How to get laptop for free? This is a question that many of you have been dealing with. Thus, we decided to do extensive research and present you with our findings. Let’s start by telling you that getting a free laptop is actually possible. There are quite many ways to get laptop for free, especially if you meet some of the special circumstances, such as being a student or part of a low-income household, or even both.
In this article, we will cover popular legit ways that can help you obtain a free laptop. Since most of those methods aren’t suitable for everyone as they have certain requirements, which are met only by specific circumstances, we decided to expand our article by including also some alternatives that can get you highly discounted laptops.
Know that if you are a student or a member of a low-income household, your chances of getting a free laptop are quite high. However, there are ways for an average Joes and Janes to get a free laptop too. Take a closer look at the methods on how to get laptop for free below.
Let’s dig in, shall we?
Best 10 Places To Get a Free Laptop
As promised, we will first take a closer look at the way to get laptop for free. Keep in mind that organization presented below regularly change their policies and thus the options for obtaining a free laptop, which means that you should always visit the organization’s official website for the most accurate and up to date information. That said, you are ready to learn how to get laptop for free.
1. The On It Foundation
The OnIt (Opportunities Necessary to Increase Technology) Foundation is our first stop. This foundation actually offers free laptops. Of course, they have specific rules set in place, meaning only specific candidates qualify.
So how to get laptop for free from the OnIt Foundation? You need to have a child in k-12 school grade AND match the low-income threshold (t.i. low enough that your child qualifies for a free or reduced school lunch at public school that your child attends). If both of these conditions are met, your child has a good chance of receiving a free laptop.
Also, keep in mind that this free laptop option is only available in the US, meaning your child must live in the United States.
For more details on how to apply, visit the OnIt Foundation’s official website.
2. Freecycle.org
The Freecycle Network is another national organization that operates in a great number of groups in almost all major cities. When you visit their official website, you get to visit a local group. Once you find a group, join it, and then perform a search for free computers or laptops.
Keep in mind that everything listed on their site is FREE. Of course, since there are typically more people in need of free laptops then there are listings, the selection will be limited. It is obvious that free laptops go fast.
To overcome this limitation, you will need to check the listings several times per day. There is also a way to set up email notifications for new listings, however, based on our experience, this does not include all the offers, thus it is better to visit the site.
Now you know how to get laptop for free using Freecycle.org. Follow the above instruction and hopefully, you’ll get the next offer.
3. Computers with Causes
You may have heard of this non-profit organization before. Computers with Cause provides free computers/laptops to those in need. That means that they require you to prove your financial need. Their system then performs your background check and asks you to provide certain documentation to qualify.
Looking at their official website, we can confirm that they are very prone to helping out veterans and individuals living in foster care. However, everyone in the financial crisis and solid reason for computer attainment is more than welcome to apply.
Their application is short as it includes only a few simple questions, thus is worth filling it out. Visit their official website and look for the “Apply for Computer” button, which can be found at the top of the page or at the bottom.
Note: They accept laptop/computer donations. As such, help more people like you get a free laptop by spreading the word. Instead of simply discharging an old laptop, people may donate it to this organization.
4. With Causes
With Causes is another charitable organization. It accepts donations in forms of laptops and other computers, which are then given to those in need.
How to get laptop for free with ‘With Causes’? You may be eligible for a free laptop if you fall into any of the following groups:
- Live in a low-income family
- Live in a women’s shelter for battered women
- Are a military member or veteran of the military
The easiest way to find out if you qualify for a free laptop from this charitable organization, simply visit their official website and fill out their online form. You’ll be asked about your specific need and situation, so simply provide honest answers.
If you meet their current threshold, you will be informed and provided with a free laptop.
Note : As with other charitable organizations, receiving a laptop for free may affect your government assistance benefits. As such, be sure to always check with the proper local authorities prior to receiving a free laptop. Go with the option that is more beneficial for your needs and given situation.
See more : How To Get Free Government Internet And Laptop ?
5. Attend an Online College
This is not a myth. There are actually some online colleges that will give you a free laptop or iPad if you attend their college. Of course, do not forget to check tuition costs and ensure that its price is worth the free computer.
This option may be relatively expensive, however, if you are a student who intended to visit a certain college anyway, you may as well find one that also offers you a free laptop on top. The price of a laptop is usually much lower compared to the tuition cost, however, it still money in your pocket that would otherwise be spent on a computer.
Keep in mind that some colleges use this as a trick and will raise tuition costs to cover the price of the laptop. To avoid that, be sure to shop around and do your own research on tuition prices.
To get a full list of online colleges that offer free laptops visit The Open Education Database.
Note : Now that we’ve covered how to get laptop for free by applying for an online college, let’s move on to the next valid option.
6. Attend an Online Public School
You may already know that some public school districts offer online options for students who are interested in attending public school from home. More of these options are available now that the Covid-19 has changed the situation.
