15 Real Ways to Get A Free Laptop
Laptops can be expensive, but the good news is that there are several ways to get a laptop for free.
Check out the options for getting a free laptop below to see if they will work for you.
How to Get a Free Laptop
To get a free laptop, you typically need to be a high school or college student, be in a low tax bracket, or meet other qualifications.
If you are considered low-income (definitions differ at each organization), you could get a free laptop.
The companies and/or foundations listed below supply free laptops to families under certain circumstances.
1. The OnIt Foundation
The OnIt Foundation (short for Opportunities Necessary to Increase Technology) is one organization that provides free laptops. To qualify, you must have a child in a K-12 school grade.
You must also have a low enough income that your child qualifies for a free or reduced school lunch at the public school he/she attends. Yes, your child must attend public school to qualify.
All qualifying children must live in the United States the program is only open in the U.S. at this time.
Application instructions are listed on the foundation’s website.
2. Computers for Kids
Computers for Kids is a non-profit organization that provides free laptops to kids in ID, WA, and OR. The computers they use are donated by businesses or individuals, refurbished, and given to underprivileged children.
The organization also provides low-cost computers to schools and other non-profit organizations.
The goal is to help them build computer labs to make research and education easier for children.
3. Attend an Online Public School
Some public school districts have online options for students who want to attend public school from home.
This education choice can be a good option for families who are considering homeschooling but aren’t confident in their teaching schools.
It can also be a good alternative for students who, for other reasons, don’t fit well in traditional schools. Online public schools sometimes offer free laptops to students who choose their school.
Check with your local public school district for availability of online public school options.
Note that with both online public schools and online colleges, you are sometimes required to return the computer when you’re finished with your schooling.
4. AFTRR
The Alliance for Technology Refurbishing and Reuse (AFTRR for short) works with local organizations in cities and states. The goal: to provide free computers to those in need.
If you go to their website (the link is above), you’ll find access to a locator map. The map will direct you to organizations in your area that provide free computers to those in need.
Note that some organizations that AFTRR links to may provide discounted computers only.
If you’re looking for more options for getting a free laptop computer, there are people you can ask. I would start with your local Department of Human Services.
They might have information on getting free or discounted computers.
5. Your Local Library
Although you can’t get a free laptop to keep at your home, you can have access to a computer via your library. Most local libraries have several free computers for members to use as they wish.
They generally have free Internet access as well, meaning you can complete a variety of tasks with library computers.
Note that you do have to obtain a membership at most local libraries before they’ll allow you Internet access.
This is mainly for security reasons so they know who is visiting which websites from library computers.
Check out USA.gov to find a library near you.
6. Salvation Army
Salvation Army has been helping the underprivileged since 1852. They serve their local communities in many ways.
They offer help in the form of just about every need you could think of, from homelessness to those struggling to find food.
Some local Salvation Army locations also partner with tech companies to get free computers to those in need.
Availability varies based on the individual Salvation Army location’s connections with the tech world.
Contact your local Salvation Army chapter to find out if they can help you get a free computer. Note that you’ll likely need to have some type of qualifying indicator, such as low income, to get a free laptop here.
7. PCs for People
PCs for People was founded in 1998 and exists to help people with low income get laptop computers.
This one-man operation start-up now boasts nine physical locations and an online presence in all 50 states.
In order to get a free laptop from PCs for People, you’ll need to have documentation that proves that you receive government assistance of some kind.
Or you may qualify if you have an income that is under 200% of the federal poverty level or 60% of the area median income.
Note that you’ll also need some form of official ID to qualify, whether that be a state ID or driver’s license, a passport, a work ID or a college ID.
8. Interconnection.org
Interconnection.org is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides free and discounted computers to underserved communities around the world.
In order to qualify, you need to have an income level that is below 200% of the federal poverty level or below 60% of your median area income level.
You may also qualify if you receive some type of government assistance, such as EBT or medical assistance.
Contact this organization directly to find out if you can get a free laptop or if you can get a discounted laptop.
9. Freecycle
Freecycle is a site that gives away things for free in your local area. With nearly 11 million members, there’s a chance you’ll be able to find a free laptop here at some point.
