Best budget laptop under $1000 in 2022 (for gaming, students)

Looking for a good-value laptop and don’t plan to spend an arm and a leg for it? This article gathers the best budget laptops and ultrabooks that you can get for under 1000 USD (or EUR), based on our 15+ years of experience in reviewing and testing notebooks.

To help you in your search, I’ve split the post into two main sections: a selection of affordable thin-and-light portable ultrabooks that you can get for under 1000 USD/EUR (and local equivalents), as well as a list of cheap fair-quality laptops available for under $500 these days.

The article is mostly about portable lightweight ultrabooks in both price segments, but I’ve also touched on 2-in-1 convertibles and some performance/gaming models that can also handle gaming and demanding work/school chores, especially in the sub-$1000 category. Also, while we are primarily looking at options available in the United States, the article is relevant no matter where you’re living, just be aware that the prices might differ in your region.

And of course, keep in mind that the lower the budget, the more compromises you’ll have to accept, and I’ll briefly explain these compromises in each case so you’ll know what you’re getting into.

With that in mind, let’s have a look at the best budget laptops you can get these days. You can go through the entire article or jump straight to the section of interest:

Best-value laptops under $1000 in 2022

There are many good-value laptops selling for between 500 and 1000 bucks these days, and we’re going to mention the better ones in this section. In this budget, you can either look at full-size laptops with fairly powerful specs, at mid-tier compact ultrabooks, not as powerful, but a lot more portable and overall nicer made, or at something in-between. We’ll cover all three sub-classes down below.

Portable ultrabooks under $1000

If you’re after a premium compact ultrabook, $1000 can get you base-level versions of some of the best options on the market, such as the ultra-compact Dell XPS 13 and Microsoft Surface Laptop, the versatile Apple Macbook Air, the convertible HP Spectre X360, or the ultra-light LG Gram 14, to name just some of the top options. Those are perfectly fine for daily use and multitasking, just make sure you’re getting Core i5/Ryzen 5 configurations with at least 8 GB of RAM and at least 256 GB of storage.

However, even the base configurations of these laptops run somewhere alongside the top of the $1000 budget, and there are some better-value options to consider if you’re perhaps looking to spend less, or maybe you’d rather get a more powerful configuration with a Ryzen 7/Core i7 processor, 16 GB of memory and more storage space. You’ll somewhat sacrifice on features with these options down below, but only to a little extent, as this class of mid-tier ultrabooks has greatly improved in recent years and the better models in this segment are extremely competitive and overall better-value buys than the premium ultraportables mentioned earlier.

So here are some of our favorite options to consider here (listed alphabetically), with links to our detailed reviews and guides where available, or to their product pages.

Finally, if you don’t necessarily need a Windows or Apple laptop, I’d also suggest checking out some of the snappy premium Chromebooks that you can get for between $500 to $1000, such as the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook or the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5. These are excellent daily drivers, run smoother than most of the options above, and last for longer on a charge. Just make sure you understand what a Chromebook can and cannot do for you.

Performance ultraportables around 1000 USD/EUR

While the previous section mostly covered ultracompact sub-14-inch ultrabooks, this one goes over 14 to 16-inch all-around laptops that offer larger screens and/or faster hardware implementations (especially on the GPU side), as well as more capable thermal designs, all in still portable formats.

Here are some of the models I’d have on my radar, listed alphabetically. Just keep in mind that these might sell for a little over 1000 USD/EUR in some regions, especially for the higher-specced configurations, but if you’re interested in the superior performance for demanding multitasking, creative work, or even gaming, these are well worth paying a little extra for:

Acer Swift 3 14X – 14-inch metallic built all-rounder, powerful Ryzen U hardware with GTX 1650Ti/RTX 3050 graphics, 16:9 IPS matte screen, 59 Wh battery, from 1.4 kg / 3.1 lbs, competitively priced;

– 14-inch metallic built all-rounder, powerful Ryzen U hardware with GTX 1650Ti/RTX 3050 graphics, 16:9 IPS matte screen, 59 Wh battery, from 1.4 kg / 3.1 lbs, competitively priced; Asus ZenBook 14X – 14-inch premium ultrabook, AMD Ryzen H or Core U + Nvidia MX configurations, 16:10 IPS or OLED screens, 63 Wh battery, from 1.3 kg / 2.86 lbs;

