The Best Budget Laptop Deals This Week*
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
The days when you couldn’t get a decent laptop for under $1,000 are long gone. Today, it’s possible to pick up a full-size, ultraportable, or 2-in-1 convertible Windows 11 notebook—powerful enough for home, work, or school—for around $500. Some compacts and Chromebooks cost even less. There are even (surprisingly enough) discounted Apple laptops that are actually cheap enough to appeal to budget shoppers.To be sure, you should be ready to compromise in one or two aspects. Economy models don’t have the latest and fastest processors or the most memory and storage, and you shouldn’t expect an ultra-colorful, super-high-resolution screen.But that doesn’t mean they’re not capable productivity partners. Check out our top tested picks below—our favorite low-cost laptops for 2024 from our recent reviews, broken out by usage case. Then, check out our buying-advice guide to learn what trade-offs to expect and how to match a budget notebook’s strengths and weaknesses with what you plan to do with it. Note: We’ve also broken out our current favorite picks in a detailed spec chart further down.
Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. See how we test.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P)
Best Budget Laptop for Most Buyers
Why We Picked ItThis Aspire from Acer is a simple and effective laptop that sells for a competitive price. Coming in at less than $500 will immediately please budget shoppers. However, even with its basic build, this laptop smoothly works through everyday tasks. Delivering decent performance—thanks to AMD processing, Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, and a battery that lasts nearly 17 hours—the Aspire 3 isn’t just a laptop that works. This is a laptop that works within your budget, and so it’s the best budget laptop for most buyers.Who It’s ForPriced for budget-conscious buyers, the Acer Aspire 3 is ideal for anyone who needs a basic laptop for web browsing and office work, but doesn’t want to spend a lot. This laptop is also smart for anyone who wants MacBook-like battery life from something that costs half as much.
PROS
Smooth everyday operation
Extensive battery life
Current Wi-Fi connectivity
Competitive starting price
CONS
Limited performance headroom
Dated, somewhat flimsy design
Lackluster display
Top configuration is outclassed
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Budget
Processor
AMD Ryzen 3 7320U
Processor Speed
2.4 GHz
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
128 GB
Screen Size
15.6 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1080
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
AMD Radeon Graphics
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.75 by 14.3 by 9.4 inches
Weight
3.77 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
16:46
Learn More
Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P) Review
Apple MacBook Air (M1, Late 2020)
Best Budget Apple Laptop
Why We Picked ItThe wedge-shaped MacBook Air may not be the face of Apple’s newest laptops (it’s two generations old now), but the M1-powered Air is still one of the best ultraportables we ever reviewed. Now with a deal between Apple and retailers like Walmart and Best Buy, the 2020 Air still sells well as a budget-friendly MacBook for under $700. Four years after its debut, its performance is still as powerful as its battery life is lengthy. At last, the high-quality design that Apple is known for can finally be had for something like a value price—and you can even get it in different colors.Who It’s ForIf you want the most affordable MacBook around, this is the Apple laptop for you. Selling new-in-box, Walmart is undercutting used prices on the same MacBook Air model, with the laptop delivering every bit of performance and battery life we praised it for at launch. In short, it’s a stellar deal. If you want a lightweight, portable, and undeniably capable MacBook for as little cash as possible, the 2020 MacBook Air is our hands-down favorite.
