These days, you can find a capable budget laptop—whether a full-size classic clamshell, an ultraportable, or a 2-in-1 convertible powerful enough for home, work, or school—for far less than $1,000. From economy Windows machines to Chromebooks to Macs, our editors and reviewers test more than 100 laptops each year, evaluating them for raw CPU and graphics performance, screen quality, battery life, connectivity, value, and more. Our current top cheap Windows laptop overall is the Acer Aspire 3, which offers snappy processing, Wi-Fi 6 support, and a long-lasting battery for under $500. We’ve also hand-picked additional solid-value budget laptops for more specific scenarios, and break down all the buying advice you need to find the perfect budget machine.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
November 12, 2025: With this update, we added the Asus Chromebook Plus CX14 as our latest Best Extreme-Budget Chromebook, replacing the Acer Chromebook Plus 514. Our remaining picks have been vetted for currency and availability. Since our last update, we have tested and evaluated 5 new laptops for potential inclusion in this and our other laptop buying guides. We’re currently testing more than a dozen laptops in PC Labs, including models from Dell, HP, and Lenovo.
(Credit: Kyle Cobian)
(Credit: Kyle Cobian)
Pros & Cons
Smooth everyday operation
Extensive battery life
Current Wi-Fi connectivity
Competitive starting price
Limited performance headroom
Dated, somewhat flimsy design
Lackluster display
Top configuration is outclassed
Why We Picked It
Coming in at under $500, this Aspire is a simple and effective Windows laptop that delivers smooth performance on everyday tasks, making it our pick for the Best Budget Laptop for just about anyone. Packed with decent AMD Ryzen processing power, Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, and a battery that lasts nearly 17 hours, the Aspire offers a great value for its price.
Who It’s For
Value-focused buyers: This budget laptop is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a powerful machine for everyday computing that won’t blow their budget. You won’t get premium design or a high-quality display, but you’ll get a long battery life at an affordable price point. You can find laptops less than this, but they’re likely to leave you wanting more.
Users with basic needs: This Acer Aspire will work well for anyone who needs a reliable laptop for basic web browsing and light office tasks. You’ll need to look elsewhere for a laptop for entertainment or demanding applications. If tracking your bills and surfing the web are your primary needs, this laptop is a fine fit.
Specs & Configurations
Class
Budget
Processor
AMD Ryzen 3 7320U
Processor Speed
2.4 GHz
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
128 GB
Screen Size
15.6 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1080
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
AMD Radeon Graphics
Wireless Networking
802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.75 by 14.3 by 9.4 inches
Weight
3.77 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
16:46
Learn More
Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P) Review
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Pros & Cons
Affordable
Comfortable keyboard
Decent array of ports
Economy-class screen
Wi-Fi 6, not 6E or 7
Why We Picked It
The Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 is a workhorse desktop replacement for well under a grand, making it our favorite budget-friendly business laptop. With capabilities rarely seen at this price level, the ThinkBook delivers comfortable typing (complete with a 10-key numeric pad), a decent array of ports, and an economy-class screen that’s just good enough for office work (even if it’s no jaw-dropping OLED).
Who It’s For
Small-office entrepreneurs: This ThinkBook laptop is a smart choice for business owners who require reliable machines for everyday office tasks. It’s also a fit for entrepreneurs who prioritize an affordable price over premium features, such as a high-end display.
Desktop users seeking portability: This laptop is ideal for professionals who want a large-screen display for productivity, but also need to work on the go. A product like this can transform any workstation environment into a mobile one, allowing users to connect it to an external monitor to bypass its dim screen or enjoy a secondary display.
Specs & Configurations
Class
Desktop Replacement, Business, Budget
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 5 125U
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
16 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Graphics
Wireless Networking
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.69 by 14.1 by 10 inches
Weight
3.74 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
16:46
Learn More
Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 Review
Pros & Cons
Good value, especially for a MacBook
Much-improved performance, thanks to Apple’s new M1 processor
Exceptional battery life
Sleek, portable metal design
High-quality keyboard, touchpad, and display
Multiple color options
Port selection limited to two USB Type-C connections
Still no touch-screen option
Why We Picked It
The wedge-shaped MacBook Air may be three generations old, but it remains one of the best ultraportables we’ve ever reviewed. And at under $700, it’s also a great bargain right now, thanks to a deal between Apple and retailers like Walmart and Best Buy. At last, you can get Apple’s high-quality design at something like a value price. (It even comes in different colors.)
