Today, 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 recommendation for the best budget laptop for most buyers is the Apple MacBook Neo, which at $599 delivers superb build quality and a stellar screen for basic compute needs. We've also handpicked additional high-value budget laptops for more specific scenarios, and we break down all the buying advice you need to find the perfect budget machine.
Overview
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![Apple MacBook Neo]()
Best Budget Laptop for Most BuyersApple MacBook Neo
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![MSI Katana 15 HX]()
Best Budget Gaming LaptopMSI Katana 15 HX
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![Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Gen 7]()
Best Budget Business LaptopLenovo ThinkBook 16 Gen 7
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![Acer Aspire 16 AI]()
Best Budget Big-Screen LaptopAcer Aspire 16 AI
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![Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 (7445)]()
Best Budget 2-in-1 Convertible LaptopDell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 (7445)
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![Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025)]()
Best Budget Clamshell ChromebookAsus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025)
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![HP Chromebook Plus x360]()
Best Budget 2-in-1 Convertible ChromebookHP Chromebook Plus x360
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![Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9]()
Best Budget 2-in-1 Detachable ChromebookLenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9
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![Asus Chromebook Plus CX14]()
Best Extreme-Budget ChromebookAsus Chromebook Plus CX14
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![Framework Laptop 13 (2025)]()
Best Laptop for Long-Term SavingsFramework Laptop 13 (2025)
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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![Apple MacBook Neo]()
Best Budget Laptop for Most BuyersApple MacBook Neo
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Apple MacBook Neo tops the affordable laptop list as a fantastic value, both as an affordable MacBook and a brilliant budget buy. It provides exceptional low-priced performance thanks to the A18 Pro chip inside, which blows most competitors out of the water for performance and battery life. However, it doesn't stop there, delivering a sharper, more vivid display, a more robust aluminum design, and aggressive battery life, all for a much more accessible price point than any other Mac. It even comes in different colors!
Who It's For
Budget-conscious Mac fans: The MacBook Neo will serve you well if you want the macOS ecosystem and Apple's build quality without paying the premium prices of the Air or Pro lines.
Students: The MacBook Neo's $499 education pricing and durable aluminum build make it an ideal, portable choice for campus life and general coursework for you or your kids.
Non-power users: The Neo fits amazingly if you're only performing basic computing tasks, such as web browsing and media consumption, and you value a high-quality display and reliable performance. If you rely primarily on wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 6), then you should be less bothered by the limited and slower physical port selection.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 256 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Budget Class Ultraportable Dimensions (HWD) 0.5 by 11.7 by 8.1 inches Graphics Processor Apple A18 Pro (5-core) Native Display Resolution 2408 by 1506 Operating System Apple macOS Panel Technology LED Processor Apple A18 Pro RAM (as Tested) 8 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 13 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 15:35 Variable Refresh Support None Weight 2.7 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 6 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 6E Learn More Apple MacBook Neo Review -
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Credit: Joseph Maldonado
![MSI Katana 15 HX]()
Best Budget Gaming LaptopMSI Katana 15 HX
Pros & Cons
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 is our top pick if you need decent gaming 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 trade-offs. 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 smart first gaming laptop choice. This machine is a relatively inexpensive investment that won't hinder your kid's introductory experience with PC gaming. It's also great for completing basic schoolwork.Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 512 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Gaming Dimensions (HWD) 1 by 14.1 by 10.3 inches Graphics Memory 8 Graphics Processor Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 Laptop GPU Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1080 Operating System Windows 11 Home Panel Technology IPS Processor Intel Core i7-14650HX RAM (as Tested) 16 Screen Refresh Rate 144 Screen Size 15.6 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 8:11 Variable Refresh Support None Weight 5.29 Wireless Networking Bluetooth Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 6E Learn More MSI Katana 15 HX Review -
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![Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Gen 7]()
Best Budget Business LaptopLenovo ThinkBook 16 Gen 7
Pros & Cons
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 broad enough 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: If you're a business owner, then this ThinkBook laptop is a smart choice if you require reliable machines for everyday office tasks. It's also a fit if you're an entrepreneur who prioritizes an affordable price over premium features, such as a high-end display.
