Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
November 25, 2025: With this update, we added the MSI Katana 15 HX as our latest Best Gaming Laptop Under $1,000, replacing the Acer Nitro V 15 (ANV15-41-R2Y3). Our remaining picks have been vetted for currency and availability. Since our last update, we reviewed and evaluated more than 45 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 Dell, HP, and Lenovo.
- Excellent battery life
- Comfortable keyboard and touchpad
- Good speakers and webcam
- Premium metal construction
- Practical port selection
- Half a pound overweight
- Screen could be brighter
Dell’s freshly rebranded 14 Plus is a full-metal, nearly ultraportable midrange laptop, with a punchy and comfortable keyboard and lots of ports, including Thunderbolt 4. Our test unit had a crisp, color-rich 1600p IPS screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, which is optional. Dell built this laptop to excel at everyday computing tasks, such as homework, bill management, and web browsing, with a 20-hour battery life. Its list price might not inspire you, but we’ve seen the Dell 14 Plus for as little as $699.99, which makes it an absolute steal.
High school and college students: This is an excellent sub-$1,000 laptop for students in high school and college. The Dell 14 Plus (DB14250) has a combination of long battery life, a comfortable keyboard for writing papers, and a durable chassis, making it an ideal companion for homework and campus life.
Home office deal hunters: This laptop works particularly well for shoppers looking to upgrade their home office on the cheap. The 14 Plus is a perfect fit for general productivity and media consumption, presenting as a versatile do-it-all machine with a comfortable viewing and listening experience. Just be patient, as it often goes on sale.
PC loyalists seeking a MacBook alternative: This is the best Windows laptop for less than $1,000 as a MacBook substitute. The 14 Plus works well for buyers who want at least close to the build quality and battery reliability often associated with the MacBook Air, but prefer the Windows operating system and a broader port selection.
Class
Ultraportable
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
2560 by 1600
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
90 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Arc Graphics 140V
Wireless Networking
Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 7
Dimensions (HWD)
0.67 by 12.4 by 8.9 inches
Weight
3.42 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
20:06
Learn More
Dell 14 Plus (DB14250) Review
- Lower starting price than the previous-generation 13-inch Air
- Faster M4 processing
- RAM gets a boost, even in the base model
- Improved Center Stage camera
- Quiet, fanless design
- Some ultraportable Windows laptops outpace it
- Battery life falls off a little versus 2024 model
- Display tech remains solid, but is starting to appear dated alongside OLED
Our favorite sub-$1,000 MacBook for most shoppers is the Apple MacBook Air 13-Inch (2025, M4), which earned our Editors’ Choice award for not only elevating the level of performance with the M4 chip but also dropping the price to $999, finally making Apple’s lightest laptop more affordable. The base model receives more memory than the previous year, an improved Center Stage camera, and enhanced performance, while maintaining its fanless, silent design. If you’re looking for our top-pick MacBook for less than $1,000, this is it.
Mainstream laptop shoppers: This is the affordable MacBook to buy for most people. Apple’s MacBook Air 13-Inch (2025, M4) won our Editors’ Choice award for Mac laptops thanks to its balance of speed, build quality, and longevity that keeps it highly relevant against stiff competition. Its return to less than $1,000 for an even more improved experience just seals the deal.
Students and professionals: This MacBook is the best option for most students and either independent or salaried professionals. As usual, Apple’s laptop combines a thin, lightweight chassis and a fanless design, making it ideal for quiet environments like classrooms and offices where noise can be a distraction. It’s also an ace at basic media manipulation and AI-dependent tasks.
Shoppers upgrading an old MacBook: This is the MacBook Air to upgrade to from an M2-generation or older model. While not a necessary upgrade for M3 owners, the M4 MacBook Air is an excellent choice for those with older MacBooks seeking a significant boost in speed and memory. If you just bought an M3 model last year, maybe hold out for the imminent M5 version.
