Best laptop sales in Australia: cheap laptops to buy in March 2024

A MacBook Air, Asus Zenbook and Dell XPS 15 are arranged on a green background.
(Image credit: Future)

Whether you’re looking for a cheap laptop or a deeply discounted premium machine, you’ve come to the right place, as we’ve tracked down the best opportunities to save on a variety of top laptops. This week, you’ll find laptop deals on Apple, Dell, Lenovo, HP and Asus devices.

We’ve covered a range of budgets, with prices starting at around AU$500 for a quality Chromebook. You can also navigate to different price brackets depending on how much you have to spend, and what kind of laptop you’re after. We’ve also hand-picked the best laptop deal of the week that’s not to be missed.

The laptop sales we’ve highlighted below have been selected for more than just their price – we also factor in specs and performance to help you get the best value for money out of your new laptop, that still fits into your budget. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite laptops in a dedicated buying guide on this page, if you’re looking for the best of the best.

Laptop deal of the week

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i (16-inch, Gen 9)Intel Ultra 7 155H / 32GB RAM / 1TB SSDAU$2,736AU$1,539 on Lenovo

<a href="https://lenovo.evyy.net/c/338476/239209/4053?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lenovo.com%2Fau%2Fen%2Fp%2Flaptops%2Fideapad%2Fideapad-5%2Fideapad-slim-5i-gen-9-%2816-inch-intel%29%2F83dccto1wwau2" data-link-merchant="lenovo.com"">Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i (16-inch, Gen 9) | Intel Ultra 7 155H / 32GB RAM / 1TB SSD | AU$2,736 AU$1,539 on Lenovo (save AU$1,197)

This Lenovo laptop comes equipped with Intel’s new Core Ultra series processors, which include a dedicated part of the chip for AI processing for the first time. It’s still early days as to how it can be used, but it promises to help activities such as photo editing. Aside from the brand-new chipset, you’re also getting an insane 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, all for a discounted price of AU$1,539. Use the code MARCH at checkout to redeem.

Best laptop deal under AU$500

HP Laptop 14-inch (14s-dq3102TU)Pentium N6000 / 4GB RAM / 128GB SSDAU$619AU$495 on HP

<a href="https://hp-au.sjv.io/c/338476/963083/12814?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hp.com%2Fau-en%2Fshop%2Fhp-laptop-14s-dq3102tu-7y6l6pa.html" data-link-merchant="hp.com"">HP Laptop 14-inch (14s-dq3102TU) | Pentium N6000 / 4GB RAM / 128GB SSD | AU$619 AU$495 on HP (save AU$124)

There’s no real bells and whistles on a machine like this, but what you get is a lightweight 14-inch laptop for only AU$495. It includes a 720p HD webcam for video calls and reasonably slim bezels for a laptop at this price point. It comes with Windows 11 Home in S mode, which means it exclusively runs apps from the Microsoft Store. You can now score 20% off this laptop if you buy directly from HP. 

More laptop deals under AU$500:

Best laptop deal under AU$1,000

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 (16-inch, Gen 8)Ryzen 5 / 16GB RAM / 512GB SSDAU$1,279AU$852.10 at Lenovo

<a href="https://lenovo.evyy.net/c/338476/239209/4053?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lenovo.com%2Fau%2Fen%2Fp%2Flaptops%2Fideapad%2Fideapad-3%2Fideapad-slim-3-gen-8-%2816-inch-amd%29%2F82xrcto1wwau1" data-link-merchant="lenovo.com"">Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 (16-inch, Gen 8) | Ryzen 5 / 16GB RAM / 512GB SSD | AU$1,279 AU$852.10 at Lenovo (save AU$426.90)

You can pick up a lower-specced version of this laptop for AU$663, but we think it’s worthwhile upgrading the configuration if you’ve got some extra cash to spare. You can build on this machine by adding a Ryzen 5 CPU, 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for an additional AU$189, which will make the final price AU$852. It’s a very sleek laptop with a 16-inch screen and a 1080p Full HD webcam. Enter the code MARCH at checkout.