– 14-inch premium ultrabook, AMD Ryzen H or Core U + Nvidia MX configurations, 16:10 IPS or OLED screens, 63 Wh battery, from 1.3 kg / 2.86 lbs; Asus VivoBook Pro 15 – compact 15-inch all-rounder, metallic build, AMD Ryzen H or Core H hardware with optional Nvidia 1650/3050 graphics, IPS or OLED screens, 63 Wh battery, from 1.65 kg / 3.7 lbs;

– compact 15-inch all-rounder, metallic build, AMD Ryzen H or Core H hardware with optional Nvidia 1650/3050 graphics, IPS or OLED screens, 63 Wh battery, from 1.65 kg / 3.7 lbs; HP Envy 14 – 14-inch premium ultrabook, Intel Core U hardware with GTX 1650, IPS 16:10 matte or touch screens, 63 Wh battery, from 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs;

– 14-inch premium ultrabook, Intel Core U hardware with GTX 1650, IPS 16:10 matte or touch screens, 63 Wh battery, from 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs; Lenovo Slim 7 Pro X – 14-inch and 16-inch all-rounders, metallic build, Intel Core H or AMD Ryzen HS + RTX 3050+ GPU configurations, high-res IPS and OLED screens, up to 70 Wh batteries, from 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs for 14-inch model, from 2.1 kg (4.6 lbs) for 16-inch;

We’re covering this topic more in-depth in our guide on recommended 14 and 15-inch laptops, as well as in this list of ultrabooks with dedicated graphics.

Gaming notebooks under $1000

If you’re interested in a budget gaming laptop, you could either consider one of the all-rounders mentioned in the previous section, or completely disregard portability and go with a full-size computer with even more powerful hardware and gaming-specific features.

If the gaming experience is a priority for you, I would most likely go with the latter class of options, as these would allow me to get a Core/Ryzen H implementation with a GTX 1660Ti or RTX 3050Ti GPU, a proper cooling module to match the specs, as well as a fast 144/165Hz display, all for around $1000 or sometimes even less, with occasional discounts and deals.

As for the exact notebooks that I’d look at, I’d start with the Acer Nitro 5, the Asus TUF Gaming series, the HP Pavilion 15 Gaming, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3, and especially the excellently balanced Lenovo Legion 5 series (reviewed here and here).

We’ve covered all of these in our reviews, so make sure to check out our detailed articles for a more in-depth look at their particularities and quirks, as well as our detailed buying guide on modern gaming ultrabooks and laptops.

Affordable laptops under $500 in 2021

As long as you’re willing to properly adjust your expectations, you will be able to find a wide range of good-value affordable laptops in stores today, selling for somewhere between $200 to $500 (or equivalents).

Given the multitude of choices and types of computers available in this segment, I’ve further split this section of the article into two parts. First, we’ll talk about options with full-size 15 and 17-inch screens, and then we’ll talk about the lighter and smaller variants in this class.

Full-size cheap laptops under $500

Budget full-size laptops have come a long way in recent years. Yes, you’re still sacrificing on some features with sub $500 options and they’re not as nicely made as the more premium alternatives, but you can get competent all-day computers for well under $500 these days.

Just be careful about a few things. The most affordable versions get dimmer and poorer-quality screens, some get small batteries and some even lack a backlit keyboard.

At the lower end of this price segment (around $300 or even less), you’ll mostly find Intel Celeron/Pentium and AMD Athlon configuration, but the performance loss on Windows laptops over the Ryzen/Core configurations available for a little extra is significant, and you should only consider these options for lightweight daily use, video streaming, and browsing.

In fact, at this budget, I’d rather opt for a Chromebook, as these are faster and simpler to use at this level. But only as long as you don’t have to run Windows-specific software on your computer of choice.

Among the available budget Chromebooks, I’d check out the affordable Samsung Chromebook 15 and Acer Chromebook 15, both selling for sub $300, but also the higher-tier HP Chromebook 15 that occasionally goes for around $500 for the better-specced Core i3 model with an IPS screen. You’ll find more about these by following the links, but also from our detailed Chromebook-buying guide that better explains what Chromebooks are and what they can and cannot do for you, while also providing a more ample list of recommendations, based on a couple of different criteria.

As far as the Windows-based recommendations go in the +/- $300 price segment, most OEMs offer very similar Windows laptops here, with compact and lightweight plastic builds, LED low-gamut screens, backlit keyboards in some cases, and low-power AMD Athlon and Celeron/Pentium hardware, most of the time paired with only 4 GB of RAM and 128/256 GB of storage. They also get similarly-sized batteries around 40-45 Wh in capacity, capable of 4-6 hours of daily multitasking and 7+ hours of video on this lower-power hardware.