PROS
Good value, especially for a MacBook
Much-improved performance, thanks to Apple’s new M1 processor
Exceptional battery life
Sleek, portable metal design
High-quality keyboard, touchpad, and display
Multiple color options
CONS
Port selection limited to two USB Type-C connections
Still no touch-screen option
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Ultraportable
Processor
Apple M1
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
256 GB
Screen Size
13.3 inches
Native Display Resolution
2560 by 1600
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Apple M1
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
802.11ax, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.63 by 11.97 by 8.36 inches
Weight
2.8 lbs
Operating System
Apple macOS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
29:01
Learn More
Apple MacBook Air (M1, Late 2020) Review
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14 (2023)
Best Budget Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop
Why We Picked ItHolding onto the title from last year, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14 (2023) is an excellent choice for shoppers in search of an affordable 2-in-1 laptop. With a 14-inch display that strikes the right balance between portability and convertible functionality, this laptop has 13 hours of battery life, ensuring it can power through a full day of work or play. The Intel Core i5 processor provides ample power for web browsing and productivity as well as enjoying videos. With a thoughtful array of ports and a high-quality 1080p webcam, this IdeaPad emerges as a smart buy for shoppers looking for an affordable and versatile 2-in-1.Who It’s ForFor less than $600, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14 (2023) delivers portability, performance, and a feature-rich design, complete with the versatility of a convertible 2-in-1 design. If you’re on a relatively tight budget but aren’t prepared to make bigger compromises, then you’ll be pleased by the middle ground that this IdeaPad arrives at in build quality and features.
PROS
Strong application performance
Right-size screen for 2-in-1 versatility
Crisp, accurate 1080p webcam
Varied and useful port selection
Long runtime
CONS
No CPU or screen upgrades
Display’s color coverage is lacking
Gray keys clash with deep blue chassis
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Convertible 2-in-1
Processor
Intel Core i5-1335U
Processor Speed
1.3 GHz
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
Hard Drive
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Iris Xe
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.78 by 12.3 by 8.9 inches
Weight
3.5 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
13:32
Learn More
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14 (2023) Review
Acer Nitro V 15 (ANV15-51-59MT)
Best Budget Gaming Laptop
Why We Picked ItBudget gamers often feel stuck, having to put up with crummy performance in the name of saving a buck. But the Acer Nitro V 15 (ANV15-51-59MT) drives surprisingly steady 1080p gaming for an equally surprising sub-$1,000 price. It even manages to avoid some of the pits most budget gaming rigs fall into, with a wide selection of ports, a better-than-expected display, and high-quality construction. Even better, this Nitro has a long-lasting battery that will let you use it on the go, and even get some gaming in before you need to find an outlet.Who It’s ForIf you’re on a tight budget, then the Acer Nitro V 15 (ANV15-51-59MT) is the laptop to get. You’ll draw enough performance out of its entry-level GPU to enjoy AAA titles and online multiplayer games at 1080p, all for under a grand. You won’t see super-sharp detail and ultra-vibrant color in your games here, but the value can’t be beaten for a playable experience with an emphasis on stable performance, lots of connectivity, and a long-lasting battery.
PROS
Attractive price
Suffices for 1080p gaming
Wide selection of ports
Lengthy battery life
CONS
Lagging processor performance
Limited 512GB SSD
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Gaming
Processor
Intel Core i5-13420H
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
15.6 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1080
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
144 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
6 GB
Wireless Networking
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
1.06 by 14.3 by 9.4 inches
Weight
4.66 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
9:51
Learn More
Acer Nitro V 15 (ANV15-51-59MT) Review
Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1
Best Budget Business Laptop
Why We Picked ItFor a decently powerful business laptop at a super low price, the Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 is the cheap professional system to buy. Starting at less than $600, that nets you a comfortable work machine equipped with a 16-inch screen, plenty of ports, Lenovo’s class-leading keyboard, and either Intel or AMD processors. Of course, Lenovo’s iconic black ThinkPad design makes up the whole product, with a high-end build and relatively few caveats for the budget price.Who It’s ForIf you need a pro laptop for a low price, the Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 is the simplest and smartest option. While it was designed with small and mid-sized businesses in mind, any individual professional can appreciate this laptop for work. For the trust in the ThinkPad brand at a decent price, this is the best business laptop on a budget.