More laptop deals under AU$1,000:

Best laptop deal under AU$1,500

HP Envy x360 2-in-1 (15-ew0023TU)i5 / 16GB RAM / 512GB SSDAU$2,099AU$1,196 on HP

<a href="https://hp-au.sjv.io/c/338476/963083/12814?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hp.com%2Fau-en%2Fshop%2Fhp-envy-x360-2-in-1-laptop-15-ew0023tu-6x0r4pa.html" data-link-merchant="hp.com"">HP Envy x360 2-in-1 (15-ew0023TU) | i5 / 16GB RAM / 512GB SSD | AU$2,099 AU$1,196 on HP (save AU$903)

Looking for a 2-in-1? This HP Envy x360 is a convertible laptop with a 15-inch screen, and it can be folded back completely to be used like a tablet or propped up in tent mode. It’s carrying a 12th-gen Intel i5 processor, which puts it behind the 13th-gen silicon found in newer laptops (and 14th-gen is now available in new release desktops). But, we’re willing to look past that at this discounted price. Grab this deal and save AU$903 at HP.

More laptop deals under AU$1,500:

Best laptop deal under AU$2,000

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i (16-inch, Gen 9)Intel Ultra 7 155H / 32GB RAM / 1TB SSDAU$2,736AU$1,539 on Lenovo

<a href="https://lenovo.evyy.net/c/338476/239209/4053?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lenovo.com%2Fau%2Fen%2Fp%2Flaptops%2Fideapad%2Fideapad-5%2Fideapad-slim-5i-gen-9-%2816-inch-intel%29%2F83dccto1wwau2" data-link-merchant="lenovo.com"">Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i (16-inch, Gen 9) | Intel Ultra 7 155H / 32GB RAM / 1TB SSD | AU$2,736 AU$1,539 on Lenovo (save AU$1,197)

One of Intel’s all-new Core Ultra series processors is at the heart of this machine, and the important difference you need to know about is that a dedicated part of the chip is used for AI processing. We’ll understand more about how it can be used in the next few months, but for now it’s still early days. We think this laptop is an absolute bargain at this price – you’re also getting 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD all for AU$1,539. Enter the code MARCH at checkout.

More laptop deals under AU$2,000:

Best gaming laptop deal

Lenovo Legion Pro 7i (16-inch, Gen 8)i9 / 16GB RAM / 1TB SSD / RTX 4070AU$4,217.15AU$2,819 on Lenovo

<a href="https://lenovo.evyy.net/c/338476/239209/4053?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lenovo.com%2Fau%2Fen%2Fp%2Flaptops%2Flegion-laptops%2Flegion-pro-series%2Flegion-pro-7i-gen-8-%2816-inch-intel%29%2F82wrcto1wwau1" data-link-merchant="lenovo.com"">Lenovo Legion Pro 7i (16-inch, Gen 8) | i9 / 16GB RAM / 1TB SSD / RTX 4070 | AU$4,217.15 AU$2,819 on Lenovo (save AU$1,398.15)

This Legion gaming laptop is packed with impressive specs: an Intel i9-13900HX processor, an RTX 4070 graphics card and a 1TB SSD. In our <a href="https://www.techradar.com/reviews/lenovo-legion-pro-7i-review" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="lenovo.com"">Lenovo Legion Pro 7i review, we found it’s an incredibly powerful desktop replacement with uncompromising gaming performance, but it’s let down by horrendous battery life. If that doesn’t put you off, use the code MARCH at checkout to get 33% off.

More gaming laptop deals:

This week’s best storewide laptop sales

Amazonregular discounts on Chromebooks, plus best MacBook prices

Amazon: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com.au%2Fb%2Fref%3Dfst_h1_st_1%3Fnode%3D4851683051%26tag%3Dhawk-future-22%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-22" data-link-merchant="Amazon AU"">regular discounts on Chromebooks, plus best MacBook prices

Amazon has a regularly updated selection of laptop deals. It’s often the best place to go for cheap Chromebooks and mid-range devices, so worth a look if your budget is under AU$1,000. For those after a more premium device, Amazon often has the best prices available on Apple MacBooks, sometimes offering 10% off or more. It could also be worth checking <a href="https://www.techradar.com/coupons/amazon-au" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="Amazon AU"">Amazon coupon codes to get the best deal possible.