Class
Ultraportable
Processor
Apple M4
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
13.3 inches
Native Display Resolution
2560 by 1664
Panel Technology
LED
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Apple M4 (10-core)
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Dimensions (HWD)
0.44 by 11.97 by 8.46 inches
Weight
2.7 lbs
Operating System
Apple macOS Sequoia
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
19:56
Learn More
Apple MacBook Air 13-Inch (2025, M4) 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
Finding affordable PC gaming gear isn’t always easy, but the MSI Katana 15 HX is a top-notch 1080p gaming laptop for less than a grand. With an Intel Core HX processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 50-series graphics, this laptop delivers surprising capabilities for mainstream AAA gaming, producing smooth 60fps performance through DLSS 4 resolution scaling and multi-frame generation, which provide significant frame rate boosts in demanding titles. Additionally, it’s great for everyday productivity, features a surprisingly comfortable RGB keyboard, and houses a longer-lasting battery than most gaming machines.
Budget-bound mainstream gamers: This is the gaming laptop to beat for the average PC gamer looking to save without compromising on too much. The MSI Katana 15 HX is designed for gamers seeking the latest generation of graphics technology without exceeding the $1,000 threshold. With DLSS 4 active in games that support it, this laptop will run most modern PC games without issue.
Single-system students and pros: This gaming laptop works particularly well for students and professionals in need of one laptop that can do it all well enough. Shoppers who can afford only a single computer to handle everything from intense gaming sessions to standard productivity workflows will be satisfied by what the Katana 15 HX has to offer.
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
- Excellent battery life outlasts most other ultralights we’ve tested
- Premium OLED display
- More ports than competitors
- Featherweight design
- Snapdragon X Plus drives limited performance
- A few Windows on Arm compatibility issues remain
Ringing up at $999, the Asus Zenbook A14 is an excellent ultraportable. It combines Qualcomm Snapdragon processing with a premium OLED display and an ultra-light design. The chassis is made from magnesium alloy and features Asus’ Ceraluminum finish, making it one of the lightest yet sturdiest laptops we’ve tested. It’s portable and easy to carry, but it doesn’t skimp on performance. The laptop also features all of Windows’ Copilot+ AI capabilities and a comprehensive array of ports.
Travelers and commuters: This laptop is an excellent choice at less than $1,000 for people who are frequently on the go. The Asus Zenbook A14 serves those shoppers well, thanks to its exceedingly light design and battery life that allows for all-day use without a charger.
Media lovers: This is a fine laptop for shoppers who love watching movies and other videos. The Zenbook’s OLED screen makes it a fantastic device for watching movies and streaming content with deep blacks and vibrant colors. Its light weight also helps for watching wherever you may be.
Class
Ultraportable
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus (X1P-42-100)
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Qualcomm Adreno GPU
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Dimensions (HWD)
0.63 by 12.2 by 8.4 inches
Weight
2.4 pounds
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
27:55
Learn More
Asus Zenbook A14 Review
- Reasonably priced
- Long battery life
- Gold standard ThinkPad keyboard
- Thunderbolt 4 uncommon for the price
- Just $50 for touch-screen upgrade
- Three-year warranty as tested
- Middling performance, even with Core i7
- Screen needs more color
- Tinny speakers
Office laptops need potent performance, broad connectivity, and long battery life. The fact that the Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 meets expectations for under $1,000 is a welcome surprise. This laptop may not have the carbon-fiber construction or dazzling display options of fancier ThinkPads like Lenovo’s flagship X1 Carbon, but it features one of the best keyboards in its class, versatile Thunderbolt 4 ports, and even an optional touch screen for just $50 extra. Plus, it comes with a three-year warranty, providing you with peace of mind that it will continue to work reliably for longer than most machines.
Small business owners and fleet managers: This is the top laptop for businesses of all sizes at less than $1,000. The Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 presents a cost-effective solution with a comprehensive warranty and durable build quality, minimizing long-term ownership costs.
Writers and other heavy typists: This is an ideal work laptop for writers, editors, or those in similar fields that require constant typing. The ThinkPad’s comfortable, high-quality keyboard makes it a leading budget-laptop choice for people who spend the majority of their day composing documents and emails.