Who It’s For
Value-driven Mac fans: This laptop is ideal for anyone who wishes they had a Mac and wants an affordable entry point into the Apple laptop ecosystem. While it’s a dated design back to before the M-series era of Apple laptops, it doesn’t compromise on performance or build quality. This is the ultimate cheap Mac laptop.
Students: This MacBook is a natural fit for students needing a powerful, lightweight machine with all-day (and then some) battery life. The M1 processor is plenty potent enough for basic homework and research, as well as more complex assignments. It’s also not a bad laptop for watching movies in a pinch.
Specs & Configurations
Class
Ultraportable
Processor
Apple M1
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
256 GB
Screen Size
13.3 inches
Native Display Resolution
2560 by 1600
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Apple M1
Wireless Networking
802.11ax, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.63 by 11.97 by 8.36 inches
Weight
2.8 lbs
Operating System
Apple macOS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
29:01
Learn More
Apple MacBook Air (M1, Late 2020) Review
Pros & Cons
Capable everyday productivity performance
RTX 5050 stands up to demanding games with DLSS 4
Comfortable keyboard with RGB lighting
Varied connectivity
Just 512GB storage is tight for modern gaming
Dim display
Chunky for a 15-inch laptop
Why We Picked It
Nailing down affordable PC-gaming gear isn’t always easy, but the MSI Katana 15 HX is a top-notch 1080p gaming laptop available for less than $1,000 on sale. With an Intel Core HX processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 GPU, this laptop drives steady frame rates in more high-end PC games than ever. We especially appreciate this system’s battery life and DLSS 4 graphics rendering tricks, though its 512GB SSD fills up quickly.
Who It’s For
Budget-strapped gamers: The MSI Katana 15 HX works best for gamers who prioritize decent performance at an entry-level price. The new GPU is especially effective at bridging the raw performance gap using DLSS 4 resolution scaling and frame generation, but it’s not without its tradeoffs. You’ll need to be prepared to accept some compromises, such as a dim display and limited storage, to achieve playable frame rates at 1080p resolution in the latest PC games.
Kids who are new to gaming: If your child is just getting interested in PC games, the MSI Katana 15 HX is a great first gaming laptop choice. This machine is a relatively inexpensive investment that won’t hinder a child’s introductory experience with PC gaming. It’s also great for completing basic school work.
Specs & Configurations
Class
Gaming
Processor
Intel Core i7-14650HX
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
15.6 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1080
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
144 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
8 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
1 by 14.1 by 10.3 inches
Weight
5.29 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
8:11
Learn More
MSI Katana 15 HX Review
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Pros & Cons
Sturdy, polished build
A decent selection of ports
Respectable battery life
Impressive speakers for the size
Display leaves much to be desired
Performance lags behind competitors
No USB4 or 20Gbps ports
Why We Picked It
If you want a budget-friendly laptop that converts into a tablet, our top recommendation for a budget 2-in-1 is the Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 (7445), thanks to its impressive design, battery life, and above-average speakers. This convertible laptop is stylish—the polished build looks fancier than its affordable price might suggest—but sturdy enough to hold up to daily use. It also features a broad port selection, delivers respectable battery life, and even squeezes in surprisingly good speakers.
Who It’s For
Budget-conscious hybrid users: This laptop is a fine fit for those who appreciate the 2-in-1 experience of a convertible laptop but need to keep costs low. You won’t get the most impressive display quality or performance output that higher-end 2-in-1s offer, but you will have a reliable device that looks and sounds great.
Specs & Configurations
Class
Convertible 2-in-1
Processor
AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
AMD Radeon 780M Graphics
Wireless Networking
802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.3
Dimensions (HWD)
0.74 by 12.4 by 8.9 inches
Weight
3.7 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
15:56
Learn More
Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 (7445) Review
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Pros & Cons
Impressive CPU performance
Pleasant keyboard and touchpad
Lots of connectivity
Attractive, friendly design
A bit of flex to the chassis
Basic 1080p display easily outclassed for not much more
Enough battery for a workday—no more
Why We Picked It
Asus’ updated Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025) offers features we’d expect from a midrange Windows laptop, but comes in at less than $500, making it our top recommendation for Best Budget Clamshell Chromebook. This Chromebook is an excellent value for your money with an upgraded Intel Core i5 processor and a comfortable design. Top it all off with AI-enhanced tools and ample connectivity options, and you get an attractive clamshell that has become our new favorite, popularly priced Chromebook.
