Finding the right type of laptop to meet your needs is always a challenge. With so many makes, models, and brands to choose from, it can be tough to narrow down your choices and make a purchase. These challenges become even greater when you’re on a budget and need something affordable in price yet capable and powerful enough to get your work or studying finished without an issue. Whether you’re a student, educator, or work remotely from home, it pays to know your options for the best affordable laptops.
Having a highly recommended laptop computer is more important than ever before. One COVID-era study found that more and more employees are looking for the ability to work from home, and that means a good machine is necessary. More than two in five (48%) say a company’s policy on remote work is now their number one desired workplace perk. It’s so important that nearly three in four (72%) claim they wouldn’t even consider working for a company that didn’t offer flexible work-from-home policies.
Thankfully, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a great laptop these days. In fact, there are many excellent budget-friendly laptops available that can handle a wide range of tasks. If you still feel like you need to break the bank for a good computer, here are some reasons to help you breathe easier when it comes to being frugal:
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You can get a lot of performance for your money. Technology has advanced to the point where even budget laptops can offer decent performance. You can find laptops with Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processors, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB SSDs for around $500 or less. These laptops can handle everyday tasks such as web browsing, email, word processing, and streaming video without any problems.
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There are many great budget-friendly brands to choose from. There are a number of brands that specialize in making affordable laptops, including well-known brands like Acer, ASUS, Lenovo, HP, and Dell. These brands offer a wide range of laptops to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that meets your needs and budget.
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You can always upgrade later. If you find that your budget-friendly laptop isn’t powerful enough for your needs, you can always upgrade it later. Many laptops allow you to upgrade the RAM and storage, and some even allow you to upgrade the processor.
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You don’t need to spend a lot of money on features that you don’t need. Many expensive laptops come with features that you may not need, such as high-end graphics cards, touch screens, and OLED displays. These features can add a lot to the cost of a laptop, but they may not be worth it for you.
So what should you look for when buying a new laptop? Many of us first look at all the fun bells and whistles, like touch screens, cameras or microphones, that a laptop has to offer. But just like human beings, it’s what inside that matters most.
Here are some things to look for when buying a budget-friendly laptop:
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Processor: The processor is the brain of the computer, so it’s important to choose one that is powerful enough for your needs. An Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor is a good choice for most people.
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RAM: RAM is the computer’s short-term memory, so it’s important to have enough to run the programs that you use most often. 8GB of RAM is a good starting point.
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Storage: Storage is where your files are stored, so it’s important to have enough space for all of your photos, videos, and documents. 256GB of SSD storage is a good choice for most people.
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Display: The display is the screen that you’ll be looking at, so it’s important to choose one that is clear and easy to see. A 1080p resolution display is a good choice for most people.
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Battery life: Battery life is how long your laptop will last on a charge. If you’ll be using your laptop away from an outlet, you’ll want to choose one with good battery life. Aim for at least 5-6 hours of battery life.
By following these tips, you can find a great budget-friendly laptop that meets your needs and budget.
So, which affordable laptops are considered the best available devices on the market today? StudyFinds did some research, consulting 10 tech and computer review sites in an effort to bring you a consensus list of the best affordable laptops. Our list comprises the seven most frequently listed laptops from across these sites. Think our reviewers missed a stellar laptop at an affordable price? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!
The List: Top 7 Best Affordable Laptops, According to Reviews
1. Acer Aspire 5
Topping the list of the best affordable laptops is the Acer Aspire 5. Acer is known for providing quality computers at an affordable price and the Aspire 5 is a big reason for this company’s success.
“The Acer Aspire 5 continues to be one of the best Windows laptop deals around. Available in 14-, 15.6- and 17.3-inch sizes, I am partial to the 15.6-inch size because it’s relatively compact and lightweight but still full-featured. Acer has a wide range of configurations to choose from, starting under $500. This budget laptop also features a USB-C Thunderbolt 4 port, two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, Ethernet and an HDMI port,” explains CNET.
The Aspire 5 runs on Windows 11 and it’s more than capable of getting you up and running with work, school, or entertainment. Nothing fancy but the Aspire 5 will work just fine throughout your busy day.
“The Acer Aspire 5 is a full Windows 11 laptop for under $500, and it’s exactly what you’d expect for a budget laptop: Nothing outstanding, but good enough to get you through a day browsing the web, doing basic work tasks or watching videos. It’s not the sleekest or most stylish laptop on the market, nor will the entry-level model’s Intel Core i3 processor blow anyone away with power. And the 8-hour battery life (in our testing, at least) is just barely enough to get you through an average workday. But you’d have a hard time finding a better Windows laptop for this price,” adds Tom’s Guide.