PROS
Aggressive starting price for ThinkPad line
Delivers to traditional ThinkPad build quality and keyboard
Decent array of ports
CONS
Not the brightest, nor the most colorful, display
No SD card slot
Wi-Fi 6—not 6E
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Business, Budget, Desktop Replacement
Processor
Intel Core i5-1335U
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
Hard Drive
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
16 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.77 by 14 by 9.8 inches
Weight
3.9 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
11:57
Learn More
Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 Review
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34
Best Budget Clamshell Chromebook
Why We Picked ItGoogle’s Chromebook Plus initiative, which mandates certain minimum specs and experiences for the latest wave of premium-but-affordable Chromebooks, shines with this standard-clamshell Asus model. Starting at $399 MSRP, the CX34 sports a slick design, surprisingly good performance thanks to a Core i3 processor, and a reasonably rugged design. It even has an antimicrobial coating, in the event you’ll be passing this genial Chromebook around during flu season.Who It’s ForThe CX34 is a fine pick for students, couch surfers, and home-office workers who need a basic, snappy laptop without touch or tablet-convert tech. You’ll get a solid chassis, generous ports, and an overall better experience than you might expect for the money.
PROS
Affordable price even with improved specs
Leading performance in every test
High-quality FHD display
Decent port array, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2
Durable MIL-SPEC-certified design and antimicrobial coating
CONS
Average battery life
No touch capability (at this price)
Limited UFS storage is just adequate
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Chromebook, Budget
Processor
Intel Core i3-1215U
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
UFS (Universal Flash Storage)
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
128 GB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1080
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel UHD Graphics
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.73 by 12.9 by 8.4 inches
Weight
3.17 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
12:46
Learn More
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 Review
Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook
Best Extreme-Budget Chromebook
Why We Picked ItAs a compact 2-in-1 Chromebook, the 12-inch Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook is one of the best budget buys on the market. Its portable design is easier to carry, and it has more than 8 hours of battery life to get you through a day of work or school. Paired with a responsive touch screen, a flexible design, and a wide port selection, this is an ideal alternative to other Chromebooks and even 2-in-1 laptops that might cost more.Who It’s ForFor casual buyers who want a convertible design for a budget-friendly price, the Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook is a cost-effective option that easily flips between laptop and tablet. Whether it’s for schoolwork, productivity, or just browsing on the couch, this little Chromebook is an appealing value.
PROS
Responsive 12.2-inch touchscreen
Low price
Compact and lightweight
Decent port selection
Flexible 2-in-1 design
CONS
Middling Intel N100 processor
Storage limited to 64GB eMMC
Lagging battery life
Plastic construction with unwanted chassis flex
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Chromebook, Convertible 2-in-1, Budget, Ultraportable
Processor
Intel N100
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
4 GB
Boot Drive Type
eMMC Flash Memory
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
64 GB
Screen Size
12.2 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel UHD Graphics
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth 5.1
Dimensions (HWD)
0.72 by 11.18 by 8.27 inches
Weight
2.76 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
8:38
Learn More
Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook Review
Acer Chromebook Spin 514 (2023)
Best Budget Convertible 2-in-1 Chromebook
Why We Picked ItThanks to a rugged yet flexible 2-in-1 design and category-leading AMD processing—not to mention an affordable price—the Acer Chromebook Spin 514 (2023) is our favorite budget convertible 2-in-1 Chromebook. With a generous 13-hour battery life, this Chromebook won’t need frequent charging, and its sturdy aluminum build has MIL-STD 810H certification to survive the rigors of daily use. Convenient features, like a full HD webcam, a Wi-Fi 6 radio, a USB-C port, and an HDMI connection round out the experience. The 2023 Chromebook Spin 514 is an adaptable and high-performing affordable Chromebook that impresses with its premium build quality and top-notch capabilities.Who It’s ForWe might be emphasizing the budget-friendly price here, but we recommend this Chromebook for pretty much everybody. Its best features—like all-day battery life and class-leading AMD-powered performance—make it an ideal choice if you prioritize productivity. Plus, the sturdy aluminum build is tough enough to survive classrooms, and it’s sleek enough for board rooms and living rooms. This would be an excellent value at any price, and sometimes the street price dips well below the MSRP.