Who It’s For
Value-focused laptop users: This Chromebook is well-suited for anyone on a restrictive budget who wants a powerful laptop for a low price. Users looking to spend $500 or less who want the best possible combination of performance and features should consider this Asus model.
General Chromebook fans: This laptop is ideal for anyone already familiar with Google’s Chromebook brand who wants a dependable machine. This Chromebook Plus model will prove a reliable clamshell for everyday tasks, providing a comfortable typing experience and a potent processor to get the work done.
Specs & Configurations
Class
Chromebook
Processor
Intel Core i5-1335U
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
UFS (Universal Flash Storage)
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
128 GB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1080
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Wireless Networking
Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6E
Dimensions (HWD)
0.74 by 12.9 by 8.4 inches
Weight
3.17 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
10:51
Learn More
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025) Review
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Pros & Cons
Compact convertible design
Colorful touch screen
Includes 12 months of Google One AI Premium
Stylus not included
Flat, nonbacklit keyboard
No HDMI monitor port
Why We Picked It
The HP Chromebook Plus x360 is our favorite budget convertible Chromebook due to its colorful touch screen, versatile design, and AI features. Beyond its unbeatable price, you’ll enjoy a smooth touch screen, portable design, and access to Google’s Chromebook Plus program, complete with exclusive AI perks, such as enhanced webcam images and a 12-month trial of Google’s premium Gemini AI assistant.
Who It’s For
Elementary school students: This is a fitting Chromebook for young students, whether at home or in the classroom. This HP model is a capable and affordable partner for online productivity and schoolwork, presenting a flexible 2-in-1 design with a vibrant touch screen at a budget-friendly price.
Budget-strapped 2-in-1 fans: This laptop is a good choice for people on a tight budget who want a reliable Chromebook. It’s a reliable Chromebook with plenty of helpful features—but you’ll need to be willing to forego luxuries like a backlit keyboard or an HDMI port.
Specs & Configurations
Class
Chromebook, Convertible 2-in-1
Processor
Intel Core i3-N305
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
UFS (Universal Flash Storage)
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
128 GB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1080
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel HD Graphics
Wireless Networking
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.81 by 12.7 by 8.3 inches
Weight
3.31 lbs
Operating System
Google ChromeOS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
10:40
Learn More
HP Chromebook Plus x360 Review
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Pros & Cons
Among the least expensive convertible laptops on the market
Sharp touch screen
Tablet portion has a high-quality build for its price
Headphone jack is back
Test model includes stylus pen
All models include bundled keyboard
Middling performance and battery life
Keyboard has squishy keys, is designed for smaller hands
Why We Picked It
The detachable Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 pairs a compact 11-inch ChromeOS tablet with a magnetic keyboard cover, a kickstand, a stylus, and a capable-enough MediaTek processor, making it our pick for the Best Budget 2-in-1 Detachable Chromebook. This superb 2-in-1 device supports both Chromebook and Android apps, while the tablet’s design and metal chassis pair with the cover and keyboard to offer both tablet and laptop functionality. The touch screen is perfect for tapping and swiping with fingers, or scribbling notes and sketches with the stylus. It’s a practical and versatile choice, and the price is right for almost any budget.
Who It’s For
Students and kids: This Chromebook tablet is ideal for young students and kids at home. The Duet presents an effective package suited for education and simple app access, providing a compact and affordable 2-in-1 that converts easily from a tablet to a laptop. It’s also excellent for entertainment.
A basic tablet for adults: This tablet is well-suited for adults who require a simple device for emails, bills, and leisure activities. The Duet is a low-cost detachable device that works for adults willing to accept middling performance and battery life in exchange for a sturdy product with a very low price.
