Laptops, computer 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 give you 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 laptop!).
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What will I learn?
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 plenty of methods and websites for finding totally free or very cheap laptops as well.
A lot of these places require you to meet certain eligibility requirements, such as being a certain age or earning a low income.
Some methods, however,are ways you can get a free laptop without doing anything crazy. All it takes is filling out a quick application and following up with a few required documents. Almost anyone can use these options to get a laptop at no cost, even those who aren’t living on a low income.
How to Get a Laptop for Free
First, we’re going to 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 place has its own eligibility requirements, you should check beforehand to see if you meet the criteria.
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1. Contact Computers with Causes
Computers with Causes provides refurbished computers at no cost to those with financial need, and to students and returning military veterans. Visit the website to see if you’re eligible for a laptop from the organization, and to learn how to apply for a free laptop.
- Where to apply:https://www.computerswithcauses.org/application.htm
2. With Causes
Similar name to Computer with Causes, but this is a different company. With Causes is a nonprofit charitable organization (part of theGiving Center) that helps people in need.
Basically, they get computers, laptops, tablets, phone and other times donated to them which they then give away for free to families in need.
- Where to apply:https://www.withcauses.org/askforhelp.htm
3. 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, then you may be able to get a complimentary or low cost laptop. This organization is designed for youth groups, rather than individuals, below the age of 24. Learn more by visiting the website.
- Where to apply:https://worldcomputerexchange.org/apply-computers/
4. The National Cristina Foundation
This is an awesome 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/
5. 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.
- Gets a free or reduced school lunch,
- Attends a public school and resides in the United States.
If you don’t qualify for a computer, then you can also find heavily discounted computers from 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/
6. Join an Online college
This is a good option for those considering an online university. There are actually a lot of online colleges that give away free laptops to new students. It’s just another way they try to attract new students.
Here are a few:
You can find more with a quick search on Google.
7. Check with your local Salvation Army Chapter or Goodwill
If you’re really in need of a laptop, but you’re unemployed, or you’re going through a tough phase, then you might want to consider checking with your local Salvation Army Chapter or Goodwill.
By the way, Salvation Army also has programs that help low income families, including free gas.
8. Check out PCs for People
PCs for People provides computers and low cost internet to eligible recipients. It’s a Microsoft Registered Refurbisher as well, so its computers come with licensed copies of Windows 10.
You’ll need to be below the 200% poverty level or currently be enrolled in an income-based government assistance program to be eligible for a laptop.
Check out the eligibility page here to see if you could 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, and 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 get 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, which are also known as “get paid to,” or GPT websites, pay you to do a whole host of easy tasks, like:
- Playing games
- Watching TV
- Answering quizzes
- Shopping online
- Browsing the internet
- Completing offers
These websites pay you with money or with points that you can later exchange for money via PayPal or check, or for gift cards to well-known retailers, such as Amazon.
You can easily make 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 make the 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 that you complete tasks.
As people have reported on Reddit, let’s say that you make:
- $50 a month on TreasureTrooper.
- $115 a month from Swagbucks.
- $35 a month from Perk.
In total, you’d make $200 a month, meaning that in just a few months, you’d have enough to buy yourself a laptop. Again, just as with survey websites, with reward websites, you get free money to spend on a laptop.
11. Scour Craigslist for a complimentary laptop
Craigslist can actually be a good place to find laptops that don’t cost anything, or are super low-cost.
Some people just want to get rid of their old stuff, so they’re willing to simply give it away at no cost. If you get a laptop at no cost that requires repairs, sometimes that can still work out much cheaper than buying one new.
Of course, research what the repairs would cost, before buying to determine whether the laptop is worth getting. After all, you don’t want a complimentary laptop that ends up costing you tons to repair.
12. Take surveys and use the cash to get a complimentary laptop
This is such an easy way to get your hands on a laptop without paying a cent for it.
Sign up for a few survey websites, take a few surveys each week, and then use your earnings to get a laptop at no cost!
Here’s how to do it…
Step 1: Sign up for the following websites
- MySurvey
- Pinecone Research
- QuickThoughts
- SurveySavvy
- Darwin’s Data
Step 2: Take multiple surveys per week and make $200+ a month
- At MySurvey, take a few $20 surveys each month and you’ll make $60.
- Take two surveys a week at Pinecone Research and earn $3 per survey, and you’ll make around $24 a month.
- Do the same at QuickThoughts, which also pays $3 a survey and make $24 a month.
- You take a few $10 surveys at SurveySavvy each month and earn around $30 a month from the site.
- Take three surveys a month at Darwin’s Data, and make $75 a month.
