· Marvin Adams · Tech · 4 min read
How to Save Money When Buying a Laptop in the UK
Buying a new laptop can be a significant investment, but with the right strategies, you can save money and still get a high-quality device. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly laptop for everyday use or a powerful machine for work or gaming, here are the best ways to cut costs when buying a laptop in the UK.
1. Determine Your Needs Before You Buy
Before making a purchase, decide what you actually need from a laptop. Buying an expensive high-end device with features you won’t use can be a waste of money. Consider the following:
- Basic use (web browsing, emails, office work) – Entry-level laptops (£200-£500) are sufficient.
- Work and multitasking – Mid-range laptops (£500-£1,000) with good processing power and RAM.
- Gaming or creative work – High-end laptops (£1,000+) with dedicated GPUs and high refresh rate screens.
By understanding your requirements, you avoid overpaying for features you don’t need.
2. Compare Prices Online
Before buying, check multiple retailers to compare prices and look for discounts. Some of the best UK retailers for laptop deals include:
- Amazon UK – Frequent discounts and refurbished options.
- Currys – Regular sales and price match offers.
- John Lewis – Extended warranties on select models.
- Argos – Competitive pricing and flexible payment options.
- Laptops Direct – Specialises in laptop deals, including refurbished models.
- eBay – Offers new and used laptops at discounted prices.
Use price comparison tools like Google Shopping or PriceSpy to find the best deals.
3. Consider Buying a Refurbished or Open-Box Laptop
Refurbished laptops can save you 20-50% off retail prices while still offering great performance. Reliable places to buy refurbished laptops include:
- Apple Refurbished Store – Certified MacBooks with warranties.
- Dell Outlet – Discounted and manufacturer-refurbished Dell laptops.
- Lenovo Outlet – High-quality refurbished ThinkPads.
- Amazon Renewed – A wide selection of refurbished laptops with guarantees.
- Back Market – Specialises in refurbished electronics.
Buying open-box or ex-display models from retailers like Currys or John Lewis can also help you save money.
4. Look for Seasonal Sales and Student Discounts
Big sales events can provide significant savings on laptops. The best times to buy include:
- Black Friday & Cyber Monday (November) – Some of the biggest discounts of the year.
- Boxing Day & January Sales – Retailers clear stock, leading to lower prices.
- Amazon Prime Day (July) – Exclusive laptop deals for Prime members.
- Back-to-School Sales (August-September) – Good deals for students and professionals.
If you’re a student, take advantage of student discounts:
- Apple Education Store – Discounts and free accessories for students.
- Microsoft Store – Offers up to 10% off for students.
- HP, Dell & Lenovo – Have dedicated student discount programs.
- UNiDAYS & Student Beans – Provide discounts on various brands.
5. Use Cashback and Voucher Codes
To save even more money, look for cashback and discount codes when shopping for a laptop.
- Cashback Websites: Sign up for TopCashback or Quidco to earn cashback on purchases from retailers like Currys, Argos, and Amazon.
- Voucher Codes: Check sites like VoucherCodes.co.uk or Honey for potential discounts.
6. Trade-In or Sell Your Old Laptop
If you’re upgrading, trade in your old laptop to get money off your new one. Many retailers and manufacturers offer trade-in programs:
- Apple Trade-In – Get credit towards a new MacBook.
- Dell Trade-In – Exchange old laptops for discounts.
- Currys & CeX – Trade in for store credit or cash.
- eBay & Facebook Marketplace – Sell your old laptop directly to buyers for better value.
7. Buy a Last-Year’s Model
New laptop models come out every year, but the differences between generations are often minor. Instead of buying the latest model, opt for last year’s version at a reduced price.
Retailers discount older models when new versions are released, making it a great way to save money without sacrificing performance.
8. Consider Alternative Brands
Big brands like Apple, Dell, and HP are popular, but alternative brands offer great specs at lower prices:
- Acer & ASUS – Budget-friendly laptops with good performance.
- Lenovo – Reliable ThinkPads and Ideapads at various price points.
- Huawei & Honor – Often cheaper but well-built laptops.
Avoid paying extra just for a brand name when other brands offer similar specs for less.
9. Check Extended Warranties and Protection Plans
Some retailers offer free extended warranties, saving you money on repairs later. For example:
- John Lewis – Free 2-year warranty on laptops.
- AppleCare+ – Extends MacBook warranties but can be expensive.
- Manufacturer Warranties – Dell, Lenovo, and HP offer additional coverage.
Avoid unnecessary insurance plans from retailers if your laptop already has a solid warranty.
10. Buy Through Work or Corporate Discounts
If you work for a large company, check if they have an employee purchase program. Companies like Apple, Dell, and HP offer discounts to corporate employees. Ask your HR department about potential savings.
Conclusion
Saving money when buying a laptop in the UK is easy if you take the right approach. By comparing prices, looking for refurbished deals, taking advantage of seasonal sales, using student discounts, and considering trade-ins, you can cut costs without compromising on quality.