Such laptops are the Asus Vivobook L510 (most affordable, fanless Intel older hardware), or the Acer Aspire 3, Dell Inspiron 15 3000, HP Laptop 15, and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15, these latter ones starting at around $300 and available in a wider range of configurations, in most cases with more recent hardware than on the Asus L510.

Furthermore, most of these laptops, including different variants of the VivoBooks (F/K series), are available with faster up to Intel Core i7/Ryzen 7 hardware, 16 GB of RAM, and more storage, if you’re willing to up your budget. Those configurations are far more capable and versatile for daily use, but still somewhat drawn back by their lower-tier designs and poor-quality screens.

That’s what I’d also keep an eye on a few of the higher-tier 15-inch budget laptops when shopping closer to $500, and make sure to prioritize an IPS screen as much as possible, as well as maybe better IO, a better keyboard, and a slightly nicer-quality build.

You’ll find these in laptops such as the Acer Aspire 5 series, the HP Pavilion 15, the Huawei MateBook D 15, or maybe even the Lenovo IdeaPad 5. Just keep in mind that most of these might go for more than $500 in your region, so you’ll need to look around for discounts/deals to grab them at the best prices possible.

Finally, you’ll have a harder time finding something good with dedicated graphics in this price range, or a hybrid with touchscreen and 2-in-1 form-factor. Some GeForce MX laptops dip below $500 at sales, though, as well as some of the basic convertibles such as the Lenovo Flex, Acer Spin 3, or Asus VivoBook Flip. Follow this link for more details on affordable 2-in-1 hybrids.

Budget ultrabooks (10 to 14-inch) under $500

Finally, this last section of the article goes over the portable ultrabook-like options you can get for under $500 these days. Spoiler alert, most of the good-value ultrabooks are available in the $500 to $1000 range, and for less than $500 I’d primarily look at niched products such as Chromebooks, if they’re OK for your needs, or some of the mini-laptops and tablets with sub-12-inch screens.

Chromebooks

We’ll mention these first, before getting to the Windows options, simply because they offer a superior user experience over the Windows alternatives available in this price range.

Basic models with plastic builds and LED screens are available for less than $300, ranging from 10 to 15-inch variants. We’ve covered them in our detailed best Chromebook-buying guide and won’t go over them here again.

I will however mention the Lenovo Chromebook Duet, as the best-value mini computer you can get for under $300 MSRP right now without compromising on anything important. The Duet is a tablet format, though, with a good quality 16:10 touchscreen and pen-support, but only 10-inches in size. This particular aspect will make it or break it for you, as on one side it allows this to be highly portable and well made in this price segment, but on the other, it might be too small and cramped for some of you to use. I do consider it a great option for kids, school, and traveling.

For less than $300, you’re getting the Duet tablet here, as well as a keyboard folio and protective cover. Follow this link for more details.

If, on the other hand, you’re willing to spend between $350 to $500 on a thin-and-light Chromebook, I’d turn my attention towards the Acer Spin 713 and the Lenovo Flex 13 models. Both are hybrid 2-in-1s with convertible IPS displays, snappy hardware, bug batteries and portable metallic builds. You’re not getting anything better with Windows laptops at this price, unless you might consider going with a used or refurbished product.

Compact Cheap Windows laptops

What you will find on the Windows side are cheap mini laptops that sell in the $150 to $300 price range at the time of this update.

They’re still alright for basic tasks like browsing, video and music streaming, text-editing, and the likes and they have the advantage of offering the full Windows experience in an inexpensive product, being able to run many of the software you might be familiar with from other computers. But they are limited in what they can do by the hardware inside, that’s why these only make for good travel computers, small and lightweight options for your kids, or inexpensive secondary computers. Plus, they are also not as snappy with daily use, as long-lasting, or as nicer made as the Chromebook options mentioned above.

Nonetheless, if you must go with a Windows computer, you’re fine with the hardware limitations and you’re also willing to favor a tiny form factor over performance, you should look into the Microsoft Surface Go tablet.

This is not like many of the other options in this segment, as it’s a premium-feeling 10-inch tablet with an excellent 3:2 display, touch and pen support, and modern fanless hardware that allows for alright multitasking performance and good battery life. It’s not very powerful, though, so only consider this for casual daily use.

