Best time to buy a laptop in Australia
Laptops drop in price at three points in the Australian year. Here's when, plus the specs that matter more than a big percentage off.
Updated 27 September 2026 · By SnagList, Sydney
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Student? See our best laptops for uni students: MacBook Neo, MacBook Air, budget Windows and Chromebook picks.
When laptops are cheapest
- Back to School (January): stores target students with laptop deals before the school and uni year starts.
- EOFY (June): strong for work laptops. If you use it for work, you may be able to claim part of the cost at tax time. Check the ATO or a tax agent.
- Black Friday (late November): often the biggest discounts of the year.
Specs beat percentages
An older laptop at 40% off can still be worse value than a newer one at 15% off. Before you look at the discount, check:
- Processor generation: newer chips are faster and more efficient, even at the same "i5" or "Ryzen 5" label.
- Memory (RAM): 16 GB gives you more years of use than 8 GB for most people.
- Storage: a solid-state drive (SSD) of 512 GB suits most students.
- Battery and weight: matter more than raw speed if you carry it all day.
Two ways to pay less
Refurbished business laptops are built tough and sell for much less. Buy from sellers with good ratings and a clear warranty. Education pricing: several brands offer student prices all year, so compare those with sale prices.
Common questions
When do laptops go on sale in Australia?
The main windows are Back to School in January, EOFY in June and Black Friday in late November.
Is a refurbished laptop worth it?
A refurbished business laptop from a reputable seller with a warranty can be excellent value, especially for study.
How much RAM do I need?
For most people, 16 GB lasts longer than 8 GB. Heavy video or design work may need more.
More buying guides
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