51 Best Ways to Get a Free Laptop (Even from Apple, Amazon & Dell!)

Are you looking for ways to get a free laptop or computer?

Laptops, computers, and tablets certainly don’t come cheap.

A quality model from a big brand like Dell or HP can set you back around $400—or even more than $1,000 in some cases.

Thankfully, there are many ways you can get a laptop for free.

Below, we’ll share tons of places and methods you can use to get a complimentary laptop or a heavily discounted one (discount shopping sites aren’t the only places to find cheap laptops!).

There are even government programs and private organizations that provide free laptops to low-income families.

Can You Get a Free Laptop Without Doing Anything?

Yes!

There are a lot of scams out there, of course (more on that below!).

But if you’ve been a reader of MoneyPantry, you probably know by now that there are tons of ways and websites to get free stuff, including tech-related items.

However, there are also plenty of legitimate organizations that provide 100% free or low-cost laptops.

There are many methods and websites for finding totally free or very cheap laptops.

A lot of these places require you to meet certain eligibility requirements, such as being a specific age or earning a low income.

Some methods, however, allow you to get a free laptop without doing anything extraordinary. All it takes is filling out a quick application and submitting a few required documents. Almost anyone can use these options to get a laptop at no cost, even those who don’t qualify as low-income.

How to Get a Laptop for Free

First, let’s start with places that provide totally free laptops. For most of these places, you’ll need to be living on a low income.

Since each organization has its own eligibility requirements, be sure to check beforehand to see if you qualify.

1. Contact Computers with Causes

Computers with Causes provides refurbished computers at no cost to those with financial need, as well as to students and returning military veterans. Visit the website to check your eligibility and learn how to apply for a free laptop.

• Where to apply: https://www.computerswithcauses.org/application.htm

2. With Causes

Despite the similar name, With Causes is a different organization from Computers with Causes. It’s a nonprofit charitable organization (part of the Giving Center) that helps people in need.

Basically, they get computers, laptops, tablets, phones, and other items donated to them, which they then give away for free to families in need.

• Where to apply: https://www.withcauses.org/askforhelp.htm

3. The National Cristina Foundation

This is an amazing foundation that “works to promote technology reuse by educating businesses and the public that technology resources coming out of their first place of use can be given a second productive life for developing human potential.”

Basically, businesses donate their old and used tech devices to the foundation, and the foundation then gives them away for free to people in need.

• Where to apply: https://www.cristina.org/

4. Check Out the On It Foundation

You can get a complimentary computer from the On It Foundation if you have a student in your family who’s:

• Enrolled in grades K-12.
• Receiving free or reduced school lunch.
• Attending a public school and residing in the United States.

If you don’t qualify for a free computer, you can also find heavily discounted computers through the foundation’s Jump On It! Program, but more on that below.

Visit the FAQ page to learn how to apply for a free laptop.

• Where to apply: https://theonitfoundation.org/faqs/

5. Join an Online College

This is a great option for those considering an online university. Many online colleges give away free laptops to new students as an incentive to enroll.

Here are a few:

• Full Sail University
• St. John’s University
• Seton Hill University

You can find more options with a quick search on Google.

6. Check with Your Local Salvation Army Chapter or Goodwill

If you’re really in need of a laptop, but you’re unemployed or going through a tough time, consider checking with your local Salvation Army Chapter or Goodwill.

By the way, the Salvation Army also has programs that help low-income families, including free gas.

7. Get a Complimentary or Discounted Laptop from World Computer Exchange

The World Computer Exchange aims to provide computers to those who live in developing countries.

If you live in a developing country, you may be able to get a complimentary or low-cost laptop. This organization primarily serves youth groups, rather than individuals, under the age of 24. Learn more by visiting their website.

• Where to apply: https://worldcomputerexchange.org/apply-computers/

8. Check Out PCs for People

PCs for People provides computers and low-cost internet to eligible recipients. It’s also a Microsoft Registered Refurbisher, so its computers come with licensed copies of Windows 10.

To qualify for a laptop, you’ll need to be below the 200% poverty level or currently enrolled in an income-based government assistance program.

Check out the eligibility page here to see if you qualify for a free laptop.