PROS
Category-leading performance with AMD Ryzen 5 processor
Excellent full HD webcam
Rugged MIL-STD 810H construction with sturdy aluminum
Decent connectivity with Wi-Fi 6, USB-C, and HDMI out
CONS
Uses cheaper eMMC storage
16:9 aspect ratio feels like a throwback
No Thunderbolt 4 port
No stylus included
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Chromebook, Convertible 2-in-1
Processor
AMD Ryzen 5 5625C
Processor Speed
2.3 GHz
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
eMMC Flash Memory
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
128 GB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1080
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth 5.1
Dimensions (HWD)
0.68 by 12.7 by 8.8 inches
Weight
3.3 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
13:21
Learn More
Acer Chromebook Spin 514 (2023) Review
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook
Best Budget Detachable 2-in-1 Chromebook
Why We Picked ItThe Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook is a convenient 2-in-1 twist on the Chromebook, with a compact and totable 11-inch design complete with a handy keyboard cover and kickstand. With only a pair of USB-C ports and no headphone jack, you may want to invest in a dock to provide other connections, but the versatility means that the feature set can be easily expanded. Lenovo’s tablet and keyboard cover design helps make it one of the more convenient 2-in-1 systems we’ve used, and the great flexibility of Chrome and Android apps is enhanced by decent performance from a Qualcomm CPU. It also has a very attractive low price.Who It’s ForThe Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook is an ideal option to consider if you’re looking for a smart little tablet that doubles as a laptop. It contains enough features and performance for everyday tasks such as web browsing, email, and streaming media, making it a great choice for students, casual users, or anyone looking for value in a portable Chromebook.
PROS
Compact, totable design
Keyboard cover offers good typing feel
Handy kickstand
Great flexibility for Chrome and Android apps
Solid performance from Qualcomm CPU
CONS
No headphone jack
Pen sold separately
Short battery life
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Chromebook, Detachable 2-in-1, Budget
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2
Processor Speed
2.55 GHz
RAM (as Tested)
4 GB
Boot Drive Type
eMMC Flash Memory
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
64 GB
Screen Size
10.95 inches
Native Display Resolution
2000 by 1200
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Qualcomm Adreno GPU
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
802.11ac, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.31 by 10.2 by 6.5 inches
Weight
2.09 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
6:01
Learn More
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook Review
Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
Best Laptop for Long-Term Savings
Why We Picked ItThe Framework Laptop 13 is one of the smartest innovations in laptops in a long time: It uses a modular design that lets you swap out parts, ports, and even the mainboard with relative ease and at low cost. The most recent model is on par with the best premium ultraportables, but upgrading an old unit to the latest hardware calls for less cash than most midrange models. Thanks to its upgradable design, the Framework can be bumped up to new internal hardware on a regular basis, saving you hundreds of dollars each time. It may cost a bit more up front, but you’ll start saving after the first upgrade, not to mention the second or third.Who It’s ForIf you want a laptop you can upgrade again and again, gaining you a premium laptop without the premium price, the Framework Laptop 13 is worth the investment. You have to factor in the buy-in cost, but the upgrade process is relatively easy, and the long-term savings can be huge.