Desktop users seeking portability: This laptop is ideal for you as a professional who wants a large-screen display for productivity, but also needs to work on the go. A product like this can transform any workstation environment into a mobile one, allowing you to connect it to an external monitor to bypass its dim screen or enjoy a secondary display.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 512 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Budget Class Business Class Desktop Replacement Dimensions (HWD) 0.69 by 14.1 by 10 inches Graphics Processor Intel Graphics Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1200 Operating System Windows 11 Pro Panel Technology IPS Processor Intel Core Ultra 5 125U RAM (as Tested) 16 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 16 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 16:46 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 3.74 Wireless Networking 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) Wireless Networking Bluetooth Learn More Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 Review -
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Credit: Joseph Maldonado
![Acer Aspire 16 AI]()
Best Budget Big-Screen LaptopAcer Aspire 16 AI
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Acer's Aspire 16 AI represents an incredible deal for a 16-inch laptop for home or school use, bringing a big, fast, and sharp screen to the budget category. Plus, the laptop’s Snapdragon X chip is potent enough to handle everyday tasks quickly, and it's efficient enough to last well beyond a workday or school day. On top of all that, the Aspire’s build quality exceeds our expectations at this price. This is the first big-screen laptop you should consider if on a tight budget.
Who It's For
Budget-strapped productivity users seeking a big screen: This is the ultimate cheap laptop if you want a big screen with the hardware to back it up. The Aspire 16 AI brings some seldom-seen screen traits for the price: a 120Hz refresh rate and impressive color coverage.
High school or college students: This laptop is an excellent pick for students in high school or beyond. The Aspire is relatively compact despite its big panel, making it easy to tote between classes and on the commute, and its processor should keep up with basic study loads.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 512 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Budget Dimensions (HWD) 0.63 by 14 by 9.9 inches Graphics Processor Qualcomm Adreno GPU Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1200 Operating System Windows 11 Home Panel Technology IPS Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon X (X1-26-100) RAM (as Tested) 16 Screen Refresh Rate 120 Screen Size 16 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 17:02 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support Dynamic Weight 3.42 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More Acer Aspire 16 AI Review -
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![Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 (7445)]()
Best Budget 2-in-1 Convertible LaptopDell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 (7445)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
If you want a budget-friendly laptop that converts into a tablet, our top recommendation for a 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 high-quality speakers.
Who It's For
Budget-conscious hybrid users: This laptop is a fine fit if you 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
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Convertible 2-in-1 Dimensions (HWD) 0.74 by 12.4 by 8.9 inches Graphics Processor AMD Radeon 780M Graphics Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1200 Operating System Windows 11 Home Panel Technology IPS Processor AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS RAM (as Tested) 16 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 14 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 15:56 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 3.7 Wireless Networking 802.11ax Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.3 Learn More Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 (7445) Review -
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![Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025)]()
Best Budget Clamshell ChromebookAsus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Asus' updated Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025) includes 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 your restrictive budget as a powerful laptop for a low price. If you're looking to spend $500 or less and want the best possible combination of performance and features, then you should consider this Asus model.
General Chromebook fans: If you're already familiar with Google's Chromebook brand and want a dependable machine, then this laptop is the one for you. 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
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 128 Boot Drive Type UFS (Universal Flash Storage) Class Chromebook Dimensions (HWD) 0.74 by 12.9 by 8.4 inches Graphics Processor Intel Iris Xe Graphics Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1080 Operating System Chrome OS Panel Technology IPS Processor Intel Core i5-1335U RAM (as Tested) 8 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 14 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 10:51 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 3.17 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.3 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 6E Learn More Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025) Review -
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Credit: Joseph Maldonado
![HP Chromebook Plus x360]()
Best Budget 2-in-1 Convertible ChromebookHP Chromebook Plus x360
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The HP Chromebook Plus x360 is our favorite budget convertible Chromebook, thanks to its smooth and colorful touch screen and versatile, portable design. Beyond that, and the unbeatable price, the laptop provides 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 in your life, 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 smart choice if you're on a tight budget but still want a reliable Chromebook with plenty of helpful features. However, you'll need to forgo luxuries like a backlit keyboard or an HDMI port.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 128 Boot Drive Type UFS (Universal Flash Storage) Class Chromebook Class Convertible 2-in-1 Dimensions (HWD) 0.81 by 12.7 by 8.3 inches Graphics Processor Intel HD Graphics Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1080 Operating System Google ChromeOS Panel Technology IPS Processor Intel Core i3-N305 RAM (as Tested) 8 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 14 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 10:40 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 3.31 Wireless Networking 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) Wireless Networking Bluetooth Learn More HP Chromebook Plus x360 Review -
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![Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9]()
Best Budget 2-in-1 Detachable ChromebookLenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The detachable Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 pairs a compact 11-inch ChromeOS tablet with a magnetic keyboard cover, kickstand, stylus, and 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 provide 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 in your life. 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 excellent if you require a simple, low-cost device for emails, bills, and leisure activities—and you don't mind working with middling performance and battery life.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 128 Boot Drive Type eMMC Flash Memory Class Chromebook Class Detachable 2-in-1 Dimensions (HWD) 0.30 by 10.1 by 6.6 inches Graphics Processor ARM Mali-G57 MC3 Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1200 Operating System Chrome OS Panel Technology IPS Processor MediaTek Kompanio 838 RAM (as Tested) 8 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 10.95 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 6:01 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 1.12 Wireless Networking 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) Wireless Networking Bluetooth Learn More Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 Review -
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![Asus Chromebook Plus CX14]()
Best Extreme-Budget ChromebookAsus Chromebook Plus CX14
Pros & Cons
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 less than $300. 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 your kids both at home and in the classroom, in the face of a restrictive budget. The Asus Chromebook Plus CX14 is well-suited for basic productivity and light computing tasks, where your primary concern is managing the back-to-school shopping costs.