Step 3: Use your earnings to get a laptop
In total, you’d make $213 a month, so in a few months, you’d have enough cash to buy a laptop. Essentially, you get 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 have sweepstakes and giveaways, where you can win prizes, like laptops.
Of course, only enter giveaways from legitimate companies.
Follow stores that sell tech items, and tech brands to ensure you don’t miss out on any giveaways or sweepstakes. A quick search for #laptop giveaway can also generate results.
Check outTwitter freebiesfor 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 doing anything, then 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 stuff for free in their area.
The website is designed to promote the reuse of items. Sometimes, you can find complimentary laptops there. You can even put a request for a laptop on there too.
15. See if there are any local programs
If you’re wondering how to get a free laptop from the government, then you might want to check for local programs.
Many local governments do offer complimentary or low-cost laptops to low-income families. For example, in Missouri, the Web Innovation & Technology Services (WITS) provides complimentary or low-cost electronics to local families.
If you live in Missouri, fill out an application here.
Check with organizations in your area if you are looking for a laptop at no cost.
Checking with your local or state Department of Human Services can be a good starting point.
Places that Give You Free Laptops Near You
Above, we covered places where you can get a complimentary computer, regardless of where you live in the United States.
In this section, we’re going to cover a few location-specific organizations. These organizations provide complimentary laptops to people who live in certain states.
16. Komputers 4 R Kids
Komputers 4 R Kids is a non-profit organization that provides reused and recycled computers to students, families and schools in Southern California who have a financial need. Visit the website to see if you qualify.
- Where to apply:http://www.komputers4rkids.com/
17. SmartRiverside
This is a project for residents of Riverside, California. Those who live in the area, and are on a low income can receive a laptop at no cost. You’ll need to earn less than $45,000 a year, and be able to take a no cost, eight-hour computer training class in English or Spanish.
The organization also trains at-risk youths to refurbish the computers that it gives to low income families, making it an all-around good organization!
Visit the website to see if you qualify.
- Where to apply:http://www.smartriverside.org/digital
18. Seattle Community Network
The Seattle Community Network operates a Computer Giveaway Project that provides complimentary laptops to those who need them. It does say that the waiting list is quite long, so it can take as long as 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 almost a necessity at this point for any college student. But College is expensive as it is. Just the tuition fees and textbooks will make you think twice about going to college.
So a lot of students have a hard time affording one.
Fortunately, there are colleges that offer tablets like iPad or free laptops for college students (although with some, the cost of the device is actually baked into the school fees!)
Here are some of the best ones:
19. Northwest Missouri State University
20. Southern Nazarene University
21. Southern New Hampshire University
25. University of Minnesota Crookston
Needless to say, you must be attending the college to qualify for the free device. But besides that, almost all of these schools have specific requirements that you must meet to qualify. You can find out about all the specifics 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 a one for very cheap.
There are certain eligibility requirements that you have to meet to apply for a free laptop. For example, certain 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:
30. 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 how is, you probably know that there aren’t many work opportunities for the disabled, which in turn means in most cases people with disabilities fall in the low-income category.
And where you live on a tight budget, affording a laptop or computer isn’t as easy as it is with people with better job opportunities.
Thankfully, there are a few programs where the differently abled people can get a laptop or computer for free.
Check with these organizations to see if you qualify:
31. Jim Mullen Foundation
This is an awesome foundation the 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 all kinds of services including free gifts that could include tech devices such as a computer or laptop.
33. Check with Charities
Some charities, especially those that help people with disability, have 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 towards helping people with disability which includes 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/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 go through a few pages of Yes/No questions to enter a contest. I am talking about official context 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, as with any other legit sweepstakes and contest, these giveaways last for a certain amount of time. So you have to enter before they end. That said if by the time you read this post the contests have ended, bookmark this post and check back regularly. Most of these companies run the same contest a few times a year. So checking back often ensures you don’t miss them the next time around.
Win a Laptop
There are a lot of legitimate sweepstakes sites that you can use to enter to win all kinds of stuff. But there also a few that run laptops, tablets and computer giveaways.
But there are also a lot of technology-related sites that run 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 for you to get a laptop without paying a cent for it.
However, there are plenty of other things that you can do to get a laptop at a low cost.
Now, the below methods won’t get you a laptop for free, but they will get you a laptop at a huge discount.
So rather than having to spend $400 plus for a laptop, you can spend as little as $90!
40. Shop through Rakuten to get discounts & cashback
Rakuten (former eBates) is a cashback and coupons websites that can save you so much money. We’d recommend the site to anyone who wants to save money 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 basically paying 45% less for a laptop!