Specs & Configurations
Class
Chromebook, Detachable 2-in-1
Processor
MediaTek Kompanio 838
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
eMMC Flash Memory
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
128 GB
Screen Size
10.95 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
ARM Mali-G57 MC3
Wireless Networking
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.30 by 10.1 by 6.6 inches
Weight
1.12 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
6:01
Learn More
Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 Review
Pros & Cons
Attractive pricing, especially when on sale
Decent productivity performance
Satisfactory battery life
Well-chosen port selection
Flexible plastic chassis
Disappointing keyboard and touchpad
Mediocre-at-best display
Why We Picked It
Among Chromebooks, the Asus Chromebook Plus CX14 is a fantastic budget buy. It’s less than $500 at full price, but we’ve routinely seen it selling for as little as $279. For the price, you’ll find decent performance for web browsing and daily use, a well-chosen port selection, and more than 10 hours of battery life. Additionally, it’s part of Google’s Chromebook Plus program, which means effective performance comes with a side of excellent AI features, all at an attractive price.
Who It’s For
Students: This laptop works well for students both at home and in the classroom in the face of restrictive budgets. The Asus Chromebook Plus CX14 is well-suited for basic productivity and light computing tasks, where buyers’ primary concern is managing the back-to-school shopping budget.
Extreme-budget shoppers: This Chromebook is also a good fit for those with extremely limited budgets. It’s a strong choice for users who prioritize the lowest possible price (especially when found on sale) over premium features like build quality, display sharpness, or typing feel.
Specs & Configurations
Class
Chromebook
Processor
Intel Core 3 N355
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
UFS (Universal Flash Storage)
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
128 GB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1080
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel UHD Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4
Dimensions (HWD)
0.78 by 12.8 by 8.4 inches
Weight
3.06 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
10:20
Learn More
Asus Chromebook Plus CX14 Review
Pros & Cons
Light, compact build
Customizable before and after ordering
Repairable, upgradable, sustainable design
Aggressively priced DIY Edition
Support for AMD Ryzen AI 300 processors
14-hour battery life
Price premium for prebuilt Windows system
Some fine print for setup and compatibility
Display is workable, but not a standout for the price
Why We Picked It
The Framework Laptop 13 (2025) may not be the cheapest laptop on this list, but it will save you money over time. The current AMD Ryzen AI 300 processor is superb, offering the latest AI PC features, but it’s this device’s modular, upgradable approach that sets it apart. The Framework lets you upgrade individual components (from ports to Wi-Fi) and swap out the mainboard when it’s time for a newer CPU, saving you from having to replace your machine in a few years.
Who It’s For
DIY enthusiasts: This is the best laptop for computer lovers who enjoy building their own PCs since you can swap out parts as you please. It’s a great option if you’re comfortable assembling computers and value the ability to easily repair and upgrade components over time. It’s a tinkerer’s paradise.
Sustainability-focused users: This laptop is a perfect fit for eco-conscious laptop users. Since the Framework is designed for a much longer working life, you’ll reduce e-waste by investing in this sustainable, modular system.
Long-term value shoppers: This Framework model is best suited for anyone looking for a budget-friendly laptop that will last for years to come. Its upgradable design will future-proof your purchase and allow you to swap out parts for much less than the cost of a complete replacement.
Specs & Configurations
Class
Ultraportable
Processor
AMD Ryzen AI 7 350
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
13.5 inches
Native Display Resolution
2,880 by 1,920
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
AMD Radeon 860M Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.62 by 11.7 by 9 inches
Weight
2.86 lbs
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
14:02
Learn More
Framework Laptop 13 (2025) Review
Pros & Cons
A big upgrade for classrooms and some offices
Compact, customizable 2-in-1 design
Modular and versatile expansion card system
MIL-STD-810 durability and rubber edges
Price sits above its target audience
Ho-hum display
Limited prebuilt model configurations
Why We Picked It
The Framework Laptop 12 is a 2-in-1 twist on one of our favorite price-positive systems, the modular, upgradable, and repairable Framework Laptop 13. But this new convertible design does far more than add tablet functionality to a familiar laptop design. Instead, it refines the Framework approach to swappable components and adds MIL-STD-810 durability with rubberized edges, enhancing the 12-inch hybrid to withstand everything from drops and spills to careless commuting. However, the real savings come over time, as the availability of future upgrades or easy-to-repair parts allows you to keep your 2-in-1 current without requiring a whole new system when something becomes outdated or breaks.
