Laptops are a significant investment, but savvy timing can significantly reduce the cost. While new models constantly emerge, several periods offer substantially better deals, even on the latest and greatest technology in 2025. With President's Day sales approaching, let's explore the optimal times to purchase a laptop throughout the year.
Best Times to Buy a Laptop in 2025:
Major Sales Events: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Prime Day Back-to-School Season: August/September New Hardware Releases: Typically January (CES) and October
Black Friday/Cyber Monday
Black Friday falls on November 28th, 2025, but deals typically begin in late October. Expect deals shortly after Amazon's October Prime Day event.
Amazon Prime Day
Prime Day 2025 is expected around mid-July, similar to previous years.
October Prime Day
Amazon's October Prime Day event mirrors the summer sale, with many similar discounts preceding the holiday shopping season. While laptop deals are less prevalent than during Black Friday, it remains a worthwhile consideration for budget-conscious fall shoppers.
Other Sales Events
Beyond Black Friday and Prime Day, retailers frequently offer discounts on electronics during holidays like President's Day (already underway!), Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July.
Seeking the Latest Technology
For those prioritizing the newest features over price, aligning purchases with Nvidia, Intel, or AMD's new laptop hardware announcements is crucial. CES 2025 showcased a new generation of laptops, highlighting AI assistants and Mini-LED displays. Razer's RTX 5090 laptops garnered significant attention.
Intel's U-series processors often release at unpredictable times, requiring diligent monitoring of tech news and rumors. New hardware often appears unexpectedly.
New Hardware's Impact on Pricing
New hardware releases immediately lower prices for previous generations. While purchasing a last-generation laptop might seem less appealing, the performance differences between generations are often minimal for everyday tasks. The cost savings significantly outweigh the minor performance discrepancies. This strategy works well for MacBooks as well; new releases flood the used market with discounted previous models.
Currently Affordable Laptops
If immediate purchase is necessary and sales aren't a priority, consider these budget-friendly options:
### Dell XPS 13
A top MacBook alternative.
$999.00 See it at Dell### ASUS TUF Dash 15
A budget-friendly gaming laptop under $2,000.
$1,149.99 See it at Amazon### Microsoft Surface Pro 9
A high-quality detachable laptop. The ARM-based SQ 3 processor is recommended.
$1,399.99 See it at Best Buy### Apple MacBook Air M2
Excellent for everyday use. $1,665.00 See it at Amazon