Dellshop XPS, Inspiron and Alienware laptops

Dell: <a href="https://dell.rrmo.net/c/338476/521695/8903?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dell.com%2Fen-au%2Fshop%2Fdell-laptops%2Fsc%2Flaptops" data-link-merchant="dell.com"">shop XPS, Inspiron and Alienware laptops

Dell no longer offers limited-time discounts on its range of laptops – instead, there’s only a <a href="https://dell.rrmo.net/c/338476/521695/8903?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dell.com%2Fen-au%2Flp%2Flaptops" data-link-merchant="dell.com"" data-link-merchant="dell.com"">featured section on its website. Unfortunately though, Dell doesn’t list the original price of these laptops, so it’s hard to know exactly what kind of deal you’re getting, or if you’re getting one at all. It does <a href="https://dell.rrmo.net/c/338476/521695/8903?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dell.com%2Fen-au%2Flp%2Fprice-match-guarantee" data-link-merchant="dell.com"" data-link-merchant="dell.com"" data-link-merchant="dell.com"">price match competitor’s deals, and you can often find <a href="https://www.techradar.com/au/coupons/dell" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="dell.com"" data-link-merchant="dell.com"" data-link-merchant="dell.com"">Dell coupon codes to ensure you’re getting the best discount.

HPweekly deals on HP Envy, Spectre and Omen laptops

HP: <a href="https://hp-au.sjv.io/c/338476/963083/12814?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hp.com%2Fau-en%2Fshop%2F" data-link-merchant="hp.com"">weekly deals on HP Envy, Spectre and Omen laptops

No matter when you look, HP is always offering discounts on its laptops, with fresh deals available each week. Typically, we see discounts of up to 40-50% off. Along with laptops, you’ll also find price cuts on PCs, monitors and other computing peripherals. The most substantial discounts seem to arrive on HP’s budget and mid-range devices. Check for <a href="https://www.techradar.com/au/coupons/hp" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="hp.com"">HP coupon codes to ensure you’re getting the lowest price.

Lenovogo-to for discounts on Lenovo ThinkPad, Yoga and Legion laptops

Lenovo: <a href="https://lenovo.evyy.net/c/338476/239209/4053?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lenovo.com%2Fau%2Fen%2Fpc%2F" data-link-merchant="lenovo.com"">go-to for discounts on Lenovo ThinkPad, Yoga and Legion laptops

Lenovo is another laptop maker which always offers discounts via its online store. The maximum price cut is usually around 40-60% off, and runs the gamut of budget machines, 2-in-1 devices and premium gaming builds. To get any laptop discounts from the website, you’ll require a <a href="https://www.techradar.com/au/coupons/lenovo" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="lenovo.com"">Lenovo coupon code, which is always listed next to the product.

Microsoftshop sales on Microsoft Surface devices

Microsoft: <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=kXQk6%2AivFEQ&mid=24542&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.microsoft.com%2Fen-au%2Fstore%2Fb%2Fsale" data-link-merchant="microsoft.com"">shop sales on Microsoft Surface devices

Microsoft usually offers Surface discounts on its online store, but they’re not always the lowest price available on any particular model. This is because other retailers such as JB Hi-Fi and The Good Guys will price match or price beat what Microsoft is offering on its Surface laptops. As always, it’s worth checking for <a href="https://www.techradar.com/au/coupons/microsoft" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="microsoft.com"">Microsoft coupon codes before making your purchase.

JB Hi-Fifrequent deals on Apple, Asus, Dell, HP and Lenovo

JB Hi-Fi: <a href="https://getprice.com.au/prodhits.aspx?refname=gplink&shopid=3846&subtag=hawk-custom-tracking&link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jbhifi.com.au%2Fcollections%2Fall-computer-deals" data-link-merchant="jbhifi.com.au"">frequent deals on Apple, Asus, Dell, HP and Lenovo

JB Hi-Fi regularly offers discounts across a wide range of laptop brands, so it’s always worth checking what’s available, especially during peak sale periods like EOFY. It often offers 10% off Apple MacBooks, 20% off Dell, HP and Lenovo, along with discounts on Asus and MSI. If you see a manufacturer offering a model on sale, it’s worth seeing if JB Hi-Fi is beating it.

The best deals on our favourite laptops

Over the years we’ve reviewed plenty of laptops, and as a result, we’ve seen what to avoid and what to jump on when there’s savings to be had. Check out the prices on some of our favourite laptops below and see if anything has dropped enough to spark your interest.

