As the year winds down, many stores are offering some of their best laptop discounts. If you’ve been waiting to upgrade, this is a good time.
Both premium and budget laptops get price cuts, and newer models arriving in stores also make older, but still solid, options more affordable.
Whether you’re a student, office worker, or someone who needs a reliable everyday computer, year-end deals can help you get more value for your money.
Below are five strong options based on performance, price, and overall usefulness.
Important Things to Note Before Buying
Before picking a laptop, think about what you really need.
Start with performance. The processor (CPU) handles everything you do on your device. For simple tasks, an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 is fine. If you edit videos, create content, or play games, an i7 or Ryzen 7 works better.
RAM affects how many apps you can run at once. Today, 16GB is ideal. You can still use 8GB if your work is light. For storage, SSDs are the standard, and 512GB works for most people.
Battery life and weight are also important. If you move around a lot, choose a laptop that lasts at least 10 hours and weighs under 4 pounds. Build quality is important too, aluminium laptops usually last longer.
For the display, look for something bright (at least 300 nits) with good colour accuracy. Gamers and creative users should consider high refresh rates and dedicated graphics.
Lastly, your budget will guide your choice. The good news is that year-end sales often make better laptops more reachable.
Top 5 Laptops to Buy Before Year-end
1. Apple MacBook Air (M3): Best for Everyday Use
The MacBook Air with the M3 chip is one of the best lightweight laptops. It stays fast, silent, and easy to carry.
Apple rarely offers big discounts, but year-end sales usually reduce the price by around 15–18%, making it easier for students and workers to buy.
Key Features
- Performance: The M3 chip has an 8-core CPU that is far faster than the older M1 and older Intel models. It handles photo editing and light gaming well.
- Memory & Storage: Starts at 8GB RAM (newer models start at 16GB) and up to 24GB. Storage ranges from 256GB to 2TB.
- Build: Aluminium body in four colours. It weighs just 2.7 pounds.
- Display:6-inch Liquid Retina display with 500 nits brightness and sharp colours.
- Battery: Lasts about 15–18 hours depending on use.
2. Dell XPS 13: Premium Windows Laptop
The Dell XPS 13 is one of the best premium Windows laptops. Newer models have better processors and a refined design.
During year-end sales, the XPS 13 often gets $200–$400 off, making it more affordable for students, creatives, and business users.
Key Features
- Performance: Intel Core Ultra 5/7 processors or Snapdragon X Elite on some models. Good for work and light creative tasks.
- Memory & Storage: 8GB to 32GB RAM and 256GB to 2TB storage.
- Build: Light aluminium body at 2.6 pounds. Minimalistic design, though the hidden touchpad may take getting used to.
- Display: Options include Full HD+ 120Hz, 2.5K touchscreen, or 2.8K OLED.
- Battery: Intel versions last around 8–10 hours; Snapdragon models go beyond 15 hours.
3. HP Spectre x360: Best 2-in-1 Convertible
If you like a device that works as both a laptop and tablet, the HP Spectre x360 is one of the best choices. The 2024 models are more efficient and stylish.
Year-end discounts can reduce the price by up to $500, putting the Spectre in a very attractive range.
Key Features
- Performance: Intel Core Ultra 5 or Ultra 7 processors. Handles demanding tasks well.
- Memory & Storage: 16GB RAM and 512GB–1TB storage, with upgrades available.
- Build: Premium build with colour options like Slate Blue and Nightfall Black. Weighs 3.2 pounds.
- Display: 14-inch 2.8K OLED touchscreen with vibrant colours.
- Battery: Lasts about 10–11 hours in real-world use.
4. ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14/G16: Best for Gamers and Creators
The Zephyrus G14 and G16 bring high gaming power in a slim body. They are lighter than most gaming laptops yet still very strong.
Year-end sales often cut prices by 15–25%, which helps buyers add gaming accessories without overspending.
Key Features
- Performance: Ryzen 9 8945HS for the G14 or Intel Core Ultra processors for the G16.
- Memory & Storage: Up to 32GB RAM and up to 1TB SSD.
- Build: Redesigned aluminium chassis. The G14 weighs 3.3 pounds and the G16 weighs 4.1 pounds.
- Display: G14 has a 14-inch 2.8K OLED at 120Hz; G16 has a 16-inch 2.5K OLED.
- Battery: G14 lasts up to about 10 hours with light use.
5. Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5: Best for Budget Buyers
If you want good performance at a low price, the IdeaPad Slim 5 is reliable and practical. It’s great for students and everyday tasks.
Holiday sales often reduce the price by 30–50%, bringing it down to around $429–$549.
Key Features
- Performance: Comes with AMD Ryzen 5/7 or Intel Core i5/i7 depending on the version.
- Memory & Storage: Usually 16GB RAM and 512GB–1TB SSD.
- Build: Aluminium body that looks more premium than its price.
- Display: 16-inch screen with 60Hz refresh rate.
- Battery: Lasts 8–12 hours depending on use.
Conclusion
These five laptops cover different needs and budgets as we approach the end of the year. The MacBook Air M3 is great for everyday Apple users, while the Dell XPS 13 is strong for Windows fans.
The HP Spectre x360 is perfect if you want a 2-in-1 device, and the ASUS ROG Zephyrus series works well for gamers and creators. For budget buyers, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 offers strong value.
Whatever your choice, compare prices early. The best deals often appear in early December, and popular models sell out fast. Check multiple stores, set price alerts, and move quickly when you find a good combination of specs and cost.
