(Credit: Jade Chung-Lee/Dell/PCMag)
Since its inception in 2018, the PCMag Deals team has been dedicated to saving our readers money on the best electronics sales out there, especially laptops. During our careful curation process, we consider different budgets, use cases, and the frequency with which we see particular configurations on sale. We've got our eyes on all major retailers and we always want to find you the very best discount. More often than not, we select products that have been tested and vetted in the PC Labs by our experts whose deep experience helps them determine whether or not a model is worth your money.
Alienware x16 R2 Intel Ultra 9 RTX 4080 1TB 240Hz Laptop
MSI Bravo 15 Ryzen 5 RTX 4050 512GB SSD 16GB RAM Laptop
Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Ryzen 7 Pro 512GB SSD 14" Laptop
Dell Inspiron 16 5645 Ryzen 7 1TB SSD 16GB RAM 16" Laptop
Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga Ryzen 7 Pro 256GB 13.3" 2-in-1 Laptop
If it’s been a while since your last laptop upgrade, you’ll probably be pleased to find all the progress made in screen resolution, memory capacity, processor power (especially for Mac stans ready to step up an Apple M2 or M3 chip), and battery capability. If you’re currently locked to the nearest outlet because your old battery no longer holds a charge, many models on the market today (especially lightweight Chromebooks) can go for a full day or longer on a single charge. Check out these deals on all kinds of laptops, which you can easily take with you during your out-of-town travels for work or play.
(If you're on the fence about a new laptop, check our list of the best desktop deals out there today.)
Best Gaming Laptop Deals
Budget gamers shouldn’t miss out on the Dell G16 7630 with an Intel i9 CPU and RTX 4060 GPU, which will easily handle your 1080p gaming needs. Need more power? Check out the Alienware x16 R2 with an Intel Ultra 9 CPU, RTX 4080 GPU, and a 16-inch display with a rapid 240Hz refresh rate. This will handle gaming in 4K, rendering 3D models, editing videos, and more.
Acer Nitro V 15.6" Laptop
$1,099.99 Save $250.00
The Acer Nitro V is a competent budget gaming laptop that won’t break the bank or skimp on features thanks to a 13th Gen Intel i7 CPU and RTX 4060 GPU. The 15.6-inch display has a 1080p resolution, but adding a higher resolution screen will help make the most of the RTX 4060’s performance. Our expert reviewed a similar configuration and praised the attractive price and 1080p gaming performance.
Alienware m16 R2 16" Laptop
This Alienware x16 R2 gaming laptop has a generous 16-inch display with a 2,560-by-1,600 resolution and a rapid 240Hz refresh rate, which will render your gameplay in glorious QHD+ that is free of lagging and screen tearing. The RTX 4080 graphics card will run modern day titles with ease at their maximum settings and the 32GB of RAM pairs nicely with the powerful Intel Ultra 9 processor to ensure you have enough bandwidth for multitasking programs and performing resource-intensive tasks such as photo and video editing. Our expert reviewed a similar configuration and gave it high marks for its performance and long battery life., calling it “a premium gaming experience and a surprisingly good value.” This purchase will future proof your gaming for a good while.
MSI Bravo 15 15.6" Laptop
$999.99 Save $120.00
This MSI Bravo 15 is perfectly priced for a budget configuration that will handle your 1080p gaming needs. The 15.6-inch display has a FHD resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate for smooth, crisp gameplay and supports AMD FreeSync. Aesthetically speaking, the all-plastic construction and single-color keyboard won’t amaze anyone, but it gets the job done. Our expert reviewed a similar configuration and gave it the Editors' Choice award for “solid 1080p gaming performance and good battery life and speakers.”
More Gaming Laptop Deals
- Acer Nitro V Intel i7 RTX 4060 512GB SSD 15.6" Laptop for $849.99 (List Price $1,099.99)
- MSI Bravo 15 Ryzen 5 RTX 4050 512GB SSD 16GB RAM Laptop for $879.99 (List Price $999.99)
- Lenovo LOQ Ryzen 5 RTX 4050 512GB SSD 16GB RAM 15.6" Laptop for $899.99 (List Price $1,149.99)
- Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 Intel Ultra 9 RTX 4070 1TB SSD Laptop for $1,599.99 (List Price $1,999.99)
- Alienware x16 R2 Intel Ultra 9 RTX 4080 1TB 240Hz Laptop for $2,249.99 With Code SAVE10
- Gigabyte G6 Intel i7 RTX 4060 1TB SSD 32GB RAM 16" Laptop for $1,099.99 (List Price $1,199.99)
- Dell G16 Intel i9 RTX 4060 1TB SSD 16GB RAM 16" Laptop for $899.99 With Code SAVE10
- HP Victus Intel i5 RTX 3050 512GB SSD 8GB RAM 15.6" Laptop for $669.99 (List Price $999.99)
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
Best Budget Laptop Deals
These laptops ring up at less than $1,000 and will handily tackle daily tasks. Our top budget laptop deal picks include the Dell Inspiron 16 5640 with an Intel 7 CPU, 1TB SSD, 16GB of RAM, and a 16-inch 2.5K display, which is sufficient for daily tasks like web surfing and document processing. Folks who are geared towards productivity and working from home should look at the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3, which comes equipped with a Ryzen 7 Pro CPU to help you get more done.
Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 14" Laptop
$2,499.00 Save $1,700.00
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 was built with productivity in mind. Long battery life, built-in security features, a sturdy aluminum build, WiFi 6E connectivity, and the Windows 11 Pro OS make this configuration a great choice if you work from home. Measuring 0.70 inches thin and weighing only three pounds, the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 can also be taken with you on the go. Because work never seems to rest and neither do you.
Inspiron is one of Dell’s most well-known lines and this Inspiron 15 3520 is a 15.6-inch laptop with a 1080p display that is suitable for daily use. This line receives military-grade testing to ensure durability and reliability during regular use and the inclusion of Windows 11 streamlines the user experience with your own personal AI assistant and a modern interface. A multitude of ports are available to connect to your other devices, so it’s easy to add a secondary display or plug in your phone or flash drive to transfer files.
Recommended by Our Editors
This 16-inch laptop will easily handle your daily computing needs thanks to a speedy Ryzen 7 processor. It has ample storage for all your files and applications and the display is large enough to be used without the need for a secondary display. Weighing about 4 pounds, this laptop can also be taken with you on the go, though we wouldn't classify it as an ultraportable.
More Budget Laptop Deals
- Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Ryzen 7 Pro 512GB SSD 14" Laptop for $799.00 (List Price $2,499.00)
- Dell Inspiron 15 3520 Intel i3 512GB SSD 15.6" Laptop for $269.99 With Code SAVE10
- Dell Inspiron 15 3520 Intel i7 1TB SSD 16GB RAM 15.6" Laptop for $476.99 With Code SAVE10
- Asus Vivobook 16 Ryzen 7 1TB SSD 16GB RAM 16" Laptop for $479.99 (List Price $599.99)
- Dell Inspiron 16 5645 Ryzen 7 1TB SSD 16GB RAM 16" Laptop for $584.99 With Code SAVE10
- Dell Inspiron 15 3535 Ryzen 7 1TB SSD 16GB RAM Laptop for $449.99 With Code SAVE10
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
Best 2-in-1 and Touch-Screen Laptop Deals
Transforming from tablet to laptop, or just incorporating a touch screen for a more intuitive user interface, 2-in-1s are versatile devices. If you don't need the 360-degree hinge, a touch laptop is a more affordable option. Users on a budget should take a look at the Lenovo IdeaPad 1i, which is accessible to those on even the tightest of budgets and suited for casual use. Our midrange pick is the Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen 3 with a Ryzen 7 Pro CPU and 16GB of RAM for those looking to boost their productivity.
Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen 3 13.3" Laptop
$2,009.00 Save $1,370.00
Powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 PRO processor, this Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen 3 is geared towards productivity. This will make a capable WFH configuration just as long as you don’t have an excessive amount of files and programs that are saved locally. Dolby Audio, Dolby Voice AI noise-suppression, and a FHD camera make for crisp, clear video calls so that your Zoom meetings are at maximum efficiency. The included Active Pen is useful for note taking, signing documents, and more. At the end of the day, you can undock this device and use the 360-degree hinge to position the Lenovo ThinkPad L13 in tent formation so you can view your favorite streaming platforms in 1,920-by-1,200 resolution.
Lenovo IdeaPad 1i 15.6" Touch Laptop
$499.99 Save $170.00
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1i has an Intel i3 processor, a 256GB SSD, and 8GB of RAM. This 15.6-inch laptop is adequate for casual computing and is small enough that you can slip it into your bag and take it along with you. A number of ports including HDMI, USB-C, and a built-in media reader make it easy to connect your peripherals—whether that’s a secondary display or to download photos and videos.
More 2-in-1 and Touch Deals
- Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga Ryzen 7 Pro 256GB 13.3" 2-in-1 Laptop for $639.00 (List Price $2,009.00)
- Lenovo IdeaPad 1i Intel i3 256GB SSD 15.6" Touch Laptop for $329.99 (List Price $499.99)
- Dell Inspiron 16 7640 Intel Ultra 7 1TB 16" 2-in-1 Laptop for $849.99 (List Price $1,149.99)
- LG Gram 16 Intel i7 1TB SSD 16GB RAM 16" Touch Laptop for $999.99 (List Price $1,299.99)
- HP Envy 17t Intel Ultra 7 512GB SSD 17.3" Touch Laptop for $879.99 (List Price $1,299.99)
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
What’s the Best Low-Priced Laptop?
PCMag’s current top-rated budget laptop is the Acer Aspire 3. Simple and effective, it's priced competitively for a Ryzen 3 processor, 128GB SSD, and a 15.6-inch 1080p display.