A stock Aspire 5 rings in at less than $500 which certainly qualifies as affordable. And the best part is you can always upgrade this machine to meet your daily work needs, just be prepared to spend a little extra.
“Acer’s Aspire 5 family is a solid Windows option if you have less than $500 to spend on a new laptop. The most recent models hit a good middle ground for most people, running on Intel 11th-gen CPUs and supporting up to 16GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage. Of course, the higher specs you get, the more expensive the machine will be — not all Aspire 5 laptops come in at under $500. But you can currently pick up a model with a 15.6-inch 1080p display, Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage for about $380 (or less if it’s on sale),” furthers Engadget.
2. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5/5i
Next up on the list of the best laptops at an affordable price is the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5/5i. Lenovo is at the top of its game and this laptop is one of the top budget choices you’ll find.
“The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i is a well-built machine with capable performance, a bright display, and a comfortable keyboard—not to mention a rock-solid convertible design from the company that pioneered the 360-degree-hinge on 2-in-1 laptops. If you want a modestly priced, versatile, and conveniently portable convertible laptop for office tasks, web browsing, and video calls, you’ll be hard-pressed to beat the IdeaPad Flex 5i,” explains PC Mag.
This Lenovo IdeaPad comes with plenty of storage and memory to keep you working and learning on time. The 360-degree hinge is also beyond helpful for transforming your laptop into a media center.
“Lenovo’s AMD-based IdeaPad 5, which comes with a Ryzen 5 processor, is still a great budget laptop. You get plenty of power, a nice 14-inch IPS display, 16 GB of RAM, and a 256-GB SSD. The 360-degree hinge converts it to tablet mode or stand mode for watching movies. To take full advantage of the 2-in-1 design, be sure to grab the digital pen ($40),” furthers Wired.
The IdeaPad Flex 5/5i offers everything you need in a laptop, and the best part is it’s truly an affordable option. With features such as an SD card reader and a 1080p webcam, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 is a versatile laptop at an attractive price.
“Lenovo released its first convertible two-in-one laptop more than a decade ago, so it’s no surprise the PC maker has the best budget-friendly option. The 14-inch Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5/5i is an excellent value. Along with the latest 13th-gen Intel or AMD Ryzen 7000-series processors, Lenovo includes higher-end features like a Thunderbolt 4 USB-C port (Intel only), an SD card reader, a 1080p webcam with a privacy shutter and a fingerprint reader. Plus, it reached nearly 11 hours of battery life in our tests,” adds CNET.
3. Microsoft Surface Go 2
The third spot on the list of the top budget laptops belongs to the Microsoft Surface Go 2. Microsoft delivers some of the best laptops on the market and the Surface Go 2 is an excellent choice for anyone who needs an affordable laptop with all of the capabilities of the pricier machines.
“It’s great to see Microsoft offering a traditional laptop at a budget price, and this second generation is a significant step up over the original. Performance has improved thanks to Intel 11th-gen CPUs, and it’s great to see the Core i5 available across all configurations. However, most people will need more than the 4GB of RAM and 64GB SSD on the cheapest model. The other obvious compromise is its size, but the 12.4in touchscreen display is still very impressive in real-world usage. At just 1.16kg, it’s also one of the lightest laptops you can buy,” writes Tech Advisor.
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is typically the most recommended budget laptop for students. As the experts explain, the Surface Go 2 checks all the boxes in an affordable and versatile laptop.
“Students usually want a few things in a cheap laptop — something that’s easy to carry around, that provides good enough performance for getting their homework done, and something that’s not going to embarrass them when they pull it out to take notes. Oh, and it needs to be affordable. Microsoft’s new Surface Laptop Go 2 meets all those criteria — making it one of the best laptops for students in college,” explains Digital Trends.
Microsoft designed the Surface Go 2 to meet all of your daily needs and still be affordable. Of course, you can always upgrade certain features and that might take this laptop from affordable to mid-range but that all depends on your budget and your needs.
“Microsoft’s updated Surface Laptop Go 2 is a great student pick and a good cheap alternative to the MacBook. Our reviewer said it’s “an absolute joy to use.” The keyboard is one of the best for getting your essays typed up, and the 11th-generation Intel chip, while not the latest, is plenty capable for most people. If you can afford it, spring for the model with 8 GB of RAM,” adds Wired.
4. Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3
Next up on the list of the best affordable laptops is the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3. Chromebooks are always a great choice for anyone on a budget and the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 offers everything you need at a desirable rate.
“The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook is a convenient 2-in-1 twist on the Chromebook, with a compact and totable 11-inch design complete with a handy keyboard cover and kickstand. With only a pair of USB-C ports and no headphone jack, you may want to invest in a dock to provide other connections, but the versatility means that the feature set can be easily expanded. Lenovo’s tablet and keyboard cover design helps make it one of the more convenient 2-in-1 systems we’ve used,” writes PC Mag.