Dell XPS 15 (2022) laptop

(Image credit: Dell)

Our favourite Windows laptop: Dell XPS 15 (9520)

A five-star Windows laptop

CPU: Intel Core i7-12700H | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Mobile | RAM: 16GB–32GB | Screen: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1200) – 3.5K (3456 x 2160) OLED | Storage: 512GB–1TB SSD

Gorgeous design
Powerful components
Outstanding battery life
Not quite a gaming laptop
Starts expensive, and price soars with higher specs

We’ve made no secret of our affinity for the Dell XPS line, and we’ve ultimately chosen the Dell XPS 15 (9520) as our favourite Windows laptop. This version of the device came out in 2022, and while the physical design wasn’t revamped, it’s got premium components packed inside, such as the Intel Core i7-12700H processor.

According to some benchmarks, the i7-12700H CPU outpaces Apple’s M1 Max silicon, which is no small feat. The XPS 15 is also equipped with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card, which is a step up from the Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics that you’ll find in the slightly smaller Dell XPS 13 (2022).

Paired with Intel’s 12th-gen CPU, the RTX 3050 Ti GPU is capable of some moderate gaming in 1080p, but don’t expect much more than that. You might reasonably assume that this kind of power would come as a detriment to the XPS 15’s battery life, but we were pleasantly surprised to see it easily extends beyond a typical eight-hour work day, something plenty of laptops struggle with.

Read our full Dell XPS 15 (2022) review

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Apple MacBook Air M2

(Image credit: Apple)

Our favourite Apple laptop: Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022)

Apple’s 2022 update delivers everything we’d hoped for

CPU: Apple M2 | Graphics: Integrated 10-core GPU | RAM: 8GB–24GB | Screen: 13.6-inch (2560 x 1664) backlit LED | Storage: 256GB–2TB SSD

Great new design
Long battery life
Larger screen
Much more expensive than previous model
New colours are a bit tame
Previous model is better value

The MacBook Air (M2, 2022) gets the #1 spot in our guide to the best laptops in Australia, so naturally, it’s also our favourite Apple machine. It builds on the success of Apple’s 2020 MacBook Air, adding an updated design, better performance and a larger, brighter screen. 

While these upgrades are fantastic, Apple’s 2022 MacBook Air also came with a much higher price tag, starting at AU$1,899. That’s the kind of cost we’d expect for a MacBook Pro rather than the entry-level MacBook Air. In fact, it’s only AU$100 less than the Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022).

But let’s talk about the highlights – there’s a larger 13.6-inch screen (up from 13.3-inches), and that’s largely thanks to slimmer bezels. The Liquid Retina display also delivers a brighter screen of 500 nits, up from 400 nits in the 2020 model. The powerful M2 silicon inside the MacBook Air gives you excellent performance, and we managed to stretch out 16 hours of battery life in our own testing.

Read our full Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022) review

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Razer Blade 15 gaming laptop

(Image credit: Razer)

Our favourite gaming laptop: Razer Blade 15 (2022)

A gaming powerhouse in a thin chassis

CPU: Intel Core i7-12800H – i9-12900H | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 – RTX 3080 Ti | RAM: 16GB–32GB | Screen: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080), 360Hz, IPS panel – 15.6-inch UHD (3840 x 2160), 144Hz, IPS panel | Storage: 1TB SSD

Impressively thin and light
Solid gaming performance
Great value when on sale
Dreadful battery life
Bulkier rigs offer better performance
Expensive at full price

The Razer Blade 15 sits at the top of our best gaming laptops guide, and as far as we’re concerned, it leads the pack in performance. There are various configurations of this device, with graphics card options from the Nvidia RTX 30 series, and 12th-gen Intel processors. It’s this versatility, in part, that makes it our favourite gaming machine.

Keep in mind that while gaming performance is outstanding, it comes at the cost of battery life, which is practically non-existent. In our own testing, it lasted just two hours and 49 minutes, which is significantly less than what the previous Razer Blade 15 (2021) achieved, which was six hours and 16 minutes. If we had to guess, we’d say this drop in juice is likely caused by the power-hungry 12th-gen Intel chips.

