X
CNET logo Why You Can Trust CNET

Our expert deal-hunting staff showcases the best price drops and discounts from reputable sellers daily. If you make a purchase using our links, CNET may earn a commission.

Should You Buy a Laptop on Prime Day?

Amazon's October Prime Day kicks off soon which means now is probably a good time to start thinking about whether you're going to treat yourself to a new laptop.

Joshua Goldman Managing Editor / Advice
Managing Editor Josh Goldman is a laptop expert and has been writing about and reviewing them since built-in Wi-Fi was an optional feature. He also covers almost anything connected to a PC, including keyboards, mice, USB-C docks and PC gaming accessories. In addition, he writes about cameras, including action cams and drones. And while he doesn't consider himself a gamer, he spends entirely too much time playing them.
Expertise Laptops, desktops and computer and PC gaming accessories including keyboards, mice and controllers, cameras, action cameras and drones Credentials
  • More than two decades experience writing about PCs and accessories, and 15 years writing about cameras of all kinds.
Oliver Haslam Writer
Oliver Haslam has been writing about phones, computers, games, and anything else that takes a battery or plugs in for more than he'd like to admit. With a focus on mobile and laptops, Oliver is never too far away from whatever social network is trending today and is never short of an opinion to share.
Expertise Apple, phones, laptops, smartwatches, mobile accessories, gaming, apps
Joshua Goldman
Oliver Haslam
2 min read
Asus/CNET

Short answer: Yes, if a laptop meets your needs and budget, Prime Day is a good time to buy it -- especially if the price is right. However, you might not find the exact model and configuration you're after at a discount. Do keep in mind that laptop deals have a tendency to sell out quickly as well, so it might just be a case of being in the right place at the right time.

Should you buy a laptop on Prime Day?

Amazon's next big Prime Day event will officially kick off on Oct. 10, but some deals are already available. If you're shopping for a laptop, it'll be a lot like hunting for a bargain on Black Friday. 

However, it's important to remember that not every deal you see on Prime Day is actually a good one. Discounts can be mediocre at times, even if it looks like you're saving a lot of money. Always check how much the laptop normally sells for -- especially at other retailers -- before getting your credit card out.

Also, many of the best Prime Day laptop deals can be had only while supplies last. If you think the laptop you're considering is the bargain you've been waiting for, don't sleep on it. Before you rush into a purchase, though, check to see the return policy. For laptops sold by Amazon, it's usually a full refund or replacement within 30 days if returned in its original condition.

Which laptop should I buy on Prime Day? 

In past years, Prime Day laptop sales were a mix of old and new models, and I would expect that to be the same for 2023. PC makers have largely updated last year's models with new processors from Intel and AMD, specifically laptops running 12th-gen Intel Core-series and AMD Ryzen 6000-series chips. 

New laptops that feature 13th-gen Intel Core-series and AMD Ryzen 7000-series processors will be available, too. Going by our benchmark tests, the performance increase from the last-gen laptops is more noticeable with the higher-end processors. For budget-conscious buyers, a slightly older laptop will be the best bargain and likely won't disappoint for everyday use. I expect to see Prime Day discounts on laptops with Intel's 11th-gen Core-series and AMD's Ryzen 5000-series chips, too. 

Regardless of price, I recommend buying only laptops that are listed as sold by Amazon and that ship from Amazon. There are plenty of reputable third-party sellers on Amazon, but if you're unfamiliar with the seller, it's safer to buy directly from Amazon. It also typically means you're getting the best price for Prime Day.