These days, you can pick up 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 well under $1,000. From economy Windows machines to Chromebooks to Macs, at PCMag we’ve reviewed them all over our more-than-four-decade history. Our team of experts tests more than 100 laptops each year, evaluating them for raw CPU and graphics performance, screen quality, battery life, connectivity, value, and more. Our current top cheap Windows laptop overall is the Acer Aspire 3, for its snappy processing, support for Wi-Fi 6, and long-lasting battery—all for less than $500. (Among low-cost Chromebooks, we like the latest version of the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34.) We’ve also selected a bunch more solid-value budget laptops for more specific scenarios, so check out our helpful spec-comparison chart and all the buying advice you need to get the right budget machine in your hands.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
April 30, 2025: We changed out the 2023 Acer Chromebook Spin 514 for the HP Chromebook Plus x360 as our Best Budget 2-in-1 Convertible Chromebook, and replaced the Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook with Acer’s Chromebook Plus 514 as our pick for the Best Extreme-Budget Chromebook. We also removed Lenovo’s ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 in favor of the newer ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 as our Best Budget Business Laptop. For this update, we tested and evaluated 20 new laptops for possible inclusion.
- Smooth everyday operation
- Extensive battery life
- Current Wi-Fi connectivity
- Competitive starting price
- Limited performance headroom
- Dated, somewhat flimsy design
- Lackluster display
- Top configuration is outclassed
Coming in at under $500, this Aspire is a simple and effective Windows laptop that delivers smooth performance on everyday tasks. Packed with decent AMD Ryzen processing power, Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, and a battery that lasts nearly 17 hours, the Aspire is a solid machine for the price—and our pick for the best budget laptop for most buyers.
This Acer Aspire 3 is ideal for anyone who just needs a basic, low-cost laptop for web browsing and office work. It’s also a wise choice for anyone who wants near-MacBook battery life at half the price.
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
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
AMD Radeon Graphics
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
- 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
- Port selection limited to two USB Type-C connections
- Still no touch-screen option
The wedge-shaped MacBook Air isn’t the newest Apple machine out there—in fact, it’s three generations old. But we still consider it one of the best ultraportables we ever reviewed in its time. And at under $700, it’s also a great bargain right now, thanks to a deal between Apple and retailers like Walmart and Best Buy. At last, you can get Apple’s high-quality design at something like a value price. (It even comes in different colors.)
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. Selling the machines new-in-box undercuts used prices on the same model, giving you a stellar deal on a machine that won our accolades at launch.
Class
Ultraportable
Processor
Apple M1
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
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Apple M1
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
- Attractive price
- Suffices for 1080p gaming
- Wide selection of ports
- Lengthy battery life
- Lagging processor performance
- Limited 512GB SSD
Budget gamers often feel stuck: If you want to save money, you have to put up with ho-hum performance. But the Acer Nitro V 15 drives surprisingly steady 1080p gaming for an equally surprising sub-$1,000 price. It also goes above and beyond many other budget gaming machines 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 without immediately scrambling for an outlet.
Gamers on a tight budget, this is the machine for you. 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, but the value can’t be beaten for a playable experience emphasizing stable performance, good connectivity, and long battery life.
Class
Gaming
Processor
Intel Core i5-13420H
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
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
- Affordable
- Comfortable keyboard
- Decent array of ports
- Economy-class screen
- Wi-Fi 6, not 6E or 7
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 decent array of ports, and an economy-class screen that’s just good enough for office work (even if it’s no jaw-dropping OLED).
The Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 is a better-than-average value for small businesses and solo professionals, delivering a reliable work laptop for less. If your daily work is more about productivity than multimedia creation, the ThinkBook 16 is cost-effective without sacrificing essential features.
Class
Desktop Replacement, Business, Budget
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 5 125U
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
16 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Graphics
Wireless Networking
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.69 by 14.1 by 10 inches
Weight
3.74 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
16:46
Learn More
Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 Review
- Sturdy, polished build
- A decent selection of ports
- Respectable battery life
- Impressive speakers for the size
- Display leaves much to be desired
- Performance lags behind competitors
- No USB4 or 20Gbps ports
Your options are limited if you want a budget-friendly laptop that flips back into a tablet. For our money, the best current tight-budget 2-in-1 is the Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 (7445). The stylish, sturdy design should hold up to daily use, while the polished build looks fancier than the affordable price might suggest. It has a broad port selection, delivers respectable battery life, and even squeezes in some above-average speakers.
Ideal for budget shoppers, the Inspiron 14 2-in-1 is a solid option for basic or casual use at a low cost. True, the Inspiron 14 2-in-1 is a step down from more expensive competitors: You’ll need to accept compromises like a less impressive display and somewhat pedestrian performance. But if you just want a machine fast enough for web browsing and basic productivity, this 2-in-1 laptop is the one for you.
Class
Convertible 2-in-1
Processor
AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
AMD Radeon 780M Graphics
Wireless Networking
802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.3
Dimensions (HWD)
0.74 by 12.4 by 8.9 inches
Weight
3.7 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
15:56
Learn More
Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 (7445) Review
- Impressive CPU performance
- Pleasant keyboard and touchpad
- Lots of connectivity
- Attractive, friendly design
- A bit of flex to the chassis
- Basic 1080p display easily outclassed for not much more
- Enough battery for a workday—no more
Asus’ updated Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025) sticks to its roots as a superior value. This Chromebook enjoys potent CPU performance with an upgraded Intel Core i5 processor and provides features comparable to midrange Windows laptops—all for less than $500. It also comes in a comfortable design with plenty of connectivity. Top it all off with AI-enhanced tools, and you have an attractive clamshell that has become our new favorite popularly priced Chromebook.
