39 Ways To Get a Free Laptop (No Strings Attached) 2026

The average laptop costs between $500 and $1,200. That puts it out of reach for millions of Americans, especially students, veterans, and low-income families.

But there are dozens of legitimate ways to get a free or heavily discounted laptop. We found 39 of them, organized below by who you are and what you qualify for.

Quick Reference

Category	# of Options	Best For
Low-Income Families	13	Families below 200% poverty level
College Students	9	Enrolled or incoming students
Disabled Individuals	10	Those with physical or mental disabilities
Veterans	6	Active military, veterans, and families
Discounted Laptops	12	Anyone looking for a deal

Free Laptops For Low-Income Families

Laptops are essential for finding jobs, managing finances, and helping kids with school. These organizations provide free computers to families who need them most.

1. The On It Foundation

The On It Foundation provides free laptops to low-income families with elementary-aged kids.

What you get: Free laptop, computer training, and internet access
How to qualify: Your child must qualify for free or reduced lunch at school
Also available: $99 laptops with warranty for those who don’t qualify

2. Computers With Causes

Computers With Causes is a nonprofit that provides laptops to veterans, foster families, and those in need.

What you get: Free refurbished laptop
How to qualify: Fill out a questionnaire, background check, and reference call
Best for: People who have “nowhere else to turn”

3. Alliance for Technology Refurbishing and Reuse (AFTRR)

AFTRR is a network of nonprofits that provide free or discounted refurbished laptops based on need.

What you get: Free or discounted refurbished laptop
How to qualify: Varies by location and local nonprofit
Locations: Multiple across the US

4. Benefits.gov

Benefits.gov connects low-income families to government assistance programs, including technology access.

What you get: Free or discounted laptop, plus access to job training, Medicaid, nutrition assistance, and more
How to qualify: Varies by program
Best for: Families who need help across multiple areas

5. EveryoneOn

EveryoneOn helps over 1 million people find low-cost computers and internet access.

What you get: Computers starting around $150, plus internet access
How to qualify: Enter your zip code and answer a few questions
Bonus: Shorter application than most other programs

6. Craigslist

Craigslist is not an obvious choice, but people regularly list laptops for cheap or even free in the “free stuff” section.

What you get: Used laptops ranging from free to $500
How to qualify: No requirements
Tip: Search “free laptop” in your area and check daily. Meet in a public place for exchanges.

7. Freecycle

Freecycle is a global network where people give away items they no longer need, including laptops.

What you get: Free used laptops (brands vary, could be Dell, Microsoft, or Apple)
How to qualify: No requirements. Browse groups or post a request.
Tip: Do both - browse existing offers and create your own “wanted” post

8. PCs for People

PCs for People has been giving out free laptops since 1998.

What you get: Free refurbished laptop
How to qualify: Must be at or below 200% poverty level, have a family member with a disability, or work with a social worker
Note: Requires questionnaire to verify need

9. Interconnection

Interconnection is based in Seattle but provides services nationally through their online store.

What you get: Low-priced laptops from brands like Lenovo, Dell, and Apple
How to qualify: No requirements - just shop their online store
Pricing: Well below market value, sometimes free depending on need

10. Komputers 4 Kids

Komputers 4 Kids provides free laptops and education to kids and low-income families.

What you get: Free laptop plus educational support
How to qualify: Based on need
Location: Currently serving Los Angeles and Orange County only
Also provides: Free phones, mobile devices, and nutrition programs for women and children

11. Microsoft Registered Refurbishers

Microsoft Registered Refurbishers helps low-income individuals, charities, and organizations get free or discounted Windows computers.

What you get: Free or discounted refurbished Microsoft/Windows laptop
How to qualify: Questionnaire required to verify need
Quality: Refurbished to like-new condition

12. With Causes

With Causes is a nonprofit helping people facing low income, disability, or emergency hardship.

What you get: Free or heavily discounted laptop
How to qualify: Send them a message describing your situation
Also helps with: Cars, housing for abused women and children

13. The National Cristina Foundation

The National Cristina Foundation provides free laptops to individuals in need through technology donations.

What you get: Free donated laptop
How to qualify: Apply through their website

Looking for other ways to stretch your budget? Check out our guide to the best money-saving apps that put cash back in your pocket.

Free Laptops For College Students

If you are paying tuition anyway, you might as well get a free laptop out of it. These schools include a laptop as part of enrollment.

On average, 95% of undergraduate students own a laptop. If you are part of the 5% that doesn’t, pay close attention to this list.

14. Wake Forest University

Wake Forest University offers a technology grant to students who need financial help.

What you get: Free laptop through technology grant
How to qualify: Must be enrolled and receiving need-based aid, merit scholarship, or athletic scholarship
Also available: Heavy discount for students who don’t qualify for the grant
Known for: Medical, business, and biotech programs

15. Full Sail University

Full Sail University goes beyond a free laptop. They provide equipment specific to your program.

What you get: Free laptop plus program-specific equipment (cameras, lighting, microphones, software for film students, etc.)
How to qualify: Must be enrolled in their program
Best for: Students in creative and tech fields

16. Rochester University

Rochester University in Michigan offers free laptops to all students, including freshmen and transfers.