Extreme-budget shoppers: This Chromebook is a fine fit even if you're an adult with an extremely limited budget. If you prioritize the lowest possible price over premium features like build quality, display sharpness, or typing feel, then this Chromebook will work well for you.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 128 Boot Drive Type UFS (Universal Flash Storage) Class Chromebook Dimensions (HWD) 0.78 by 12.8 by 8.4 inches Graphics Processor Intel UHD Graphics Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1080 Operating System Chrome OS Panel Technology IPS Processor Intel Core 3 N355 RAM (as Tested) 8 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 14 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 10:20 Variable Refresh Support None Weight 3.06 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 6E Learn More Asus Chromebook Plus CX14 (CX1405) Review -
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Credit: Joseph Maldonado
![Framework Laptop 13 (2025)]()
Best Laptop for Long-Term SavingsFramework Laptop 13 (2025)
Pros & Cons
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, providing 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 you if you're a computer lover who enjoys building your own PCs, since you can swap out parts as you please. It's an excellent 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 if you're an eco-conscious laptop user. 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: If you're looking for a budget-friendly laptop that will last for years to come, head straight to the Framework website. This laptop's 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
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Ultraportable Dimensions (HWD) 0.62 by 11.7 by 9 inches Graphics Processor AMD Radeon 860M Graphics Native Display Resolution 2,880 by 1,920 Panel Technology IPS Processor AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 RAM (as Tested) 16 Screen Refresh Rate 120 Screen Size 13.5 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 14:02 Variable Refresh Support None Weight 2.86 Wireless Networking Bluetooth Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More Framework Laptop 13 (2025) Review -
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Best For | Best Budget Laptop for Most Buyers | Best Budget Gaming Laptop | Best Budget Business Laptop | Best Budget Big-Screen Laptop | Best Budget 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop | Best Budget Clamshell Chromebook | Best Budget 2-in-1 Convertible Chromebook | Best Budget 2-in-1 Detachable Chromebook | Best Extreme-Budget Chromebook | Best Laptop for Long-Term Savings | Best Budget Laptop for Most Buyers | Best Budget Gaming Laptop | Best Budget Business Laptop |
Class | Budget, Ultraportable | Gaming | Desktop Replacement, Business, Budget | Budget | Convertible 2-in-1 | Chromebook | Chromebook, Convertible 2-in-1 | Chromebook, Detachable 2-in-1 | Chromebook | Ultraportable | Budget, Ultraportable | Gaming | Desktop Replacement, Business, Budget |
Processor | Apple A18 Pro | Intel Core i7-14650HX | Intel Core Ultra 5 125U | Qualcomm Snapdragon X (X1-26-100) | AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS | Intel Core i5-1335U | Intel Core i3-N305 | MediaTek Kompanio 838 | Intel Core 3 N355 | AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 | Apple A18 Pro | Intel Core i7-14650HX | Intel Core Ultra 5 125U |
Processor Speed | |||||||||||||
RAM (as Tested) | 8 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 16 | 8 | 16 | 16 |
Boot Drive Type | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | UFS (Universal Flash Storage) | UFS (Universal Flash Storage) | eMMC Flash Memory | UFS (Universal Flash Storage) | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD |
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 256 | 512 | 512 | 512 | 1 | 128 | 128 | 128 | 128 | 1 | 256 | 512 | 512 |
Secondary Drive Type | |||||||||||||
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested) | |||||||||||||
Optical Drive | |||||||||||||
Screen Size | 13 | 15.6 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 10.95 | 14 | 13.5 | 13 | 15.6 | 16 |
Native Display Resolution | 2408 by 1506 | 1920 by 1080 | 1920 by 1200 | 1920 by 1200 | 1920 by 1200 | 1920 by 1080 | 1920 by 1080 | 1920 by 1200 | 1920 by 1080 | 2,880 by 1,920 | 2408 by 1506 | 1920 by 1080 | 1920 by 1200 |
Touch Screen | |||||||||||||
Panel Technology | LED | IPS | IPS | IPS | IPS | IPS | IPS | IPS | IPS | IPS | LED | IPS | IPS |
