CNET survey: Fear of rising tariff prices prompts Americans to buy technology faster

President Donald Trump has imposed several new tariffs this year and is expected to go live on Wednesday. Most American adults are not waiting to feel the full impact of tariff-related price increases. Instead, they are buying a new survey by CNET, where they buy large items like Tech Now.
The government has imposed a 20% tariff on Chinese imports over the past two months, a move that has risen on prices for imported technologies such as laptops, TVs and gaming systems. When tariffs are imposed, the import chamber pays the tax. This higher cost is usually compensated by increasing the price of the product.

“If smartphones impose a 10% tariff, that means companies based in the U.S. have to pay 10% to get products from overseas,” said Patti Brennan, a certified financial planner. “The 10% outside that amount has to come from somewhere, and I suspect most companies will pass it on to consumers – that's what they did in the past.”

As prices are ready to rise, some shoppers have been worried and made purchases to increase the potential price increase. CNET's survey found that more than 33% of U.S. adults are stressed by expecting tariff-related price increases. Almost one in five American adults (17%) buy in advance with potential costs that may be incurred.

Here is the latest tariff news how it affects American adult buying habits and recommends getting the best technology deals during this period.

The pressure of younger generations to buy immediately

The younger generation feels more stressed compared to Gen X and baby boomers: 48% of Zers and 45% of millennials say they feel pressured to make purchases to avoid tariff-related price increases.

However, over 60% of Gen X and Boomers don't feel the pressure to buy. Usha Haley, a professor at Wichita State University’s Patton School of Business, said younger generations may be more susceptible to peer pressure or fear of disappearance than older generations.

Most American adults are adjusting their budgets to prepare for possible price increases

Most American adults are making (or planning to make) Change budget Prepare for price changes related to tariffs. Consumers also cut unnecessary expenses, such as dining out and traveling (40%) and save more (19%) from each salary.

The threat of rising tariff prices is forcing shoppers to buy large technology

Most shoppers who are worried about the tariffs that promote the cost of technical products planned to be purchased before the tariffs, or purchased electronics late last year or early this year. Smartphones and laptops are at the top of this list.

According to the figures, 48% of adults in the U.S. plan to buy or have purchased a smartphone, while 42% of laptops do the same. Other top technology products that shoppers worry about include household appliances, TVs and smart home devices.

Some American adults are currently postponing large purchases

It’s no surprise that some American adults delayed their purchases by more than $500 (27%). One-fifth (18%) of planned large purchases will take advantage of large sales throughout the year, which may save money if the tariffs raise prices. Additionally, the survey found that late last year and earlier this year, 11% of adults in the U.S. had already made purchases before tariffs to avoid higher prices.

If you are worried about price increases and have saved money, it is best to buy the item you plan now.

“If you think it will be more expensive in the future, it makes sense to keep buying it. But, like the pandemic, like we have supply and demand restrictions now, if everyone buys it now, then the item will become more expensive.”

If you need to make a large purchase or have already planned to do it, you can still save some money. Coon recommends comparing prices to get the best deal. Comparing retailer quotes a few minutes can save you hundreds of dollars.

Should you buy new technology now or wait?

This is a big question everyone wants to answer – is it better to spend money on electronics now to avoid potential tariff-induced price increases?

If you already have funds specifically for purchases, shopping now or at upcoming shopping events, such as the upcoming Amazon sale, can help you save money and provide you with peace of mind. However, if you don't have the money you've saved, experts don't recommend financing this.

Brennan agrees, adding that if you have money to buy new electronics or technology gadgets, make sure you actually need it.

“Don't buy it because the price goes up because we don't know what the end result will be,” Brennan said.

Most importantly, experts say make sure you stroll around to find the best deals in technology.

“You might spend 15 to 20 minutes searching the internet, but you end up saving a few hundred dollars,” Kuhn said. “It's definitely worth finding the best bargain.”

Tips for saving technical funds

Buying new electronics is about timing and knowing expert strategies for finding the best deals. I asked CNET experts about the best deals on laptops, TVs and smartphones to see when it's best to buy and what we need to know about the price of new models this year.

When to score a low-priced laptop

One of CNET's laptop reviewers, says Josh Goldman, one of CNET's laptop reviewers, whether you buy a new laptop now or wait depends on your needs and budget.

“If the U.S. is involved in the trade war, prices certainly won’t get better, so if someone needs a new laptop and can afford to buy it now, I won’t wait and I won’t see it anymore,” Goldman said. “With Easter and Spring Sales, Dad and Graduate, Memorial Day and Back-to-School Sales, we’re entering the best time to buy discounted new laptops outside of Black Friday.”

If you don't have enough money to buy a new laptop, but you need one, Goldman Sachs recommends Looking for a refurbished one At discounted prices – should not be affected by tariffs. He suggested refurbishing Apple, Best Buy, Backmarket and Ebay to ensure a second-hand laptop transaction.

It's time to buy last year's TV model

If you are buying a new TV in the market, senior editorial director and CNET TV critic David Katzmaier recommends buying last year’s model now. You'll find TVs at the lowest prices in 2024 since retailers got rid of last year's inventory.

Kazmaye said that with the launch of 2025 TVs, new models are expected to remain at a high price before the holiday. However, if you don't need a TV, you don't need to rush to buy it.

“TV lasts a long time, and if you don’t need to buy one right now, my advice is to wait until you,” Kazmaye said. “Yes, tariffs can raise prices later this year, but whether it will affect the price of TV around sales time – think Black Friday and late November and December – is an open question.”

Smartphone deals are there, but not so easy to find

Before buying a new phone, take a step back to assess whether you need a phone, CNET editor and smartphone reviewer Patrick Holland said. Most smartphones usually last three to five years before you start experiencing problems. But, you might be able to fix some of these hardware issues to cheaper places instead of buying a new phone.

Smartphones usually last for a few years and we may not even buy a smartphone until we really need a replacement. Therefore, even without tariffs, it is difficult to know when to buy a new phone.

The Netherlands says the next round of popular smartphones, such as the iPhone 17 or Google Pixel 10, will not announce costs until later this year, but those prices aren't as fluctuating as everyday necessities like groceries.

“If your battery doesn't hold the charge as it used to be, but everything else on your phone is good, it's much easier and cheaper to replace the battery than buying a brand new phone – tariff or not,” Holland said.

If you need a new phone, look for a deal. Some retailers and carriers offer deals that can exchange your old phone for discounts on new phones. However, the Netherlands notes that if you rely on mobile carriers to fund smartphone upgrades, it may make finding a deal more difficult.

Methodology

Unless otherwise stated, all numbers are from YouGov PLC. The total sample size was 2,305 adults. On-site work is carried out from March 3 to 5, 2025. The survey was conducted online. These numbers have been weighted and represent all American adults (age 18 years old).