• Where to apply: https://www.pcsforpeople.org/eligibility/

9. Get a Laptop from Everyone On if You’re on a Low Income

This website features different programs that people on a low income can use to get a complimentary or low-cost laptop, as well as low-cost internet service. Visit the page below to see if there’s an offer that you qualify for.

• Where to apply: https://www.everyoneon.org/lowcost-offers

10. Join Reward Sites & Use Your Earnings to Get a Complimentary Laptop

Above, we mentioned how you can use the money you earn from survey websites to get free cash to spend on a laptop.

Well, you can also do the same thing with reward websites.

Reward websites, also known as “get paid to” or GPT websites, pay you to complete a variety of easy tasks, such as:

• Playing games
• Watching TV
• Answering quizzes
• Shopping online
• Browsing the internet
• Completing offers

These websites reward you with money or points that you can later exchange for cash via PayPal or check, or for gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon.

You can easily earn enough cash from rewards websites to buy yourself a new laptop.

Step 1: Join multiple rewards websites

This is the key – the more you join, the bigger your earnings will be, and the faster you’ll accumulate enough free cash to spend on your laptop.

Here are a few you should join:

• Swagbucks
• Treasure Trooper
• Perk

Step 2: Complete tasks on all three websites and earn $200+ a month.

On each of the sites above, make sure you complete as many tasks as possible.

As reported by users on Reddit, here’s an example of what you could earn:

• $50 a month from Treasure Trooper.
• $115 a month from Swagbucks.
• $35 a month from Perk.

In total, you’d make $200 a month. This means that in just a few months, you’d have enough to buy yourself a laptop. Just like with survey websites, reward sites let you earn free money to spend on a laptop.

11. Scour Craigslist for a Complimentary Laptop

Craigslist can be a great place to find laptops that are free or very low-cost.

Some people simply want to get rid of old items and are willing to give them away for free. If you find a laptop that requires repairs, it might still cost less to fix it than buying a new one.

Make sure to research the cost of repairs before taking the laptop. You don’t want a free laptop that ends up costing you a fortune to fix.

12. Take Surveys and Use the Cash to Get a Complimentary Laptop

This is an incredibly easy way to get your hands on a laptop without spending a dime.

Sign up for a few survey websites, take surveys regularly, and use your earnings to purchase a laptop for free.

Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Sign up for the following websites

• Pinecone Research
• QuickThoughts
• SurveySavvy
• Darwin’s Data

Step 2: Take multiple surveys per week and make $200+ a month

• Take two surveys a week at Pinecone Research, earning $3 per survey, for a total of $24 a month.
• Do the same at QuickThoughts, which also pays $3 per survey, to make another $24 a month.
• Complete a few $10 surveys at SurveySavvy each month to earn around $30 a month.
• Take three surveys a month at Darwin’s Data to earn $75 a month.

Step 3: Use your earnings to get a laptop

In total, you’d make $213 a month. In just a few months, you’d have enough money to buy a laptop. Essentially, this method gives you free money to spend on a laptop.

Whether you’re looking for a free Dell laptop or one from HP, give this method a try!

13. Look for Giveaways on Social Media

Sometimes brands and stores host sweepstakes and giveaways where you can win prizes, including laptops.

Of course, only enter giveaways from legitimate companies.

Follow stores that sell tech items and tech brands on social media to stay updated on giveaways and sweepstakes. A quick search for #laptopgiveaway can also help you find opportunities.

Check out Twitter freebies for a list of companies you should follow on Twitter to get free stuff and exclusive discounts.

14. Check on Freecycle

If you’re wondering how to get a free laptop without spending a dime, check out Freecycle.

It’s a great place to find stuff at no cost. The Freecycle Network is a non-profit website where people can give and get items for free in their local area.

The site is designed to promote the reuse of items. Sometimes, you can find complimentary laptops there. You can even post a request for a laptop.

15. See if There Are Any Local Programs

If you’re wondering how to get a free laptop from the government, consider checking for local programs.

Many local governments offer complimentary or low-cost laptops to low-income families. For example, in Missouri, the Web Innovation & Technology Services (WITS) provides low-cost or free electronics to local families.

If you live in Missouri, you can fill out an application here.

It’s a good idea to check with organizations in your area if you’re looking for a free laptop. Your local or state Department of Human Services is also a great place to start.

