Looking to purchase a new laptop without breaking the bank? Timing your purchase right can save you hundreds of dollars. Sounds good? Let's dive in!
Best Time to Buy a Laptop: Complete 2026 Guide
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the best times to buy a laptop in 2026, along with expert tips to maximize your savings.
1. Back-to-School Season (July-September)
The back-to-school season offers some of the year's best laptop deals. Retailers like Best Buy typically offer discounts of 20-35% on popular models during this period. Student discounts can add an extra 10-15% in savings through programs like Apple's Education Pricing or Dell University.
2. Black Friday and Cyber Monday (November)
These shopping holidays consistently deliver the deepest discounts, with savings of up to 40-50% on select models. Gaming laptops and high-end ultrabooks often see their biggest price drops during this time. Set price alerts on sites like CamelCamelCamel to track historical prices and ensure you're getting the best deal.
3. Amazon Prime Day (July)
Amazon's annual shopping event features significant laptop discounts, particularly on Chromebooks and mid-range Windows laptops. Expected savings range from 25-45% off regular prices. Additionally, many other retailers match Prime Day prices to remain competitive.
4. End of Financial Quarter (March, June, September, December)
Retailers often offer clearance sales at the end of financial quarters to meet sales targets. Look for discounts of 15-30% on current models and even deeper discounts on previous-generation laptops. Check out Micro Center for particularly good end-of-quarter deals.
Tips to Save Even More
- Stack discounts with cashback sites like Rakuten or TopCashback
- Look for open-box deals at major retailers
- Consider certified refurbished models from manufacturer outlets
- Check for student, military, or corporate discounts
For additional savings opportunities, check out our guides on best price comparison sites and shopping rebate apps. If you're specifically interested in gaming laptops, our guide to gaming laptop deals provides even more targeted advice.
Final Words
Timing your laptop purchase right can lead to substantial savings. While major shopping holidays offer the deepest discounts, you can find good deals throughout the year if you know where to look. Remember to research models beforehand, compare prices across multiple retailers, and leverage available discounts and cashback opportunities to maximize your savings.