Class
Business
Processor
Intel Core i7-1355U
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Wireless Networking
802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.7 by 12.3 by 8.6 inches
Weight
3.11 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
11:53
Learn More
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 Review
- 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
If you want to save as much money as possible on a laptop—we’re talking way less than $1,000—then the Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P) is a smart buy. It’s a reliable performer with smooth performance for everyday tasks, but it goes beyond the basics with high-quality Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, long battery life, and an irresistible price. That’s pretty hard to beat.
Shoppers on a strict budget: This is the ultimate extreme-budget laptop for cash-strapped shoppers. The Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P) is the best option for those who absolutely cannot stretch their spending to the $500 mark, where better performance and features become available.
Grade school and high school students: This laptop works particularly well for students in elementary and high school education. It suits shoppers who require a device solely for web browsing, word processing, and basic administrative tasks, rather than for entertainment or media creation.
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
- Compelling value
- Excellent performance and battery life
- Broad array of ports
- 1440p webcam with conferencing audio assist
- Lackluster keyboard
- While decent, screen can’t match sharper OLEDs
- Mediocre build quality and bloatware
Buying a laptop with a big screen doesn’t mean you have to spend a small fortune. The 2024 Acer Swift Go 16 combines a handsome 16-inch display, powerful performance, and numerous ports. The laptop also features a 1440p webcam, a rare find among laptops priced for less than a grand (or even above that price). Its Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, 32GB of standard RAM, and 1TB SSD are also hard to get in this price range.
Big-screen bargain hunters: This is the ideal laptop for shoppers seeking a large screen on the cheap. The Acer Swift Go 16 (2024) is a fine choice for buyers who want a large 16-inch workspace for multitasking without paying the premium for a top-tier display panel. It can handle heavy workflows and multitasking for an approachable price.
Shoppers who value function over form: This laptop works best for people who prioritize high performance over design and features. It is designed for people who can overlook a mediocre build quality, a lackluster keyboard, and preinstalled bloatware in exchange for raw speed and long battery life.
Remote workers and video callers: This is a fantastic sub-$1,000 laptop for working from home. The upgraded 1440p webcam and audio features make it an excellent choice for shoppers who spend a significant amount of time in virtual meetings.
Class
Desktop Replacement, Budget
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 9 185H
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
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 Arc Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3
Dimensions (HWD)
0.59 by 14 by 9.6 inches
Weight
3.53 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
18:49
Learn More
Acer Swift Go 16 (2024) Review
- New AI features supercharge ChromeOS
- 12 months free Google One with Gemini Advanced
- Versatile, durable 2-in-1 design
- Intel Core Ultra processing and on-device AI
- Excellent battery life
- Clear, colorful touch screen
- Pen not included
- ChromeOS still has quirks
Though not as affordable as some Chromebooks, the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is the best ChromeOS-powered laptop we’ve seen. It packs a capable 2-in-1 design and a powerful Intel Core Ultra processor, plus two fistfuls of AI-powered upgrades, including a 12-month trial of Google’s Gemini Advanced. We already loved the Spin 714’s elegant design and high-quality construction, but the latest model takes it to the next level with the smartest version of ChromeOS we’ve ever seen.
AI early adopters: This is the best laptop for fans of AI at less than $1,000. The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is the best fit for users who want to experience the latest AI-enhanced features and on-device processing capabilities in ChromeOS.
Students and traveling professionals: This laptop is a wise choice for high school and college students, as well as professionals who rely heavily on Google. The combination of a rugged chassis, a versatile hinge, and all-day battery life makes it a reliable companion for those constantly on the move.
Heavy Google and Android users: This is the ultimate laptop for shoppers deeply into Google’s operating systems and services. It is designed for people who rely on Google’s suite of tools, frequently use Android apps, and want to leverage Google’s new Gemini AI integrations to boost productivity.
