Best Laptop Deals: Where and When to Buy

Laptops are a significant purchase. Here's how to get the best deal on exactly what you need.

Best Times to Buy Laptops

Prime Day (July)

Excellent deals on Windows laptops

Good MacBook deals too

Competing sales at Best Buy, Walmart

Back to School (August)

Focus on student-friendly models

Bundle deals common

Price matching available

Black Friday/Cyber Monday

Best overall deals of the year

Doorbuster specials

Widest selection on sale

After CES (January)

New models announced = old models discounted

Great for previous-gen flagships

Where to Buy

Amazon

Pros: Wide selection, easy returns, competitive prices
Cons: Harder to get hands-on before buying

Best Buy

Pros: Price match, hands-on experience, Geek Squad
Cons: Sometimes higher baseline prices

Costco

Pros: Extended warranty, great bundle deals
Cons: Limited selection

Manufacturer Direct

Pros: Customization, educational discounts
Cons: Fewer sales, longer shipping

Stacking Savings

Maximum laptop savings:

Wait for sale event

Check for open-box/refurbished

Activate cashback portal

Use rewards credit card

Apply student discount if eligible

Look for accessories bundle

Red Flags When Laptop Shopping

"Doorbusters" that are lower-spec models made for sales

Older generation processors at near-new prices

Limited warranty on sale items

Shipping dates that miss your deadline

My Recommendation

For most people:

Wait for Prime Day or Black Friday

Buy from Best Buy (price match) or Amazon

Get cashback through Cuponaero

Consider last-gen model for better value

Your perfect laptop at the perfect price is out there!