Buying a new laptop is always exciting — but what if you could have snagged it for a lot less?
Computer prices fluctuate throughout the year, so when should you shop if you’re trying to keep costs down?
As we outline the prime times to buy a laptop, we’ll share extra strategies to help you secure the lowest price and stretch your budget.
We’ll also cover which features to prioritize when choosing a new laptop so it fits your day-to-day needs.
When Are Laptop Deals Most Common?
Tech advances quickly, and retailers constantly push both new models and clearance of older ones. Those forces combine to create frequent sales.
Below are several times of year that typically offer strong discounts on laptops so you can pinpoint the best opportunities to buy.
- Back-to-school season
- Black Friday
- Cyber Monday
- Prime Day
- Federal holidays
- After major product launches
Back-to-School Sales
A decade ago, binders dominated school supply lists. Today, laptops are essential for many students.
Major retailers roll out back-to-school promotions in summer to prepare families for the new term. Some states even offer tax-free holidays on electronics and other supplies.
Check big-box electronics stores like Best Buy and Walmart for seasonal laptop and tablet discounts.
Manufacturers also tend to publish online back-to-school offers, so don’t forget to browse brand websites.
Promotions range from price cuts to complimentary accessories. Apple, for example, often bundles headphones, AirPods or printers with purchases during this period.
Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Prime Day
Retailers stage shopping events — Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Prime Day — specifically to capture your spending.
Black Friday frequently features some of the year’s deepest laptop discounts, especially if you’re willing to shop early in the morning or late at night.
This day marks the traditional start of the holiday shopping season, and stores usually push their most aggressive electronics and appliance deals. While many top offers appear in-store, online discounts are plentiful as well.
Cyber Monday lets you shop those bargains from the comfort of home — just pull out your phone or laptop and visit your preferred electronics retailers for impressive online deals.
Amazon’s Prime Day, typically in July, also brings meaningful savings on a variety of laptops.
Holidays Like Labor Day and Presidents Day
Beyond big shopping events, national holidays often trigger laptop promotions. If there’s a federal holiday, there’s a good chance retailers will run sales.
Holidays are a convenient time for stores to move inventory while many shoppers have the day off. Even if you can’t shop on the exact day, many holiday deals run for multiple days or extend through the weekend.
Holidays that often include discounts are:
- New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Presidents Day
- St. Patrick’s Day
- Easter
- Memorial Day
- Mother’s Day
- Father’s Day
- Fourth of July
- Labor Day
Right After Major Tech Releases
Here’s an extra tactic that requires monitoring industry news: when companies unveil new models, they often reduce prices on still-capable older units to clear inventory.
Most laptops (aside from Macs) use Intel or AMD processors. When either company updates its lineup, older-generation laptops typically drop in price to make room for the newer chips.
Apple sometimes lowers prices on previous Mac models when it launches new ones. If you’re set on a Mac, watch Apple’s keynote events for timing clues on when price shifts may occur.
Three Ways to Cut the Cost of a New Laptop
Laptops can be pricey, but several strategies can lower the final bill. Below are practical ways to save on a Windows PC, Mac, Chromebook or Linux machine.
1. Skip Top-Tier Specs You Don’t Need
Buying the absolute latest and greatest components rarely pays off unless you truly need that performance. Tech improves fast, meaning today’s high-end laptop becomes a mid-range deal later.
For everyday tasks — web browsing, email, social media and word processing — you don’t need the newest powerhouse hardware.
Ignore high-pressure sales pitches; most buyers are perfectly fine with last-generation processors and components.
2. Consider Refurbished or Open-Box Units
Refurbished devices are a smart way to get like-new hardware at lower prices.
If you’re new to buying refurbished, there’s no need to worry. Look for offerings from reputable sellers that include return periods and warranties.
Open-box items can also yield great savings, though they may not receive the same level of inspection. Again, verify warranty and return terms before buying.
For more budget-friendly choices, check out deals on best budget laptops and certified refurbished electronics from trusted retailers.
3. Be Patient
This tip isn’t thrilling, but ask yourself whether you need a laptop immediately. Waiting can allow you to catch a sale.
Monitor the model you want and watch for discounts throughout the year — biding your time can lead to significantly better pricing.
One caveat: Apple’s pricing is often steadier than PC makers’, so if you want a Mac, consider refurbished options for the best savings.
How to Choose the Right Laptop
Spec sheets can be confusing if you’re not sure what to prioritize. Here are the key specifications to consider so your next laptop fits your needs and budget.
Processor
The processor (CPU) is the laptop’s brain and a major factor in speed and responsiveness.
Windows laptops and Chromebooks commonly use Intel or AMD chips, while recent Macs use Apple’s M-series processors.
For most Windows users, an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 is a good balance of performance and value. If your tasks are light, an Intel Core i3 or Ryzen 3 may suffice.
If you need heavier horsepower for gaming or creative work, consider an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7.
Most modern Macs with M-series chips, like the M1, offer strong performance for the price. Higher-end M1 Max or M1 Ultra chips suit professionals who edit video, render graphics or compile code.
Chromebooks don’t require powerful CPUs; an Intel Core i3 or i5 is typically adequate. Qualcomm Snapdragon chips are also suitable options.
Entry-level MediaTek or Intel Celeron processors are fine for basic tasks like browsing and word processing.
Memory (RAM)
RAM determines how many programs and browser tabs you can run smoothly at once. If you routinely multitask with many tabs and editing apps, 16 GB is a safer choice. Otherwise, 8 GB is usually enough.
Chromebooks can function on 4 GB, but 8 GB improves responsiveness. Creative professionals may want 32 GB for intensive workflows.
Graphics
Most everyday users don’t need a powerful graphics card anymore — integrated graphics handle web apps and basic photo edits just fine.
Gamers and creative pros should look for a dedicated Nvidia GeForce or AMD Radeon GPU for improved performance in games, video editing and animation.
Storage
You’ll want enough space for files and apps. Solid-state drives (SSDs) are faster and more durable than traditional hard drives and are recommended.
For average users, 256 GB usually offers enough room. If you work with large media files, aim for at least 512 GB.
Gamers often prefer 512 GB or 1 TB. Large SSDs can be costly, so some opt for a hybrid setup with a smaller SSD and a larger HDD.
Portability
Portability depends on size, display and battery life. If you travel frequently, choose a smaller, lighter model that fits on airplane or train tray tables.
Typical laptop displays range from 11 to 17 inches. Many shoppers find 13- to 14-inch models strike a good balance between portability and usability.
If you want a roomy screen for gaming or media, 15 inches may be preferable.
Battery life matters too — some laptops, especially Macs, boast long runtimes. Compare manufacturer battery estimates to find a model that suits your mobility needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
We usually see the best laptop discounts in November due to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. If you can wait, the holiday season is a strong time to buy a computer.
Laptop prices almost always fall over time, so patience is valuable. As new models arrive, retailers discount older units, creating opportunities for savings.
Buy from wherever offers the best price from a reputable seller. Large retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, Micro Center and Amazon frequently have competitive laptop deals.
Daniel Hayes is a senior technology writer at Savinly focusing on consumer tech.