It’s also more expensive than other options in this class, starting at $399 for the tablet alone, and around $500+ with the keyboard folio and pen, but you can find it discounted most of the time, and Microsoft also offers good deals for students. In fact, this Surface Go, much like the Lenovo Chromebook Duet mentioned above, excels as an inexpensive option for kids and school.

You’ll find more about the Surface Go from this article and you can also check out the latest configurations and prices via this link.

And here are some other budget options to consider:

HP Stream 11 – available for under $250, it’s compact, light (2.4 lbs) and made out of plastic, gets a non-backlit keyboard, 11-inch HD TN screen, Atom hardware, 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of eMMC storage, as well as 38Wh 6+ hours battery. The HP Stream is also available as a larger 14-inch model, but there are better options at that size.

– available for under $250, it’s compact, light (2.4 lbs) and made out of plastic, gets a non-backlit keyboard, 11-inch HD TN screen, Atom hardware, 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of eMMC storage, as well as 38Wh 6+ hours battery. The HP Stream is also available as a larger 14-inch model, but there are better options at that size. Lenovo IdeaPad 1 – available for under $300, still compact, light (2.6 lbs) and made out of plastic, gets a non-backlit keyboard, 11 or 14-inch HD TN screen, and slightly faster Celeron hardware, 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of eMMC storage, but a smaller 32Wh 5+ hours battery.

– available for under $300, still compact, light (2.6 lbs) and made out of plastic, gets a non-backlit keyboard, 11 or 14-inch HD TN screen, and slightly faster Celeron hardware, 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of eMMC storage, but a smaller 32Wh 5+ hours battery. Asus VivoBook L210 – available for around $230, a little bit smaller and lighter than the others (2.2 lbs), still made out of plastic and with an 11 or 14-inch HD TN screen, fanless Celeron hardware, 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB eMMC, but 38Wh 6+ hours battery.

I’ll also mention that you will find in stores a multitude of other budget Windows tablets and mini laptops made by lesser-known OEMs, most of them from China, such as Chuwi or Jumper and others. Some of these can be good-value buys, but make sure to read some reviews first and get them from places that allow returns, in case you discover that the manufacturers decided to skimp on certain aspects or on the build quality. Even if cheap, I wouldn’t normally consider these options over the others mentioned earlier, despite my pretty good impressions with Chuwi products, which have been a partner of the site for the last years.

Wrap up

All in all, I’m pretty sure the majority of you will be able to find a sub-$1000 laptop that would meet your requirements these days. Perhaps not a top-tier ultrabook, or work/gaming machine, but definitely something that can cope with the everyday hassle.

You will have to make some sacrifices the lower you’re going with your budget, that’s true, but you can still find viable options even in the $300 to $500, as long as you have the right expectations.

We’ve mentioned some of our favorite recommendations above, but there are also others you might want to consider in certain regions, so if you need any help picking the best option for your needs and budget, don’t hesitate to get in touch in the comments section below, or check out some of the other articles on the site:

Keep in mind that I’m constantly updating this list of budget laptops and ultrabooks under $1000, adding new models as they are launched, and retiring the older versions as they become obsolete. We’re a small team, though, and there might be some delays, so if spot any units that should be in here and are not, just let us know in the comments section.

The 10 Cheapest But Highest Quality Laptops in 2022

Can you find a cheap laptop that offers decent quality? While electronics prices are rising, it’s still possible to find a bargain on laptop computers without breaking the bank. Here are the ten cheapest laptops you can buy in 2022.

10. Lenovo IdeaPad 1

Price: $249.99

Best Products suggests Lenovo’s IdeaPad 1 as a cheaper alternative laptop for brilliant performance under $300.

Specifications:

The 14-inch screen is high definition for a clear, bright picture large enough to see small characters. It’s a basic laptop with an entry-level Intel Celeron N4020 dual-core processor. It runs on 4 GB of RAM with 64 GB of eMMC storage with a battery that lasts up to 8 hours on a full charge. It connects to other devices through two USB Ports, a micro SD card reader, and HDMI. The 2022 edition comes with Microsoft Windows 11 in notebook styling.

Strengths: The IdeaPad 1

This laptop features a large screen for full viewing, an attractive ice blue exterior finish, and ample connectivity. The speakers are stereo with Dolby Audio technology compatibility. New purchases qualify for one year of Microsoft Office 365 with Xbox Game Pass services for three months, all free of charge. The processor is strong enough for editing office documents, streaming video, and browsing the web. The battery life is on par with the price for a decent value. Audio and video quality is above average for an inexpensive unit. The free services boost its value. It easily runs some PC games for entertainment. It’s lightweight at 3 pounds and compact at one inch thick.