Class
Chromebook, Convertible 2-in-1
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 5 115U
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
256 GB
Screen Size
14 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
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.71 by 12.4 by 8.8 inches
Weight
3.21 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
14:46
Learn More
Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 Review
- Handsome OLED display
- Snappy, responsive keyboard
- Appealing array of ports for a slim laptop
- Performance lags behind peers in price class
- Speakers resonate at higher volumes
- Low-power CPU doesn’t pay off with big battery life
Convertible 2-in-1 laptops are a tempting alternative to detachable Windows tablet-plus-keyboard combos. The HP Envy x360 14 (2024) is a convertible laptop featuring a sleek design and a dazzling OLED display that enhances the visual experience of both laptop and tablet use. The keyboard is snappy and responsive, and the port selection provides ample connectivity for a slim system. Overall, this stylish and versatile design functions exceptionally well and is priced lower than most of its competitors.
Movie lovers: This is an ideal sub-$1,000 laptop for watching movies and videos. The HP Envy x360 14 (2024) features a high-resolution OLED display, providing a fantastic viewing experience for streaming videos and viewing photos. The laptop’s additional use modes also help vary or focus the viewing experience.
Stylish mainstream shoppers: This laptop is a great choice for shoppers with a focus on style. It fits buyers who want a device that looks and feels premium—bridging the gap between budget and elite models—without paying top-tier prices. It’s a slim and luxurious-looking laptop for much less than the real deal.
Students and heavy typists: This is a go-to laptop for high school or college students and people who type constantly for work. The comfortable, responsive keyboard makes it a smart choice for those who spend a significant amount of time typing emails, papers, or reports.
Class
Convertible 2-in-1
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 155U
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 x 1800
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Graphics
Wireless Networking
802.11be, Bluetooth 5.3
Dimensions (HWD)
0.67 by 12.3 by 8.6 inches
Weight
3.08 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
15:24
Learn More
HP Envy x360 14 (2024) 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) is a unique option among sub-$1,000 laptops, giving shoppers a modular laptop design that lets you swap out parts, ports, and even the mainboard with relative ease, all for much less than a complete system replacement. The most recent model is on par with the best premium ultraportables, but upgrading an old unit to the latest processor requires less investment than most complete midrange laptops. The latest model features a powerful AMD Ryzen AI 300 processor, yet it remains less than three pounds. A Framework laptop costs a premium up front, but you’ll start saving big after the first upgrade, not to mention the second or third.
Eco-conscious consumers: This laptop is the ideal choice for buyers who want to minimize electronic waste. The Framework Laptop 13 (2025) achieves this through distinct, individualized upgrades and repairs available for every single part, allowing you to maintain a single device for far longer than a traditional laptop.
Long-term value shoppers: This is the best laptop for shoppers who want to save money in the long run by upgrading specific parts—such as the motherboard or ports—instead of purchasing a brand-new laptop every few years.
DIY fans and PC builders: This laptop is the ultimate option for people who enjoy building their own PCs and tinkering with their hardware. The DIY Edition is perfect for those who enjoy getting hands on with their technology and want the satisfaction (and savings) of assembling their own mobile PC just like a desktop.
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 Laptops Under $1,000 for 2025
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Buying Guide: The Best Laptops Under $1,000 for 2025
The Essentials: Key Features for Laptops Under $1,000
Let’s start with the most critical elements of any laptop: the core components, the operating system, and its connectivity-related features. Looks may be important in a laptop, but nothing beats performance. If you don’t have it where it counts, your new laptop won’t do a good job of supporting the tasks you’re buying it for.
Processor
The processor is the core computing part of any personal computer, so your laptop needs a properly scaled one. As a rule, the faster or more powerful the CPU, the more expensive the laptop, but that shouldn’t deter you. For less than $1,000, you can find notebooks with peppy chips from Intel, AMD, and even some compelling options from Apple.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Specific CPUs will vary depending on what application and form factor you’re after, but reviews and formal testing from reputable sources are your friends here. Intel Core and Core Ultra chips are standard in this price range, as are their AMD Ryzen equivalents. For most shoppers, a Core i5, Core Ultra 5, or Ryzen 5 class of CPU will suffice; content creators and other demanding users should favor the “7” level of each.