Which Laptop Is Best in 2024?
Laptops come in many flavors. Do you need a gaming PC? A portable, convertible 2-in-1? Maybe you’re a macOS fan. We have top-rated laptops in each category, but our top-rated overall laptops include the HP Pavilion Plus 14 and Acer Aspire 3 as mentioned earlier, as well as the 2023, M3 Max-based MacBook Pro 16-inch.
Which Is the Most Reliable Laptop to Buy?
The HP Pavilion Plus 14 is our current favorite among general-use Windows laptops. This laptop merges high-quality hardware and design with a surprisingly low starting price, bringing very capable computing power to more people than most flagship models. For those set on Apple, you can save some money and still get a powerful, long-lasting laptop by picking up the M3-based MacBook Air 13-inch.
Is There a Best Time of Year to Buy a Laptop?
Black Friday is typically the best time to buy electronics, but for laptops specifically you can also shop around the Back-to-School season, which starts in July and usually features price drops on laptops suited for students. For those looking to maximize their purchasing power, take a look at our 15 Money-Saving Tips for Laptop Buyers article.
Which Is the Best Site for Buying a Laptop?
The usual suspects when it comes to buying a laptop are Amazon and Best Buy, but you can often snag a deal at Newegg and Walmart, too, or direct from PC makers like Dell and HP. They all want your money, so they’ll often price-match each other if a rival is having a sale. Use a price-comparison app to compare prices and read PCMag’s reviews to make sure you’re really getting a deal.
Is $1000 Enough for a Gaming Laptop?
You can get a budget laptop that will do a serviceable job at 1080p gaming while meeting the requirements for modern games for as low as $599.99. The Acer Nitro V 15 is our overall top pick, but our expert breaks down the best options for different gaming needs, so be sure to check out our Best Budget Gaming Laptop explainer.
Are 2-in-1 Laptops More Expensive?
2-in-1 laptops can be more expensive simply because, as the name suggests, you’re buying two devices in one: a laptop and a tablet. 2-in-1 laptops come in two formats: a convertible laptop, which is a one-piece machine, and a detachable tablet, which can be divided into tablet and keyboard.
What Is the Best Laptop Under $800?
You can get a lot of computing power nowadays for under $800. The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 was named our best budget business laptop and the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 was named the best budget Chromebook. Check out our full list of Best Budget Laptop Picks for more configurations.
How Can I Buy Apple Laptops at a Cheaper Price?
Retailers occasionally have discounts on MacBooks and students can take advantage of Apple education pricing on Apple.com. Find out which model is best for you with our helpful buying guide
Is Buying a Laptop From Costco Worth it?
We certainly think so. Not only does Costco offer competitive pricing, but many of their laptops include a 2-year warranty as well as technical support and a hassle-free 90 day return policy.
Is Dell or HP Better? How Much Should You Pay For a Laptop?
We asked our readers earlier this year which laptop brands they preferred in our Reader’s Choice: Best Laptop Brands series and the general consensus puts Dell just slightly ahead of HP. You should take that with a grain of salt as purchasing a laptop based on brand alone might cause you to miss out on hidden gems.
Laptop prices will range based on features. Basic, but full-featured models can cost as little as $500 while gaming juggernauts can run you over $2000. The most important factors to keep in mind are the ones you need most as the price range will determine what you’re getting—and what you’re sacrificing. For example, a low budget laptop will have less storage space and RAM than a higher priced laptop and will be suitable for casual use without multitasking or running CPU-demanding programs.
How Long Should My Laptop Last?
A computer can last a few years if you treat it well. This means using malware protection when browsing the Web, utilizing a dedicated surge protector to protect your hardware from electrical damage, managing battery health, and more. You can find longevity boosting tips for your laptop in our How-to article.
If it’s battery life you have in mind, then that generally varies based on usage. Laptops with 4K displays running demanding games that test the limits of your GPU will naturally drain more quickly than a laptop that is just being used to surf the web. The PC Lab tests battery life by playing a locally stored video file nonstop with no wireless connections active and 50% screen brightness, which may not match your own usage profile, but is the best comparative measure for which system will provide longer battery life overall. More processor-intensive work will soak up more battery life, so keep that in mind.
How Much Memory Should My Laptop Have?
That depends on the use case (are you seeing a trend here?) SSDs are the best and most common drive configuration as they’re faster to access as well as secure against jolts and bumps in comparison to their HDD counterparts. That being said, some older models of laptops still use HDDs and some even use a combination of the two, which is fine if you’re looking to save money and maximize local storage space. That being said, the minimum amount of storage space most laptop buyers should consider is 256GB. Users with a high volume of videos, photos, and the like will want at least 512GB, while gamers will want at least 1TB to accommodate the large file size of game titles.
System memory (or RAM) works alongside your CPU to run apps as well as determine how much multitasking you can do. 16GB is the sweet spot for most users, from multitaskers to PC gamers, but the more the better—especially for faster performance and better multitasking.
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