Best cheap laptops

We compare and analyze cheap laptops according to specific characteristics so that you can find the best in quality and price.

Today's Deals on Cheap Laptops

Buying one of the cheap laptops is a bit like buying a car. You have to do your research, and nine times out of ten you need to test drive it before committing to taking it home, since what's right for your neighbor might not be right for you. Before you even think about which model you'd like, you should consider its cost and your budget.

For your peace of mind, we've done the hard work for you, compiling this list of the best budget laptops . We've included a model for every need, so no matter what you plan to use it for, you're sure to find the perfect one.

 

comparative

If you still don't know which cheap laptop you want, below you have a series of buying guides that will help you choose based on the features you are looking for:

• Laptops by price
• Laptops by processor
• Laptops by type
• Best laptop brands
• Laptops by screen size
• Best laptop quality price
• Which laptop to buy based on the use you are going to give it?

[alert-success]If you're unsure which one to buy, we've created a complete guide to help you choose the right laptop. Just click the link.[/alert-success]

The best cheap laptops of 2023

Okay, without further ado, let's get started with the best cheap laptops of 2023. To compile the list, we've considered not only the price, but also the design, technical specifications , and many other aspects.

CHUWI HeroBook

Check out the great deal we found a little further down because this model is definitely worth considering, which is why we've put it first. It's a thin and quiet notebook . It's probably best suited as a second laptop or a work laptop for students and professionals. You get what you pay for, so don't expect speed or usability. However, despite being the cheapest laptop on this list, it has some pretty impressive features.

The most impressive feature is its 256GB of storage , a great feature that most of the laptops on this list lack. You should think of the CHUWI HeroBook as Microsoft's answer to the Chromebook. If you're not comfortable with Chrome OS and are used to Windows 11, then this is one of Microsoft's best budget laptops.

This computer would be very suitable for light everyday use : browsing the Internet, using Microsoft Office (such as Word and Excel), managing and updating social networks, using video streaming services…

Lenovo V15

This is one of the cheapest laptops on this list, but that doesn't mean it's not powerful. For everyday use, it will give you a fairly long average battery life, fast processing , and you can even play simple video games (it falls short for more complex ones, but if you're looking for a laptop for a child, this is a great option, trust me).

In our experience, the main drawback of this laptop is the lack of a DVD drive . However, this is becoming the norm for laptops in this price range, so don't let it discourage you, as most of the software you'll need, such as Microsoft Office, can be purchased as a digital download. If this is a real problem for you, though, you can always buy an external DVD drive for under €30.

Apart from that, due to its large screen size, quality, and the aforementioned features , this is a great laptop for tight budgets.

ASUS VivoBook Go 14 inch HD

The Asus VivoBook is arguably one of the best budget laptops for everyday use on this list. It's become a bestseller on Amazon, and when you compare it to other laptops in its price range, it's easy to see why.

The features we've summarized in the list above are quite standard for an all-around laptop, so what makes this one so special? Well, Asus opted to offer unbeatable value for money and a Full HD screen with integrated graphics and Dolby Advanced Audio so you can watch TV or a movie with all the quality you expect.

This is the kind of laptop you can use for both work and multimedia . While it's not the smallest or most portable, it's still quite easy to carry around, work on with Windows 10, watch movies and TV, or even play simple video games. For the price, I'd say it's one of the best laptops in this price range on the market.

HP Pavilion 14

This laptop is a bit cheaper than the other recommended models , but we've decided to include it anyway because it's consistently ranked highly in other budget laptop guides, even topping PC Advisor's list of the best affordable laptops of 2023. So, is it worth paying the extra money, or is this model sufficient?

We've included the HP Pavilion 14 in our list of best laptops for tight budgets because it can handle anything you throw at it (except bricks) and then some.

It flies quickly through all the basic work applications such as Microsoft Office, web browsing in general, streaming video services and even allows you to play video games (although we must not forget that it was not designed for that, it is a bit slow and the graphics are of medium-low quality).

