Best Budget Laptops of 2024

Buying guide for best budget laptops

Needing a new laptop shouldn't become a financial burden. The reality is, the high cost of some laptops can act as a barrier, preventing many from accessing the technology they need. While high-end models can cost well over $1,000, there are many affordable options that offer solid performance for everyday tasks, browsing and entertainment.

Not sure where to start? We're here to help equip you with the know-how you need to navigate the complex laptop market and find the best budget-friendly laptop for your needs. Unsurprisingly, when shopping for a new laptop, it’s essential to consider how much you want to spend. Once you’ve determined your budget, the next step is to consider the specs and features you want. Your primary considerations should be the processor, display size and type, battery life, storage, memory and connectivity. 

The BestReviews Testing Lab tested and evaluated all the latest budget-friendly models that pack all the features and performance you need for both work and play. Our top choice is the Acer Aspire 3, which features a lightweight design that’s great for studying or working on the go. 

Which budget laptop is best?

Acer Aspire 3

Best of the best

Product Specifications
Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 7520U | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB | Display: 15.6” full HD | Battery Life: 8 hrs | Operating System: Windows 11 | Ports: 1 HDMI Port, 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port | Webcam Resolution: HD 720p

Although there are laptops on the market with even stronger features, the Acer Aspire 3 offers a great value proposition for everyday users without compromising quality. Its affordable price makes it a budget-friendly option, yet it still boasts a premium build and a 15.6-inch Full HD display, perfect for enjoying streaming content.

With 8GB of RAM, you can multitask without experiencing significant lag, and the AMD Ryzen 5 7520U processor allows it to run smoothly. It has a thin, lightweight design that gives it excellent portability, and the front-facing camera offers decent video quality even in low-light conditions. It uses noise-reduction technology to clear up the picture and includes voice processing to enhance sound quality during calls.

Overall, the Acer Aspire 3 strikes a great balance between affordability and functionality for everyday tasks. It excels at handling web browsing, schoolwork, light gaming and enjoying HD content, making it an excellent choice for casual users and budget-conscious buyers looking to upgrade without breaking the bank.

Apple MacBook Air 13-Inch with M2 Chip

Best budget MacBook

Product Specifications
Processor: M2 chip | RAM: 8GB unified (option to add up to 24GB) | Storage: 256GB SSD (option to add up to 2TB) | Display: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina | Battery Life: Up to 18 hrs | Operating System: macOS | Ports: 2 Thunderbolt, 4 USB | Webcam Resolution: HD 1080p

Apple gadget users and those seeking an alternative to Windows will find the 13-inch MacBook Air with the M2 chip particularly appealing. MacBooks are known for their sleek design, lightweight build and longevity, but there is plenty more about this laptop to love.

For starters, this MacBook Air’s dazzling 13.6-inch Liquid Retina LED screen is perfect for streaming your favorite HD TV shows and movies, and the M2 chip provides blazing-fast performance. The battery life is exceptional as well, lasting up to 18 hours on a full charge with moderate use. Shoppers can customize this laptop with up to 24GB of RAM and 2TB of internal storage. Plus, it has multiple USB and Thunderbolt ports for connecting accessories.

The Apple MacBook Air 13-Inch with the M2 chip stands out for users seeking a long-lasting and premium laptop experience. While MacBooks carry a higher price tag compared to standard laptops, their renowned build quality, powerful performance and impressive battery life make the Air worth considering. 

Acer Aspire 3 Spin 14

Best 2-in-1 convertible laptop

Product Specifications
Processor: Intel Core i3-N305 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128GB | Display: 14” touch screen full HD 1200p | Battery Life: 8 hrs | Operating System: Windows 11 | Ports: 1 USB-C, 1 USB 3.2 | Webcam Resolution: HD 720p

More than just a gimmick, two-in-one laptops offer versatility and freedom for users who crave flexibility in their devices. With a 360-degree hinge, the Acer Aspire 3 Spin 14 transforms seamlessly from a traditional laptop to a tablet, making it ideal for drawing, note-taking and enjoying entertainment comfortably anywhere.

This laptop also boasts a fast Intel Core i3-N305 processor that’s perfect for basic computing tasks and 8GB of RAM for efficient multitasking. An uncommon feature for budget laptops, the touch-screen display enhances productivity, making tasks like scrolling through documents, navigating menus and manipulating on-screen objects more intuitive. It also proves beneficial for gaming, offering a more interactive experience, and for reading e-books, providing a natural page-turning feel.

The Acer Aspire 3 Spin 14 is surprisingly well-built for its price. Although it’s smaller-than-average, it feels sturdy, and the compact design makes it one of the better computers for traveling. Overall, it’s a solid all-around laptop and is more than enough for casual use.

