Finding the best budget laptop: Top 10 choices for 2024

Finding the best budget laptop isn't just a nice-to-have these days—it's a necessity for many. With the demands of remote work, distance learning, and...

Finding the best budget laptop isn't just a nice-to-have these days—it's a necessity for many. With the demands of remote work, distance learning, and the ongoing quest for entertainment, laptops have become more crucial than ever. The great news is that the search for an affordable laptop doesn't mean you have to compromise on quality. Whether you're in the 8th or 12th grade, a college student, or even an adult looking for a cost-effective computing solution, this guide is for you. We've rounded up the top 10 budget-friendly options, from Windows laptops to Chrome OS devices, that offer solid performance without breaking the bank. So, let's dive right in!

What to consider when buying a budget laptop

Before we get into the meat of the reviews, let's talk about some of the factors that you should consider when shopping for a cheap laptop.

Performance

An excellent laptop must deliver solid performance, which is often determined by its CPU (Central Processing Unit). Most budget laptops come with either Intel Core i3 or Core i5 processors, while some offer the AMD Ryzen series. It's essential to consider what you'll be using the laptop for—whether it's simple web browsing, video editing, or gaming. Some budget-friendly laptops, especially those with an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, can handle multitasking quite efficiently.

Battery life

Battery life is a huge factor, especially for those who are always on-the-go. No one wants to be tethered to an outlet all day. On average, a good budget laptop should offer at least 6-8 hours of battery life. Some, like the Lenovo Ideapad, go beyond that, providing excellent battery longevity.

Build quality

Build quality is often overlooked when people shop for a budget-friendly laptop, but it shouldn't be. Sturdy build quality means your laptop will have a longer lifespan. Pay attention to the material, hinge quality, and overall construction. While you may not get a high-end aluminum chassis in this price range, many affordable laptops offer a decent plastic build that's robust enough for daily use.

Additional features

Finally, keep an eye out for additional features. Things like a touchscreen, an HDMI port, and a backlit keyboard can make your life a lot easier. While these features are more commonly found in high-end laptops, some budget options also provide them.

Top 10 best budget laptops of 2023

Now that you're armed with all the vital information to make an informed decision, it's time to deep-dive into the most compelling lineup of the top 10 best budget laptops that offer excellent specifications for a surprisingly affordable price. These are the machines that will give you the most bang for your buck, without skimping on performance, battery life, or even aesthetics.

1. Lenovo Ideapad

When it comes to robust performance paired with long-lasting battery life, the Lenovo Ideapad steals the show. This machine is engineered with an AMD Ryzen 5 CPU under its hood, a processor that makes multitasking not just possible, but incredibly efficient. Whether you're a student juggling between multiple Chrome tabs for research, watching tutorial videos, and simultaneously working on a project in Microsoft Word, this laptop has got you covered. 

But the display is where it truly shines. Boasting an IPS (In-Plane Switching) display, the Ideapad delivers vibrant colors and crisp images, making it an ideal choice for anyone who consumes a lot of media or simply wants their content to look as good as possible. And let's not forget the webcam, a crucial component in today's digital age, which offers clear video quality for all your Zoom calls or online classes. All of this comes within a budget-friendly price range, making it one of the best cheap laptops available today, particularly well-suited for students.

2. Acer Aspire 5

Another excellent contender in the budget-friendly arena is the Acer Aspire 5, running on an Intel Core i5 processor. This laptop is essentially your all-rounder, perfect for a variety of everyday tasks. Whether you're drafting an email, tweaking a PowerPoint presentation, or watching Netflix, the Aspire 5 performs each task smoothly. One of its standout features is its Full HD (FHD) screen, which offers crisp, vivid visuals that you'll appreciate whether you're editing photos or catching up on your favorite shows. 

The 256GB SSD (Solid-State Drive) also merits attention. It not only ensures a snappy boot-up time but also provides quick read-write speeds, making data transfers a breeze. The touchpad is responsive and sizable enough for comfortable navigation, enhancing your overall computing experience. If you're looking for an excellent laptop that balances both performance and build quality, then this machine stands out as a robust contender.