For all these reasons, we consider it one of the best laptops in its price range , as you can get it for less than 300 euros.

Lenovo IdeaPad 1 Gen 7

The Lenovo Ideapad's presence on this list is a bit unusual. This laptop features a rotating, Full HD (1920 x 1080) touchscreen LED display . This means you can put it in viewing mode if you want to comfortably watch YouTube videos or movies.

It has the best processor on the list , so it's definitely a great option if you're looking for good performance and want a laptop that you can work on without problems.

It's a bit lighter than the other laptops, but it still can't quite match the Chromebooks we'll review below. It's more powerful than the laptops we described in previous paragraphs, and while the foldable screen might seem a bit contrived, it's said to work very well thanks to its touch functionality . Essentially, this model offers the same usability as the Packard Bell EasyNote, but with some superior features.

The best cheap laptops according to their use

For basic tasks:

To work:

Multimedia:

To travel:

2 in 1:

Recommendations before buying

After a general guide to the best price laptops, you may be interested in something more specific. In this case you don't have to worry, we have several comparisons that will also be interesting to you.

• Best laptop quality price. A slightly more exhaustive comparison comparing more thoroughly the quality and price of some models. To consider if you want to get the most out of your money.
• Gaming laptops. For those users who want to buy a laptop to play games. We've ranked the top performers in both specs and price so you can get the most out of graphics and performance.
• Best laptop brands. You will see that all the brands included here are known and therefore they are not chinese. You can see the complete comparison in case you want to obtain better information in this regard. We offer a complete vision of which brands you can trust. They are the same ones we compare on our cheap laptops page.

With the massive arrival of Windows 10, laptops are on the rise again. But this is not the only reason for this success, in addition, the popularization of Ultrabooks and the increase of two-in-one hybrids that serve as a laptop and as a tablet have influenced. Cheap laptops are gaining ground over Chromebooks thanks to models like the HP Pavilion x2. Meanwhile, laptops with enough power to play games are also seeing their impact grow and it seems that they will easily become good replacements for our desktop computers.

With so many options available, choosing the best laptop for your needs is becoming increasingly difficult , so it's important that, first of all, you decide what you will do with it.

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Users looking for a fast boot time and a lightweight computer for portability will likely be delighted with an Ultrabook . Gamers, on the other hand, will opt for laptops tailored to their demanding graphics and processing needs, while those requiring a flexible device will choose a 2-in-1 hybrid.

At first, it might seem overwhelming – with all those options – but our goal is to help you find the best laptop, whatever your needs . Believe us when we say there's a perfect laptop out there for you. With this guide, you'll not only find it, but you'll be 100% confident in your purchase.

Laptops comparison: Final result

The evaluations we carried out led us to choose three winners from the 10 laptops analyzed ; these are the three models that we include in this laptop comparison.

The first-place winner , taking home the Gold Award, is the 15.6 - inch HP Envy x360 . This laptop boasts a powerful AMD Ryzen processor and a 1TB SSD. It also runs Windows 11, offers over 9 hours of battery life, and weighs just 1,3 kg. Its screen is excellent, with a resolution ranging from 1920 x 1080 pixels up to 2560 x 1440 when in motion.

It is true that the 1.5-inch size does not have the largest screen on the market, but it makes up for it with its portability. The HP Envy x360 features three USB 3.0 ports giving you quick access to all USB peripherals. This laptop supports SD cards and HDMI. The manufacturer offers phone, chat and online technical support, in addition to social media.

The runner-up and Silver Award winner is the 15-inch Dell Inspiron series . This laptop boasts a good processor speed of 3,1GHz, and its base Intel Core i3 processor provides a responsive experience. A particularly appealing feature is the option to upgrade the graphics card to an Intel UHD video card if you need to work with high-definition graphics. Its 1.000TB hard drive storage capacity is ample, offering plenty of space for your multimedia files.

