These days, you can find a capable budget laptop—whether a full-size classic clamshell, an ultraportable, or a 2-in-1 convertible powerful enough for home, work, or school—for far less than $1,000. From economy Windows machines to Chromebooks to Macs, our editors and reviewers test more than 100 laptops each year, evaluating them for raw CPU and graphics performance, screen quality, battery life, connectivity, value, and more. Our recommendation for the best budget laptop for most buyers is the Apple MacBook Neo, which at $599 delivers superb build quality and a stellar screen for basic compute needs. We’ve also hand-picked additional solid-value budget laptops for more specific scenarios, and we break down all the buying advice you need to find the perfect budget machine.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
April 3, 2026: With this update, we added the Apple MacBook Neo as our new Best Budget Laptop for Most Buyers. The remaining picks have been vetted for currency and availability. Since our last update, we reviewed and evaluated 13 new laptops for potential inclusion in this roundup and our other laptop roundups. We’re currently testing more than a dozen laptops in PC Labs, including models from Acer, Asus, Dell, and Lenovo.
- Excellent speeds for basic computing
- Impressive graphics performance
- Sharper, more colorful display than almost any budget laptop
- Premium, rigid aluminum build
- Surprisingly low price for the package
- Limited selection of physical ports
- One USB port is USB 2.0
- No keyboard backlighting
The $599 Apple MacBook Neo tops the affordable laptop list as a fantastic value, both as an affordable MacBook and a brilliant budget buy. It offers exceptional low-priced performance thanks to the A18 Pro chip inside, which blows most competitors out of the water for performance and battery life. But it doesn’t stop there, delivering a sharper, more vivid display, a more robust aluminum design, and aggressive battery life, all for a much more accessible price point than any other Mac. And it even comes in different colors!
Budget-conscious Mac fans: The MacBook Neo serves users who want the macOS ecosystem and Apple build quality without paying the premium prices of the Air or Pro lines.
Students: The MacBook Neo’s $499 education pricing and durable aluminum build make it an ideal, portable choice for campus life and general coursework.
Non-power users: It is a great fit for those performing basic computing tasks, such as web browsing and media consumption, who value a high-quality display and reliable performance. People who rely primarily on wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 6) will be less bothered by the limited and slower physical port selection.
Class
Budget, Ultraportable
Processor
Apple A18 Pro
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
256 GB
Screen Size
13 inches
Native Display Resolution
2408 by 1506
Panel Technology
LED
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Apple A18 Pro (5-core)
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 6
Dimensions (HWD)
0.5 by 11.7 by 8.1 inches
Weight
2.7 pounds
Operating System
Apple macOS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
15:35
Learn More
Apple MacBook Neo Review
- Capable everyday productivity performance
- RTX 5050 stands up to demanding games with DLSS 4
- Comfortable keyboard with RGB lighting
- Varied connectivity
- Just 512GB storage is tight for modern gaming
- Dim display
- Chunky for a 15-inch laptop
Nailing down affordable PC-gaming gear isn’t always easy, but the MSI Katana 15 HX is a top-notch 1080p gaming laptop available for less than $1,000 on sale. With an Intel Core HX processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 GPU, this laptop drives steady frame rates in more high-end PC games than ever. We especially appreciate this system’s battery life and DLSS 4 graphics-rendering tricks, though its 512GB SSD fills up quickly.
Budget-strapped gamers: The MSI Katana 15 HX works best for gamers who prioritize decent performance at an entry-level price. The new GPU is especially effective at bridging the raw performance gap using DLSS 4 resolution scaling and frame generation, but it’s not without its tradeoffs. You’ll need to be prepared to accept some compromises, such as a dim display and limited storage, to achieve playable frame rates at 1080p resolution in the latest PC games.
Kids who are new to gaming: If your child is just getting interested in PC games, the MSI Katana 15 HX is a great first gaming-laptop choice. This machine is a relatively inexpensive investment that won’t hinder a child’s introductory experience with PC gaming. It’s also great for completing basic schoolwork.
Class
Gaming
Processor
Intel Core i7-14650HX
RAM (as Tested)
16 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 5050 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
8 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
1 by 14.1 by 10.3 inches
Weight
5.29 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
8:11
Learn More
MSI Katana 15 HX 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).
Small-office entrepreneurs: This ThinkBook laptop is a smart choice for business owners who require reliable machines for everyday office tasks. It’s also a fit for entrepreneurs who prioritize an affordable price over premium features, such as a high-end display.