What you get: Free MacBook or iPad
How to qualify: Be enrolled and stay for at least 6 semesters
Bonus: You keep the laptop after completing 6 semesters

17. Chatham University

Chatham University in Pittsburgh gifts every freshman a MacBook Air.

What you get: Free MacBook Air with warranty, theft protection, damage protection, and a free backpack
How to qualify: Be an incoming freshman

18. Local Salvation Army

Your local Salvation Army thrift shop may have free or deeply discounted laptops.

What you get: Used laptops at thrift store prices (sometimes free)
How to qualify: No requirements - just walk in or call and ask
Tip: Check multiple locations and visit regularly since inventory changes

19. St. Vincent de Paul

St. Vincent de Paul is a nonprofit that helps with furniture, food, and technology.

What you get: Free or discounted laptop
How to qualify: Visit their website and go to the assistance page
Locations: All over the country

20. Southern Nazarene University

Southern Nazarene University in Oklahoma offers every student a free Dell laptop.

What you get: Free Dell laptop (or upgrade to a Mac starting at $700)
How to qualify: Be enrolled
Note: The free Dell is described as high-performing

21. University of Minnesota-Crookston

University of Minnesota-Crookston provides free laptops to all incoming freshmen and online students.

What you get: Free laptop
How to qualify: Be an incoming freshman, or an online student taking at least half your credits at the university

22. Bethel University

Bethel University in Tennessee gives every student a free Chromebook.

What you get: Free Chromebook
How to qualify: Be enrolled (on-campus or online)

Free Laptops For Disabled Individuals

These organizations provide computers specifically to people with disabilities.

23. GiveTech

GiveTech provides free computers to people with acute physical or mental disabilities.

What you get: Free laptop
How to qualify: Fill out questionnaire and provide proof of disability
Note: Nonprofit dedicated specifically to disabled individuals

24. Jim Mullen Foundation

Founded by a Chicago police officer who was shot and paralyzed in 1996, the Jim Mullen Foundation provides free laptops to people with disabilities.

What you get: Free laptop
How to qualify: Must have a documented disability
Background: Jim Mullen received his first computer from GiveTech and started this foundation to pay it forward

25. Disability.gov

Disability.gov is a government program helping people with disabilities access education, employment, health services, and technology.

What you get: Free or heavily discounted laptop, plus help with employment, education, and benefits
How to qualify: Questionnaire and proof of disability required

26. The Beaumont Foundation of America

The Beaumont Foundation provides free technology to people with disabilities, foster care children, and those needing medical care.

What you get: Free laptop or computer
How to qualify: Questionnaire and proof of disability
Also helps with: Medical care, foster care, and education

27. Local Library System

Many libraries offer grants or free technology to people with disabilities or low income.

What you get: Free or discounted laptop (varies by library)
How to qualify: Contact your local library and ask about technology programs
Tip: Check with multiple libraries if you get turned down the first time

28. Charities

Many charities help people with specific disabilities access technology. Visit charities.org to search for organizations that match your situation.

What you get: Free laptop (varies by charity)
How to qualify: Depends on the charity and your disability

29. Computers4Kids

Computers4Kids helps people with disabilities, low-income families, and children.

What you get: Free laptop
How to qualify: Submit a written request or apply online
Locations: Multiple locations throughout the US, focused at the local level

30. Computer Recycling Center (CRC)

Computer Recycling Center in California provides refurbished laptops to people in need, including those with disabilities.

What you get: Free refurbished laptop
How to qualify: Connect through local agencies
Service area: Based in California, serves nationwide

31. Computer Accommodations Program (CAP)

CAP focuses on providing technology to people with disabilities and helping with employment.

What you get: Free laptop plus IT support
How to qualify: Detailed questionnaire and proof of need
Also offers: Employment assistance and IT professional partnerships

32. Recycled Computers from Businesses

Many companies have old, unused tech equipment they are willing to give away.

What you get: Used laptop (quality varies, sometimes nearly new)
How to qualify: No requirements - just ask
Tip: Call or email local businesses, especially those upgrading their tech. It takes effort but can pay off big.

Free Laptops For Veterans

Several nonprofits focus specifically on getting free laptops to veterans and military families.

33. Tech For Troops

Tech For Troops accepts donations of working and nonworking laptops, refurbishes them, and distributes them to veterans.

What you get: Free refurbished laptop
How to qualify: Must be a veteran with proof of service
How to apply: Contact your American Legion, VFW, Veterans Hospital, or any Veterans Service Organization
Location: Based in Virginia, serves nationwide

34. Combat Veterans To Careers

Combat Veterans To Careers accepts laptop donations, refurbishes them, and provides them to veterans.

What you get: Free refurbished laptop
How to qualify: Fill out questionnaire on their website with proof of service

35. ComputerBanc

ComputerBanc in Illinois provides free laptops to veterans nationwide.

What you get: Free refurbished laptop (practically new condition)
How to qualify: Must be a veteran with a DD214 card

36. Lenovo Military Discount

Lenovo offers a 10% discount on all computers for active military, veterans, and family members.