A processor name that ends in “H” is generally a more powerful (and more battery-hungry) option here than one that ends with a “U.” Meanwhile, Apple shoppers may not get the latest Apple silicon (currently, M4) in an under-$1,000 laptop, unless they opt for the lowest-end 13-inch MacBook Air. But you can pick up a MacBook with a still-potent previous-generation M1 or M2 processor at a bargain price.
Graphics
The CPU may be the primary component for any laptop shopper, but graphics are a significant concern for many shoppers. Nearly all laptop processors have an integrated graphics processor (IGP) that’s fast enough to show streaming videos, permit image editing or light video work, and power through solitaire or casual games (though usually not the latest fast-paced shoot-’em-ups).
However, a dedicated graphics processing unit (GPU) is paramount for a gaming laptop. It’s easy to blow your budget on an expensive gaming laptop, but a few budget options will get you in the game without leaving you too broke to buy the next Baldur’s Gate or Cyberpunk 2077 expansion.
Even if you aren’t looking to start gaming, discrete graphics hardware is a plus for multimedia work, especially video. However, laptops with discrete GPUs priced at less than $1,000 are the exception rather than the rule (apart from gaming laptops, which usually have one), so we’d recommend checking out our gaming pick in this roundup or others among our favorite cheap gaming laptops. Under-$1,000 gaming laptops are a relatively lean selection these days, however.
Memory (RAM)
Laptop memory is the next ingredient for excellent performance. Having more RAM will give you more resources for multitasking, such as running multiple apps or browser tabs at once; in the case of integrated graphics, it’ll mean more memory left over after the allotment that’s shared with the IGP as video memory. You’ll know when you don’t have enough because you’ll experience slow loading times, laggy responses to mouse clicks and keystrokes, and even freezing or crashing of applications and the operating system. Having enough RAM is critical for the sort of smooth experience you expect, and it never hurts to have more.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
For most users, 8GB of memory is sufficient for web browsing, media streaming, and basic office work. However, 16GB is better for multitasking with more than a few programs, editing photos, or gaming—and will soon become the baseline as AI-ready laptops take over the market. Meanwhile, laptops with 32GB or more are reserved for high-end gaming, heavy media work, or demanding professional applications such as running virtual machines or crunching giant datasets. Laptops for less than $1,000 with 32GB of RAM are rare, but consider buying a system with user-upgradable RAM, which lets you level up your memory via a separate purchase later on.
Operating System
Chromebooks—laptops with Google’s browser-centric ChromeOS—usually dominate lists of low-priced laptops, and for good reason. Their lightweight operating system makes Chromebooks ideal for students and casual users who mostly just want to get online. But if you can spend more than $500, you have no reason to feel stuck with ChromeOS unless its frequent updates and freedom from viruses appeal to you.
Windows and a few macOS systems are readily available for less than $1,000 and come with all the features of those leading operating systems. Whether you’re a Windows fan who wants the Microsoft 365 (formerly Office) suite or an Apple die-hard looking to add a laptop to your iPhone and Apple Watch ecosystem, you can get a machine that fits your budget.
Connectivity
One area where you shouldn’t compromise is connectivity. From USB-C ports to Wi-Fi 6 or 6E, it’s rare for a $1,000 laptop not to have every port or connection you want. But that doesn’t mean that all laptops will have all the physical connectors. In fact, some of the most premium systems you can buy sacrifice ports for slim design, leaving off handy extras such as memory card slots, headphone jacks, or HDMI monitor ports.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
The bad news is that even pricey laptops are not immune to port shortages. The good news is that you can pick up an inexpensive docking station or adapter that provides whatever connectors you need.
Design
With today’s laptops taking so many different physical forms—tablet PCs with detachable keyboards, flip-and-fold laptop/tablet convertibles, beefy gaming notebooks, and sleek ultraportables—it would be easy to think that some form factors are simply too expensive for a guide like this. You’d be half right.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Gaming laptops get pricey fast, as do professional workstations. Rugged laptops for outdoor or industrial use (often by first responders or the military) are also usually way over $1,000. But the rest? You can find a vast selection of slim and light laptops, convertible hybrid devices, and business-ready laptops of every stripe for $999 or less.