3. Dell Inspiron

The Dell Inspiron comes equipped with a Core i3 processor, supported by Intel Iris Xe graphics. Now, you might be wondering if a Core i3 is sufficient. Well, in this case, it is. It provides a balanced performance for a variety of tasks. So if you're into web browsing, running Microsoft Office apps, or even some light gaming, this laptop will serve you well. 

What sets it apart is its range of ports, including an HDMI port, which makes external connectivity—like hooking up to a bigger monitor or a TV—a cinch. Plus, the build quality is surprisingly premium for a budget-friendly laptop, featuring a sturdy, clamshell design that feels like it can withstand a couple of years of daily use. If you're an audiophile, you'll appreciate the headphone jack that allows for immersive sound experiences without disturbing others.

4. ASUS VivoBook

Breaking the norm of budget laptops, the ASUS VivoBook offers an Intel Core i7 CPU, a specification typically found in high-end models. Although its 60Hz refresh rate doesn't make it the best budget gaming laptop, it's more than sufficient for general tasks and some light gaming. 

The VivoBook takes future-readiness seriously, featuring an array of ports, notably including a USB-C port that supports Thunderbolt 4, making it blazing fast for data transfers and excellent for future-proofing your tech life. Add a responsive trackpad into the mix, and you've got a highly capable laptop that gives you the best of both worlds—performance and advanced features, all within a budget-friendly price range.

5. HP Pavilion

Running on the new Windows 11, the HP Pavilion promises a user experience that's as seamless as it gets, thanks to its Intel processor. As for connectivity, this machine doesn't disappoint. It offers an extensive port selection, featuring not just an HDMI port but also a versatile USB-C port, which is becoming increasingly essential for modern computing tasks. 

Furthermore, its backlit keyboard isn't just a gimmick—it provides a comfortable typing experience, even in dimly lit conditions. Coupled with robust overall performance, this machine is an excellent pick for students or anyone in need of a reliable laptop for both work and play.

6. Acer Chromebook

If Windows isn't your cup of tea and you're more of a web-centric user, the Acer Chromebook might be right up your alley. It operates on Chrome OS, which is perfectly suited for tasks like web browsing, email, and using cloud-based apps like Google Docs and Google Sheets. 

Although it houses an Intel Celeron CPU and eMMC (Embedded MultiMediaCard) storage, which are generally considered entry-level specs, they're more than sufficient for the kind of tasks you'll be doing on a Chromebook. The machine also boasts a touchscreen feature, which is an unusual yet welcome find in this price range. It adds an extra layer of functionality, making tasks like browsing the web or using Android apps even more intuitive.

7. Microsoft Surface Go

For those who appreciate the freedom of a detachable design, the Microsoft Surface Go is a real winner. While it may be considered an entry-level model within the Microsoft Surface lineup, it doesn't skimp on quality or performance. It comes with a stylus pen that's fantastic for artists or avid note-takers. 

Whether you're sketching, annotating documents, or simply doodling during a meeting, the stylus offers precise control, making these tasks more efficient and enjoyable. Its quality IPS display ensures that whether you're designing a logo or watching a movie, the colors are vibrant and true to life. You can easily find this laptop on Amazon or Best Buy, making it accessible for most consumers.

8. Apple MacBook Air (Older Model)

Apple's older MacBook Air models provide a fantastic alternative for those who prefer macOS over other operating systems. While they might not come cheap, they are generally more affordable compared to their newer counterparts. These machines still offer solid specifications, including an Intel Core i5 processor, and adhere to Apple's stringent standards for build quality. 

The MacBook Air models come with Thunderbolt 3 ports, which provide blazing-fast data transfer speeds and can also serve as a charging point for the laptop. And if you're already invested in the Apple ecosystem, perhaps with an iPhone or an iPad, then this MacBook will fit right in.

9. Samsung Chromebook

Samsung's offering in the Chromebook space is a stellar fit for people who need a machine primarily for web browsing, media consumption, or using Android apps. Powered by an Intel Pentium CPU, this laptop offers sufficient computing power for basic tasks. The battery life here is commendable, allowing you to roam free from the power outlet for extended periods. What's more, you can easily find this laptop at Walmart, among other retailers, making it a convenient option to purchase.