This education decision can be a valid option for families who are considering homeschooling. It is also a good alternative for all students who for other reasons don’t fit well in traditional schools. Definitely worth considering.
Moreover, online public schools sometimes offer free laptops to students who choose their school. Which is a nice additional motivation to sign for that specific program.
Thus, make sure to check with your local public school district and ask about the availability regarding the online public school option.
Note : Keep in mind that with both, online public schools and online colleges, you are sometimes obligated to return the computer/laptop after you’re finished with your schooling.
7. Alliance for Technology Refurbishing and Reuse
The AFTRR ( Alliance for Technology Refurbishing and Reuse ) works with local organizations in cities and states intending to provide free computers to those in need. So are you in need of a free laptop? How to get laptop for free with the AFTRR? Well, of course, you need to qualify.
Visit their official website. There you’ll find access to a locator map, which will direct you to organizations in your area that provide free computers to those in need. After you have located the organizations in your area, visit the official websites of those organizations or contact them via phone to obtain further instruction.
Also, keep in mind that not all organizations displayed by the AFTRR offer free laptops. Some may provide discounted computers only.
8. World Computer Exchange
The World Computer Exchange is another incredible organization. They are extremely well organized and have chapters all across the globe. Their mission is to provide as many computers as possible to those in need that are not able to afford this essential piece of technology. Since 2000, WCE has helped youth in developing countries to gain digital literacy in 3,578 classrooms.
By providing computers with educational content and training, WCE empowers schools to maximize technology use as they face the challenges of distance learning.
They focus on developing countries.
Be sure to check out their official website for all the details.
9. Your Local Library
This is a good alternative regarding how to get laptop for free. It is also the one that is often, too often overlooked. Of course, this option will not enable you to take the computer/laptop with you, though it will give you all the access you need for free.
There is a huge plus side to this; you will not use the computer for nonessential staff and will focus on being as productive and get all things done while at the library.
Most local libraries are equipped with several free computers for members to use as much as they wish. Make sure to check with your local library for details. If there are many people in need of these computers, there might be a schedule set in place.
Those free library computers normally also offer free Internet access. This means you can complete a variety of tasks with library computers and access all you need online.
Remember that you have to obtain a membership at most local libraries before they’ll let you use their computers and access the internet.
10. Friends & Family
We are not suggesting to go around asking your friends and family to buy you a laptop. However, if you do your best to groom positive relationships and grow your circle, those people will care for you deeply. They may not run to buy you a new laptop, however, when they decide to upgrade their current laptop, they may think of you and your need for a laptop and give it to you.
This is not just a theory, we have seen it happen over and over again. Just make sure not to nag around too much over how much you need a laptop. Moreover, do not be too proud to accept such a gift. Accept it with gratitude and use it to make the most of your situation. Aim to progress in life and to repay those with kindness in the now and with some other gifts in the future when you’ll be better off.
9 Legit Ways to Get a Highly Discounted Laptop
Now that we’ve covered all the most popular and valid ways to get a laptop for free, it is time to expand our report to highly discounted alternatives.
Since many of you may not be eligible for any of the free options presented above, we find it extremely important to present you with discounted laptop alternatives. Go through the list below and find the option that you believe will suit your situation, needs, and wants and go for it. If the offer is not currently available, move on, and explore other alternatives.
Note : Since organizations and businesses presented below constantly update their policies and offers, use the information presented mainly as informational and as an introduction. For details and the most up-to-date information, visit the organization’s or company’s official website.
1. EveryoneOn
EveryoneOn is another non-profit organization. Their focus on supporting social and economic development by helping communities access the internet. Since the internet can be used most successfully with computers, they help people find low-cost computers and low-cost or free internet.
To get started, visit their official website, enter your ZIP Code, and answer a few questions about your eligibility. Their application process is reasonably brief. According to their site, computers can be yours at approximately $150.
Since 2012 they’ve helped over 600 million people get connected to the Internet affordably. EveryoneOn is focused on helping improve the lives of as many people as possible.
2. eBay or Amazon
Both, eBay and Amazon are two of the largest online marketplaces in the world. They both enable practically all merchants to sell their goods on their platform. As such you can find countless laptop offers. These include used and refurbished laptops, which can be hugely discounted.
Using these two platforms, you are protected by their return policies, thus it is reasonably safe. However, still, make sure to perform your own research and have a closer look at the reviews and retailers’ overall score before you make a purchase.
3. PCs for People
PCs for People is focused on providing low-cost computers to those in need. The prices are really affordable and worth your consideration if you are not able to get a laptop for free.
Their eligibility requirements include the following (meeting one of these two could get you a discounted laptop):
- You are currently enrolled in an income-based government assistance program
- You are 200% below the current poverty level
PCs for People organization is also providing discounted computer repair services, which is pretty neat. Visit their official website to get more information about the services they offer and eligibility requirements.