Features in Under-$1,000 Laptops: Niceties Are Not Out of Reach
Some features are less common in the budget category, but that doesn’t mean they’re entirely unavailable. In fact, you can readily find these premium features at three- rather than four-figure prices—just not all of them in one machine. Here are some luxuries you can get with careful shopping, as long as you understand you may get one or two, but not all of them, without busting your budget.
Quality Displays
Display quality hinges on several elements, including screen size, brightness, and refresh rate, but the most salient features you’ll decide on are panel type and resolution. (Screen size, measured diagonally, is, of course, important, but it’s usually dictated by laptop size.)
Laptop display panels come in many forms, but the two most common today are IPS and OLED. An in-plane switching (IPS) display is a type of LCD with LED backlighting optimized for wide viewing angles and better color reproduction than older LCD options. As such, it’s the go-to pick for mainstream laptops and the most common option in our list of favorites.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panels are more expensive and are therefore more commonly found on premium laptops, although their prices continue to decrease. OLED is famous for sky-high contrast (its blacks are unbeatably deep because it can turn individual pixels all the way off instead of just dimming them) and more vivid colors. These displays look better and are thinner and more energy-efficient, so they’re popular among the slimmest and longest-lasting ultraportables. Happily, you can find a few OLED laptops that limbo just under the $1,000 bar, and if you want a system that looks and feels more expensive than it is, it’s the display type we recommend.
Touch-screen capability is separate from display quality but no less critical. Many Windows laptops and Chromebooks feature touch panels and even 2-in-1 convertible designs that allow you to switch between laptop and tablet modes, but Apple famously excludes touch screens from all its MacBooks.
Battery Life
A long-lasting battery is often the difference between a laptop you love to take along and one you’d rather leave at home. Knowing your machine has a long battery life, you can simply slip it into your briefcase or backpack and go, knowing that you’ve got hours of use ahead without worrying about finding a wall outlet. On the other hand, a short battery life means lugging around the power adapter and periodically being tethered to an outlet to recharge.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
The good news is that many of the laptops in this roundup can exceed 10 or 12 hours on a charge, getting through a day of work or school and an evening’s streaming entertainment. Of course, not all are marathon athletes. Gaming laptops, in particular, are known for brief battery life, even if today’s models are rarely limited to the one or two hours of their ancestors. Choose accordingly.
Storage
Storage was once a question of spinning hard drives versus solid-state drives (SSDs), but that is no longer the case. The SSD has become the storage format of choice for all laptops except the cheapest Chromebooks and Windows machines, which often use inexpensive but relatively small and sluggish eMMC flash storage instead.
The bigger question is capacity. A 128GB drive will fill up quickly, mostly taken up just by your operating system and program files, so we generally recommend 256GB as a minimum. (Chromebooks usually get a pass since they’re built for the cloud instead of local storage.) If you can get a 512GB drive, you’re sitting pretty for most mainstream use, but sharp-eyed shoppers will sometimes find a notebook with a 1TB SSD for less than $1,000. A gaming laptop should have at least a 512GB SSD, with 1TB preferable; today’s games take up a lot of space.
Portability
In the world of laptops, thin is always in, but the thinnest and lightest systems are usually the most expensive. They require more precise design and engineering, costly materials like milled aluminum and carbon fiber, and hardware that provides the best mix of power and energy efficiency.
That’s usually an expensive combination, so the very cheapest laptops tend to be bulky. But a $1,000 budget should get you a system with both portability and long battery life, even if the real featherweights and all-day runners still command top dollar.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
As a general rule, we recommend laptops that weigh no more than 4 pounds for optimal portability, with ultraportables (defined as weighing less than 3 pounds) being our favorites. You’ll see several options in this lineup that tick that box, but you’ll still need to be selective to make your ultraportable dreams happen under budget. Note: Most gaming laptops weigh more than 4 pounds.
What You Might Give Up in an Under-$1,000 Laptop
What will you have to do without to keep within your thousand-dollar budget? Pretty much what you’d expect.