This laptop is small but extremely powerful and capable of handling most tasks. Add in the detachable keyboard and the ability to support USI stylus pens and you have a versatile laptop at a very decent price point.
“If you’re looking for an absurdly cheap Chromebook that absolutely gets the job done, you should definitely be looking at the Duet 3. This is a great, tiny laptop for budget shoppers with a magnetic detachable keyboard and kickstand. The screen even supports USI styluses, though a stylus is not included in this price. The keyboard is included, however, as are the keyboard and kickstand, which makes for a pretty solid package for a sub-$400 price,” adds The Verge.
The Duet 3 Chromebook offers a long battery life and a beautiful display. This 2-in-1 Chromebook delivers everything you need to get through a day of work or school.
“We loved the original Duet for its great battery life, solid performance and decent packed-in keyboard cover, all of which could be had for roughly $250. Lenovo’s new 11-inch Duet 3 costs a bit more, but it also delivers a bigger, brighter display, more ports, and the added power of a beefier Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 chip. It’s one of the best Chrome tablets you can buy, and the fact that Lenovo includes the keyboard cover at no extra cost helps it double as a surprisingly effective 2-in-1 Chromebook,” furthers Tom’s Guide.
5. Apple MacBook Air M1
The fifth spot on the list of the top laptops for affordable prices goes to the Apple MacBook Air M1. We know it’s tough to consider any Apple products as being ‘affordable’ but the MacBook Air with an M1 chip was routinely voted the best affordable Apple laptop by reviewers.
“There’s a reason Apple kept the MacBook Air M1 in its lineup even after coming out with the 13-inch and 15-inch Air M2 laptops. The first machine with Apple’s custom system-on-a-chip, the Air M1 was released at the end of 2020 and proved that the company didn’t need Intel to power its notebooks anymore. The M1 processor gave the Air blazing fast performance, with a responsiveness akin to that of an iPad Pro. That hasn’t changed even after the launch of the M2 chipset and the latest Air powered by it. You’re still going to get impressive performance from the entry-level MacBook Air M1 that will be just right for most people as a daily driver,” writes Engadget.
The Apple MacBook Air with an M1 chip is designed to be portable, nimble, and quiet. That means you can use this Apple MacBook in class for taking notes, in your next work meeting, or at the library as you study for finals.
“Apple technically doesn’t have a MacBook in its lineup that’s less expensive than the $999 13-inch M1 MacBook Air. However, several times a year, this base model’s price drops by as much as $250. And while $849 isn’t exactly a bargain, it’s an excellent laptop at that price, even nearly three years after it first arrived,” explains CNET.
The M1 chip is Apple’s first chip designed specifically for Macs. These chips are powered by a whopping 16 billion transistors to deliver amazing performance and power efficiency.
“The MacBook Air M1 isn’t the latest and greatest MacBook, but it still holds its own in a number of ways. Its performance is still excellent, competing easily with recent-generation Windows laptops. It also sports impressive battery life, with close to 20 hours between charges. In typical MacBook fashion, too, the build quality is excellent, and the display is Apple’s usual Retina-grade with a high resolution and crisp, bright picture,” adds Digital Trends.
6. HP Pavilion 14
Next up on the list of the top budget laptops is the HP Pavilion. Hewlett Packard (HP) produces a wide range of quality computers and laptops and the HP Pavilion is one of this company’s best-selling items.
“The Pavilion 14 from HP is a good all-rounder if your budget will stretch, offering a stylish design, good build quality and decent specs. It does a bit of everything with a fingerprint scanner, a good webcam, a touchscreen and B&O speakers making it a good choice for those that want a laptop for a wide range of tasks. Battery life is middling but performance is solid, thanks to the latest 11th-gen Intel processors and other decent components. There’s also a nice selection of ports and good wireless connectivity,” explains Tech Advisor.
If you shop for a Pavilion 14 on the HP website, you can customize your machine as you wish. These laptops are equipped with quality speakers and battery features that are designed to enhance your streaming experience.
“We gave it a score of 87 in our review and compared it to Dell’s flagship laptop. It’s certainly not as sleek as that machine, but it comes pretty close with its angled profile, 2.2-pound weight and its anti-glare 13.3-inch display. Despite its keyboard being a little cramped, it’s a solid typing machine and we appreciate all of its connectivity options: one USB-C port, two USB-A ports, an HDMI connector and a headphone jack,” writes Engadget.
You can easily find a Pavilion 14 for around $500 but you can also choose the Pavilion Plus and spend a few more dollars for extra features. These laptops are designed for anything you need to get done on a computer. From streaming to working, the HP Pavilion 14 is a versatile laptop at a great price.