Desktop users seeking portability: This laptop is ideal for professionals who want a large-screen display for productivity, but also need to work on the go. A product like this can transform any workstation environment into a mobile one, allowing users to connect it to an external monitor to bypass its dim screen or enjoy a secondary display.
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
- Aggressive price for the feature set
- Colorful 120Hz display and unusually high-res 1440p webcam
- Broad port selection
- Competitive performance for the price
- Long battery life
- Stiff keyboard
- Speakers could have more oomph, considering chassis size
Acer’s Aspire 16 AI represents an incredible deal for a 16-inch laptop for home or school use, bringing a big, fast, and sharp screen to the budget category. Plus, the laptop’s Snapdragon X chip is potent enough to handle everyday tasks quickly, and efficient enough to last well beyond a workday or school day. Atop all that, the Aspire’s build quality exceeds our expectations at this price. This is the first big-screen laptop you should consider if on a tight budget.
Budget-strapped productivity users seeking a big screen: This is the ultimate cheap laptop for people who want a big screen with the hardware to back it up. The Aspire 16 AI brings some seldom-seen screen traits for the price: a 120Hz refresh rate, and impressive color coverage.
High school or college students: This laptop is an excellent pick for students in high school or beyond. The Aspire is relatively compact despite its big panel, making it easy to tote between classes and on the commute, and its processor should keep up with basic study loads.
Class
Budget
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon X (X1-26-100)
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
Dynamic
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Qualcomm Adreno GPU
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Dimensions (HWD)
0.63 by 14 by 9.9 inches
Weight
3.42 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
17:02
Learn More
Acer Aspire 16 AI 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
If you want a budget-friendly laptop that converts into a tablet, our top recommendation for a 2-in-1 is the Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 (7445), thanks to its impressive design, battery life, and above-average speakers. This convertible laptop is stylish—the polished build looks fancier than its affordable price might suggest—but sturdy enough to hold up to daily use. It also features a broad port selection, delivers respectable battery life, and even squeezes in surprisingly good speakers.
Budget-conscious hybrid users: This laptop is a fine fit for those who appreciate the 2-in-1 experience of a convertible laptop but need to keep costs low. You won’t get the most impressive display quality or performance output that higher-end 2-in-1s offer, but you will have a reliable device that looks and sounds great.
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) offers features we’d expect from a midrange Windows laptop but comes in at less than $500, making it our top recommendation for Best Budget Clamshell Chromebook. This Chromebook is an excellent value for your money with an upgraded Intel Core i5 processor and a comfortable design. Top it all off with AI-enhanced tools and ample connectivity options, and you get an attractive clamshell that has become our new favorite popularly priced Chromebook.
Value-focused laptop users: This Chromebook is well-suited for anyone on a restrictive budget who wants a powerful laptop for a low price. Users looking to spend $500 or less who want the best possible combination of performance and features should consider this Asus model.
General Chromebook fans: This laptop is ideal for anyone already familiar with Google’s Chromebook brand who wants a dependable machine. This Chromebook Plus model will prove a reliable clamshell for everyday tasks, providing a comfortable typing experience and a potent processor to get the work done.
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 Chromebook due to its smooth and colorful touch screen, and versatile, portable design. Beyond that, and the unbeatable price, you’ll get access to Google’s Chromebook Plus program, complete with exclusive AI perks, such as enhanced webcam images and a 12-month trial of Google’s premium Gemini AI assistant.
Elementary-school students: This is a fitting Chromebook for young students, whether at home or in the classroom. This HP model is a capable and affordable partner for online productivity and schoolwork, presenting a flexible 2-in-1 design with a vibrant touch screen at a budget-friendly price.
Budget-strapped 2-in-1 fans: This laptop is a good choice for people on a tight budget who want a reliable Chromebook with plenty of helpful features. But you’ll need to forgo luxuries like a backlit keyboard or an HDMI port.
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 detachable Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 pairs a compact 11-inch ChromeOS tablet with a magnetic keyboard cover, kickstand, stylus, and capable-enough MediaTek processor, making it our pick for the Best Budget 2-in-1 Detachable Chromebook. This superb 2-in-1 device supports both Chromebook and Android apps, while the tablet’s design and metal chassis pair with the cover and keyboard to offer both tablet and laptop functionality. The touch screen is perfect for tapping and swiping with fingers, or scribbling notes and sketches with the stylus. It’s a practical and versatile choice, and the price is right for almost any budget.
Students and kids: This Chromebook tablet is ideal for young students and kids at home. The Duet presents an effective package suited for education and simple app access, providing a compact and affordable 2-in-1 that converts easily from a tablet to a laptop. It’s also excellent for entertainment.