Places That Give You Free Laptops Near You

Above, we covered places where you can get a complimentary laptop no matter where you live in the United States.

Now, let’s cover a few location-specific organizations. These groups provide free laptops to people who live in certain states.

16. Komputers 4 R Kids

Komputers 4 R Kids is a non-profit organization that offers reused and recycled computers to students, families, and schools in Southern California who have financial needs. Check their website to see if you qualify.

• Where to apply: http://www.komputers4rkids.com/

17. SmartRiverside

SmartRiverside is a project for residents of Riverside, California. Low-income individuals who live in the area can receive a free laptop. To qualify, you need to earn less than $45,000 annually and complete an eight-hour computer training class in either English or Spanish at no cost.

The organization also trains at-risk youth to refurbish the computers that it gives to low-income families, making it a great community initiative!

Visit the website to see if you qualify.

• Where to apply: http://www.smartriverside.org/digital

18. Seattle Community Network

The Seattle Community Network runs a Computer Giveaway Project that provides free laptops to those in need. Note that the waiting list can be long, and it may take four to six months to receive a computer.

• Where to apply: http://www.scn.org/scna/pcdonate.html

Free Laptop for College Students

A laptop or tablet is practically a necessity for college students today. However, college expenses are already high, with tuition and textbooks adding significant costs. This makes it difficult for many students to afford a laptop.

Fortunately, there are colleges that offer free tablets, like iPads, or laptops to college students (though, for some, the cost of the device is included in the school fees!).

Here are some of the best ones:

• Northwest Missouri State University
• Southern Nazarene University
• Southern New Hampshire University
• Independence University
• Rochester College
• Full Sail University
• University of Minnesota Crookston
• Chatham University
• Wake Forest University
• Dakota State University

Needless to say, you must be attending the college to qualify for the free device. However, beyond that, almost all of these schools have specific requirements you must meet to qualify. You can find out about all the details by contacting the school or visiting their website.

How to Get a Free Laptop From the Government

Yes, the government has programs where they give you a free laptop or one for a very low cost.

There are certain eligibility requirements that you must meet to apply for a free laptop. For example, some programs are meant for low-income families or those affected by natural disasters.

Here are a few government-sponsored programs where you can apply to get a free laptop:

• DisasterAssistance.gov
• USA.GOV (formerly known as Benefits.gov)

We actually have a post with a list of more ways to get a free government laptop, so be sure to check it out.

Free Laptops for People with Disabilities

If you’re disabled or know someone who is, you probably know that there aren’t many work opportunities for the disabled. This often leads to low-income situations.

And when you live on a tight budget, affording a laptop or computer isn’t as easy as it is for people with better job opportunities.

Thankfully, there are a few programs where differently-abled individuals can get a laptop or computer for free.

Check with these organizations to see if you qualify:

31. Jim Mullen Foundation

This is an amazing foundation that helps people with disabilities get computers for free.

32. The Beaumont Foundation of America

This is another great organization that helps the disabled community by offering a variety of services, including free gifts that may include tech devices such as a computer or laptop.

33. Check with Charities

Some charities, especially those that assist people with disabilities, offer programs for a free computer or laptop.

Use Charities.org to find one that does.

34. Disability.gov

As the name suggests, this government program is tailored to helping people with disabilities, including providing access to affordable technology-related products.

35. Check with Your Local Library

You may be able to qualify for disability grants that some libraries offer.

Tech Companies that Give Away Laptops

Wondering how you can get a free Dell or Apple laptop?

Believe it or not, there are actually ways you can get or win a free laptop or tablet directly from your favorite brands like Dell, Apple, Microsoft, and others.

How?

Through official giveaways and contests!

I’m not talking about survey offers where you enter your email address and answer a few Yes/No questions to enter a contest. I am talking about official contests and giveaways that these major brands hold every once in a while.

Here are a few free laptop giveaways by major brands:

36. Microsoft User Research Sweepstakes

37. Dell Advantage Sweepstakes

Note: As you might imagine, like with any other legitimate sweepstakes and contests, these giveaways are only available for a limited time. So, you need to enter before they end. If, by the time you read this post, the contests have already ended, bookmark this page and check back regularly. Most of these companies run the same contests a few times a year, so checking back often will ensure you don’t miss them next time.