Top-Spec Hardware Is Too Pricey
If you want the latest and greatest processing and graphics hardware, you’re reading the wrong guide. A thousand bucks will buy you a lot of laptop, but it won’t buy a top-of-the-line CPU like an Intel Core i9 or Core Ultra 9 HX, or a GPU like Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5080 or 5090. That’s especially true in two categories: laptops for hard-core gamers, and mobile workstations for specialized professional apps. We do recommend some gaming notebooks for less than $1,000, but they’re a small subset of the gaming world and nowhere near the best that vendors have to offer.
Workstations are similarly high-powered but fundamentally different beasts. A mobile workstation not only has powerful processing and graphics silicon but also carries independent software vendor (ISV) certifications for computer-aided design (CAD), 3D rendering, and other rarefied applications. Enterprise-ready GPUs (such as Nvidia’s RTX Ada rather than GeForce line) and software drivers ensure compatibility with apps ranging from science and engineering to medical imaging.
That makes sense when you consider that workstations’ high prices are mere rounding errors in the budgets of the projects they’re used for. Often, in such projects, the end product is an actual product, like the next Pixar animated blockbuster or a bridge that people will drive over. While you can find gaming laptops beneath the $1,000 line, three-figure workstations are scarce because they are equipment that their users just can’t compromise on.
AI Is Coming, But It May Cost Extra
Microsoft’s, Apple’s, and Google’s latest operating systems offer new AI-powered features, and the big chip makers have issued leading-edge silicon to support these new capabilities. However, laptop artificial intelligence is still pretty new, and even though they’ve grown more affordable, many of the laptops equipped with the newest AI-enhanced processor chips bump up against the $1,000 limit or exceed it.
You can still get cool AI capabilities for less, but more expensive laptops will crunch on AI tasks faster, especially with a dedicated GPU. The basic AI-enhanced experience is generally available starting at $500 in Chromebook Plus laptops and starting around $600 for Windows Copilot+ PC laptops. Meanwhile, MacBook Air laptops have a decent AI offering, but you’ll need to hunt for sales to get a current MacBook Air for less than its list price.
Ordering the Whole Menu Will Bust the Budget
Again, while we’ve listed a number of premium features here, you simply won’t be able to get them all without spending more than a grand. Sure, you can find a laptop with an OLED screen or a compact notebook that folds into a tablet, or even a gaming-ready GPU. But you can’t find them all in one low-priced system.
You’ll have to pick and choose because a fully loaded system easily tops $1,000 or even $2,000 if you’re not careful. Sticking to your budget means making trade-offs, such as splurging on a dazzling OLED display but not getting a 1TB solid-state drive. (You can always add external storage later.) Processing power and plenty of RAM are our first picks in this arena; integrated graphics are just fine for most users’ applications, and an OLED instead of an IPS screen is only essential if you truly need professional-class color reproduction.
These small decisions will help you make the most of your budget and keep your spending grounded without feeling you paid too much or gave up an important capability in the name of savings.
Is a Laptop Under $1,000 Worth It?
With all of these specifics and warnings about which specs are and aren’t essential, you may ask yourself if this is even worth your while. Yes, it is. Sure, you can spend far more for a system that checks every box and has every ritzy feature, but you can readily find a terrific laptop without doing so.
It’s mostly a question of knowing your needs and making clear decisions about which features you can skip. Our recommendations are tailored to many of the most popular use cases, so you can find something great no matter what your purpose. Even if your needs are a bit more particular, you should still find something that fits your budget.
Ready to Buy the Best Laptop for Under $1,000?
Whether you’re looking for an inexpensive Chromebook, a flexible 2-in-1, a tablet PC, an elegant ultraportable, or a gaming laptop, you can find excellent options for $999 or less. By knowing what you want and having a realistic idea of what you can afford, you can score a fine deal on a laptop that will serve you well for years.
But which is the best? We’ve chosen our favorite options in multiple categories here, but you’ll still need to decide which form factors and features are ideal for you, so check out our spec comparison as well.
If you need to save even more, our lists of the best cheap laptops and the best laptops for college students are worth checking out for additional bargains.
