Memorial Day Laptop Deals Offer Significant Savings on Top Brands

Summer’s unofficial start is marked by Memorial Day, and with it comes a wave of significant discounts on laptops from major manufacturers. This year’s sales event, falling on Monday, May 25th, 2026, offers a prime opportunity for consumers and professionals alike to upgrade their computing hardware at reduced prices. Deals are live across a range of devices, from Apple’s premium MacBooks to robust business-class laptops from HP and Lenovo, and versatile options from Dell and Asus.

ZDNET’s editorial team has curated a selection of these deals, focusing on products that represent strong value and substantial savings. The recommendations are based on extensive testing, research, and comparison shopping, drawing data from vendor and retailer listings, as well as independent reviews. Customer feedback is also a key consideration, providing insight into the real-world performance and satisfaction of users.

Key facts

• Product: Deal Price | Original Price | Savings
• Apple MacBook Air M5 (15-inch): $1,099 | $1,299 | $200
• Asus Vivobook 14: $489 | $799 | $310
• Dell Plus 16: $1,249 | $1,699 | $450
• HP EliteBook 6 G1a: $999 | $1,199 | $200
• Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 13): $2,999 | $3,499 | $500

Apple MacBook Air M5 (15-inch)

The latest MacBook Air with the M5 chip, released this spring, is already seeing a $200 discount, bringing its price down to $1,099. This model offers improvements over its predecessor, including more base memory, increased and faster base storage, and enhanced battery life. For users seeking Apple’s thin and light laptop lineup, this represents a compelling offer on the newest generation. The M5 chip, known for its efficiency and performance in Apple’s ecosystem, makes this an attractive option for productivity and general computing tasks. While Apple’s official channels rarely offer such discounts, third-party retailers often participate in major sales events to move inventory.

Asus Vivobook 14

For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, the Asus Vivobook 14 is available for $489, a significant reduction from its original $799 price. This model is equipped with 8GB of RAM and an Intel Core 5 CPU, making it a capable machine for everyday tasks. Its lightweight design, weighing just 3.09 pounds, and a quality display make it a portable and enjoyable device for users on the go. The substantial $310 saving underscores its position as an affordable yet functional PC.

Dell Plus 16

Dell’s Plus 16 laptop is on sale for $1,249, down from $1,699, representing a saving of $450. This 2025 model is a powerful all-rounder, featuring an Intel Core Ultra 9 288V processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 16-inch 2.5K touchscreen display. Its hardware configuration makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from demanding work tasks to gaming, positioning it as a versatile device for both professional and personal use. The combination of a high-resolution display and substantial RAM supports multitasking and graphically intensive applications.

HP EliteBook 6 G1a

HP’s EliteBook 6 G1a is available for $999, a $200 discount from its usual $1,199 price. ZDNET has previously reviewed HP EliteBook 6 models, noting their solid performance for their price point, particularly for professional environments. This particular configuration, featuring an AMD Ryzen 5 220 processor, offers efficient multitasking capabilities and is designed for mobile users, boasting up to 14 hours of battery life on a single charge. The Ryzen 5 processor is known for its strong integrated graphics and power efficiency, making it suitable for business applications and moderate multimedia tasks.

Lenovo 14-inch ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 13)

The 13th-generation Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is offered at a discounted price of $2,999, down from $3,499, a saving of $500. This high-end business laptop is equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 255U processor, 16GB of RAM, and a generous 2TB of storage. Even as Lenovo prepares for newer models, this configuration remains a competitive option in 2026, offering robust performance and ample storage for demanding professional workloads. The ThinkPad line is renowned for its durability, keyboard comfort, and business-centric features.

Impact on Workflows and Purchasing Decisions

These Memorial Day laptop deals provide concrete opportunities for individuals and teams to upgrade their hardware without a significant financial outlay. For developers, the increased RAM and faster storage in models like the MacBook Air M5 and ThinkPad X1 Carbon can directly improve build times and application performance. Professionals requiring reliable machines for daily tasks will find value in the balanced performance of the HP EliteBook and the versatility of the Dell Plus 16. The Asus Vivobook 14 offers an accessible entry point for students or those needing a secondary, portable device.

The ZDNET recommendation policy emphasizes that these deals are identified through a combination of hands-on testing, extensive research, and analysis of pricing trends. The editorial team only recommends devices they would personally consider purchasing, prioritizing significant discounts on quality hardware. This approach aims to ensure that readers are presented with genuinely valuable offers, supported by credible evaluation. The inclusion of affiliate links allows ZDNET to earn commissions, but this process is designed to be transparent and does not influence editorial content or pricing for the consumer.

The timing of these sales, coinciding with the unofficial start of summer, suggests manufacturers and retailers are clearing out existing inventory to make way for new product lines. This practice often leads to the most aggressive pricing of the year on certain models. Potential buyers should note that these deals are often time-sensitive and may expire shortly after the Memorial Day weekend.

Source: ZDNET AI – The best Memorial Day laptop deals: Save on Apple, Dell, Lenovo, and more – https://www.zdnet.com/article/best-memorial-day-laptop-deals-2026/