The short answer
If you need a laptop in the next few months, don’t hold out for prices to fall. Memory costs are still rising, and the forecasts we’ve seen don’t point to a quick reversal. But if your current laptop still does the job, there’s no need to rush. An upgrade or a little patience may serve you better than a sale you’ll regret.
This guide explains what’s pushing prices up, how to tell which camp you’re in and how to judge a Black Friday deal when it lands.
Why laptops cost more right now
The short version is memory. Which? says demand from AI companies and data centres has outpaced the supply of RAM chips, and that three companies make more than 90% of them. When those companies prioritise large AI customers, laptop makers pay more for what’s left, and those costs eventually reach the shop price.
Analysts at TrendForce estimated that mainstream laptops costing around $900 (£667) could rise by as much as 40% in 2026, as reported by The Guardian. That was a forecast rather than a price every buyer will see, but the direction is visible in UK shops:
- Budget Windows laptops are where Which? says rises are most noticeable.
- Some premium laptops are now shipping with 8GB of RAM rather than 16GB, so a similar price can buy you less.
- MacBooks aren’t immune. Which? notes that Apple raised its prices in June 2026.
Will laptop prices fall soon?
Probably not soon, though nobody can promise that. In its forecast for the final quarter of 2026, TrendForce expected contract prices for conventional DRAM to rise another 10–15% and NAND flash storage another 15–20%. It also said PC makers are buying aggressively because they expect supply to stay tight in 2027.
Further ahead, SK Hynix chief executive Kwak Noh-Jung told Reuters in July that he expects customer demand to stay above the company’s supply capacity “even beyond 2030”. New factories will help, but Which? says SK Hynix’s new plants aren’t expected to finish before the end of 2027.
There is one reason to expect the odd bargain. IDC figures reported by TechRadar show global PC shipments fell 20.1% year on year in the third quarter of 2026. IDC expects PC prices to stay elevated, with some short-term promotions as sellers reduce excess stock. So individual deals may appear even if overall prices stay high.
Should you buy now? Find your situation
Your laptop has failed, or it’s holding you back every day
If it’s broken beyond sensible repair, or you need a working machine for your job or course, buy when you find a fair price. Waiting may not save you money, and could cost you more.
It works, but it feels slow
Before spending hundreds, work through our guide on how to speed up a slow laptop. If it still has a hard drive, moving to an SSD can make a big difference. Memory and SSD prices have risen too, so compare the cost with a replacement.
It does everything you need, and you just fancy something newer
You’re in the strongest position. Keep what you have, shortlist a model you’d like and buy only if a genuinely good price appears. You won’t need to act on sale pressure.
Should you wait for Black Friday?
Black Friday is on 27 November 2026, so waiting a few weeks is reasonable if you can. Just don’t assume the sale price is the best price. A Which? study published in 2023 tracked 208 discounted products for six months either side of Black Friday, and only 2% were at their lowest price on the day. That research predates the memory shortage, but it’s a useful reminder to check rather than trust the label.
| Type of laptop | Discount worth considering |
|---|---|
| Laptops under £300 | £50 or more |
| Microsoft Surface or Samsung | £200 or more |
| Apple | £200 or more (rare) |
| High-end laptops | £300 or more |
Guide figures from Which?’s laptop deals guide, checked November 2026. Compare them with each laptop’s own price history.
Four checks before you buy a deal
Use a comparison site such as PriceSpy or PriceRunner to see what the laptop has really sold for over recent months.
Two laptops can share a name but differ on memory, storage and processor. Match the full model number, not just the headline.
Look at the manufacturer’s own site and other UK retailers. The same or a better specification may be available elsewhere.
On marketplaces, check who the seller actually is, along with their warranty and returns terms. If a price looks too good to be true, slow down.
What to look for if you’re buying now
With prices high, it’s tempting to buy the cheapest laptop you can find. It’s usually better to spend on the parts you can’t easily change later, then save on the extras.
- Memory: 16GB is a sensible target for most people. Our guide to how much RAM you need explains when 8GB is enough and when 32GB makes sense.
- Upgradeability: many thin laptops have soldered memory, so check the specification before relying on a later upgrade.
- Storage: 256GB can feel tight, so consider 512GB if you keep files on the laptop itself.
- Extras: Which? suggests skipping touchscreens and ultra-light designs under 1kg if you don’t need them, as they add to the price.
- Older models: a previous-generation laptop still on sale can be good value, but check its current price against its history.
- Refurbished: a professionally refurbished laptop with a clear warranty may suit you, though refurbished prices can rise too.
Torn between platforms as well? Our MacBook vs laptop guide sets out the differences.
Compare laptops when you’re ready to buy
Browse Windows laptops, MacBooks and business models in the Techfident Store, with delivery across the UK.
Buy when you find a fair price. Don’t count on prices falling in the next few months.
Try the free fixes first, then price an upgrade against a replacement.
That’s fine if you can wait, but check the price history before you trust the discount.
Frequently asked questions
Nobody can say for certain, but the forecasts don’t point to a quick fall. TrendForce expects PC makers to keep buying memory aggressively because supply is likely to stay tight in 2027. Retailers may still run short-term promotions to clear stock, so individual deals may appear even if overall prices stay high.
Some are, but check each one. A Which? study published in 2023 found only 2% of the discounted products it tracked were at their lowest price on Black Friday itself. Compare the sale price with the product’s price history and check the full specification before you buy.
16GB is a sensible choice for most people who plan to keep a laptop for several years. 8GB can handle lighter use, but you may notice slowdowns with lots of apps and tabs open. Many thin laptops have soldered memory that can’t be upgraded later, so check before you buy.
It can be, especially a well-specified business model from a reputable seller with a clear warranty. Refurbished prices can rise too, so compare the total cost against a new model, and check the condition, battery health and returns policy.
For now, possibly. Microsoft’s consumer Extended Security Updates programme runs until 12 October 2027 for eligible home PCs on Windows 10 version 22H2, so you may not need to replace a working laptop straight away. Business-managed PCs need Microsoft’s separate commercial programme.