PROS
Repairable, upgradable, and user-friendly design
Lightweight and portable, with 11-hour battery life
Swappable ports enable extreme customization
Expanded ecosystem of parts and accessories
Highly customizable before checkout
CONS
Expansion cards cost extra
Pre-built system comes at a premium
No touch-screen or OLED options (yet)
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Ultraportable
Processor
Intel Core i7-1360P
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
13.5 inches
Native Display Resolution
2256 by 1504
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Dimensions (HWD)
0.62 by 11.7 by 9 inches
Weight
2.9 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
11:12
Learn More
Framework Laptop 13 (2023) Review
Buying Guide: The Best Cheap Laptops for 2024
Ready to dive into the details around cheap laptops? Today’s good news is that you’ll have to accept fewer compromises with budget laptops than you did in the past. Low-power CPUs are more robust than ever, even as some of the nomenclature around them changes. (For example, Intel’s traditional offering 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 true with Chromebooks (more on them later), and nowadays, even Apple is on the budget bandwagon, offering its older M1-powered MacBook Air as an ultra-affordable entry-point for Mac shoppers. That said, 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: Kyle Cobian)
All of these CPUs also host the silicon that runs the laptop’s graphics. 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 won’t 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.)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 more common in Chromebooks and under-$300 Windows laptops; we’d avoid that little RAM in a Windows machine.) In terms of batteries, an ideal budget laptop has one with six cells or more. The battery life for a cheap laptop should come in at a minimum of seven or eight hours; these days, many will last quite a bit 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.)
(Credit: Molly Flores)
Regarding storage, almost no new systems still use spinning hard drives. Many inexpensive Windows machines opt for small-capacity solid-state drives (SSDs) of 128GB or 256GB capacity. 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 for it with generous offers of additional free cloud storage. Of course, as with anything cloud-based, you’ll need to be online to access it. Also, know that budget machines with this little local storage, among them many Chromebooks, are using what is called “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.In terms of features, budget laptops will come with (almost always) at least a couple of USB 3.0 ports (one may be an oval, newer-style USB-C port, though that port may also be the port for the laptop’s charger), and possibly a USB 2.0 port or two. You also may get an SD card slot, but these are fading from laptops cheap and expensive. Wi-Fi comes standard, with some affordable options still opting for the 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) protocol that was standard a few years back. The current Wi-Fi 6 standard is much more common for budget systems than ever, but the more advanced Wi-Fi 6E is still rare in budget models.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
An HDMI output and a USB-C port are definite pluses; you can find these on even some of the cheapest models. You shouldn’t always expect a touch-screen display, however. (See our picks for the best touch-screen laptops.) Any 2-in-1 convertible machine, though, will by definition 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.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. If you spend most of your working hours in the cloud, a Chromebook will offer you much of the functionality of a regular Windows or Mac laptop, and it may well deliver longer battery life, depending on the model.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
It will also likely cost you a lot less than other types of notebooks, as many Chromebooks come in at less than $400. Just be sure you have easy access to stable Wi-Fi wherever you use one, as Chromebooks have limited offline functionality and scant local storage. However, Chromebooks have recently been leveled up to more commonly include Intel Core and AMD Ryzen processors, as well as feature more storage and memory, as part of Google’s Chromebook Plus program. Chromebook Plus models have to meet a specific minimum spec laid out by Google for what it deems a premium experience, and these Plus models start at $399.The Best Cheap Tablets and Hybrids: 2-in-1s on a BudgetTablets rose in popularity throughout the 2010s, and though we have plenty of reviews of those—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.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
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. You should 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. See our guide to the best 2-in-1 laptops for more information about this popular market segment. In part because of their added complexity compared with traditional clamshell designs, you won’t find quite as many affordable ones, but a few Windows and ChromeOS-based models cost $500 or less. They come in permanently attached (generally 360-degree-rotating-hinge) designs and detachable-keyboard designs. Make sure, though, when looking at one of the detachable tablets that 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.)So, What Is the Best Cheap Laptop to Buy?The best inexpensive laptops tend to go in and out of stock frequently. We’ve broken out the specs of our current favorites here, and while we update this guide constantly, there’s a good chance that at least one of our picks is back-ordered at any given time. But if you’re on a strict budget, don’t lose heart. You can find PCs that will offer 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. And for more general factors to consider when choosing a laptop, take a look at our buying guide with our top laptop picks overall.
