Cheap laptops: the 10 best budget laptops that (very little) money can buy low bughet
Chances are that you landed upon this page in search of a cheap laptop. And, of course, you’re likely seeking one that won’t turn out to be a lemon in short order. Lucky for you, then, that it's our job and our passion to test out all sorts of laptops and suss out which are best for you.
- These are the best laptops overall in every category
The best budget laptop makes the right priorities. Knowing that they can’t compete with the big leaguers in power, longevity and design, the best cheap laptops make smart compromises. What you'll find below are, in no particular order, cheap laptops running both Windows 10 and Chrome OS, from straight-up notebooks to convertibles and even some Windows tablets in between – all near or under 500 bucks.
Asus Transformer Mini T102HA
Small, portable and flexible
CPU: Intel Atom x5-Z8350 | Graphics: Integrated Intel HD Graphics | RAM: 4GB | Screen: 10.1-inch HD (1,280 x 800) LED touch display | Storage: 64GB
Tablet and laptop in one
Sizable hard drive
Tiny size could be tough
That the Asus Transformer Mini T102HA comes with a keyboard cover is definitely a pro, considering many make it an expensive option. The keyboard itself is serviceable, the build quality of the tablet is acceptable, and it’s thin and light enough to commute with easily. Couple that with full-size ports and impressive battery life, then you have a winner.
Samsung Chromebook Pro
First in a new generation of Chromebooks
CPU: 0.99Ghz Intel Core m3-6Y30 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 515 | RAM: 4GB | Screen: 12.3-inch, QHD (2,400 x 1,600) touchscreen | Storage: 32GB eMMC
Stunning, vivid screen
Stylus support on Chrome OS
Cramped keyboard
Weak speakers
The Samsung Chromebook Pro is the product of Google’s project in fusing more of Android into Chrome OS. With the Google Play Store now supported on every new Chromebook released, it only makes sense to craft a Chromebook with a 12.3-inch QHD touch display, with a 360-degree hinge and pen support to boot. It may have a keyboard that’s a bit too compact for comfort, but the laptop more than makes up for it standing in as a tablet that puts most Android devices to shame. It’s even mastered pen input on the first try, more than we can say for even some of the loftier Windows laptops.
Lenovo Yoga Book (Windows 10)
The netbook of the future – the ultra netbook?
CPU: 1.44GHz Intel Atom x5-Z8550 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 400 | RAM:4GB | Screen: 10.1-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,200 resolution), IPS touchscreen |Storage: 64GB flash storage (plus 128GB with microSD)
Insanely thin and light
Keyboard surprisingly accurate
Woefully underpowered
Dated microUSB port
Lenovo has crafted an impressive, futuristic product that could very well create a subcategory in mobile computing all its own. Even with low-power parts that need a bit of work, the Yoga Book bridges the gap between tablet and laptop in ways that we, honestly, didn’t anticipate for a much longer time – if at all. The fact that we can type well on the Yoga Book’s Halo Keyboard, even without auto-correct software aiding us, is evidence to both Lenovo’s hardware and software engineering and our growing familiarity with such input styles over the past 10 years.
Acer Chromebook 14
Meet the anti-MacBook Air
CPU: Intel Celeron N3160 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 400 | RAM: 4GB |Screen: 14-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) display | Storage: 32GB SSD
Top-notch build quality
Solid keyboard and touchpad
Full HD display
Flaky HD video playback
With its slick lines and a slim silhouette, the Acer Chromebook 14 makes for a subtle, snazzy laptop. Although its display isn't the most attractive we've seen, it's rich and fine. And, while not amazing, the keyboard and trackpad serve just as well as most. Battery life satisfies as well, even if it falls a bit south of Acer's 12-hour claim in real-world use.
Read the full review: Acer Chromebook 14
- From Australia? Try a fine alternative in the Samsung Chromebook Pro.
HP Pavilion 15
The de facto learning laptop lives on
CPU: AMD dual-core A9 APU – Intel Core i7 | Graphics: AMD Radeon R5 – Nvidia GTX 1050 | RAM: 6GB – 16GB | Screen: 15.6-inch HD (1,366 x 768) – FHD (1,920 x 1,080); touch optional | Storage: 512GB SSD – 1TB HDD
Thinner and lighter
Tons of options
Shallow, squishy keyboard
Heavy and ready to heft hours of school work, HP's Pavilion 15 makes for a fine deal that bears the known moniker well. Frankly, this is a broke college kid’s laptop. With power that the average pupil needs but at a cost the average student may afford, should be considered before the primo PC aisle, leaving you strapped with a few more clams for more books (or fun).
Read our hands-on review: HP Pavilion 15
Dell Inspiron 11 3000
Colorful can be cheap, too
CPU: Intel Celeron N3060 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics | RAM: 2GB | Screen:11.6-inch HD (1366 x 768) anti-glare LED-backlit display | Storage: 32GB eMMC
Lots of color choice
AC Wi-Fi
Barely HD screen
Going for under 200 bucks on a regular basis, this 11.6-inch laptop with an HD screen should serve you well as a budget companion device. With 32GB of storage, it’s twice as capacious as most Chromebooks, though the 2GB of slower RAM is something to watch out for. Available in several colors, the Inspiron 11 3000 can even expand the storage with its microSD card slot. Finally, with the ability to connect to a 1080p screen via HDMI, this is one versatile device.
Lenovo IdeaPad 110s
A simple and reliable laptop
CPU: Intel Celeron N3160 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 400 | RAM: 2GB |Screen: 11.6-inch HD (1366 x 768) anti-glare | Storage: 32GB
Full SD card slot
AC Wi-Fi
Barely HD screen
Lenovo has its very own 11.6-inch Windows 10 laptop with an HD screen, but does the Inspiron one better (for a bit more cash) with Pentium processors from Intel as well as a full SD card reader. Lenovo rounds out the package with up to 7 hours of battery life, matching or surpassing rivals in nearly every category. In the budget space, another few bucks can go a long way.
HP Stream 14
Big and colorful for cheap
CPU: Intel Celeron N3060 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 400 | RAM: 4GB |Screen: 14-inch HD (1,366 x 768) SVA BrightView WLED-backlit | Storage: 32GB eMMC
Larger than most budget options
Free 25GB of Dropbox for 1 year
Barely HD screen
With a starting price of just above 200 large, the HP Stream 14 is a fine value for those seeking a strong if basic web browsing machine. It's cheaper than even some Chromebooks while offering a bigger screen and the fullness of Windows 10. Sure, some 15-inchers could give this a run for its money both in price and performance, but they may well lack the ergonomics and aesthetics of HP’s cheapest Windows laptop yet.
Acer Aspire E5-575
Mighty impressive for the price
CPU: Intel Core i3-6100U | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520 | RAM: 4GB – 32GB |Screen: 15.6-inch HD (1,366 x 768) display | Storage: 1TB hard drive
Metallic frame
Intel Core processor
Still barely HD screen
Not super portable
Available in a variety of colors, this number from Acer brings things into practically a whole new class, with a 15.6-inch HD display powered by an Intel Core i3 processor. The metallic frame should make using this device feel more like a luxury without the sticker shock. Plus, with up to 12.5 hours of claimed battery life, this should last at least once forgetting to charge it.
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