Also, there’s another deal on there 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 for a low price at 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/refurbished laptops at low prices since refurbished computers are generally sold at a fraction of what a new laptop would cost you.
You don’t need to meet any low-income criteria or other requirements to buy one either.
43. Get a heavily discounted laptop from Computer Technology Assistance Corps (CTAC)
Get a laptop for as low as $100 from Computer Technology Assistance Corps (CTAC).
It’s a program that’s 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, then 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 good way to get your hands on a laptop from a big brand, but at a much lower cost.
Anyone can buy these computers, so if you’re not on a low income and want a cheap laptop, then this is a good place to shop.
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 DVDs that have been replaced with 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 of a laptop on Amazon, and if you use your gift card to buy 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, then you could buy a laptop at a discounted price. You just need to fill out an application and get approved.
You’ll then be able to place an order for your laptop online, or over the phone.
Visit this page to learn more.
47. Browse eBay for low cost laptops
So many people still use eBay to sell laptops for cash. On eBay you can find great prices on laptops that are new, used or refurbished. Just make sure that you 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 your business, then you may be able to deduct a percentage of the price off the laptop. Just speak with your tax advisor to see if you can claim a 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. So if you aren’t eligible to receive a complimentary laptop from the On It Foundation, then you may be able to get one from the Jump On It! program.
With this program, you can get a laptop for as low as $99 and you can 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, then check out NotebooksForStudents.org.
While it doesn’t offer totally free laptops, you can find them at heavily discounted prices. It’s a good place to check for new and refurbished laptops.
The program is available to students who are attending Primary, High School or College. You can also get a computer if you’re home-schooled.
Learn more about the program here.
51. Visit your local library
Our bonus tip is to visit your local library! Sure, you won’t get a laptop to take home with you, but you will get to use a computer for free!
You can get other complementary stuff there too, like books, newspapers, magazines, and even movies.
Avoiding Free Laptop Scams
As you can see, there are so many ways to get a complimentary laptop or a laptop at a heavily discounted price.
Above, we’ve listed legitimate organizations that provide laptops at no cost and good methods for getting a free laptop too.
However, not all places and opportunities for complimentary laptops are legitimate.
Unfortunately, there are plenty of scams out there. Many are out to steal your identity, and money from you.
It’s important to always be safe online, and do your research first.
Here are a few tips for avoiding free laptop scams:
- Make sure you read reviews, check with websites like Trust Pilot and the Better Business Bureau before you apply for a complimentary laptop with a company that we haven’t mentioned.
- Never give out your social security number.
- Don’t share your date of birth, unless you are certain it’s a legitimate website.
- Don’t share passwords.
- Read the terms and conditions carefully before you apply.
Free Laptop Surveys
I am sure you’ve seen those ads online that promise you a free (enter whatever device here) and all you have to do is enter your email or zip code (but in reality, you have to go through page after page of questioners and offers that you have to answer Yes or No to.
What’s the deal with them?
Are they legit? Can you really win a free device?
Chances are if you have ever seen one, you dismissed it immediately as some kind of scam. After all, you can get all kinds of free stuff, but a laptop?
Well, you wouldn’t be completely wrong to make that assumption, but the truth is that while there are a lot of scams, there are legitimate sites that do giveaway 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. Usually, this also entails allowing the site to sell your information to advertisers (make sure to use a through away email).
2. You’ll be asked to buy something or sign up for various products and programs like a free trial for, say Netflix, Hulu, Stamp.com or any other service within a certain period of time (usually 1-3 months). To qualify for the free device, you’ll have to normally complete 4-5 of these offers.
Now, some of the products or services that you are asked to purchase may be eligible for a refund, but this will change depending on which site you’re using.
Once you’ve completed all the requirements you are eligible to receive your free laptop or whatever else was promised.
By now, you know that this isn’t really free. You have to pay for those trials and subscriptions to services like Netflix in order 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 giveaway free laptop in exchange for doing offers. You are going to pay for your Netflix membership anyway, you may as well go through a giveaway site so you can get something back. It’s basically like using a cashback site to purchase stuff, 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 at all. There is no point in paying for things you don’t want just so you can 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 is how they can afford to give you a “free” laptop which we know isn’t really free since you have to pay for those trials and services.
So how much you end up paying for the supposed “Free Laptop”?
Of the 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 cancelling/returning things,
then it should absolutely be possible to get yourself a laptop for far under 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 you can 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, and easy methods, like joining rewards websites that allow anyone to get a complimentary laptop.
Whether you’re on a low income, a homeschool student or a collegestudent, or just looking to save yourself some cash, follow our tips and get your hands on a complimentary or heavily discounted laptop.
 - MoneyPantry (2024))