Check the site regularly so you don’t miss out on valuable freebies. Also, check Craigslist and sites like it and browse the “free” sections there as well.
The key to finding free laptops on sites like this is to check often. Another idea? Post an “ask” on your local Facebook buy nothing page.
Free Laptops For Those With Disabilities
The organizations mentioned in this section provide free laptops for those with disabilities. Note that there are often criteria that need to be met in order to qualify.
In addition, some of these organizations provide laptops for other qualifying groups of people as well.
10. CRC (Computer Recycling Center)
CRC is a not-for-profit organization that has been refurbishing computers and giving them to those in need since 1991.
One of the groups CRC helps is disabled people. You may also qualify for a free computer through CRC if you are a veteran, a home-bound elderly person or on government assistance.
Note that in order to get a laptop from CRC you need to contact a governing agency that helps you.
For instance, if you are disabled, your contact at the Social Security Disability office may be willing to contact CRC on your behalf.
If you’re a veteran, your contact at the VA may be able to contact CRC for you.
Free Laptops For Veterans
If you are a Veteran, make sure to check out these options.
11. Beaumont Foundation
The Beaumont Foundation of America exists to help the underprivileged. This organization helps people in a number of ways.
One of the ways they help people is by giving computers to children of fallen heroes and those with other life hurdles that make buying a computer difficult.
Along with giving away free laptops, this organization assists food banks, the homeless and more.
12. With Causes
With Causes is a charitable organization that accepts donated laptops and other computers to give to those in need.
You may be eligible for a free laptop if you:
- Live in a low-income family
- Live in a women’s shelter for battered women
- Are a military member or veteran of the military
To find out if you qualify for a free laptop from With Causes, simply fill out their online form. You’ll be asked what your specific needs and situation are.
As with other charitable organizations, receiving a laptop from With Causes may affect your government assistance benefits.
Be sure to check with the proper local authorities before receiving a free laptop.
13. Computers with Causes
Computers with Causes collects donated computers to give to kids and others. According to their websites, they give computers to underprivileged kids, returning military members, and households in need.
They also give computers to foster homes and educational programs. To get a free laptop, you need to fill out an application and explain your need.
The goal of the organization is to ensure people with the highest need get computers first. Therefore, be prepared to answer questions regarding your application.
Also, the site mentions that receiving a free laptop from the organization may affect any government benefits you receive. As such, you may want to check with your benefits department before applying for a free computer.
Computers with Causes operates in all 50 U.S. states.
Free Laptops For College Students
College students can take advantage of these amazing opportunities.
14. Attend an Online College
Some online colleges will give you a free laptop computer or iPad if you attend their college. It’s important to check tuition costs in order to be sure the price of tuition is worth the free computer.
Some colleges will raise tuition costs to cover the price of the laptop, so be sure to shop around. The Open Education Database has a list of online colleges that offer free laptops.
This will make it easier for you to find a free laptop to use when attending an online school.
15. Local Colleges and Universities
Many local colleges, universities, and tech colleges will provide free laptops to students attending those schools.
These free laptops aren’t laptops you can keep forever. However, your local school may offer you a free laptop to use while you are attending online or in-person school.
You’ve got a better chance at finding a school that will give you a free laptop to use if your choice of study involves needing a computer, such as a Graphic Design degree.
Talk with schools in your area to see if they offer free laptop computers for students to use.
If you find a school that does, be sure to read the fine print of the computer usage contract for specific rules and regulations.
Summary
Though not just anyone can get a free computer, there are organizations and government programs out there to help those in need.
There are also local program resources to get a low-priced laptop even if you’re just a regular person looking for a deal.
I need one laptop for work. Please help me. I have a money problem.
Try out some of the ideas in this post to help you get a new laptop!
I’m 48 years old and getting ready to start college online for my bachelor’s degree in psychology. I begin in less than a week and just now found out I won’t receive any laptop with my course or my financial aid until 3 weeks into the course. You say you help students. Help.