Weaknesses:

The processor and screen quality are basic yet acceptable. It’s not a high-performance machine as the wifi and Bluetooth connectivity does not feature the latest technologies. The memory and storage are limited, so don’t expect lightning speed or the ability to store large programs without impacting available space.

Who would benefit from this laptop?

The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is best for students, office workers, and at home for basic browsing, streaming, and work with office applications. You can play some games, listen to music, watch videos, browse the web, and store up to 64 GB of data. It’s a solid entry-level machine for taking along on the go, thanks to its portable size. If you plan to use it all day, find a charging outlet to give it a boost between uses. Anyone on a budget can appreciate the benefits of this inexpensive laptop.

9. Microsoft Surface Go 3

Price: $374.99

Specifications:

The Microsoft Surface Go 3 has a 10.5-inch display with PixelSense touchscreen technology. It also has a pixel density of 1,920 x 1,280. This laptop runs on an Intel Pentium Gold dual-core processor with up to 8 GB RAM and 128 GB SSD storage. It connects via Surface Connect Port, MicroSD card slot, wifi 6, and USB-C. The battery lasts up to 11 hours on a full charge. The front and rear cameras are convenient for taking photos and engaging in internet video calls for teleconferencing and visiting with friends and family.

Strengths:

The Pentium Gold processor is suitable for streaming content, light productivity work, and browsing the web. It’s a 2-in-1 PC that converts from tablet to laptop and back. The device has a compact, elegant aesthetic and weighs just 1.2 pounds. It’s light and portable for taking with you on the go. It has a 2-in-1 PC for dual styling with two cameras for front and back photography and video features. It’s got double the ram of closest competitors for the price, with high marks for reliability. The 11-hour battery time on a full charge is another benefit that beats many other laptops in this price range.

Weaknesses:

The pen and keyboard are not included and must be purchased separately. The processor is mediocre in power production. The screen size is small at 10.5-inches. It’s an entry-level laptop. It does not come with Microsoft 365 or Xbox Game Pass like others. These must be purchased separately. It comes with a Microsoft Windows 11 operating system.

Who would benefit from this laptop?

The compact weight and size make this laptop an excellent choice for students, for office teleconferencing, light duty for home business, and home laptop for personal use. It’s powerful enough for streaming, teleconferencing, browsing the web, and playing games that do not require lightning-fast speeds or advanced storage capacity. Anyone who travels regularly would benefit from the small and light size.

8. Aspire 5 Slim Laptop

Price: $447.99

Specifications:

The Aspire 5 runs on an AMD Ryzen 5500U six-core processor with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB SSD storage. The battery lasts up to 10 hours on a full charge. Its display is a generous 15.6-inch Full DH IPS display with wifi six connectivity, a USB-C port, three USB-A ports, an ethernet port, and HDMI. It also has AMD Radeon Graphics, a backlit keyboard, and the Windows 11 operating system. It weighs just under 4 pounds.

Weaknesses:

The processing speed is mediocre. It’s fast enough for basic functions but can not handle some applications requiring faster speeds, storage, and memory. It’s the lower end of the Aspire 5 upgraded version for nearly double the cost.

Who would benefit from this laptop?

This laptop is best for anyone who prefers a larger screen. It’s good for low-light situations, thanks to the backlit keyboard. It’s an attractive laptop with a strong processor for the price, updated graphics, and a fast solid-state drive. It’s a solid entry-level laptop that can easily browse the web, research, perform the functions of Microsoft Office 365 or the Student Edition, and do online communications. The graphics make it suitable for many PC games.

7. Hewlett Packard HP 14

Price: $329.00

ZDNet recommends the HP 14 as one of the best cheap laptops with the best quality.

Specifications:

The HP 14 is powered by an AMD 3020e processor with 4 GB RAM, 64 GB eMMC storage, and the Windows 10 Home operating system. The screen is a 14-inch HD display. Graphics are built into the processor, and the battery averages 10 hours of run time per full charge. It also has a keyboard, multiple ports, and a 720-pixel webcam.

Strengths:

The battery has a fast charge feature that charges up to 50% within 45 minutes. The processor has built-in graphics for gaming, video streaming, and other functions. The webcam is an excellent value for the price, and it comes with a large 14-inch HD display for full viewing of small details on the screen. The storage is ample for school or light productivity work at the office or home.

