The best time to buy a computer is usually when a sale aligns with a real need, but 2026 adds a complication: rising memory costs have pushed up prices, so waiting for a discount is a bigger gamble than usual.
This guide covers the sales calendar, the other triggers that lower prices, and how to decide whether to buy now or wait.
The 2026 Sales Calendar
Black Friday falls on November 27, 2026, the day after Thanksgiving, and Cyber Monday is November 30. Retailers now stretch the season well beyond those dates, with deals often starting in October or early November.
Amazon’s fall event, Prime Big Deal Days, typically runs in early to mid-October, but confirm the dates with Amazon because they are announced only a few weeks ahead.
Back-to-school sales in late summer are the other big window for laptops, and some stores run spring sales around new model launches. Holiday pricing is often good, but it is not guaranteed on the specific model you want, so check prices instead of assuming.
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Why 2026 Is Different
AI data centers are absorbing large amounts of memory and storage supply, raising RAM and SSD costs. Consumer Reports advised shoppers who knew they needed a laptop to buy sooner rather than later, and analysts including IDC and Gartner have forecast higher average PC prices in 2026.
Some makers have also cut specifications instead of raising sticker prices, such as shipping 8 GB of RAM where a model once had 16 GB. Analysts expect relief to come gradually, not all at once.
That does not mean you should panic-buy. If your current computer works well and is still supported, you can wait for a good sale. If you need a computer soon, a fair price now may be better than gambling on a deeper discount later.
New Model Launches Lower Old Prices
When a manufacturer releases a new generation, the previous model’s price drops to clear retailers’ stock.
Buying last year’s model after a launch can give you most of the performance for less, as long as it is still supported and meets Windows 11’s requirements if it is a PC.
Apple’s refurbished store also tends to add new-generation Macs a few months after launch, another discount route.
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Do Not Wait If Your Computer Is Out of Support
Regular Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. If your PC cannot run Windows 11, waiting for the perfect sale has a cost, because you are using an unsupported system online.
Our guide to the signs it is time to replace your computer explains how to decide, and the same logic applies to a battery that no longer holds a charge or a machine that fails often.
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How to Tell Whether a Deal Is Real
Compare the sale price with the product’s actual price history, not the crossed-out list price. A tracker such as CamelCamelCamel shows Amazon price history, and checking two or three other retailers for the same model number shows whether a discount is real.
Set a maximum price for each machine before sales start so you buy only when a price beats it. Our guide to getting the best deal on a computer online covers this in more detail.
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Consider Refurbished or Open-Box
If new prices are high, refurbished and open-box machines can be the best deals of the year, particularly from the manufacturer or a major retailer with a warranty and a standard return window.
See our guides on refurbished computers and new versus used computers. And before you shop, decide what you actually need with our guide to choosing the right computer for your needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long do computers typically last?
There is no fixed number. A computer lasts as long as it receives security updates and still handles your work, and the support dates vary by system. Our guide on how long a computer should last explains this.
Are refurbished computers worth buying?
They can be, if the seller includes a warranty and you confirm the machine supports the software you need. Our guide to refurbished computers covers what to check.
Do prices drop during holidays?
Often, but not always. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and back-to-school sales bring discounts, though specific models may not be included. In 2026, rising memory costs make deep discounts less certain, so track prices instead of assuming.
Should I buy online or in-store?
Online tends to offer more choice and easier price comparison, while stores let you test the keyboard and screen and handle returns in person. Check the return window either way; For example, Best Buy’s standard window is 15 days, with longer windows for paid Plus and Total members.
Can I negotiate computer prices?
Sometimes. Large retailers rarely negotiate on sticker price, but you can ask about price matching, open-box units, bundled accessories, or store promotions, and independent shops may have more flexibility.