What you get: 10% off any Lenovo product
How to qualify: Visit their website and verify military status
Note: Applies to all products, not just laptops

37. Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is a great place to find free or heavily discounted laptops from people in your area.

What you get: Used laptops at negotiable prices (sometimes free)
How to qualify: No requirements
Tip: Search “free laptop” or “laptop” and filter by price. All prices are negotiable.

38. Facebook Buy Nothing Groups

Search for “Buy Nothing” groups in your area on Facebook. These are community groups where people give away items for free.

What you get: Free used laptop
How to qualify: Join your local Buy Nothing group and post a request
Tip: Be specific about what you need and why. People love helping when they know the story.

Best Places to Get a Discounted Laptop

Not everyone qualifies for a free laptop. But these retailers offer the best deals, discounts, and refurbished options.

Amazon

Amazon has one of the largest selections of laptops at every price point. Their refurbished and renewed sections offer like-new laptops at a fraction of the price.

Best deals: Check the Amazon Renewed section for certified refurbished laptops
Shipping: Free 2-day shipping with Prime
Tip: Set price alerts on CamelCamelCamel to get notified when laptop prices drop

Walmart

Walmart has surprisingly good laptop deals, especially on refurbished models and during holiday sales.

Best deals: Check their clearance and refurbished sections
Tip: Wait for holiday sales (Black Friday, back-to-school) for the deepest discounts
Available: In-store and online with free shipping

Best Buy

Best Buy carries every major brand and offers military discounts plus student deals.

Best deals: Open-box and clearance sections
Discounts: Military discount for active, veterans, and family. Student discounts also available.
Brands: Apple, Microsoft, HP, Dell, Lenovo, and more

eBay

eBay offers both auctions and “Buy Now” options for new and used laptops.

Best deals: Use the “Buy Now” filter and sort by price + free shipping
Tip: The bidding option can land you incredible deals if you are patient

Newegg

Newegg specializes in tech and offers significant discounts, especially on refurbished models.

Best deals: Check “Shell Shocker” daily deals and their refurbished/open-box sections
Options: Refurbished, new, open box, and more

Overstock

Overstock sources the best deals on laptops from multiple brands including Apple, HP, Microsoft, Lenovo, and Dell.

Best deals: Check their clearance section for hidden gems
Brands: All major brands available

Microsoft

Microsoft offers a 10% military discount on all laptops and products.

Best deals: Check the refurbished section for like-new Surface laptops with warranty
Discounts: 10% off for military, veterans, and family members
Available: Online and in-store

Apple Refurbished

Apple has an official refurbished section with certified pre-owned MacBooks at significant discounts.

Best deals: Refurbished MacBooks come with full warranty and look/perform like new
Savings: Typically 15-30% off retail price
Tip: Inventory changes daily, so check back often

TechBargains

TechBargains features a deal rating system so you know how good each deal really is.

Best deals: Use their deal ratings to find the best value
Brands: Every major laptop brand

TigerDirect

TigerDirect offers a wide variety of laptops starting around $158, plus daily deals.

Best deals: Check the “Deal of the Day” for the biggest savings

PCMag Deals

PCMag curates the best laptop deals and features a “Deal of the Day.” They also publish buying guides to help you choose the right laptop for your needs.

Discount Computer Depot

Discount Computer Depot specializes in refurbished laptops from Apple, Dell, HP, and Microsoft at well below retail prices.

Best deals: Refurbished laptops that look and work like new
Tip: Use their filters to narrow down by brand, price, and specs

Tips for Getting a Used or Refurbished Laptop

If you end up with a used or refurbished laptop, here are a few things to do first:

Update the operating system to the latest version for security patches
Install antivirus software and consider a VPN for extra protection when browsing
Check the battery health - a laptop with a dead battery is basically a desktop
Factory reset it before using to clear any previous data
Test all ports and features (USB, headphone jack, webcam, speakers, WiFi)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really get a laptop for free?

Yes. Nonprofits like PCs for People, Computers With Causes, and Tech For Troops give away thousands of refurbished laptops every year. The key is qualifying through their application process.

What kind of laptops do these programs give away?

Most programs provide refurbished laptops from brands like Dell, HP, Lenovo, and occasionally Apple. They are repaired to work like new.

Don’t expect the latest model, but expect something reliable that gets the job done.

How long does it take to get a free laptop?

It varies. Some programs take a few weeks, others a few months depending on demand and inventory. Apply to multiple programs to increase your chances.

Are refurbished laptops good enough?

Absolutely. Refurbished laptops are broken or returned devices that have been repaired and tested.

Many come with warranties. For everyday tasks like email, web browsing, and schoolwork, a refurbished laptop works perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Free laptops are available for low-income families, students, veterans, and people with disabilities through the programs listed above.

If you don’t qualify for a free laptop, the discounted options above can save you hundreds. Check refurbished sections on Amazon, Best Buy, and manufacturer websites for the best deals.

Many of these programs have more laptops than applicants, so apply to several at once.

39 Legit Ways To Get a Free Laptop (No Strings Attached)