The operating system, Windows 11, works well. It has a long-lasting battery that reaches 5 hours and 45 minutes, although this aspect could be improved. The Inspiron is a bit heavier than our winner, at 2.2 kg, partly due to its 15-inch screen. Like the HP Envy x360, when we subjected the Inspiron to heat tests, its underside reached 37.7 degrees Celsius, which, as we've already mentioned, is uncomfortable if you hold it on your lap. The basic screen resolution is 1920 x 1080 pixels, but you can upgrade it to a much higher resolution of 3840 x 2160 – or in other words, a 4K screen . It has two USB 3.0 ports and one USB 2.0 port.

Finally, the third-place finisher and Bronze Award winner is the 15-inch Acer Swift 3. This model boasts a high-performance processor, quite impressive for a laptop in this category. With an overall rating of A-, our performance data shows that the processor isn't what keeps this laptop in third place. The base model has a 512GB SSD and runs Windows 11.

Its average battery life is 7 hours and 36 minutes, which is below the average for the laptops we have reviewed. The basic screen resolution is 1920 x 1080 pixels, but it can be upgraded to 2560 x 1440. Additionally, the Acer Aspire Swift has two USB 3.0 ports and one USB 2.0 port.

[alert-announce]This comparison features top-of-the-line models, which cost around €1.000 . If you're on a tighter budget, check out our comparison of value-for-money laptops or our review of cheap laptops to find the most affordable options.[/alert-announce]

Types of Laptops

To finish with our laptop comparison, we will describe what the different types of laptops are in case you want to expand each section a little more since we have related articles.

As with any other major purchase, when you're thinking about buying a laptop, every penny counts . It's a device that will last for several years, so we recommend you take a look at our guide to the best laptops before making any decisions.

A few years ago, there were only laptops for leisure and laptops for work. Today, however, there are several options for each category . Let's start with the basics:

Ultrabooks

These laptops are basically devices that must meet certain thinness, lightness, power, and size characteristics set by the Intel processor, in an effort to help loyal Windows laptop manufacturers competing with Apple's 13-inch MacBook Air.

For a laptop to be marketed as an Ultrabook, it must meet strict specifications set by Intel. It must be thin, no thicker (when closed) than 20 mm for 13.3-inch screens or 23 mm for 14-inch and larger screens. Furthermore, it must have a battery life of six hours while playing high-definition video or nine hours while idle.

[alert-success]Check out our comparison of cheap ultrabooks .[/alert-success]

It cannot take more than three seconds for the Ultrabook to come out of hibernation. These laptops generally have solid state hard drives and features like voice commands and touch screens. Ultrabooks are designed with portability and performance in mind, but are priced higher, typically starting at $ 900.

The result has been some top-quality laptops that rival the best Apple laptops. These are Ultrabooks, laptops around 2 centimeters thick, with long battery life and crisp screens, like the Dell XPS 13 or the Asus Zenbook.

The Lenovo Yoga is not only an amazingly thin and light laptop, but it's also absolutely revolutionary in terms of design . Fitting a 13,9-inch screen into an 11-inch frame is no small feat, but Lenovo has also worked the miracle of creating a virtually borderless display. The Yoga 910 is also a very powerful and durable laptop with a very affordable price. For all these reasons, we consider it the best Ultrabook.

Laptops for gaming

A gaming laptop is exactly what you'd expect – a computer for serious gamers . In short, it's not for playing Candy Crush or Angry Birds, but for playing demanding PC games that require a high-end processor, 8GB to 16GB of RAM, at least 1TB of storage, and a dedicated graphics card, which is the most important feature. Gaming laptops are generally more boxy and built to last, and their screens are usually high-resolution.

[alert-announce]You can see our analysis of the best gaming laptops .[/alert-announce]

Gaming laptops don't need to be thin or light , since gamers typically use them instead of desktop computers. A gaming laptop lets you play the same games as a desktop, but with the advantage of being portable enough to move from room to room or play at a friend's house.