Weaknesses:

The display screen is not the best and is under 1080 pixels. It’s an entry-level computer that functions at the level of its price range with few bells and whistles. The operating system is outdated and below the new standard Windows 11. It’s not upgradeable.

Who would benefit from this laptop?

This laptop benefits from being a “great workhorse” for school or work. Although not as light and compact as some, it is capable of light productivity work and browsing and can easily handle Microsoft 365 tasks. The webcam is perfect for taking photos, videos, or video conferencing.

6. Dell Chromebook 3100 Education

Price: $240

Specifications:

An Intel Celeron N4020 processor powers the Dell Chromebook 3100 Education with 4 GB RAM and 16 GB eMMC storage. The operating system is Chrome OS with an integrated card. The 11.6-inch screen has a 720-pixel resolution. The weight of this laptop is 3.4 pounds. It has an embedded touch, camera, microphone, WLAN capability, Intel Dual Band Wireless AC 9560 and 2×2, and Bluetooth 5.0.

Strengths:

The screen comes with an embedded touch feature. The camera and microphone make it a good laptop for teleconferencing for school and work or video chatting with friends and family or taking pictures and videos to share. It’s a durable laptop tested to withstand thousands of free fall drops at 30-inches, thanks to the rubberized edges that minimize impacts. Its spillproof feature can also withstand liquid beverage spills up to 12 ounces.

Weaknesses:

The limited storage is a drawback for anyone who needs to save a large amount of data. The laptop is entry-level and incapable of running programs that take up high amounts of space or require additional power and memory. There is a limited number of ports.

Who would benefit from this laptop?

The Chromebook 3100 Education is ideal for students of all ages. It is light and compact for easy carrying in a backpack. It can withstand the accidental falls common with students of all ages. It’s spill resistant, an excellent feature for people who take a working lunch and use their laptops near liquid beverages. It’s also tamper-resistant, and anyone who values their privacy and needs an affordable laptop might find this a good deal for the cost.

5. Samsung Chromebook 4+

Price: $123.99-$299

Specifications

An Intel Celeron N4000 processor powers the Samsung Chromebook 4+ with 6 GB RAM and 64 GB eMMC storage. The screen is 15.6 inches in FHD with 1920 x 1080 p and an antiglare display. It runs off a Chrome OS operating system. The battery averages 12.5 hours of run time on a full charge. The connectivity is lightning fast with Gigabit wifi. It comes with built-in virus protection.

Strengths:

This laptop has one of the best display screens for a cheap laptop with full high definition, antiglare, and great pixel values. The screen is an outstanding feature with good storage capacity and a strong battery for a full day’s work up to 12.5 hours on a single charge. It’s upgradeable to 128 GB of storage for a fee of $80, making it an exceptional value for the price. The benefits are the advanced security system, military-grade durability, compact and light design, and fast connectivity.

Weaknesses:

Users cannot upgrade this laptop, but you can order it with additional storage. There is a limited number of ports, and it is limited by its processor, memory, and storage, compared to more expensive laptops.

Who would benefit from this laptop?

The Samsung Chromebook 4+ is one of the best values for the cost of a cheap laptop. It’s among the most affordable and offers students, office workers, and home users a solid and dependable device for light to moderate productivity work, browsing the web,

4. Lenovo Chromebook C340-11

Price: $165.99

Specifications:

A1.1 GHz Intel Celeron N4000 dual-core processor powers the Lenovo Chromebook C340-11. It comes with integrated onboard graphics. It has a 32GB SSD hard drive, 4 GB RAM, and a chrome operating system. The touch screen is an HD, 11.6 inches, IPS LED-backlit display. The 360-degree hinge transforms the laptop into a tablet for a 2-in-1 device. The battery life is 10 hours.

Strengths:

The average battery life and 2-in-1 features are premium features for a cheap laptop. Other notable aspects are its touch screen, compact size and weight, and adequate processor with built-in graphics.

Weaknesses:

This is an entry-level laptop with a small display and limited speed. It is not upgradeable by the user, nor does it come with a stylus.

Who would benefit from this laptop?

This is the ideal laptop for students or professionals requiring compact travel devices. It performs well for internet browsing, light productivity work, and teleconferencing or video chatting with friends and family.

3. ASUS VivoBook 15 Laptop

Price: $397.58

PC Magazine recommends the ASUS VivoBook as one of the best quality laptops at a budget price.