If you can forgive the poor battery life, there’s lots to love about the 2022 Razer Blade 15. Its form factor is as tight and compact as ever, the finish is gorgeous and the keyboard is comfortable. While Razer is known for flashy RGB, the brand has shown some restraint in this department when it comes to the keys, which is good news in our book. There’s also a good number of ports, so your peripherals won’t go to waste.

Read our full Razer Blade 15 (2022) review

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Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2-in-1 laptop

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Our favourite 2-in-1: Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio

A unique take on the 2-in-1 form factor

CPU: Intel Core i5-11300H – i7-11370H | Graphics: Intel Iris Xe – Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti | RAM: 16GB–32GB | Screen: 14.4-inch QHD (2400 x 1600) touch | Storage: 256GB–2TB SSD

Beautiful display
Easel-like hinge is amazing
Large trackpad
Expensive starting price
Only uses Intel H35 processors
No legacy ports

The Surface Laptop Studio is one of the most compelling laptop’s in Microsoft’s history, because of its unique take on the 2-in-1 device. Instead of folding back into a shape similar to a tent – as with many 2-in-1s from Dell, HP, Lenovo and others – this Microsoft device feels a little more like an easel. In some way, it folds into itself, and leaves room for the trackpad (should you want it). Or, you can lie it completely flat like a tablet.

While we love this device, we do wish Microsoft had installed more powerful hardware. Instead, it opted for Intel’s 11th-gen processors, with the option of either an i5-11300H or a i7-11370H CPU. If you were hoping for a 2-in-1 that can handle video editing or heavy coding with ease, this may not be the best choice for you. With a starting price of AU$2,549, it’s also a very expensive option.

With its easel-like display, this is a 2-in-1 laptop that could be better suited to illustrators or graphic designers, though it’s a shame the Surface Pen stylus isn’t included in the box.

Read our full Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio review

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Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020) laptop

(Image credit: Apple)

Our favourite student laptop: Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020)

An impressive laptop for under AU$1,500

CPU: Apple M1 | Graphics: Integrated 7-core GPU | RAM: 8GB–16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch (2560 x 1600) backlit LED | Storage: 256GB–2TB SSD

All MacOS apps available
Battery life is great
Silent in use
Not the cheapest option for young students
Not suitable for Windows apps

When Apple ditched Intel’s chips for its own M1 silicon in 2020, it was a real game changer for the laptop market – Apple or otherwise. The processor gave the MacBook Air a serious performance boost, which thankfully, has not come at the expense of battery life (our testing found it lasted an impressive 11 hours and 15 minutes in continuous movie playback).

Despite the significant power upgrade, Apple has priced this laptop at a better RRP than its predecessor. It even gives other premium Ultrabooks such as the Dell XPS 13 a run for their money – something we never would have anticipated from Apple. You can expect to pay AU$1,499 for the model with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, or AU$1,849 for the 512GB SSD version.

This 2020 MacBook Air ranks at the #1 spot in our guide to the best student laptops, so it’s an excellent choice if you need a new laptop for school or university.

Read our full Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020) review

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If you’re after further info on the best laptops, check out some of our other dedicated buying guides:
• <a href="https://www.techradar.com/au/news/mobile-computing/laptops/best-laptops-1304361" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"">Best laptops in Australia
• <a href="https://www.techradar.com/au/news/mobile-computing/laptops/best-gaming-laptops-top-5-gaming-notebooks-reviewed-1258471" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"">Best gaming laptops
• <a href="https://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/laptops/best-ultrabook-18-top-thin-and-lights-1054355" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"">Best ultrabooks
• <a href="https://www.techradar.com/au/news/best-business-laptops" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"">Best business laptops
• <a href="https://www.techradar.com/au/news/the-best-2-in-1-laptop-in-australia-find-the-best-convertible-for-your-needs" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"">Best 2-in-1 laptops

Watch the video below for the top 7 things to consider when buying a laptop. 

Jasmine Gearie
Ecommerce Editor

Jasmine Gearie is an Ecommerce Editor at TechRadar Australia, with a primary focus on helping readers cut through the jargon to find the best mobile and internet plans for their needs. She crunches the numbers to maintain dedicated guides to the latest phones, NBN and broadband plans of all types, and covers the important telco industry news. She also hunts down tech deals on laptops, phones, gaming consoles and more, so readers know where to buy the products they want for the cheapest prices.