Try some of the ideas in this post to help you get either a free laptop or one that is less expensive. You could also try asking a friend for help for a few weeks by letting you borrow theirs until you get yours. Sometimes employers will even help, depending on the business and their rules. I hope you are able to get what you need.
I want a free MacBook Pro for students and need a person to give me one free.
Well, you might, or might not, be able to get exactly what you want when it’s free. After all, beggar can’t always be choosers, so the saying goes. However, if you try some of the ideas in this post, you might get a laptop of some kind without having to pay for it. Good luck!
I want a free laptop.
Then this site is here to help you out! Good luck! 🙂
I am Khadija Batool. I belong to a lower middle class family and also live on rent. I am well educated, but I am jobless. I have some hurdles in my life because I want a laptop in my own home and for my job also.
This post should help you then! I hope you are able to get one and get a job. Good luck!
I desparately need a free laptop. I’m currently unemployed, and it’s difficult to apply for jobs online using a smartphone. I live in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and I will pay the courier cost on this side.
Try the sources in this post for starters. You might also check to see if there are any assistance programs in your area. You can also search the internet. I hope you can find something. But keep in mind, if you don’t, you might instead look for ways to make money so you can buy one for yourself. I wish you good luck.
I am a 44 year-old disabled woman. I’ve just about had it with sitting around the house. But, on a fixed income, that was all I could do. So, I decided to put that time to good use. I am going back to school. But when I was talking to the lady about enrolling, she said I could use my phone, but that I will need a laptop to get my assignments. Do you think I would have a chance, or just don’t waste my time? I’m bored.
You could always give it a try. You never know, you just might end up with a computer you can use to go back to school. Good luck!
I am going to be starting school in a few weeks and I haven’t been able to get a hold of a laptop. Mine quit working. I really don’t know what to do. I’m not working can’t afford a new one or even a used one. Is there a way to get one donated?
This post should help you get started to see if you can get one for free. You might also check with the school you’ll be attending to see if they have any that can be checked out or loaned. They might also know of other sources where you can get a laptop to use for school. I hope it goes well for you!
l need to pursue my online masters degree, but I’m lacking a laptop to facilitate it. My income is too low to afford the purchase of either a new or old one. Help me to find a suitable solution so I can get a free laptop. Thanks.
Use the post. That should be a good place to start! Good luck!
You should include websites that cater to people outside the US.
You can always check to see if there are programs for free or reduced price laptops where you live. Of course, it’s possible that assistance is not available for that in your country, but you could do an internet search to see what you can find. If that doesn’t work, perhaps try a side job to get the money to buy one. We do have lots of posts about side hustles and work from home jobs that might help.
I need a laptop. I am a student.
Use this post to see if you can get one. I wish you luck!
I have 10,000 Pakistani rupess to get a laptop, but can’t find one at this price. Can you help me?
You could try some of the ideas in this post to help. Another idea is to start a side hustle to earn more money and buy the one you want. We have lots of posts that can help you earn more money. I hope you are able to get one. 🙂
I’m in search of a laptop, which I can’t afford, to apply for jobs at home.
I hope you are able to find one. Use this post to help you start your search.
I need to use a laptop for my studies. My major is computer science. I still cannot afford money to buy it. I didn’t pay my study fees. I hope you will help me.
Try using the links in this post to see if you can get a laptop for school. As far as paying your study fees, you could try getting a part time job or starting a side hustle. We have some posts about ways you can work from home or online as well as side hustles you an do. Check them out and good luck to you!
I am a very poor boy. I want a new laptop for studying. I do not have any money to buy a laptop. Please help me.
Try out some of the ideas and links in this post to help you get one. I hope you are able to get one to help you gain your education.
I need a laptop. I am a student.
Students these days certainly do have the need for a laptop computer. You can try some of the links in this post to help you in your search for one. I hope you can get one to aid you in your education.
Sir, I want a laptop free. I’m 31 years old. Please give me one laptop.
Well, that’s really not how it works. Our site is not giving out free laptops. We have written this post so that you know about some of the ways you can get a free laptop. Try using the links in the post to see if you can get one. Good luck!
I am Usman Raza from Rawalpindi. I am a bachelor student. I live in a private hostel. I face many financial problems there. I need a computer or laptop so that I can do any online jobs and continue my studies without any financial problems.