A basic tablet for adults: This tablet is well-suited for adults who require a simple, low-cost device for emails, bills, and leisure activities—and don’t mind getting middling performance and battery life.
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
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
6:01
Learn More
Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 Review
- Attractive pricing, especially when on sale
- Decent productivity performance
- Satisfactory battery life
- Well-chosen port selection
- Flexible plastic chassis
- Disappointing keyboard and touchpad
- Mediocre-at-best display
Among Chromebooks, the Asus Chromebook Plus CX14 is a fantastic budget buy. It’s less than $500 at full price, but we’ve routinely seen it selling for as little as $279. For the price, you’ll find decent performance for web browsing and daily use, a well-chosen port selection, and more than 10 hours of battery life. Additionally, it’s part of Google’s Chromebook Plus program, which means effective performance comes with a side of excellent AI features, all at an attractive price.
Students: This laptop works well for students both at home and in the classroom in the face of restrictive budgets. The Asus Chromebook Plus CX14 is well-suited for basic productivity and light computing tasks, where buyers’ primary concern is managing the back-to-school shopping budget.
Extreme-budget shoppers: This Chromebook is also a good fit for those with extremely limited budgets, who prioritize the lowest possible price over premium features like build quality, display sharpness, or typing feel.
Class
Chromebook
Processor
Intel Core 3 N355
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 UHD Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4
Dimensions (HWD)
0.78 by 12.8 by 8.4 inches
Weight
3.06 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
10:20
Learn More
Asus Chromebook Plus CX14 Review
- Light, compact build
- Customizable before and after ordering
- Repairable, upgradable, sustainable design
- Aggressively priced DIY Edition
- Support for AMD Ryzen AI 300 processors
- 14-hour battery life
- Price premium for prebuilt Windows system
- Some fine print for setup and compatibility
- Display is workable, but not a standout for the price
The Framework Laptop 13 (2025) may not be the cheapest laptop on this list, but it will save you money over time. The current AMD Ryzen AI 300 processor is superb, offering the latest AI PC features, but it’s this device’s modular, upgradable approach that sets it apart. The Framework lets you upgrade individual components (from ports to Wi-Fi) and swap out the mainboard when it’s time for a newer CPU, saving you from having to replace your machine in a few years.
DIY enthusiasts: This is the best laptop for computer lovers who enjoy building their own PCs, since you can swap out parts as you please. It’s a great option if you’re comfortable assembling computers and value the ability to easily repair and upgrade components over time. It’s a tinkerer’s paradise.
Sustainability-focused users: This laptop is a perfect fit for eco-conscious laptop users. Since the Framework is designed for a much longer working life, you’ll reduce e-waste by investing in this sustainable, modular system.
Long-term value shoppers: This Framework model is best suited for anyone looking for a budget-friendly laptop that will last for years to come. Its upgradable design will future-proof your purchase and allow you to swap out parts for much less than the cost of a complete replacement.
Class
Ultraportable
Processor
AMD Ryzen AI 7 350
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
13.5 inches
Native Display Resolution
2,880 by 1,920
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
AMD Radeon 860M Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.62 by 11.7 by 9 inches
Weight
2.86 lbs
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
14:02
Learn More
Framework Laptop 13 (2025) Review
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The Best Cheap Laptops for 2026
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Buying Guide: The Best Cheap Laptops for 2026
Buying Basics: Budget-Laptop Components and Features
Ready to dive into the details around cheap laptops? The good news is that you’ll have to accept fewer compromises than you did in the past.
Which Processors Do You See in Budget Laptops?
Low-power CPUs are more robust than ever, even as some of the nomenclature around them changes. (For example, Intel’s traditional 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 CPU bandwagon, putting the A18 Pro processor from the iPhone into a laptop to cut costs. Regardless, the $400-to-$700 Windows laptop market is populated mainly by systems based on much peppier Intel Core and AMD Ryzen families of processors. Opt for these CPU lines if you need more than just the basics. (See more about how to choose a laptop CPU.)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
All of these CPUs also contain cores that manage graphics processing. The newest integrated-graphics solutions can hold their own in browser-based games and even some online games like World of Warcraft. The higher demands of AAA titles, though, still require a discrete GPU, which you’ll rarely find in this price range. (If money is no object, check out our top-rated gaming laptops and ultraportables, as well as our favorite cheap gaming laptops.)
How Much Memory Should You Get in a Budget Laptop?
In years past, many of the barest-budget Windows laptops would come with just 2GB or 4GB of main system memory, but nowadays, at least in the Windows and Apple sphere, most come with 8GB. (A 4GB RAM count remains common in Chromebooks and under-$300 Windows laptops; avoid it in a Windows machine.)
