Whether you need software for fun or for productivity, you can save yourself some money when you take advantage of software deals. We've searched out some of the best offers for you and put them in one easy-to-navigate place. Take a look at what we found and see how you can save.

Who Has the Best Software Deals?

If you need more than one type of software or just want to see what's available, try an online software store. Two of the best are Google Play and the Microsoft Store. Both of these are marketplaces that offer a variety of software, from games to utilities. Start with the front page of Google Play, where you'll find a listing of current free and discounted apps for your Android phone. Also, be on the lookout for banners as occasionally one will have a software promo for items at a reduced price. The Microsoft Store tends to focus on hardware, but if that's what you're in the market for, you can score software offers by bundling software with your hardware purchase. For example, a recent deal included a free year of Office 365 with a Surface laptop, a savings of up to $99.99. Microsoft also offers 10% discounts to students and military personnel.

When your focus is productivity, visit publishers such as Avanquest Software or Adobe. Avanquest provides a link to its sale section right on the front page. You'll see bundles and individual items at 15% or more off. You'll have to scroll to the bottom of the homepage to get the link for Adobe's software promo and discounts page. Once there, you'll see discounts of 30 to 35% off and 60% off for students and teachers. The sale items change periodically, so be sure to check back often for new offers.

When to Shop for Software Deals

You'll find great software coupons and bargains on Black Friday, Prime Day and during post-Christmas sales, when you might bag software at as much as 80% off. Gamers might see discounts on console games seven to eight months after a game is released. The easiest way to stay in the know about when offers might spring up is to sign up for your favorite software retailer's mailing list to be notified of promotions and sales.

About Slickdeals

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