Variable Refresh Support | None | None | None | Dynamic | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
Screen Refresh Rate | 60 | 144 | 60 | 120 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 120 | 60 | 144 | 60 |
Graphics Processor | Apple A18 Pro (5-core) | Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 Laptop GPU | Intel Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno GPU | AMD Radeon 780M Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Intel HD Graphics | ARM Mali-G57 MC3 | Intel UHD Graphics | AMD Radeon 860M Graphics | Apple A18 Pro (5-core) | Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 Laptop GPU | Intel Graphics |
Graphics Memory | 8 | 8 | |||||||||||
Wireless Networking | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 6 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6E | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 6 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth |
Dimensions (HWD) | 0.5 by 11.7 by 8.1 inches | 1 by 14.1 by 10.3 inches | 0.69 by 14.1 by 10 inches | 0.63 by 14 by 9.9 inches | 0.74 by 12.4 by 8.9 inches | 0.74 by 12.9 by 8.4 inches | 0.81 by 12.7 by 8.3 inches | 0.30 by 10.1 by 6.6 inches | 0.78 by 12.8 by 8.4 inches | 0.62 by 11.7 by 9 inches | 0.5 by 11.7 by 8.1 inches | 1 by 14.1 by 10.3 inches | 0.69 by 14.1 by 10 inches |
Weight | 2.7 | 5.29 | 3.74 | 3.42 | 3.7 | 3.17 | 3.31 | 1.12 | 3.06 | 2.86 | 2.7 | 5.29 | 3.74 |
Operating System | Apple macOS | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home | Chrome OS | Google ChromeOS | Chrome OS | Chrome OS | Apple macOS | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Pro | |
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 15:35 | 8:11 | 16:46 | 17:02 | 15:56 | 10:51 | 10:40 | 6:01 | 10:20 | 14:02 | 15:35 | 8:11 | 16:46 |
Buying Guide: The Best Cheap Laptops for 2026
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 silicon 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 CPU bandwagon, putting the A18 Pro processor from the iPhone into a laptop to cut costs. 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 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.) However, the ongoing memory crisis has impacted the prices and RAM allocations for budget-oriented laptops, so shop carefully.
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 hold out 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. Inexpensive Windows machines typically use small-capacity flash or solid-state drives (SSDs) of 128GB or 256GB. 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 with generous free cloud storage. Of course, as with any cloud-based service, you'll need to be online to access it.
Also, know that budget machines with this little local storage, including many Chromebooks, rely on "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 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 low-cost 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.
Recommended by Our Editors
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, often for under $500. 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 mode 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 provide much of the functionality of a regular Windows or Mac laptop, and, depending on the model, may deliver longer battery life.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)Just be sure you have easy access to a stable Wi-Fi connection wherever you use one, and look for laptops that qualify for 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 a Plus model.
The newly announced Googlebook laptops represent a major potential evolution for budget computing, blending premium construction with native Android app support and deep Gemini AI integration. This shift could replace traditional, lower-performance entry-level PCs with a new high-performance standard, or simply kill off the Chromebooks that have dominated the budget market for years. Only time will tell, but with existing Chrome models set to receive support through 2034, Chromebooks won't disappear anytime soon.
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 as many affordable models, 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 a detachable tablet, 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 high chance that at least one of our picks is back-ordered at any given time. However, if you're on a strict budget, don't lose heart. You can find PCs delivering 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. For more general factors to consider when choosing a laptop, look at our buying guide with our top laptop picks overall.