Asus TUF A16 Gaming Laptop

Best budget gaming laptop

Product Specifications
Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 7000 | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB | Display: 16” full HD 1200p | Battery Life: Up to 13 hrs | Operating System: Windows 11 | Ports: 1 Thunderbolt, 2 USB-A 3.2, 2 USB-C 3.2 | Webcam Resolution: HD 720p

Hardcore gamers often prefer desktop computers because they offer more customizability and superior processing power than laptops. However, the Asus TUF A16 Gaming Laptop packs plenty of power and is an excellent model for light to moderate gaming while on the go.

The AMC Ryzen 7 7000 CPU is among the best you’ll find in a budget laptop, and the high-end  AMD Radeon RX 7600S GPU lets you run PC games at max settings without a dip in performance. Its 16GB of RAM makes it suitable for advanced gaming and allows it to handle graphics-intensive applications with ease.

Budget-conscious gamers searching for a powerful yet affordable option will find the Asus TUF A16 highly appealing. This laptop boasts advanced specs and features, including a customizable RGB backlit keyboard, making it well-equipped to handle the demands of moderate gaming experiences.

Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 Laptop

Best budget Chromebook

Product Specifications
Processor: Intel Core i3-1215U | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB | Display: 14” full HD | Battery Life: Up to 10 hrs | Operating System: Chrome OS | Ports: 2 USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, 2 USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 | Webcam Resolution: Full HD 1080p 

Chromebooks are known for their streamlined functionality and long battery life, making them a great choice for casual users and those who primarily work on the go. While their focus lies on online tools and cloud storage, Chromebooks offer a smooth operating system, advanced security features and a variety of applications to meet everyday needs. Best of all, they’re oftentimes hundreds of dollars cheaper than PCs and MacOS laptops.

This Chromebook is powered by the fast and reliable Intel Core i3-1215U processor, which, combined with 8GB of RAM, allows you to run multiple applications simultaneously without noticeable lag or a dip in productivity. You’ll get 256GB of internal SSD storage, and the 14-inch full HD display looks crisp with vibrant colors.

While Chromebooks don’t offer as many applications as Windows and Mac laptops, contrary to popular belief, they still offer offline functionality for essential tasks like documents, spreadsheets, presentations and emails.

For the price, this Chromebook is an excellent buy and perfect for working or casual gaming on the go.

Lenovo Ideapad Gaming Chromebook

Best budget gaming Chromebook

Product Specifications
Processor: Intel Core i3-1215U | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128GB | Display: 16” 2K | Battery Life: Up to 13 hours | Operating System: Chrome OS | Ports: 2 USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 2 USB-A | Webcam Resolution: Full HD 1080p

When you think of Chromebooks, gaming probably isn’t the first thing that springs to mind. After all, Chromebooks are essentially stripped-down versions of standard laptops. However, you might be surprised to learn that there are some Chromebooks with the capacity to facilitate light-to-moderate cloud gaming sessions efficiently.

Unlike many Chromebooks that have an Intel Celeron processor, the Lenovo Ideapad Gaming Chromebook’s CPU is a much faster and more reliable Intel Core i3-1215U. That means gamers can play without experiencing any issues. The 16-inch 2K resolution display looks fantastic and provides excellent color contrast. Plus, unlike some of our other top picks, this laptop boasts a full HD webcam and battery life lasting up to 13 hours on a full charge.

While not ideal for the most demanding games, this Chromebook excels as a budget-friendly option for cloud gaming. Its impressive battery life, stunning display and speedy processor make it a great value proposition for casual gamers who primarily rely on cloud platforms.

Lenovo ThinkPad E16

Best budget business laptop

Product Specifications
Processor: Intel Core i5-1335U | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB | Display: 16” Full HD 1200p | Battery Life: Up to 12 hrs | Operating System: Windows 11 | Ports: 1 USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 1 Thunderbolt 4, 1 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A | Webcam Resolution: Full HD 1080p

Of all our favorite budget laptops, the Lenovo ThinkPad E16 is best suited for business professionals. It has a fast processor, the Intel Core i5-1335U, which isn’t commonly found in budget laptops and offers up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge.

The 16-inch display is broad enough to work comfortably on spreadsheets and other business documents, and the full HD webcam is suitable for conference and video calls. Plus, you’ll get 256GB of internal SSD storage, and 8GB of RAM is enough for multitasking without any problems.