This post might help you to get that done. I wish you luck!
Hi there, My wife is going back to an online college and her laptop that she had is one she’s borrowing from a friend who needs it back. I am trying to find her a new one or one that’s compatible and up to date for her schooling. She does online schooling. Our funds are very limited. We are on a government assistance program. I’m looking for her so she can finish going, but the computer that she’s borrowing – they need it back. Either way, I am trying to find a way to get her a computer so she can finish her business degree on a laptop. I would greatly appreciate it if somebody could point me in the right direction or try to help me out with this situation. Thanks in advance. I’ll be waiting for responses. Have a good day. Nicholas Yelm.
Nicholas, check out the links in this post to see if you can qualify to get her a laptop. You might also check with schools, hospitals, or other large businesses that sometimes turn over their computers. They sometimes hold auctions and you might be able to get one for a reduced fee that you can afford. I hope these ideas help.
Hi,
My name is Ayman from Tunisia. I study at a secondary institute. I need a computer. I can not complete my studies because I am studying history. Please help me. Thank you.
You might be able to get one by following the links in this post. Check it out and good luck!
I need one laptop for my 11 year old son. He’s an honor student and gets straight A’s and B’s.
Check out the links in this post to get him one. I wish you luck.
I am running a project for young girls and women in Uganda, but I lack the funds to buy a laptop. I hope you could give me one so that my work moves smoothly.
To get a laptop, try using the links in this post. If that doesn’t work, look for similar programs in your country or try starting a second job to earn money for one using our side hustle posts. Good luck!
I am a Syrian refugee. I am an agricultural engineer now set up in Germany. Social assistance is inadequate. I needed a laptop to complete a master’s degree. Please pay attention to the request. I wish you great thanks and appreciation.
To get a laptop, check out the links in this post. You might also start a fund me campaign or try starting a second job or side hustle to get the money for one. We have lots of posts that can help you earn extra money or side hustle.
I am in a government assistant program. I am below poverty and I am in need of help to get a laptop.
Then this post is for you! I wish you luck in getting your laptop!
I am in desperate need of a laptop and or PC computer as mine has recently been packed up and I start my studies on the 27th of May, 2019. As I am on a disability pension, my house and bills for food, etc. all come first which leads to me being financially poor to be able to buy a new one. Now I’m really desperate as my study dates are getting closer.
Try using the links in this post to get one. Or, you could try some of the other posts on our sites to help you make extra money so you can buy one for yourself. 🙂
Hi. I’m a single father of 3 beautiful daughters. I’m going back to school and need a computer. Can someone please help me.
Check out the links in the post to see if you can get one. I wish you luck!
I need assistance in terms of a laptop. I am a university student and I am struggling to get a laptop for school use.
Check out the links in this post to see if you can get one. The other idea is to use some of our other posts to make extra money to earn one. Good luck!
Deacon,
My goodness, you have the patience of a saint with all of the great “how to” information you provide to help people help themselves. Then, the comments are all from people expecting you to just do it for them and send them a free laptop. Most people would have blown a gasket by now. 🙂
Bless your kindness.
Thanks for your kind words.
I need a laptop now, only because I can’t complete my studies without it.
Check out the links in this post to see if you can qualify for one. Good luck!
I need a laptop, sir. Please, I am in a poor family. Please help me, sir.
Check out the links in this post to see if you can qualify for a laptop. 🙂
Please, I’m a student from the University of Education in Winneba. Please, I need one of your laptops, sir, for my research work.
I am not personally offering laptops to people. I am providing you with information in this post about how you can get one. Please check out the links in this post to see if you qualify for one.
Deacon, you seem like a saint – replying to every comment and trying to help people out the best you can. I wish there were more people like you out there doing small acts of kindness like this. Good luck and I wish you well!
Thank you, Jess. I do like to help people as much as possible. 🙂
The company I work for is in need of working used laptops and or desktop computers for free or at a discounted rate. We are a non-profit organization. Can you help?
