beneficial.

New Hardware Can Lower Prices, Kind of

When new hardware hits the market, prices on last-generation models drop. While it might feel odd to buy a year-old laptop, the incremental improvements between generations are minimal. For example, the difference between 13th-gen and 14th-gen Intel laptops is slight and often unnoticeable in daily tasks. Buying a last-gen laptop at a discount is a smart move, especially for MacBooks, as owners often sell their older models at a reduced price when new ones are released.

Top Affordable Laptops to Choose From Right Now

If you can't wait for sales or new releases, here are some budget-friendly options from our laptop 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

A great gaming laptop under $2,000 for budget-conscious buyers. $1,149.99 See it at Amazon

Microsoft Surface Pro 9

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

Apple MacBook Air M2

Ideal for everyday use, the MacBook Air (2022) is a top choice. $1,665.00 See it at Amazon