In recent times, gaming laptops have undergone incredible advancements, striving to match the performance of their desktop counterparts. In this regard, the most logical next step seems to be incorporating desktop components into gaming laptops. This model is an incredibly powerful 15,6-inch laptop, boasting a full-size desktop processor and a top-of-the-line mobile GPU . One might expect this combination to result in a massive laptop, but this one manages to fit everything into a remarkably compact body.

Laptops for Students and Work

Business laptops are similar to the traditional general-purpose laptops we've discussed in other articles, but they're built to a higher standard, their components are more durable, and they generally come with longer and more comprehensive warranties . You shouldn't need to replace your business laptop every couple of years because it's become obsolete.

[alert-success]This time we recommend the laptop guide for students .[/alert-success]

These types of laptops are designed with their performance in mind, with quad-core processors that can easily handle several complex tasks simultaneously since you should be able to run all the software necessary to carry out your task, without the computer slowing down. These laptops generally don't have large graphics cards, but they can be added if your work includes graphics or video editing.

The HP Pavilion 14 might seem like a MacBook Air in many ways, but it's a better machine in many respects. It's thinner, lighter, and arguably more attractive thanks to its aluminum body. This laptop also boasts a higher-resolution Full HD display, an Intel Core i7 CPU, and optional 1TB of HDD storage . However, the most surprising thing is that you can get all of this for around €800, making it one of the best laptops on a student budget.

Work stations

Designed almost exclusively for work, hence their name, these typically thick laptops have one thing in mind: productivity . Vendors usually equip these units with professional-grade GPUs, such as the Nvidia Quadro series or the AMD FirePro line.

Other features include a wider variety of ports and easier access to the internal components than most entertainment laptops . Not to mention more legacy inputs, such as TrackPoint cursors, and hardware-level security options, such as fingerprint scanners. Examples include the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon and the HP ZBook 14.

The Lenovo Ideapad 330, with its understated aesthetics and durable, rugged design, is practically everything you could want in a mobile workstation. It also offers professionals a high-resolution screen, long battery life, and solid, reliable performance.

Considering that it costs from 900 euros, it is worth paying that extra for everything it offers to professionals who work outside the office.

Two-in-one laptops (hybrids)

If you're someone who combines laptop and tablet use, a hybrid device is likely ideal for you. Powered by a dual-use operating system, Microsoft's Windows 8 , these devices can be tablets that can be used as laptops with accessories, or laptops that transform into tablets by detaching the keyboard. You can check out our 2-in-1 convertible laptop comparison here if you're interested in these models.

Of course, the idea is to provide a device that can successfully serve as both a tablet and a laptop , so we don't have so many gadgets cluttering up our homes. Introducing these devices to the market hasn't been easy, but the most brilliant example of their potential is Microsoft's Surface Pro.

The HP Spectre x360 is not only HP's most impressive and versatile device to date, but also the most compelling hybrid laptop on the market . After years of refinement, this new hybrid tablet from HP has undergone some significant improvements, such as a larger screen and higher resolution. Furthermore, some minor elements, like the hinge and the type of cover, have been redesigned to make the HP Spectre much more stable and easier to use.

Gaming laptops

You'll recognize a gaming laptop at first glance: enormous size, flashing lights, garish paint, and whirring fans. However, thanks to the emergence of thinner, lighter, and more elegant models, such as the Razer Blade or the MSI GS60 Ghost Pro, this paradigm is beginning to change.

[alert-success]Clicking this link will give you a complete comparison of gaming laptops.[/alert-success]

Generally speaking, gaming laptops are equipped with the latest mobile GPUs from Nvidia and AMD so you can play the latest games just as well as if you were playing on a desktop computer (there are some models that can directly replace the desktop computer).

General Purpose Laptops

This last type of laptop is difficult to classify. These machines still adhere to the standards established decades ago for what a laptop is supposed to be, albeit in a more refined form. Considering the evolution of the laptop market, those in this category are generally considered budget or mid-range computers.

These laptops range in screen size from 11 to 17 inches and generally don't have many features that stand out under their typically plastic casings. They're capable of handling everyday tasks but fall short when you have more demanding needs. I think this infographic will help you visualize everything more clearly.