Who It’s For
Schools and IT fleets: This is the leading Windows 2-in-1 for schools and budget-limited businesses that need a sturdy convertible and value the long-term cost savings of a repairable, modular system.
Sustainability-minded users: The Framework Laptop 12 is the best 2-in-1 option for anyone concerned about their environmental impact. This 2-in-1 prioritizes the ability to upgrade and repair your device over time, thereby reducing e-waste.
Windows fans on a budget: This laptop is a top-tier choice for fans of PC 2-in-1s who don’t have a lot to spend. If you need the flexibility of a 2-in-1 that runs Windows, you won’t find a more customizable and cheaper alternative to other PC convertibles.
Specs & Configurations
Class
Convertible 2-in-1, Ultraportable
Processor
Intel Core i5-1334U
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
Screen Size
12.2 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel UHD Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E
Dimensions (HWD)
0.73 by 11.3 by 8.4 inches
Weight
2.87 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
12:47
Learn More
Framework Laptop 12 Review
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The Best Cheap Laptops for 2025
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Buying Guide: The Best Cheap Laptops for 2025
Buying Basics: Budget-Laptop Components and Features
Ready to dive into the details around cheap laptops? The good news is that you’ll have to accept fewer compromises than you did in the past.
Which Processors Do You See in Budget Laptops?
Low-power CPUs are more robust than ever, even as some of the nomenclature around them changes. (For example, Intel’s traditional offerings for under-$400 laptops, the Celeron and Pentium lines, have given way to new family names: the Intel N100 and Intel Processor, respectively.) Low-end chips in today’s extreme-budget laptops will suffice for light web browsing and most basic productivity work if you don’t keep too many programs or tabs open at a time.
The benefits of low-power CPUs are especially clear in Chromebooks (more on them later), and nowadays, even Apple is on the budget bandwagon, offering its older M1-powered MacBook Air as an ultra-affordable entry point for Mac shoppers. (The current MacBook Air 13-inch, for comparison, sells for $999 with the newer M4 processor.) Regardless, the $400-to-$700 Windows laptop market is populated mainly by systems based on much peppier Intel Core and AMD Ryzen families of processors. Opt for these CPU lines if you need more than just the basics. (See more about how to choose a laptop CPU.)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
All of these CPUs also contain cores that manage visual graphics processing. The newest integrated graphics solutions can hold their own in browser-based games and even some online games like World of Warcraft. The higher demands of AAA titles, though, still require a discrete GPU, which you’ll rarely find in this price range. (If money is no object, check out our top-rated gaming laptops and ultraportables, as well as our favorite cheap gaming laptops.)
How Much Memory Should You Get in a Budget Laptop?
In years past, many of the barest-budget Windows laptops would come with just 2GB or 4GB of main system memory, but nowadays, at least in the Windows and Apple sphere, most come with 8GB. (A 4GB RAM count remains common in Chromebooks and under-$300 Windows laptops; avoid it in a Windows machine.)
What Kind of Battery Life Should I Expect?
In terms of batteries, even budget laptops are better than ever. Where the standard used to be six or seven hours (long enough to eke through a day of work or school), the majority of systems on this list last for 10 hours or more, and many last substantially longer. (A lower-resolution, lower-brightness screen, which is a feature of some of these machines, can consume less power, all else being equal, and end up being a benefit of sorts.)
Budget Laptop Storage: How Much to Expect?
Regarding storage, new systems no longer use spinning hard drives. All inexpensive Windows machines opt for small-capacity flash or solid-state drives (SSDs) of 128GB or 256GB capacity. Other budget systems, particularly Chromebooks and some under-$400 Windows laptops, will have only a small allotment (32GB or 64GB) of local storage but compensate for it with generous offers of additional free cloud storage. Of course, as with anything cloud-based, you’ll need to be online to access it.
Also, know that budget machines with this little local storage, among them many Chromebooks, rely on what is called “eMMC memory” as their primary storage. This is not the same as the flash memory used in a true solid-state drive (SSD), and it will feel a tad sluggish if you’re used to an SSD. Opt for SSD over eMMC where you can.