Win a Laptop

There are a lot of legitimate sweepstakes sites where you can enter to win all kinds of prizes, including laptops. In addition, there are several tech-related websites that host giveaways for their readers. Here are a few to get you started:

38. Stack Social: The Microsoft Surface Book Giveaway

39. Windows Central: Win a Surface Go and accessory bundle

You can find more easily with a few simple Google searches.

How to Get a Cheap Laptop

Above, we’ve outlined ways to get a laptop without paying a cent for it.

However, there are plenty of other options to help you get a laptop at a low cost.

Now, the methods below won’t get you a laptop for free, but they will help you get one at a significant discount.

Rather than spending $400 or more on a laptop, you could end up paying as little as $90!

40. Shop through Rakuten to get discounts & cashback

Rakuten (formerly eBates) is a cashback and coupon website that can help you save a lot of money. We’d recommend the site to anyone who wants to save when shopping.

On Rakuten, you can find some great deals on laptops.

For example, there was a deal on a laptop from Dell Outlet that saved you 35% and gave you 10% cashback. So, you’re essentially paying 45% less for a laptop!

Also, there’s another deal from the Dell Outlet, which gives you 45% off select laptops, plus an additional 14% off any Latitude model and 10% cashback. Potentially, you could get 69% off a laptop! There’s also a 10% cashback deal available from the Dell store.

41. Check out ConnectAll

People who meet certain low-income criteria are eligible to buy laptops at a low price from ConnectAll.org.

You can get a laptop for as low as $109.

42. Get a cheap laptop from Amazon

Amazon is a great place to get a laptop at a low price.

You can find many used or refurbished laptops at discounted prices, as refurbished computers are generally sold at a fraction of the cost of new ones.

You don’t need to meet any low-income criteria or other requirements to purchase one either.

43. Get a heavily discounted laptop from Computer Technology Assistance Corps (CTAC)

Get a laptop for as low as $100 from the Computer Technology Assistance Corps (CTAC).

This program has provided more than 3,500 computers to low-income families, non-profits, libraries, faith-based organizations, and schools.

Learn more about the program here, and apply for a free laptop here.

44. Get a refurbished Dell laptop at a discount from Dell Refurbished

If you’re looking to save money on a Dell laptop, consider buying one from DellRefurbished.com.

As the name suggests, Dell Refurbished provides refurbished Dell laptops. Since refurbished computers are much cheaper, this is a great way to get your hands on a laptop from a major brand at a significantly lower cost.

Anyone can purchase these computers, so even if you’re not on a low income, this is still a good place to shop for a budget-friendly laptop.

45. Trade in your old stuff for a new laptop on Amazon

We all have items in our home that are just taking up space, like books we never read or old used DVDs that have been replaced by Netflix.

Through the Amazon Trade-in program, you can trade in your old video games, Kindle e-readers, books, and other items for an Amazon.com gift card.

You can use this gift card to get money off a laptop on Amazon, and if you use it to purchase a refurbished laptop, you’ll save even more.

46. Get a low-cost laptop at Internet Essentials from Comcast

If you are an Internet Essentials customer, you may be eligible to buy a laptop at a discounted price. You just need to fill out an application and get approved.

Once approved, you’ll be able to order your laptop online or over the phone.

Visit this page to learn more.

47. Browse eBay for low-cost laptops

Many people still use eBay to sell laptops for cash. On eBay, you can find great prices on new, used, and refurbished laptops. Just make sure to buy from a reputable seller.

48. Ask your tax advisor if you’re self-employed

If you’re self-employed and use your laptop for business purposes, you may be able to deduct a percentage of the laptop’s price as a business expense. Speak with your tax advisor to see if you can claim the cost of the laptop as a deduction.

49. Get a huge discount from the Jump On It! Program

The Jump On It! Program is part of the On It Foundation, which we mentioned above. If you’re not eligible to receive a complimentary laptop from the On It Foundation, you may be able to get one through the Jump On It! program.

With this program, you can get a laptop for as low as $99, and you can also get one through a layaway plan starting at just $15.

Learn more about this program here.

50. Get a laptop from Notebooks for Students

If you’re wondering how to get a free laptop for school, check out NotebooksForStudents.org.