This laptop is built for security, making it an excellent notebook for students and professionals. Whether you need to work on and store sensitive documents or group projects, this laptop offers superior security to keep all your work safe. It doesn’t provide all the bells and whistles some of our other top picks do, but it’s one of the best models for productivity at school or in the office.

Operating systems

Each of the major operating systems — Windows, macOS and Chrome OS — is available in the lower price tiers. That said, there are a few nuances and pitfalls to be aware of.

• If you are looking for a budget Apple laptop with MacOS, investigate the MacBook Air. The MacBook Air is consistently their most affordable portable machine. If macOS is a must but the MacBook Air is not the right machine for you, consider other MacBooks as well. Usually, the next models up are only slightly more expensive.
• If you live your life in the cloud, consider a Chrome-OS-based laptop. Chrome OS is a relatively new operating system from Google based on their popular web browser, Google Chrome. For laptops running Chrome OS, the browser is the entire interface, and instead of running local software, everything is in the cloud. (For example, while you can’t install Microsoft Office on Chrome OS, you can use Microsoft’s “Office Online” suite of web-based equivalents.) Surprisingly, there isn’t much of a learning curve for Chrome OS if you are migrating from a Mac or Windows laptop — especially for those who spend most of their computer time web browsing anyway.

Limitations

Naturally, a “budget” laptop is one that is more affordable than cutting-edge machines, and in the majority of cases, a lower price means less powerful internal hardware. But that is not a bad thing. For example, if you spend most of your computer time browsing the web or watching movies, chances are you don’t need the latest-generation processor or an ultra-powerful video card. You can save a lot of money by finding a budget laptop that makes reasonable compromises.

As you shop, consider the most common hardware compromises you will encounter.

• Video hardware: Most low-cost laptops either use underpowered graphics processing units (GPUs), or power their video by sharing resources with the main processor (the CPU). In these cases, video on the laptop will be adequate, but that’s about it. Watching Netflix will be fine, but your laptop will struggle with more intense video tasks such as playing video games and video editing.
• Screen resolution: Because many of these laptops come with reduced graphics resources, it’s not uncommon to see screen resolution capped at a middle-of-the-road resolution like 1080p. If you absolutely need a laptop with a higher screen resolution (like 1440p or even 4K), you may need to consider looking at more traditionally priced laptops.
• Processors (CPUs): This is a big one. The CPU determines the overall speed of the machine and can’t be upgraded after purchase. The CPU is one of the most expensive components of any computer, so when you see an inexpensive laptop, that generally means that CPU power may be questionable. To make things even more confusing, different classes of CPUs are hard to compare. In general, the fastest CPUs you will see in the budget laptop category are N-series and U-series Intel Core i3 and Core 3 processors. Intel Celeron processors typically offer the next step down in terms of both power and price. Also, ADM Ryzen 3 Series is a common CPU for budget laptops.

A word about Chromebooks

The best budget laptops are, in some cases, Chromebooks. What is a Chromebook? These “cheap laptops” arrived on the scene in 2011, and at first, people were skeptical because they are inexpensive computers that run on the Chrome OS and are dependent upon Wi-Fi connectivity to operate. They are great for web browsing and other Wi-Fi-reliant tasks.

Nowadays, these affordable laptops have earned a place at the table. The reason: consumers have realized that there are situations in which a Chromebook is the best buy. For example, they are great for students. If a cash-strapped student simply needs to access lessons, tests or other educational content online, this is a very economical purchase indeed.

Chromebooks come from all sorts of manufacturers and not just the “low-end” ones. Long-respected brands are making these affordable laptops, and you needn’t spend a fortune to get one of the best Chromebooks.

Pricing

The best laptops with a “budget” price point cost between $250 and $600. On the low end of the range, you will find smaller machines with modest specs that are good for working in a browser or streaming video. Chromebooks often fall into this range.

On the high end of the $250 to $600 range are models that run faster, have more built-in memory and storage and, in some cases, have improved screen resolutions.

If you find a laptop at an unbelievably low price, it may be underpowered and worth avoiding. If you are open to spending more than $600, take a look at the most modern laptops or MacBooks.