In 2014, the 13-inch MacBook Pro was arguably the best laptop Apple had ever released. The 2022 model is somehow even faster and offers improved battery life . Aside from an internal upgrade, the 2022 13-inch MacBook Pro has inherited the recently introduced Force Touch trackpad. While Apple may not be known for its business applications, owning a Mac is very appealing when you consider the software it offers and its updates.

Chromebooks

Chromebooks are some of the smallest and lightest laptops on the market , but they lack the power and storage capacity of traditional laptops. Instead of a Windows or Macintosh operating system, Chromebooks run on Google's Chrome OS, designed specifically for web browsing and little else. They typically have a very small hard drive—around 16 GB—an 11-inch screen, and usually only one USB port.

[alert-success]We have a complete comparative analysis of Chromebooks as the best small laptops .[/alert-success]

However, they allow you to store photos, videos, and other documents in Google Drive instead of on the hard drive . Their screen resolution is typically 1366 x 768 pixels, which is sufficient for browsing the internet and watching the occasional movie. Furthermore, you can always connect a set of USB devices to increase connectivity.

The result is a system that can run on low-end hardware, making Chromebooks ideal for those on a budget or for students . Of course, Chromebooks work best in areas with wireless internet access, but Google has recently greatly enhanced their offline functionality. To get a feel for them, you can take a look at the Dell Chromebook 11 or the Toshiba Chromebook.

Netbooks

Netbooks are similar to Chromebooks in that they are very small, low-cost, and optimized primarily for web browsing. These laptops do not have an optical drive for playing DVDs and CDs. However, unlike Chromebooks, netbooks typically run on the Windows operating system , either the latest version or earlier versions, which most users are familiar with.

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Furthermore, many netbooks, with their detachable touchscreens and keyboards, are on the border between laptops and tablets. A netbook is a great laptop for those who like to use applications to play games, but prefer to type with a physical keyboard.

Better small or big?

Regardless of their category, laptops typically range in size from 11 to 17 inches . Your decision about which size laptop to buy should be based on these two factors: weight and screen size.

First, the size of your laptop screen directly determines the amount and size of content it can display. However, you should also keep in mind that as the screen size increases, the resolution should also increase. You shouldn't settle for anything less than 1366 x 768 for 10- to 13-inch laptops, or 1920 x 1080 for 17- to 18-inch laptops.

Secondly, you should keep in mind that for every inch of screen size you increase, the laptop's weight will increase by about 0.45 kilograms . Of course, there are exceptions; there are lightweight and thin models that buck this trend. You might want the sharpest and largest screen on the market, but are you prepared to carry it in your backpack?

What features should you look for?

As with most tech gadgets, laptops often come with a number of features that you may or may not need by default. The features that we list below are the essential ones, the ones you should look for when buying your laptop.

• USB 3.0- This is the latest standard in USB data transfer technology. Make sure your laptop has at least one of these ports so that file transfers between your laptop and, for example, a USB 3.0 flash drive are faster.
• 802.11ac Wi-Fi: Until now 802.11n was the fastest wireless Internet connection, but in the last year 802.11ac and 802.11ax routers have appeared, such as WiFi 6 and 6E. If you plan to use your laptop to stream videos or download a large number of files and content, you should seriously consider choosing a model with that type of Wi-Fi connection.
• SD card reader- With the popularization of the Smartphone camera for taking snapshots, many laptop manufacturers have started to eliminate this feature from their models, however, if you are a photography enthusiast, you might miss an SD card reader.
• Touch screenWhile the merits of a touchscreen in a laptop are questionable for now, we never know what the future will bring. However, it is a feature that can make the set more expensive, so evaluate well if it will be useful before deciding.

Questions to ask yourself before buying

Before rushing out to buy the best looking laptop, you should ask yourself the following questions. They will help you decide which type of laptop is best for you.

What are you going to use the laptop mainly for?