10. ASUS TUF Gaming Laptop

Finally, for those who are on the hunt for the best budget gaming laptop, look no further than the ASUS TUF Gaming Laptop. While it's not going to rival high-end gaming laptops, it has some punchy specs that make it a strong contender in the budget category. Armed with an AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and an Nvidia GeForce GPU, this machine is capable of running most of the latest games at moderate settings. 

The refresh rate of the display also adds to the gaming experience, allowing for smoother transitions and better gameplay. And for those concerned about graphics, the machine comes with a dedicated graphics card that gives it a significant edge in gaming and even basic video editing tasks.

Honorable mentions

If you're looking for more options, there are other noteworthy alternatives that deserve your attention. Among these, the HP Stream and the Dell XPS 13 stand out for different reasons, catering to diverse user needs across the spectrum of computing requirements.

Firstly, let's talk about the HP Stream. This laptop is a minimalist's dream, designed specifically to cater to basic computing needs. It's not a powerhouse by any means, but if you're in the market for a machine to handle tasks like web browsing, word processing, and email management, then the HP Stream is an optimal choice. 

Despite its budget-friendly nature, the machine offers a competent array of ports including USB, HDMI, and even a headphone jack for those who wish to engage in multimedia consumption without disturbing others. Its clamshell design is both portable and aesthetically pleasing, aligning well with the needs of students or professionals who are always on the move. And while it doesn't boast a Full HD or UHD display, the screen size is sufficient for most standard tasks.

On the other end of the spectrum, we have the Dell XPS 13, which is a bit more robust in terms of its hardware offerings. This laptop comes with a variety of specs that can include Intel Core i7 processors and even a dedicated graphics card for those who need to engage in graphics-intensive tasks like video editing or 3D rendering. Its InfinityEdge display offers stunning visuals, and you can even opt for an OLED screen for deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. 

Furthermore, the Dell XPS 13 is one of the few laptops in its category to offer Thunderbolt 4 ports, ensuring ultra-fast data transfers and future-proofing your investment. And if you're someone who enjoys a good Netflix binge or a musical duet on your machine, the audio quality will not disappoint, thanks to a quality sound system that complements the powerful specs.

Shopping for either of these laptops is relatively easy given their wide availability. Retail giants like Walmart, Amazon, and Best Buy frequently offer these machines, sometimes at discounted prices, making them accessible for a broad range of consumers. These platforms often feature seasonal sales or package deals, allowing you to get your hands on these amazing laptops without burning a hole in your wallet.

And let's not forget about the varied features that these laptops come with, outside of the typical processor and screen size considerations. Connectivity options like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are standard, but some models may also feature Qualcomm-powered cellular connectivity for those who absolutely cannot afford to be disconnected. Other models may come with extras like a responsive touchpad or even an RTX series graphics card for enhanced gaming or content creation capabilities.

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FAQs

How do these budget laptops fare in terms of durability and warranty?

Many of these budget-friendly laptops offer reasonable durability and warranty terms. For example, brands like Dell, Lenovo, and HP are known for their robust build quality, even in their budget-friendly models. Many come with a standard one-year warranty, which may include options to extend the coverage for an additional fee. Always remember to check the warranty details and consider investing in an extended warranty or insurance for added peace of mind.

How do I decide between a budget laptop running Windows, Chrome OS, or macOS?

Your choice will ultimately depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you're accustomed to Microsoft Office applications or need specific Windows-only software for your tasks, a Windows laptop would be your go-to. Chrome OS is more suitable for those who rely heavily on cloud-based applications, web browsing, and aren't dependent on any Windows-specific software. If you're already a part of the Apple ecosystem and enjoy the seamless integration between macOS and other Apple devices, the older MacBook Air models provide an affordable entry point.

Are these budget laptops suitable for professional content creation like video editing or graphic design?

Some models, such as the ASUS VivoBook with its Intel Core i7 CPU, might handle lighter creative tasks like photo editing reasonably well. If you're a professional content creator, you might want to consider laptops with more powerful CPUs, GPUs, and additional RAM, which are generally not available in budget-friendly options.