Buying a budget laptop requires you to finesse and accept certain trade-offs. For instance, do you want to prioritize power or speed? What do you care about more: memory or price?
While you’ll likely need to compromise ever so slightly, it doesn’t mean that it will be impossible for you to get an inexpensive laptop that still meets most of your needs. The key is deciding which factors are must-haves while knowing what’s reasonable for your budget.
Here’s what you should think about as you search for the best budget laptop for you.
How much does a decent laptop cost?
Nowadays, mid-range laptops run anywhere from $400, like Chromebooks, to over $1,000 in the case of Apple MacBooks. But the price all depends on what you need most, whether that is power, memory or a number of other features.
If you’re looking for the best gaming or video editing laptops, you might have to expand your budget because laptops designed to accommodate these needs are often more expensive by nature. But if you just need a laptop to send emails, watch Netflix and use Microsoft Word, you can easily find a decent budget laptop in the $300 to $800 range.
How to get discounts on laptops
If you need to find something slightly better than a bare-bones budget laptop, or if you want to get even better value for what you spend, you can access a few ways to get discounts on laptops as well.
Shop during sales
Even in-demand laptops go on sale from time to time. Sales may be more frequent when a company drops next-gen tech or around holidays like Black Friday. Keeping an eye on retailers like Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart can help you figure out when potential savings are most common.
Ask about student discounts
If you’re in high school or you attend college, you’re in luck because many retailers and college bookstores offer discounts to students. Keeping your student ID handy can help you save big as well.
Trade in your old laptop
Don’t throw out your old laptops or tablets. Many retailers offer discounts and deals when you trade in your old tech.
Consider the processor
This isn’t exactly a discount, but considering the processor can help you save money. That’s because many laptops offer several versions with different processing chips and memory capacities.
For instance, the Dell Inspiron 15 3,000 series offers four models that range from $299 to $850, with the prices based on the processors. These features can impact your laptop’s power, speed and battery consumption. While laptops with less powerful processors run more slowly than those with more powerful processors, they can also save you hundreds of dollars.
Best affordable laptops
The best and most valuable laptops are often hidden gems. Here are some of the best inexpensive laptops on the market.
1. Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Touchscreen
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 combines a solid frame with great performance, all for an affordable price. It offers a full HD display, multiple access ports and up to seven hours of battery. You can choose between a lower-powered 4GB RAM model or the more expensive 8GB RAM version.
Pros:
- HDMI and USB-C ports
- Built-in fingerprint scanner
- 15” screen
Cons:
- Dull display
- Room for improvement with speakers
- Only seven hours of battery life
Price:
2. Apple 10.2” iPad
While iPads aren’t exactly laptops, their price and their portability make them a popular alternative. By adding a detachable keyboard to the mix, you can use Apple-level technology for under $500. Although iPads are not as powerful as MacBooks or iMacs, they can run basic programs and editing software with ease.
Pros:
- Offers Apple’s famous power and resolution
- Excellent battery life
- Great for basic tasks
Cons:
- Certain limitations compared to macOS
- Dated design
- Can’t run certain programs
Price:
3. Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Series
The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Series offers the power of choice. With multiple processor options and storage that ranges from 4-12 GB RAM to 128-256GB SSD, you can select the power you need for the price you can afford. Plus, the whole series comes with solid screen resolution, a comfortable keyboard and Windows 11, all for less than $500.
Pros:
- Best affordable laptop for building your preferred model
- 15” HD display
- Spill-resistant keyboard
Cons:
- Relatively dim screen
- No USB-C port
Price:
- Amazon:
- $499
- Intel N
- 8GB RAM
- 256GB SSD
- Amazon:
- $513.15
- Intel Core i5
- 12GB RAM
- 256GB SSD
- Best Buy:
- $389.99
- Ryzen 5
- 8GB RAM
- 256GB SSD
- Dell:
- $299
- Intel N Series
- 4GB RAM
- 128GB SSD
4. Acer Aspire 5
The Acer Aspire 5 is one of the best inexpensive laptop set-ups for under $550. It comes in a variety of screen and memory sizes. Plus, you can make the choice between the AMD Ryzen 3 or the more powerful Intel Core i3 processors. However, the battery life and speaker output of this laptop leave a lot to be desired.
