"2025 Laptop Buying Guide: Best Times for Deals"

Laptops can be a significant investment, but savvy shopping can help you save money. Throughout 2025, there are optimal times to purchase the latest and greatest laptops or gaming laptops at more affordable prices. With President's Day sales approaching, let's explore the best times of the year to buy a new laptop.

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 for snagging a laptop deal. These sales aren't just about doorbuster deals; they coincide with the release cycles of new laptop hardware, which typically launch at the beginning of the year or around October. This timing means that older models, now one generation behind, see substantial discounts. Retailers like Amazon and Best Buy aim to clear out inventory to make way for new products, offering savings of 20-30% off the original price. For instance, even new MacBook models have seen price cuts shortly after their release during these sales events.

Black Friday in 2025 falls on November 28, but expect deals to start rolling out as early as late October, following Amazon's October Prime Day.

Amazon Prime Day

Amazon's Prime Day is another significant event for laptop deals. While the discounts might not be as steep as Black Friday, you can still find solid deals on budget-friendly laptops, especially Chromebooks. These devices are already cost-effective, and Prime Day makes them even more affordable. Prime Day 2025 is expected to occur in mid-July, similar to last year.

October Prime Day

Amazon's second Prime Day in October offers another chance for laptop deals, though not as extensive as Black Friday. It's a good opportunity if you need a budget laptop before the holiday season.

Other Sales Events

Beyond the major events, 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 during these times.

If You Want the New Hotness

For those interested in the latest technology rather than deals, keep an eye on announcements from Nvidia, Intel, or AMD for new laptop hardware. At CES 2025, new laptops featuring AI assistants and Mini-LED displays were showcased, with a focus on next-generation graphics, including Razer's RTX 5090 laptops.

Stay updated on tech news and rumors to catch the latest releases, particularly for ultrabooks with Intel's U-series processors, which can appear unexpectedly.

New Hardware Can Lower Prices, Kind of

New hardware releases can lead to immediate price drops on last-generation models. While spending on a year-old laptop might feel like a compromise, the incremental improvements between generations are minimal. For example, the difference between 13th and 14th-gen Intel laptops won't significantly impact everyday tasks like using Photoshop. Buying a discounted last-gen laptop after new hardware releases is a smart strategy, including for MacBooks, which often see deep discounts on used marketplaces when new models are released.

Top Affordable Laptops to Choose From Right Now

If you're eager to buy without waiting for sales or new releases, consider these 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

For a gaming laptop under $2,000, this 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