Specifications:

The ASUS VivoBook 15 has a 15.6-inch full HD 1920 x 1080 screen with a 4-way NanoEdge bezel display. The processor is the 10th Gen Intel Core i3-1005G1 CPU running at up to 3.4 GHz with 8 GB DDR 4 RAM and 128 GB M.2 DDD for storage. The keyboard is ergonomic and backlit with a fingerprint sensor for security. The operating system is Windows 10 Home. It also has an integrated Intel UHD Graphics card coprocessor.

Strengths:

The VivoBook 15 has a large screen with premium features for its cost. The ample storage space and fast processor make this laptop an exceptional value for its cost. Fingerprint sensors ensure security.

Weaknesses:

The operating system is not the most recent available OS.

Who would benefit from this laptop?

This laptop appeals to anyone who prefers a larger screen and a more powerful processor. It’s suitable for students, office workers, and home use.

2. Acer Chromebook 514 Laptop

Price: $453.99

Specifications:

The Acer Chromebook 514 laptop features a 14-inch Full High Definition Touchscreen with a 1080p x 720 p resolution. It’s powered by a Media Tek Kompanio 828 Octa-Core Processor with a CPU speed of 2.6 GHz, 8 GB RAM, and a 64 GB eMMC SSD hard drive. The operating system is Chrome OS. with a backlit keyboard and battery life of up to 15 hours.

Strengths:

This laptop offers the longest battery life on our list, with 15 hours on a full charge. Other premium features include the FHD touchscreen with 1080p resolution, fast booting through the powerful process, and a built-in graphics card for gaming. It’s loaded with all the Google apps with a new purchase. It connects to the internet via an 802.11ax wifi 6 Dual Band connection with Bluetooth 5.2.

Weaknesses:

The processor is mediocre compared to the ASUS Vivobook’s 3.5 GHz processor.

Who would benefit from this laptop?

This laptop is best for users preferring a larger screen. It’s good for students, for home use, and for office professionals engaging in light productivity work. It’s also suitable for playing PC games that do not exceed its power and storage limitations.

1. AUS Chromebook Flip CM3

Price: $329.99

Specifications

The ASUS Chromebook Flip CM3 has a 12-inch HD touchscreen with a NanoEdge Display. The screen features a 1366 x 912 resolution in a glossy finish. The processor is a MediaTek 8183 2.0 GHz with eight cores. For storage, the Emmc hard disk is 32 GB with 4 GB RAM, wifi 5, and a Chrome OS operating system.

Strengths:

This laptop has one audio jack, one USB Type-A port, and a Type C USB port with a microSD card reader for connectivity. It’s suitable for internet browsing, light productivity work, and connecting with friends and family through video chat. It’s also capable of teleconferencing and streaming video and audio with proficiency. The compact size and weight make it ideal for anyone on the go. It also has a 360-degree hinge that converts laptop to tablet, tent or stand modes.

Weaknesses:

The process is mediocre in GHz with low storage space and RAM. The wifi 5 is not the most current edition available. It has limited USB ports. You have to buy the stylus separately.

Who would benefit from this laptop?

Anyone on a budget of $500 or less, requiring good connectivity, preferring touchscreen features, and a flip screen display with multiple modes from laptop to the tent, stand, and tablet mode would appreciate these premium features in a less expensive laptop. It’s ideal for students, office professionals, or home use.

Best cheap laptop 2022: the top budget notebooks tested

Looking for the best cheap laptop? You’re in the right place. We’ve tested all manner of budget laptops to gather a selection of top picks, all of which cost less than $500/£500. From homework and Netflix to browsing, emails, work and more, it’s possible to net yourself a notebook that meets your needs, without bleeding your bank balance dry.

Before we crack on though, it’s worth quickly setting some expectations. If you’re after a notebook that’s capable of breezing through games with ease or want a notebook for video editing/ rendering, then the products below are unlikely to meet your needs.

While great for regular use, budget laptops simply don’t have the power to deal with more intense tasks. They are, however, much cheaper than fully specced-out alternatives, so if you want to nail the basics without paying more, this lot should have you covered. Here’s our guide to the best cheap laptop to buy today.

What’s the best cheap laptop?

Before we crack on with the full list, here’s a look at our three top choices:

Best high-end cheap laptop: Asus VivoBook X515JA

The most expensive option on our list is well worth splurging out for if you’ve got the budget and want a machine that’ll treat you well for years to come. With an Intel i7 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a whopping 512GB of storage, you won’t be disappointed.

