Looking to score the best deal on a new laptop? Timing your purchase right can save you hundreds of dollars. Let's dive in!
When Do Laptops Go on Sale? Best Times to Buy in 2026
This comprehensive guide reveals the best times to buy a laptop in 2026, helping you make a smart investment while keeping your budget intact.
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 and major manufacturers typically offer student discounts and bundle deals. Expect savings of $100-300 on mid-range laptops and even higher discounts on premium models. To maximize savings, look for student-specific deals at your college bookstore or through educational pricing programs.
2. Amazon Prime Day (Usually July)
Amazon Prime Day has become a major shopping event for tech deals. During this 48-hour sale, you can find discounts of 20-40% on various laptop brands. Be sure to check Amazon's Lightning Deals for limited-time offers. Pro tip: Check out Amazon Warehouse deals during this time for additional savings on open-box laptops.
3. Black Friday and Cyber Monday (November)
The biggest shopping event of the year consistently delivers substantial laptop savings. Retailers often offer doorbusters with discounts of $200-500 on popular models. Gaming laptops see particularly steep discounts during this time - check out our guide to finding the best gaming laptop deals for expert tips.
4. Holiday Season Sales (December)
The weeks leading up to Christmas and the period between Christmas and New Year's feature excellent laptop deals. Look for bundle offers that include accessories, software, or extended warranties. Many retailers try to clear inventory before the year ends, leading to discounts of 15-30% on current models.
5. End of Financial Quarter Sales (March, June, September, December)
Retailers often offer significant discounts at the end of each financial quarter to meet sales targets. These sales typically feature discounts of 10-25% on current models and even deeper discounts on previous-generation laptops.
6. New Model Releases (Varies)
When manufacturers announce new laptop models, retailers typically discount existing inventory to make room. Intel and AMD usually release new processors in the first and third quarters, making these excellent times to find deals on slightly older models.
- January-February: After CES (Consumer Electronics Show)
- April-May: Spring refresh models
- September-October: Fall refresh models
Tips for Getting the Best Laptop Deals
- Sign up for retailer newsletters to get early access to sales
- Use price comparison tools to ensure you're getting the best deal
- Consider certified refurbished options from Amazon Renewed for additional savings
- Check manufacturer outlets (Dell Outlet, HP Store, etc.) for refurbished and overstock deals
Final Words
While these times typically offer the best laptop deals, exceptional savings can pop up throughout the year. Set price alerts for specific models you're interested in, and don't forget to compare prices across multiple retailers. Remember that the best time to buy is when you find a deal that fits both your needs and budget.