Tips

• Pay attention to the types of processors found in different laptops. Comparing processor power across brands can be tricky because speed ratings are rarely consistent from one manufacturer to another. If you encounter an unfamiliar processor, search for comparisons to known brands online. If a laptop is marketed with a processor that either doesn’t list its speed or doesn’t provide any comparison data, don’t buy it.
• Buy a model that has as much RAM as you can afford. Random-access memory, better known as RAM, affects how many tasks a computer can take on simultaneously. While having more RAM doesn’t actually make a computer faster, computers with more RAM generally feel faster because background tasks aren’t slowing them down. Many low-cost laptops come with 4GB RAM onboard, which really isn’t enough to provide a satisfactory experience. We recommend getting one with at least 8GB of RAM, if not 16GB.
• Count your peripherals to determine how many ports you will need. Make a list of all of the things you may need to connect to your machine at the same time, including your monitor, mouse, keyboard, speakers, printer and phone. Note the different ports you will need and how many of each you will need. If you have trouble finding a laptop within your price range that meets all of your port requirements, consider buying a compatible dock or port replicator to add more.
• Note the stated battery life. Good battery life can mean the difference between a leisurely day spent out and about with your laptop (at the beach, in nature, on an airplane) and a stressful day where you wonder constantly whether you’re going to run out of juice and if there is an outlet or cord nearby for you to use.
• Consider the size. If you are thinking about buying a laptop with an 11-inch screen, make sure the diminutive size isn’t too small for your hands. Some users complain that there isn’t enough room to comfortably type on the corresponding keyboard.
• Plan ahead. If you’re waiting for the laptop of your dreams to go on sale, pay attention to online events around the time of Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Of course, there will be sales during other parts of the year as well.

How we analyzed

We studied the specs and design of dozens of laptops to determine performance. We also incorporated our own testing notes from similar products to draw comparisons and take into account customer reviews to make the best recommendations. We primarily analyzed processing power, display quality, storage size, memory capacity, battery life and connectivity. 

FAQ

Q. Do these laptops have touch screens?

A. Laptops that feature touch screens, sometimes referred to as two-in-ones, cost more to make, so it is rare to see a laptop with a touch screen in the budget category. If you need a laptop that also functions as a tablet, a two-in-one laptop may be a better choice for you.

Q. What is an SSD? Should I buy a laptop that has one?

A. There are two types of computer hard drives: traditional disk drives (HDDs), which have moving parts, and solid-state drives (SSDs), which store data in flash memory. SSDs have no moving parts and are several orders of magnitude faster than HDDs. Solid-state drives are more expensive to manufacture than hard-disk drives, so expect the price difference to be reflected in laptop prices. If you can afford one, an SSD is one of the biggest speed increases you can make, and they are a worthwhile investment both in terms of user experience and hardware longevity.

Q. How long can I expect my new laptop to last?

A. It will depend on the model you go with, but in most cases, you can expect it to last between three and five years. Tech advances quickly, and even web browsers require more resources each day, so like all machines, a budget laptop eventually won’t be able to keep up with your work.

Q. How important are screen size and resolution?

A. It depends on your intended use of the laptop. A larger screen (measured on the diagonal from corner to corner) is obviously easier to see. For the sake of portability, however, you might want something smaller. Keep in mind, too, that while there are some larger screens (over 15 inches) in the “budget” category, many are closer to 11 inches.

In addition to size, take note of the screen resolution of any laptop you are considering. Does it have an anti-glare coating? LED backlights? Further, find out if the resolution is HD, Full HD or something even greater. In the budget range, screen resolutions may not be as well-defined as they are in the high-end range.

Q. Can I get a good gaming laptop in the budget price range?

A. Gaming laptops are great in their own right, but a quality laptop for gaming is going to cost more than our stated price range of $200 to $600 for low-cost laptops. A good budget laptop will still deliver when it comes to working with office apps, streaming video and performing tasks that rely on a Wi-Fi connection and web browser. If you’re interested in a device for hardcore gaming, though, expect the price minimums to be higher.

Q. Should I just get a tablet instead?

A. Tablets can be less costly than laptops, but will a new tablet give you the functionality you need? It depends, of course, on what your situation is. Tablets have touch screens, which you may or may not appreciate, and they are great for using social media and web browsing. They tend to get very good battery life, and they score big points in the portability department. You can find a tablet that costs far less than a laptop, but there are also high-end tablets that cost far more than the budget laptops discussed here — especially since most tablets do not include a physical keyboard

Laptops have more memory, more ports and connectivity points (HDMI, USB), and larger screens than tablets. You can easily type on your laptop keyboard and save or print documents as needed. Notably, many laptops in the budget range do not have touch screens, and the battery life may be lackluster as compared to a tablet.

Our expertise

As a writer for BestReviews, Kevin Luna has extensively tested and covered laptops, from MacBooks to Chromebooks to gaming PCs. He is knowledgeable about the differences between a high-end laptop and a mid-tier model and loves comparing their extensive feature sets. He has used several computers over the years and is familiar with the specs, features and functionality that determine overall performance. BestReviews tech expert Jaime Vazquez also contributed his insights on what makes some budget laptops more worthy than others.