This is the laptop to grab if you’re a shopper looking for a reliable Chromebook in the $400-to-$500 price range. Focusing on portability and ease of use, the CX34 is suitable for everyday tasks—browsing, streaming, and productivity—without blowing your budget.
Class
Chromebook
Processor
Intel Core i5-1335U
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
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Wireless Networking
Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6E
Dimensions (HWD)
0.74 by 12.9 by 8.4 inches
Weight
3.17 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
10:51
Learn More
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025) Review
- Compact convertible design
- Colorful touch screen
- Includes 12 months of Google One AI Premium
- Stylus not included
- Flat, nonbacklit keyboard
- No HDMI monitor port
The HP Chromebook Plus x360 is our favorite budget convertible model, and there’s plenty to love beyond the unbeatable price. This compact 2-in-1 is a first-rate Chromebook with a versatile, portable design and a colorful touch screen. As part of Google’s Chromebook Plus program, this HP model also receives exclusive AI perks, like enhanced webcam images and a 12-month trial of Google’s premium Gemini AI assistant.
The HP Chromebook Plus x360 is ideal for students who want an affordable and functional modern laptop with AI features. It’s also ideal for anyone who appreciates a sweet deal. If you prioritize 2-in-1 functionality above features like HDMI, this affordable pick is the best budget 2-in-1 convertible Chromebook we’ve reviewed recently.
Class
Chromebook, Convertible 2-in-1
Processor
Intel Core i3-N305
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
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel HD Graphics
Wireless Networking
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.81 by 12.7 by 8.3 inches
Weight
3.31 lbs
Operating System
Google ChromeOS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
10:40
Learn More
HP Chromebook Plus x360 Review
- Among the least expensive convertible laptops on the market
- Sharp touch screen
- Tablet portion has a high-quality build for its price
- Headphone jack is back
- Test model includes stylus pen
- All models include bundled keyboard
- Middling performance and battery life
- Keyboard has squishy keys, is designed for smaller hands
The best low-cost Chromebook might not even be a traditional laptop. The detachable Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 pairs a compact 11-inch ChromeOS tablet with a magnetic keyboard cover, a kickstand, a stylus, and a capable-enough MediaTek processor. The result is a superb 2-in-1 device with Chromebook and Android app support. The tablet design and metal chassis pair with the cover and keyboard to offer tablet and laptop functionality, and 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 at just $359, the price is right for any budget.
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 is our favorite ChromeOS tablet for budget-conscious consumers, delivering a reliable device under $500. Whether it’s for a school kid doing homework, or as a family device for teens and adults, this durable little detachable is great for everyday use, combining the functionality of a tablet with that of a laptop.
Class
Chromebook, Detachable 2-in-1
Processor
MediaTek Kompanio 838
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
eMMC Flash Memory
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
128 GB
Screen Size
10.95 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
ARM Mali-G57 MC3
Wireless Networking
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.30 by 10.1 by 6.6 inches
Weight
1.12 lbs
Operating System
Google ChromeOS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
6:01
Learn More
Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 Review
- Ultra-affordable
- Excellent battery life
- Chromebook Plus features enhanced with AI
- Sturdy design with plenty of ports
- Capable touch display
- Small storage capacity in most models
- Underwhelming performance
- Keyboard isn’t backlit
Often selling for far less than its MSRP, Acer’s Chromebook Plus 514 is one of the best budget buys available. Its 14-hour battery life and capable Intel Core i3 processing mean the Plus 514 will keep up all day and receive the latest Chromebook Plus features, like Google’s Gemini Advanced AI assistant. A broad port selection and a capable touch screen make this Acer versatile and capable, but its price is what we love most.
If you’re searching for the most cost-effective laptop, this is the Chromebook for you. The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 can keep up with casual use, last all day between charges, and go almost anywhere at its size, capabilities you usually give up in the name of low prices.
Class
Chromebook
Processor
Intel Core i3-N305
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1,920 by 1,080
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel UHD Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1
Dimensions (HWD)
0.81 by 12.87 by 8.86 inches
Weight
3.15 lbs
Operating System
Google ChromeOS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
14:18
Learn More
Acer Chromebook Plus 514 Review
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The Best Cheap Laptops for 2025
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Buying Guide: The Best Cheap Laptops for 2025
The 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. Low-power CPUs are more robust than ever, even as some of the nomenclature around them changes. (For example, Intel’s traditional offerings 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 bandwagon, offering its older M1-powered MacBook Air as an ultra-affordable entry point for Mac shoppers. (The current MacBook Air 13-inch, for comparison, sells for $999 with the newer M4 processor.) 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: 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’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.)
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.) 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: Joseph Maldonado)
Regarding storage, new systems no longer 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, rely on 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.
Regarding features, budget laptops with USB-C ports are more common than they once were. (USB-C ports might used both to charge the laptop and to connect peripherals; it depends on the PC.) The older Type-A (the classic rectangular) USB ports are also common in this price range, but others, like HDMI-out and SD card slots, are disappearing from some cheap and expensive laptops alike. It’s important just to look for a good mix.
Wi-Fi comes standard, with some affordable options still including 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 rare in budget 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 machine 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.
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: Joseph Maldonado)
It will also likely cost you a lot less than other types of notebooks, as many Chromebooks come in at under $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, and feature more storage and memory as part of Google’s Chromebook Plus program. Chromebook Plus models—which start at $399—have to meet a set of minimum specs that Google deems is the baseline for a premium experience.
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.
Recommended by Our Editors
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
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.
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 laptop 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 designs (generally, with a 360-degree rotating hinge) and detachable-keyboard models.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
When looking at one of the detachable tablets, 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 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 offering 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, look at our buying guide with our top laptop picks overall.