If you'll mainly be using it for browsing the internet, streaming videos, and making occasional video calls with family, a general-purpose or budget laptop will probably suffice. Do you enjoy gaming? There's your answer. If you're on the go and need a thin and light laptop, try an Ultrabook. Answering this question will always point you in the right direction.

How much do you care about design?

Laptops come in all shapes, brands , models, and sizes—not to mention paint finishes and materials . If you tend to scoff at the ugly design of the laptops you see around you, you probably just want a computer with an aluminum casing or, at the very least, a soft-touch plastic. But be warned, good design often comes at a price.

How much can you or are you willing to spend?

Ultimately, this should be your main guideline when deciding which laptop to buy; you should never spend more than you can afford. Your budget will dictate which laptop category you purchase.

What have we valued?

You may not have realized it, but the laptop has been with us for a whopping 30 years, although in its early days it was little more than a pretentious typewriter. For decades, traditional desktop computers provided more computing power, greater storage capacity, and better monitors at a lower price. In the mid-XNUMXs, it was normal to have a desktop computer, but some families began to see the benefits of having a laptop.

Over time, the internet has evolved from dial-up modems to the wireless routers we have today, and in parallel, laptops have improved to meet the needs of users who needed to be mobile with their computers . What was once a gadget for businessmen, bankers, and the military has now become an essential tool for everyone.

Since portability is the primary value of a laptop, when deciding which one to buy, you should pay close attention to its size and weight , as well as its processor and memory capacity. Although modern laptops no longer weigh more than 9 kg like older models, the difference between a 2.72 kg model and a 1.84 kg model is still noticeable. If you're a student and plan to take your laptop to class, you'll have to carry it in a backpack or bag, and you'll certainly appreciate a smaller, lighter model. However, if you're a sound engineer recording a live band concert, you'll need your computer to be as powerful as possible.

There are many different types of laptops. You can spend a few hundred euros on a basic laptop or several thousand on a high-end gaming laptop. Some will only allow you to browse the internet and write emails, while others can run video and photo editing programs without any problems. The type of laptop you choose should match the tasks you plan to perform with it. Do you need it for work? Do you want to watch movies or your favorite TV shows on it? Are you a creative person or a video game enthusiast? In this laptop comparison, we've evaluated the best models on the market. If you want to delve deeper, you can read our articles about laptops.

What is the best laptop in this comparison?

The answer to this question is not simple and it has nothing to do with the laptops that we have put in our table. The best laptop is the one that meets the needs you are looking for and that do not have to coincide with those of another person.

While you may be looking for the lightest laptop on the market to travel with it everywhere, another user may be looking for the opposite.

For this reason, in our laptop comparison we have tried to meet the needs of all audiences, betting on the best model in each segment in relation to its quality price.

If you don't know which computer to buy, leave us a comment and we will help you choose the one that best suits your needs.

Final conclusion

The ideal laptop for you will depend entirely on your needs and what you plan to use it for. That's why the list is ordered by price, not by quality.

If you're looking for a laptop for occasional use (like checking your email, browsing the web, updating your social media, editing photos, watching Netflix, or doing some work with Microsoft Office or Google Docs—don't stress about Chromebooks), I highly recommend considering a Chromebook. Check out the ones at the top of this guide. If, however, you still insist on getting a Windows laptop, or you need something more powerful, you can opt for one of the computers we recommended at the beginning.

In this same article you will find the ones that have the best value for money. Also if you look a bit around the web using the navigation menu and others you will see that we also have comparisons and more specific articles depending on the type of laptop you want to buy. You may want to see the best gaming laptops (for gaming), or the best laptop for work, etc.

As you can see from the list, I'm going to be completely upfront with you. All the laptops you'll find below are Windows computers . And, to be honest, I've included the Windows models I dislike the least. It's not that Windows laptops are bad, but I usually use a Chromebook, which can be used for the same tasks and is generally cheaper (as you've seen). Needless to say, Apple MacBooks have no place in this guide 🙂