Pros:
- Fingerprint reader
- Backlit keyboard
- Plenty of ports
Cons:
- Slightly heavy at 3.7 pounds
- Poor battery life
- Weak speakers
Price:
- Best Buy:
- Full price: $529.99
- On sale: $299.99
- 17.3” screen
- Acer:
- $489.99
- 14” screen
- Acer:
- $499.99
- 15.6” screen
5. Microsoft Surface Go 3 Tablet
The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is one of the best affordable two-in-one laptops. While it can’t compete with Apple’s iPad, its lightweight design and Windows 10 capabilities make it suitable for consumers and small office employees alike. Unfortunately, the detachable keyboard costs extra money, though it is relatively affordable itself.
Pros:
- Vivid 10.5” display
- 11 hours of battery life
- 64GB storage
Cons:
- Detachable components not included
- Only one USB-C port
- Keyboard is small
Price:
6. Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook
The Lenovo Duet isn’t the fastest nor the cheapest Chromebook on the market. However, it offers the best of both worlds by combining a price tag below $500 with a bright display, solid processor and two-in-one detachability. Plus, the keyboard comes with the laptop.
Pros:
- Keyboard included
- High-quality OLED display at budget prices
- Keyboard included
Cons:
- Stylus not included
- Average computing performance
Price:
7. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i
The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i is a convertible, touchscreen laptop that allows users to switch between a laptop, a tablet and an easel model. You can choose between Intel or AMD Ryzen processors, all while packing a powerful punch at various prices. The screen ranges from 14” to 16” depending on your needs.
Pros:
- Practical, sturdy design
- 8GB or 16GB RAM with 256GB memory
- 10 hours of battery life
Cons:
- Relatively dim display
- Heavier than some competitor models
Price:
- Amazon:
- $352
- 14” screen
- AMD Ryzen 4
- Best Buy:
- $579.99
- 15.6” screen
- Intel Core i5
- Lenovo:
- $614.99
- 16” screen
- AMD Ryzen 7
8. Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook provides a solid mid-range alternative to the flashier and more expensive models. On the one hand, this laptop lacks a stylus, fingerprint sensor and high-quality resolution. Still, its QLED panel and Core i3 processor make it a functional, affordable and powerful laptop for your daily computer needs.
Pros:
- Fully functional Chromebook for daily tasks
- Affordable alternative to OLED displays
Cons:
- Seven-hour battery life
- Stylus not included
- Processor could be better
Price:
9. HP Victus Gaming Laptop
The HP Victus line makes the expensive world of gaming laptops more accessible for consumers working with a budget. This laptop boasts a large display and fast performance as well as a relatively powerful processing and graphics card. For entry-level customers and budget-focused gamers, this is a solid laptop at a competitive price.
Pros:
- 15.6” screen
- Numerous graphics and memory card options
- 256GB to 512GB memory
Cons:
- Heavy plastic casing with weak hinges
- Poor battery life
- Sacrifices modern features like Thunderbolt 4 port
Price:
- Best Buy:
- $799.99
- Intel Core i5
- 8GB RAM
- 512GB SSD
- HP:
- $749.99
- AMD Ryzen 5
- 16GB RAM
- 512GB SSD
- Amazon:
- $709.99
- Intel Core i5
- 16GB RAM
- 512 SSD
Don’t be afraid to shop around for the best cheap laptops
Chromebooks have long dominated the affordable laptop space. However, Chromebook is no longer the only valuable laptop series available. Keep the aforementioned options in mind as you search for the best budget laptop out there.
FAQ
Q: What is the difference between a Chromebook and a laptop?
A: A Chromebook is a specific type of laptop that runs a unique operating system. While many laptops run via Windows OS or macOS, Chromebooks run Chrome OS.
Q: Is a 4K screen worth it on a laptop?
A: Unless you’re working with video editing software or you are a graphic designer, a 4k screen is not necessary. Plus, better resolution drives up the price of laptops and drains the battery life by a considerable amount.
Q: Which laptop brand is best for long-term use?
A: Apple has long been considered one of the most reliable brands for long-term laptop use. However, a few of the best inexpensive laptop options come from reputable brands, including HP and Lenovo.
FAQ
What is the difference between a Chromebook and a laptop?
A Chromebook is a specific type of laptop that runs a unique operating system. While many laptops run via Windows OS or macOS, Chromebooks run Chrome OS.
Is a 4K screen worth it on a laptop?
Unless you’re working with video editing software or you are a graphic designer, a 4k screen is not necessary. Plus, better resolution drives up the price of laptops and drains the battery life by a considerable amount.
Which laptop brand is best for long-term use?
Apple has long been considered one of the most reliable brands for long-term laptop use. However, a few of the best inexpensive laptop options come from reputable brands, including HP and Lenovo.