4. The Jump OnIt Foundation
As can be figured out by their name, The Jump OnIt Foundation was initiated by the OnIt Foundation presented in the previous section. This one works as an alternative for those who do not qualify for the OnIt Foundation’s free laptop option.
The Jump OnIt Foundation takes its work seriously and promises noticeable discounts. We are talking about laptops for under $100, which is really amazing.
Here are The qualifications to get discounted computers from Jump OnIt:
- Your income needs to be less than $23,400 per year
- Your child needs to qualify for free or reduced school lunch
- Or, you need to receive SSI, DSHS, TANF or GA-U
If any of these qualifications are met, but you don’t qualify for their free computer from OnIt, then you have a good chance for their discounted laptops.
5. Dell Refurbished
You all probably know Dell, right? They are one of the leading laptop producing companies. Dell Refurbished is focused on selling refurbished laptops at noticeably discounted prices to the general public. This means there are no qualifications and no limitations. Of course, this also means that discounts won’t be as huge as with some non-profits and that there will be many people looking to take advantage of these offers.
To view the latest offers, just head over to their official website and start searching.
6. Notebooks for Students
Notebooks for Students is yet another non-profit organization. As their name suggests, they focus on offering discounted laptops to students.
As with all non-profits, there are certain eligibility conditions to be met. To be eligible, you need to be attending K-12 school, be homeschooled, or be attending college.
They offer discounts on all types of laptops including Dell, HP, Lenovo, and other reputable brands, all at discounted prices.
7. Connect All
Connect All is devoted to selling highly discounted computers to various non-profit organizations and also directly to individuals with low income.
To get detailed qualification criteria, please, check out their website. Keep in mind that you can get a great deal if you qualify. When we last checked their website, they were offering refurbished laptops for as low as $129, which is a very affordable offer.
Visit their official website for the latest deals.
8. Your Local Pawn Shop
Despite more and more shopping is done online, most of it is still conducted in person. That said, it makes sense to visit your local electronics stores to see if they offer some special deals. Moreover, you may want to stop at your local pawn shops, which can offer extremely discounted laptops.
Pawn shops resell laptops people have sold them and they are well aware that they better sell them fast as used laptop’s price drops every day. With that in mind, you may often get an extremely good deal.
One of the best things about buying at your local pawn shop is that there are no income or other qualifications to meet if you want to buy a laptop. All you need is some cash. This can be a great way to get a laptop at a highly discounted price.
Make sure to check their warranty policies and bring along someone who knows a thing or two about the computers who will help you determine whether or not the laptop is in solid condition. The last thing you want is for it to die on you in the first month.
9. Computer Technology Assistance Corps (CTAC)
The CTAC is yet another program dedicated to providing refurbished computers to individuals in need. This mainly includes low-income families, but they also help schools, libraries, and many non-profits get the technology needed.
The program is based on donations of computers and laptops, which the CTAC wipes and refurbishes to make them suitable for further use.
Families and individuals may qualify for a free computer if they’re currently receiving some type of government assistance, such as Medicaid or Medicare, food stamps, or cash assistance.
In case you do not qualify for free assistance, you may still qualify for a low-priced, highly discounted computer, which also depends on your income. The prices of those start as low as at $100 for laptops and $70 for computers.
Make sure to check their official website for more details and the latest deals.
See More : Laptop Payment Plans No Credit Check
FAQ – Frequently Ask Question’s
Is Dell giving away free laptops?
Yes and no. As an individual, you cannot get a free laptop directly from Dell. However, Dell is giving away free laptops (refurbished ones) to non-profit organizations regularly.
Do online schools provide laptops?
Yes, there are quite many online schools that offer free laptops. Some offer them permanently, with other laptops must be returned as the schooling is finished.
Keep in mind that some raise tuition prices to include the price of a laptop, thus make sure to do your research.
How do you get a laptop for college?
If you are a part of a low-income household or meet any of the other requirements, you may use any of the options presented in the “Ways to Get a Free Laptop” section above. Otherwise, have a look at the “10 Legit Ways to Get a Highly Discounted Laptop” section.
See More : Free Laptop For College Students From Government
What college gives you a free laptop?
There are many colleges that have this offer set in place. Especially if you consider online options. To get a full list of online colleges that offer free laptops visit The Open Education Database website.
Wrapping Up
If you got to this point you know a lot about how to get laptop for free or at a highly discounted price. You know that in order to get a free laptop you will need to meet a specific set of requirements and apply with one of the non-profit organizations or apply for the right school/college.
You also know that there are alternative discounted options that have less strict eligibility policies and some that are available to the general public.
Using the information herein should enable you to get either a free or highly discounted laptop. You’re welcome!