While it doesn’t offer completely free laptops, you can find them at heavily discounted prices. It’s a great place to check for new and refurbished laptops.

The program is available to students attending Primary School, High School, or College. It’s also open to those who are home-schooled.

Learn more about the program here.

51. Visit your local library

Our bonus tip is to visit your local library! While you may not be able to take a laptop home with you, you can use a computer for free.

You can also access other complimentary resources, like books, newspapers, magazines, and even movies.

Avoiding Free Laptop Scams

As you can see, there are many ways to get a complimentary laptop or one at a heavily discounted price.

We’ve listed legitimate organizations that provide laptops at no cost and effective methods for obtaining a free laptop.

However, not all places and opportunities offering complimentary laptops are legitimate.

Unfortunately, there are plenty of scams out there. Many are designed to steal your identity and money.

It’s important to always stay safe online and do your research first.

Here are a few tips for avoiding free laptop scams:

• Make sure you read reviews and check websites like TrustPilot and the Better Business Bureau before applying for a complimentary laptop with a company we haven’t mentioned.
• Never give out your Social Security number.
• Don’t share your date of birth unless you’re certain the website is legitimate.
• Never share your passwords.
• Read the terms and conditions carefully before applying.

Free Laptop Surveys

I’m sure you’ve seen those ads online that promise a free (enter device here), with the only requirement being to enter your email or zip code. But in reality, you often have to go through page after page of surveys and offers, answering Yes or No to various questions.

So what’s the deal with them?

Are they legit? Can you really win a free device?

You’d be right to assume that many of these offers are scams. After all, it’s one thing to get free stuff, but a laptop?

While that assumption is often correct, the truth is that there are some legitimate sites that give away free laptops.

Of course, there is a catch!

So, what is the catch?

Here’s how these sites/offers usually work:

1. You sign up for the program. This typically means allowing the site to sell your information to advertisers (make sure to use a throwaway email).

2. You’ll be asked to buy something or sign up for various products and programs, such as a free trial for Netflix, Hulu, Stamp.com, or any other service within a certain period (usually 1-3 months). To qualify for the free device, you’ll typically need to complete 4-5 of these offers.

Some of the products or services you’re asked to purchase may be eligible for a refund, but this varies depending on the site you’re using.

Once you’ve completed all the requirements, you’re eligible to receive your free laptop or whatever else was promised.

By now, you realize this isn’t really free. You have to pay for those trials and subscriptions (like Netflix) to get your freebie.

So should you do it?

Yes and no!

Let me explain…

If you were planning to sign up for those services (Netflix, for example), then yes, you should definitely use a site that gives away free laptops in exchange for completing offers. After all, you’re going to pay for your Netflix membership anyway, so you might as well go through a giveaway site to get something back. It’s essentially like using a cashback site, but in this case, instead of cash, you get a free laptop.

But if you weren’t planning to sign up for those services, then you should not do this. There’s no point in paying for things you don’t want just to get a free device.

How can these sites afford giving away free stuff?

Easy—they use the money they make from advertisers!

You see, when you sign up for those trials and services, the site gets a commission from those companies. And therein lies the catch. That’s how they can afford to give you a “free” laptop, which, as we know, isn’t really free since you have to pay for those trials and services.

So how much do you end up paying for the supposed “Free Laptop”?

For participants in these programs who have managed to minimize costs, the usual payment estimate is between $40 and $100.

That certainly isn’t free, but it also isn’t the $400-$500 that the laptop is probably worth.

If you…

• A) Sign up with a trustworthy business,
• B) remain organized, and
• C) are proactive about canceling/returning things,

…then it should absolutely be possible to get yourself a laptop for far below market price.

Need Free Internet Access?

What good is a free laptop if you don’t have internet access, right?

The good news is that there are ways to get totally free internet. You can even get free Internet on your phone.

Closing Thoughts

There are plenty of ways to get a laptop for free.

There are companies that help low-income families and individuals, as well as easy methods like joining rewards websites that allow anyone to get a complimentary laptop.

Whether you’re on a low income, a homeschool student, a college student, or just looking to save some cash, follow our tips and get your hands on a complimentary or heavily discounted laptop.