Best Times of Year to Buy Tech in the US

Technology prices change throughout the year, but the best time to buy depends on the product, release cycle and how urgently you need it.

Holiday and seasonal sales

Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and the period from Black Friday through Cyber Monday often bring broad promotions. Back-to-school season can be useful for laptops, accessories and software, while January is often associated with television promotions around major sports events.

Product launches

When a new phone, laptop or wearable generation arrives, the previous model may become better value. Confirm that it will continue receiving the features and software support you need. A lower price is not a bargain if the device will be obsolete too soon.

Compare the exact model

Retailers sometimes sell similar-looking model numbers with different storage, displays or accessories. Compare the full specifications, warranty and condition. For refurbished products, check who performed the refurbishment and what return protection is included.

Buy for your actual needs

Set a budget and a minimum specification before a sale begins. That makes it easier to distinguish a useful price drop from an upgrade you do not need.