If you’re in need of some free tech, Amazon might be able to lend a helping hand. As it turns out, it’s possible to get a free laptop from Amazon or other organizations with a few nifty savings hacks. And there are plenty of government and charity-based assistance programs out there that also provide people with free computers.
Let’s take a look at some methods you can get started with so you get connected without having to spend a fortune.
How To Get A Free Laptop From Amazon
Amazon offers several programs and opportunities that you can leverage to potentially obtain a free laptop. Alternatively, some of these strategies can help you get a laptop at a massive discount.
Join Amazon Prime Student
If you're a student with a valid .edu email address, you can sign up for Amazon Prime Student. This service offers a six-month free trial which sometimes includes special promotions such as discounts on laptops or even options to receive a laptop for free during promotional events.
Prime Student members also qualify for perks like free shipping. Overall, this program is an excellent way to save money if you’re in college or university and have some online purchases coming up.
Become An Amazon Vine Reviewer
Amazon Vine is an invitation-only program in which top reviewers receive free products, which can include laptops, in exchange for their honest reviews.
We’re not kidding; just check out this screenshot from a popular Acer laptop on Amazon in which a Vine reviewer received the laptop, completely for free!
Amazon Vine members get cool gadgets and tech all the time. The downside is that you have to be invited to join the program. The best way to increase your odds of an invite is to leave reviews regularly that are informative, unbiased, and help other Amazon customers.
Earn Free Amazon Gift Cards
While this isn’t a method to get a free laptop from Amazon directly, it can certainly help you out if times are a bit tough.
The idea is simple: you can use various survey sites that pay you with free Amazon gift cards in exchange for answering surveys. With enough effort, you can potentially cover all or some of your laptop purchase with these gift cards.
Two sites we suggest trying are Branded Surveys and Freecash. Each site lets you cash out with gift cards at only $5. And they’re free to sign up for and let you begin earning immediately.
Extra Reading – 15+ Easy Ways To Make More Money.
Look For Laptop Giveaways
Amazon, along with vendors on the platform, often runs giveaways and sweepstakes. This sometimes includes free laptop or tech giveaways. And while your odds of winning a completely free laptop are low, you can always get lucky.
Searching for giveaways on social media is one easy way to get started. You can also follow major laptop brands like Dell, Acer, Asus, Microsoft, and others on social media to see if they have deals or giveaways.
Get A Work From Home Job with Amazon
Amazon offers numerous work-from-home positions under programs like Amazon Virtual Customer Service. This is an excellent opportunity to begin making money online. Plus, Amazon employees and independent contractors might be eligible for company benefits, which could include technology stipends or equipment, such as laptops.
This option only applies if you’re on the job market. But it’s nice that Amazon is taking care of its remote workforce with some nifty perks.
Become An Amazon Affiliate
As an Amazon Affiliate, you can earn commissions by promoting Amazon products. This is a popular way bloggers, YouTubers, and influencers earn money. So, if you create content about tech or similar products, you can begin earning money as an Amazon influencer and use those funds to purchase a laptop.
Can You Get Free Laptops From The Government?
Amazon doesn’t usually give out free laptops directly. However, the U.S. government has several programs that can help you acquire a laptop at little to no cost.
Through various federal assistance programs, eligible individuals can obtain technology necessary for education or work. Here are some popular free laptop programs you can consider:
- Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP): The ACP program assists low-income families in obtaining internet service and provides a one-time discount of up to $100 to help purchase a device like a laptop. Note: this program is winding down and has stopped accepting applicants.
- Lifeline Assistance Program: This is a federal program that sometimes provides laptops in addition to phone service to low-income individuals.
- Build Back Better Program: An extension of this program includes funds for providing laptops and tablets to those in financial need.
To qualify for these programs, you must meet certain criteria, which is usually based on income level or participation in other federal assistance programs. Generally, your income must be less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Participation in other assistance programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or Federal Public Housing Assistance can also help you qualify for free laptop programs.
If you're eligible, you can submit your documentation and apply to each program above by following online instructions.
Organizations That Offer Free Laptops To People
The Government has several programs to help people get cheaper or free laptops. But there are also charitable organizations that offer assistance, including:
- PCs For People: If you meet its eligibility criteria, which includes being below a certain income threshold or having a disability, this non-profit might provide you with a refurbished laptop.
Dell Scholars Program: This offers qualifying college students a scholarship which includes a free laptop. - ConnectHome USA: Aimed at those living in HUD-assisted housing, this initiative strives to narrow the digital divide by offering affordable internet access, and sometimes computers or laptops, to its residents.
- World Computer Exchange: This organization connects those in developing countries with used computers and laptops.
- The On It Foundation: Focuses on supporting families with students in grades K-12 with free or reduced school lunches and free technology access and computers.
- EveryoneOn: This program partners with local communities to provide affordable internet service and low-cost computers to households that qualify.
Remember, eligibility requirements vary for each program. Some focus on geographic location, while others prioritize low-income families, students, or individuals with disabilities. You should contact each organization directly or visit their websites to find out how to apply and see if you qualify for a free laptop.
How To Avoid Free Laptop Scams
When searching for free laptops, especially from sites like Amazon, it's crucial to remain vigilant about potential scams. To protect yourself, consider the following tips:
- Verify Offers With Official Sources: Genuine giveaways will be affiliated with or confirmed by Amazon's official channels. Always check with Amazon's official website or customer service to validate offers.
- Be Wary Of Off-Platform Payments: Never agree to make payments outside of Amazon. Additionally, be cautious of giving your personal details to individual sellers and never use unsecure websites.
- Read The Fine Print: Giveaways often have specific terms and conditions. Read the fine print and ensure you know how to actually qualify for any free laptop giveaways.
- Beware Of Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers: If something sounds too good to be true, it often is. Use common sense and again, read company websites carefully.
- Protect Personal Information: Don’t provide sensitive information unless you’re applying directly through a Government owned or sponsored website.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, there are tons of ways to get free laptops and tech. Some of these methods include Amazon, while others take advantage of different Government assistance programs or charities.
Whatever route you choose, there are practical ways to save more money on tech products.
And remember: you can always access computers for free at your local public library. And going refurbished when buying tech can be another easy way to reduce costs.