What to Look for in Budget-Laptop Ports and Connectivity?
Budget laptops with USB Type-C ports are more common than they once were. (USB-C ports might be used both to charge the laptop and to connect peripherals; it depends on the PC.) The older USB Type-A ports (the classic rectangular kind) are also common in this price range, but others, like HDMI outputs and SD card slots, are disappearing from some cheap and expensive laptops alike. It’s important just to look for a good mix.
Wi-Fi comes standard, with a few affordable models sticking to the 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) protocol that was the norm a few years back. The current Wi-Fi 6 standard is much more common for budget systems than ever, while the more advanced Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 are still uncommon in budget models.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Touch screens are also rare in the most affordable laptops. (See our picks for the best touch-screen laptops.) That said, by definition, any 2-in-1 convertible or detachable laptop will have a touch screen, as having one is necessary for using the machine as a tablet, or in other orientations where the keyboard is covered up.
Is Buying a Chromebook Worth It?
Chromebooks used to be little more than glorified netbooks running Google’s ChromeOS. While these ChromeOS-based laptops are still resolutely web-centric, they now have fuller feature sets. Modern Chromebooks include faster CPUs and more RAM, addressing the sluggishness that saddled early models. Better build quality and improvements to displays and batteries have put Chromebooks on more of an even footing with Windows competitors, and new features like offline and Android app support have addressed most of the longstanding limitations related to performance, software compatibility, and usability away from an internet connection.
If you spend most of your working hours in the cloud, a Chromebook will offer much of the functionality of a regular Windows or Mac laptop, and depending on the model, it may well deliver longer battery life.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
It will also likely cost you less than most other types of notebooks, as many Chromebooks come in at less than $500. Just be sure you have easy access to stable Wi-Fi wherever you use one, as Chromebooks have limited offline functionality and scant local storage. However, Chromebooks have leveled up over the last two years, and most now commonly include Intel Core and AMD Ryzen processors, as well as increased storage and memory as part of Google’s Chromebook Plus program. Chromebook Plus models—which start at $399—must meet a set of minimum specs that Google deems are the baseline for a “premium” experience. If you can spend that much, we recommend one of the Plus models.
Recommended by Our Editors
The Best Cheap Tablets and Hybrids: 2-in-1s on a Budget
Tablets rose in popularity throughout the 2010s, and though we have plenty of reviews of them—take a look at our overall roundup of the best tablets, as well as our favorite slates running the Windows and Android operating systems—they are sufficiently different from traditional clamshell-style laptops that they don’t always make suitable substitutes. Some come with detachable keyboards, but most of these are far less comfortable for typing on your lap than a conventional laptop.
Convertible 2-in-1s, however, do make a good substitute for traditional clamshells. These machines let you flip between a laptop and a tablet by folding the keyboard out of the way. Consider one of these convertible systems if you primarily want the typing capability of a laptop but occasionally would appreciate the lie-back, passive-consumption convenience of a tablet.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
See our guide to the best 2-in-1 laptops for more information about this popular market segment. Because of their added complexity (compared with traditional clamshell laptop designs), you won’t find quite as many affordable ones, but a few Windows and ChromeOS-based models cost $500 or less. They come in permanently attached designs (generally, with a 360-degree rotating hinge) and detachable keyboard (i.e., “tablet-first”) models.
When looking at one of the detachable tablets, make sure you know what comes in the box. In some cases, you need to buy the keyboard base separately, and the total cost may not be as low as it first appears. (Here’s looking at you, Microsoft Surfaces.)
Ready to Buy the Best Budget Laptop?
Budget laptops tend to go in and out of stock frequently. We’ve broken out our current favorites in this guide, and while we update it continually, there’s a good chance that at least one of our picks is back-ordered at any given time. But if you’re on a strict budget, don’t lose heart. You can find PCs offering enough performance to tackle your day-to-day tasks without a hitch. You can even score big deals on mainstream systems with our favorite money-saving tips for laptop buying.
For further in-depth breakdowns of our budget picks, look at our roundups of the best laptops for college students, the best laptops for kids, and the best Chromebooks. And for more general factors to consider when choosing a laptop, look at our buying guide with our top laptop picks overall.