What Kind of Battery Life Should I Expect?
In terms of batteries, even budget laptops are better than ever. Where the standard used to be six or seven hours (long enough to eke through a day of work or school), the majority of systems on this list last for 10 hours or more, and many hold out substantially longer. (A lower-resolution, lower-brightness screen, which is a feature of some of these machines, can consume less power, all else being equal, and end up being a benefit of sorts.)
Budget Laptop Storage: How Much to Expect?
Regarding storage, new systems no longer use spinning hard drives. Inexpensive Windows machines typically use small-capacity flash or solid-state drives (SSDs) of 128GB or 256GB. Other budget systems, particularly Chromebooks and some under-$400 Windows laptops, will have only a small allotment (32GB or 64GB) of local storage but compensate with generous free cloud storage. Of course, as with any cloud-based service, you’ll need to be online to access it.
Also, know that budget machines with this little local storage, including many Chromebooks, rely on “eMMC memory” as their primary storage. This is not the same as the flash memory used in a true solid-state drive (SSD), and it will feel a tad sluggish if you’re used to an SSD. Opt for SSD over eMMC where you can.
What to Look for in Budget-Laptop Ports and Connectivity?
Budget laptops with USB Type-C ports are more common than they once were. (USB-C ports might be used both to charge the laptop and to connect peripherals; it depends on the PC.) The older USB Type-A ports (the classic rectangular kind) are also common in this price range, but others, like HDMI outputs and SD-card slots, are disappearing from some cheap and expensive laptops alike. It’s important to look for a good mix.
Wi-Fi comes standard, with a few affordable models sticking to the 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) protocol that was the norm a few years back. The current Wi-Fi 6 standard is much more common for budget systems than ever, while the more advanced Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 are still uncommon in low-cost models.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Touch screens are also rare in the most affordable laptops. (See our picks for the best touch-screen laptops.) That said, by definition, any 2-in-1 convertible or detachable laptop will have a touch screen, as having one is necessary for using the machine as a tablet, or in other orientations where the keyboard is covered up.
Is Buying a Chromebook Worth It?
Chromebooks used to be little more than glorified netbooks running Google’s ChromeOS. While these ChromeOS-based laptops are still resolutely web-centric, they now have fuller feature sets, often for under $500. Modern Chromebooks include faster CPUs and more RAM, addressing the sluggishness that saddled early models. Better build quality and improvements to displays and batteries have put Chromebooks on more of an even footing with Windows competitors, and new features like offline mode and Android app support have addressed most of the longstanding limitations related to performance, software compatibility, and usability away from an internet connection.
If you spend most of your working hours in the cloud, a Chromebook will offer much of the functionality of a regular Windows or Mac laptop, and, depending on the model, may deliver longer battery life.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Just be sure you have easy access to a stable Wi-Fi connection wherever you use one, and look for laptops that qualify for Google’s Chromebook Plus program. Chromebook Plus models—which start at $399—must meet a set of minimum specs that Google deems are the baseline for a “premium” experience. If you can spend that much, we recommend a Plus model.
Recommended by Our Editors
The Best Cheap Tablets and Hybrids: 2-in-1s on a Budget
Tablets rose in popularity throughout the 2010s, and though we have plenty of reviews of them—take a look at our overall roundup of the best tablets, as well as our favorite slates running the Windows and Android operating systems—they are sufficiently different from traditional clamshell-style laptops that they don’t always make suitable substitutes. Some come with detachable keyboards, but most of these are far less comfortable for typing on your lap than a conventional laptop.
Convertible 2-in-1s, however, do make a good substitute for traditional clamshells. These machines let you flip between a laptop and a tablet by folding the keyboard out of the way. Consider one of these convertible systems if you primarily want the typing capability of a laptop but occasionally would appreciate the lie-back, passive-consumption convenience of a tablet.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
See our guide to the best 2-in-1 laptops for more information about this popular market segment. Because of their added complexity (compared with traditional clamshell laptop designs), you won’t find as many affordable models, but a few Windows- and ChromeOS-based models cost $500 or less. They come in permanently attached designs (generally, with a 360-degree rotating hinge) and detachable-keyboard (i.e., “tablet-first”) models.
When looking at a detachable tablet, make sure you know what comes in the box. In some cases, you need to buy the keyboard base separately, and the total cost may not be as low as it first appears. (Here’s looking at you, Microsoft Surfaces.)
Ready to Buy the Best Budget Laptop?
Budget laptops tend to go in and out of stock frequently. We’ve broken out our current favorites in this guide, and while we update it continually, there’s a 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.