“The HP Pavilion Plus 14, currently available for $799, stretches what most would consider a budget price. But this 14-inch laptop has a luxurious OLED, 2.8K, 90Hz display that far outclasses its price. It’s also the thinnest Pavilion HP has ever built… it’s quite easy to carry around in a backpack or briefcase,” furthers The Verge.
7. Microsoft Surface Go 3
Rounding out the list of the best affordable laptops is yet another Surface Go, this time it’s the Microsoft Surface Go 3. Microsoft took everything that worked well in the Surface Go 2 and expanded it to create an excellent and versatile laptop at an affordable price.
“The Surface Go 3 gives you most, though not all, of the power of Windows in a very lightweight, portable form. It makes a fine media machine when you’re not working. There’s a lot here to love: It’s fanless, the 10.5-inch display is sharp and bright, a microSD card slot means you can add extra storage space, and the cover is a really lovely little keyboard,” writes Wired.
The Surface Go 3’s are designed with a high-resolution touchscreen and an adjustable kickstand. You can go from working to streaming in the blink of an eye.
“You can get this tablet with an Intel Pentium Gold or Core i3 CPU. Both are fine for simple tasks like web browsing, emails, and video playback, but don’t expect to do anything remotely intensive. We recommend getting a model with 8GB of memory, as you’ll get a much smoother experience with fewer slowdowns when multitasking. The battery lasts about seven hours of light use, which isn’t great but not bad for such a small device,” explains RTINGS.
The Surface Go 3 is a 2-in-1 laptop that can be upgraded to twice the RAM and twice the storage for only a couple of hundred more dollars. Depending on your needs, the Surface Go 3 is an unbeatable choice for one of the top budget laptops.
“The Surface Go 3 may be limited by its small size and, at the entry-level, by a low-powered Intel Pentium processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage — the processor can be upgraded to an Intel Core i3 and twice the RAM and storage for $230 more — but it offers something never before seen in the Windows world: A truly budget-minded 2-in-1 laptop. Its build is every bit as solid as its bigger sibling, the Surface Pro 8, and it boasts a beautiful, bright display to boot. The best part? It’s actually thin and light enough to be held in one hand like a proper tablet, which is a key reason why we see this as the best budget 2-in-1 laptop,” adds Digital Trends.
10 Tips For Buying A Budget-Friendly Laptop
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Identify Your Needs and Usage: Before diving into specifications, clearly define your primary use for the laptop. Are you a student seeking basic web browsing and document editing? A casual user who enjoys streaming videos and social media? Or a creative professional requiring powerful graphics and processing capabilities? Understanding your usage will help narrow down your search and avoid overspending on unnecessary features.
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Consider Refurbished Laptops: Refurbished laptops offer significant savings compared to brand-new models. These devices are professionally restored to like-new condition and often come with warranties. Reputable manufacturers like Apple, Dell, and HP offer certified refurbished laptops, ensuring quality and reliability.
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Focus on Core Specifications: Prioritize the essential components that directly impact your usage. As mentioned earlier, a good processor (Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3) is crucial for everyday tasks. Ensure adequate RAM (8GB or more) for smooth multitasking. Storage capacity depends on your file storage needs, but 256GB SSD is a good starting point.
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Consider Display and Battery Life: A decent display (1080p resolution) is essential for comfortable viewing. Battery life is crucial for portability. Aim for at least 5-6 hours of battery life for casual use and 8-10 hours for extended usage.
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Avoid Excessive Branding and Premium Features: High-end features like OLED displays, touch screens, and dedicated graphics cards significantly increase the price. Consider these only if they are essential for your specific needs.
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Shop Around and Compare Prices: Utilize online retailers and price comparison websites to find the best deals. Check for discounts, coupons, and seasonal sales. Read reviews from experts and users to gauge performance and reliability.
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Don’t Overspend on Upgrades: Upgrades like higher RAM or storage can be expensive. Consider purchasing a basic model and upgrading later if necessary.
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Seek Professional Advice: If you’re unsure about your requirements or specific models, consult a tech-savvy friend or visit a reputable computer store for personalized recommendations. Don’t let a salesperson pressure you to buy if you’re not confident in their selection.
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Prioritize Value over Price: Don’t blindly chase the lowest price. Focus on finding a laptop that offers the best value for your money, considering performance, features, and overall quality.
Remember, the key is to be a smart consumer, prioritize your requirements, and carefully evaluate your options before making a purchase. If you have your own laptop you’d like to suggest, please do so in the comments below!
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Sources:
- Wired
- Digital Trends
- CNET
- The Verge
- Good Housekeeping
- Tom’s Guide
- Tech Advisor
- Engadget
- PC Mag
- RTINGS
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.