If you try the links in this post you might be able to get computers for less money or free. You might also try some of the sites on the internet that offer free or discounted computers to non-profit organizations. Of course, they may be refurbished or used rather than new. But for free, it could we worth checking into. I wish you luck!
Can you please give me a laptop for free to study? I have no money to buy one.
If you follow the links in the post you can try to get a free laptop.
I am a student. I need a laptop for online work. Thank you.
Try using the links in this post to get one. Good luck!
I became certified to become a loan signing agent. I purchased a laser printer with the hopes of starting a new business to become self sufficient and my laptop drive does’t support my new laser printer. Please help. After paying for the expense of two certifications and a new laser printer and business cards, etc., I can’t afford a new laptop.
Have you tried contacting the place where you got the laptop or the store where you purchased the printer? You may also have to go to the manufacturer (Dell, Apple, etc.) to get help with this issue. I hope you are able to resolve it.
I want a computer. Thanks.
Try using the links and information in the post to get one. Good luck!
Please help. I am a student and like learning IT programming. But, I don’t have money to buy a laptop and I need help. Please help me.
Try using the links and ideas in the post so you can get one.
I am very poor. Can someone please send me a free laptop?
That would be nice, but it doesn’t work that way. However, if you follow the links or suggestions in the post you might be able to get one. 🙂
I am a student of sound engineering. I need a laptop for my projects. I don’t have enough money to buy a laptop. So. please, can you help out for this?
Try using the links in this post to get a laptop. I wish you luck!
I want a laptop for my studies.
Try out the links in this post to see if you can get one. Good luck!
Yes we tried to install a new driver but my laptop is so old it wouldn’t work.
I am a Certified Nurse Assistant, a military veteran, and a father of a 11 year-old in real need of a laptop. I cant afford to purchase one. How can you help me?
Use the links and information in this post to help you get one.
I have a course soon to start but I don’t have a laptop. I don’t have money to buy a laptop. I need your help to give me a laptop.
I do not give out free laptops. However, if you follow the links and information in the post you might be able to get one. I wish you luck.
I want a free laptop.
Use the links and information in this post to help you get one. 🙂
I had an accident two years ago and broken my right leg. I can no longer walk normally nor do things I used to do. I am married with kids, so it affects me in my place of work. They terminate my appointments. That’s why I need a laptop for my online freelance work. I will be grateful if you can give me a helping hand. Thanks and best regards.
Innocent A
If you need a laptop, use the links in this post to help you get one. Good luck!
Hi. I am from India. I am a college student. Can I get a laptop for free or at a discount in India?
You would have to follow the links in this post to find out. Good luck!
I have no income at the moment. I’m looking for a job. I have 3 kids in school and could really use the help with a laptop. It would definitely help my family.
That sounds like a rough situation. Follow the links and use the other information in this post to see if you can get one. I wish you luck!
I need a laptop for my reporting in school. I used it even now. I don’t have a laptop. I don’t have one at all, but if you have a kind heart, please give me one for educational purposes.
To see if you can get a free laptop, check out the links and information in this post. 🙂
Please give me a laptop because I need it for my school. Please, I hope you understand.
Try using the information and links in this post to see if you can get a free laptop. Good luck!
I want a free laptop to study higher education online.
Try using the links and information in this post to get one. Good luck!
My name is Jeremiah. I am 14 years of age. I need a laptop to make my future great as a computer programmer.
This article has information on ways you can get laptops for free. Be sure to check it out! Good luck!
I want a laptop to help develop my studies.
Check out the links in the article to see how you could get a free laptop!
I am a widow of low income. I need a laptop for my child who has been accepted at university.
Check out some of the ways to get a free one in this article!
My name is Phill and I need a computer and a car for school. My mother lives o social security and I need 2 more semesters to finish. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thankfully yours.
If you need a new computer, check out some of the ways in this article that you could possibly get a free one!
Right now I’m jobless I’m looking for a job accounting field so I’m not able to practice for that. And I’m not able to buy a laptop. So it would help to get one from you. I really need this. I’m married and 30 years old.
Hey, check out some of the ways you could get a laptop for free in this article if you can qualify for one. Best of luck finding a new job!