Best mid-range cheap laptop: Huawei MateBook D 15

Huawei’s entry doesn’t quite have the raw power of our more expensive choice above, but it’s not far off the mark. Thanks to an Intel i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a beautiful MacBook-like design that looks and feels premium, its looks as good as it performs.

Best cheap Chromebook: Asus Chromebook CX1100

On sale for a great price at the time of writing, Asus’s Chromebook can’t be beaten on price. While Chrome OS isn’t as robust as Windows, it still nails the basics, making this the perfect laptop for a young child or other casual users.

Our roundup of the best cheap laptops:

Asus VivoBook X515JA Currently available for a great price, the VivoBook X515JA is the priciest option on this list. And yet, if your wallet can stretch to it, it’s absolutely worth snapping up, because its specs are comfortably above any of the other options, providing a decent level of future-proofing in the process. Your cash will net you a notebook with a 15.6in Full HD screen, along with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. The real jewel though, is the 10th gen Intel i7 processor. While not the latest variant, it’s still more than powerful enough to meet your app and multitasking needs. Not only that, but Intel’s integrated Iris Plus graphics will let you dabble in some gaming too. Less demanding titles like Rocket League should pose no problems, and you could even get away with other titles if you experiment with the different quality settings (although this is very much dependent on the games you try). Overall, you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck here — an ideal choice for multitaskers who want the option of dabbling in some casual gaming. Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Dell’s Inspiron 15 series comes in what appears to be 10,000 different flavours. We’ve settled for this AMD-powered one which is comfortably budget while still offering very solid specs for your money. Its 15.6in Full HD screen is large enough to view anything from text to spreadsheets without straining your eyes, and it’s even a 120Hz affair for slick, smooth scrolling. Don’t be fooled though — you won’t be playing games at 120fps on this machine. While its integrated AMD Radeon Graphics won’t be busting out the likes of Cyberpunk 2077 any time soon, you could still get away with casual games and other less demanding titles at lower settings. Gaming aside, its AMD Ryzen 3 5425U CPU, coupled with 8GB RAM and 256GB of storage make for a formidable work and media machine, letting you effortlessly flitter between open programmes without a care. It’s got Windows 11 running out of the box too, so you won’t need to worry about upgrading to it yourself. Asus Chromebook CX1100 At the time of writing, the Asus Chromebook CX1100 can be snapped up for a truly great price. And no, that’s not a typo. One of the cheapest notebooks from a well-known brand you’re likely to find, its price makes it an absolutely superb option for a spare machine, or a first PC for a younger child. The caveat is that it runs Chrome OS — Google’s own operating system that’s much less feature-packed than Windows. Still, you can download all sorts of apps, and it nails basic tasks like email, browsing, media consumption and more. Given its pared-back nature, you’re getting weaker hardware in comparison to other more expensive items on this list, but Intel’s Celeron N3350 processor and 4GB of RAM should suit casual users — especially when you take into account the smaller 11.6in, 1366 x 768 screen. It won’t blow your mind of course, but at this price, it doesn’t have to. Huawei MateBook D 15 Currently available for a budget price, Huawei’s MateBook D 15 offers superb value for money. The specs start strong with an 11th gen Intel Core i3 processor, paired with 8GB of RAM and a generous 512GB of nippy SSD storage. Other notable tricks include a built-in fingerprint sensor, and an included 65W USB-C charger that’s fast enough to provide up to two hours of use on a 15-minute charge. Specs aside, it’s one of the best-looking notebooks on this list too, with definite Apple-esque design vibes. Weighing just 1.56kg and with a 15.6in Full HD screen, you’ll definitely feel like you’ve got your money’s worth when you open it up. Throw in Wi-Fi 6 for the latest in speedy Wi-Fi smarts (though you’ll need a recently released router to take advantage of it), and Huawei’s offering is up there with the very best. Asus Vivobook E510MA The second-cheapest notebook on our list is another Asus entry, and can currently be bought for a wallet-friendly £189.99. Despite its cheap price, it’s not a Chromebook — it’s running Windows 10 as standard. This makes it an ideal laptop for slightly older children who are looking to use fully-fledged apps and software for school/hobbies, or other casual users. Its 15.6in screen doesn’t have a Full HD resolution (running 1366 x 768 pixels), but it should still be sharp enough for comfortable use. Your savings mean you’re only getting an Intel Celeron N4020 CPU, along with just 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, but again, as far as first laptops are concerned, you could do far worse. Plus, the Enter key is highlighted in bright green, which, as we all know, makes everything faster. Which is the best Apple MacBook for you? MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro