The Best Cheap Laptops (2024) top picks for budget buyers

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The best cheap laptops are getting better and better. You need to ask yourself what’s most important and what you’re willing to give up. Even the best cheap computers aren’t perfect in every way. They have some good points, but they also have flaws that make them cheaper. You can almost certainly find a cheap laptop with a touchscreen, a premium-looking frame, an HDMI port, a backlit keyboard, or support for a stylus. But you might need to think about which of those features you want the most and which you can do without.

The best low-cost laptops can do simple work and play. They don’t cost an arm and a leg, but they don’t feel cheap either. They have good speed, screens that are easy to read, and good battery life. Not every one of them is a grey clamshell laptop. Many of the best laptops under $500 are Chromebooks or tablets with detachable keyboards. If you’re ready to spend a little more, you can get an affordable premium Windows 11 laptop from Acer or Asus.

If you’re willing to spend a little more, you can get an affordable premium laptop from Asus or Apple. We tested and reviewed dozens and dozens of laptops from the best companies to find the best options for people on a budget. Based on our own testing and reviews, here is our most recent list of the best cheap laptops on the market right now.

Why Look for Best cheap Laptops?

When you’re on a tight budget, it can be hard to choose the right laptop. There are many reasons why the best cheap computers are a good choice. First of all, they are affordable, which means you can save money without giving up important features. These computers are also great for students and casual users who don’t need the best specs. Also, they are light and easy to carry, which makes them great for travel and working while on the go.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Best cheap Laptops

Before diving into the best cheap laptops available, it’s essential to consider some key factors during your selection process. These factors will ensure that you make an informed decision and get the most value for your money.

1. Performance: While searching for the best cheap laptops, pay attention to their performance capabilities. Look for models with modern processors and sufficient RAM to handle everyday tasks smoothly.
2. Display: A good display is crucial, especially if you’ll be using the laptop for extended periods. Opt for laptops with at least Full HD resolution and vibrant color reproduction.
3. Storage: Adequate storage is vital for storing files and applications. Consider laptops with SSDs (Solid State Drives) for faster boot times and improved overall performance.
4. Battery Life: If you plan to use your laptop while traveling or away from power outlets, a long-lasting battery is essential to keep you productive throughout the day.
5. Build Quality: Even in the budget segment, a well-built laptop can ensure durability and a better overall user experience.

Best Cheap Laptops Comparison Table

The table of comparisons shows a wide range of the best cheap computers that are a great deal for buyers on a budget. Different people have different needs, so these laptops come with different processors, RAM choices, storage capacities, and screen sizes. There’s a cheap choice for everyone, whether you need a reliable work partner, a portable device for entertainment, or a hybrid that can do a lot of things. Think about the features listed to make an educated choice and find the best affordable laptop for your needs.

Laptop Model	Processor	RAM	Storage	Display	Battery Life	Latest Deal
Asus Zenbook 14 (2023)	Ryzen 7 5800H	Up to 16GB	Up to 512GB SSD	14-inch Full HD	Up to 12 hours	Check Deal
Acer Aspire 5	11th Gen Intel i3-1115G4	Up to 8GB	Up to 512GB SSD	15.6-inch Full HD	Up to 9 hours	Check Deal
HP Laptop 17	11 Generation Intel Core	Up to 12GB	Up to 1TB HDD	17.3-inch HD	Up to 7 hours	Check Deal
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2	Intel Core i5	Up to 8GB	Up to 256GB SSD	12.45 Inch PixelSense	Up to 13 hours	Check Deal
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i	Intel i3-1135G4	Up to 16GB	Up to 512GB SSD	14-inch Full HD IPS	Up to 10 hours	Check Deal
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2	Intel Celeron Processor	Up to 4GB or 8GB	Up to 64GB eMMC	13.3-inch QLED FHD	Up to 13 hours	Check Deal
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3	Intel N5030	Up to 4GB	Up to 128GB eMCP	10.3-inch Full HD	Up to 10 hours	Check Deal
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook	Snapdragon SC7180	Up to 8GB	Up to 256GB SSD	13.3-inch OLED FHD	Up to 15 hours	Check Deal
Asus Chromebook Detachable CM3	MediaTek 8183 Processor	Up to 4GB	Up to 64GB eMMC	10.5-inch WUXGA	Up to 12 hours	Check Deal
Lenovo Yoga 6	AMD Ryzen 5	Up to 16GB	Up to 512GB SSD	13.3-inch Full HD	Up to 12 hours	Check Deal

Here is the list of Best Cheap Laptops

The best cheap laptops listed below have great features that won’t break your budget. Think about what you need and how much you can spend to find the right computer for you. When it comes to the best cheap laptops, the Acer Aspire 5, the Asus Zenbook 14 (2023), and the HP Laptop 17 stand out as great picks. The Acer Aspire 5 is a good choice because it is cheap, works well, and is easy to carry around.

Asus Zenbook 14 (2023)

Specification	Details
Display	14-inch Full HD
Processor	AMD Ryzen 7
RAM	16GB
Storage	1 TB Hard Disk
Battery Life	Up to 12 hours

The Asus Zenbook 14 (2024) is a new addition to the list of best cheap laptops, and for the price, it has a lot to offer. This laptop has the latest AMD Ryzen engine and up to 16GB of RAM, which makes it very good at doing more than one thing at once. It has a 14-inch Full HD screen with thin bezels, which makes for a more realistic viewing experience. The Zenbook 14 is also known for its high-quality design, light weight, and long battery life, which makes it a good choice for workers and students on a budget.

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Reasons to buy:

• Lasts a long time. The battery on the Asus Zenbook 14 (2024) can last up to 16 hours on a single charge. This means you can easily work or go to school for a full day without worrying about running out of power.
• The shape is small and light. The Asus Zenbook 14 (2024) is a small laptop that is light and easy to carry around. It’s only 2.8 pounds heavy and only 0.6 inches thick.
• Design that is sleek and stylish. The Asus Zenbook 14 (2024) has a style that will make people look twice. It comes in two shades of blue: Aqua Cool and Ponder Blue.

Reasons to skip:

• Expensive. The Asus Zenbook 14 (2024) isn’t cheap, and some people may not be able to afford it.
• No graphics card on its own. The Asus Zenbook 14 (2024) doesn’t have a dedicated graphics card, so it’s not a good choice for gaming or other jobs that require a lot of graphics.

Acer Aspire 5

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Specification	Details
Display	15.6-inch Full HD
Processor	11th Gen Intel i3-1115G4
RAM	8GB
Storage	256 GB SSD
Battery Life	Up to 9 hours

People on a tight budget who want a reliable and powerful laptop often choose the Acer Aspire 5. This laptop is easy to use for everyday jobs because it has an Intel Core processor and up to 8GB of RAM. The 15.6-inch Full HD screen shows clear images, making it great for both work and play. The Acer Aspire 5 is easy to carry around because it is thin and light, and its long-lasting battery makes sure you can work all day.

Reasons to buy:

• Very well done. The Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM in the Acer Aspire 5 make it good for everyday jobs like browsing the web, streaming videos, and working on documents.
• Lasts a long time. The battery on the Acer Aspire 5 can last up to 12 hours, so you can easily use it for a full day.
• Easy to carry and not too heavy. The Acer Aspire 5 is small and light, which makes it easy to bring with you.
• Design that is sleek and stylish. The Acer Aspire 5 looks great because it is slim and stylish.

Reasons to skip:

• Some other computers are more powerful. If you want the best speed from your laptop, the Acer Aspire 5 might not be the best choice for you.
• Not as good for games as some other computers. The Acer Aspire 5 isn’t as good for games as some other laptops, so if you’re a serious gamer, you might want to look at something else.

HP Laptop 17

Specification	Details
Display	17.3-inch HD
Processor	Intel Core i3
RAM	4 GB
Storage	256 GB HDD
Battery Life	Up to 7 hours

For those who prefer a larger screen for work or entertainment, the HP Laptop 17 is an excellent option in the best cheap laptops category. Sporting a 17.3-inch HD display, this laptop offers a spacious and immersive viewing experience. It is equipped with an Intel Core processor and up to 12GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking. The HP Laptop 17 also comes with a variety of ports and a full-sized keyboard, making it a practical choice for users who need versatility and comfort.

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Reasons to buy:

• Strong computer. The HP Laptop 17 has an Intel Core i7 processor, which is great for doing many things at once and hard jobs.
• Long-lasting batteries. The battery life on the HP Laptop 17 is long, so you can use it all day without worrying about running out of power.
• Sleek style. The HP Laptop 17 looks great because it is sleek and stylish.
• Upgradeable. You can add more RAM or disk space to the HP Laptop 17 if you need to.

Reasons to skip:

• Pricey. The HP Laptop 17 isn’t cheap, and some people may not be able to afford it.
• Heavy. The HP Laptop 17 is a bit heavy, so people who move a lot might not want to buy it.

Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2

Specification	Details
Display	12.4-inch PixelSense touchscreen, 1536 x 1024 resolution
Processor	Intel Core i5
RAM	8 GB
Storage	256 GB HDD
Battery Life	Up to 13 hours

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 is an affordable, small laptop that fills the gap between Microsoft’s high-end tablets and its larger computers. Even though it’s cheap, the Surface Laptop Go 2 feels almost as good as a high-end model because it comes in different colors, has an aluminum lid, and has an Intel Core i5 processor from the 11th version. The inside gear is more than up to the job. It has an updated webcam, a taller display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, and SSDs that can be changed or upgraded, so it can grow with you. It’s a good budget laptop because it looks better and is made better than most computers in its price range.

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Reasons to buy:

• Battery life is good. The Surface Laptop Go 2 has a good energy life. On a single charge, it can last up to 13.5 hours. People who are always on the go will love this.
• The keyboard and mouse are great. The keyboard and trackpad on the Surface Laptop Go 2 are very good, which makes it a pleasure to work on and use.
• Windows 11. The Surface Laptop Go 2 comes with Windows 11, the latest version of Windows, already loaded.

Reasons to skip:

• Other Surface computers are more powerful. The Surface Laptop Go 2 is not as powerful as other Surface computers, like the Surface Laptop 4. It does this because it uses a lower-end Intel Core i5-1135G7 engine.
• Not one USB-A port. Only USB-C ports are on the Surface Laptop Go 2, which can be difficult for people who need to use USB-A devices.

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i

	Specification
Display	14-inch FHD touchscreen, 1920 x 1080 resolution
Processor	Core i3 Family
RAM	4 GB
Storage	256 GB HDD
Battery Life	Up to 10 hours

The 2-in-1 laptop is no longer a sign of wealth, but you’ll still have to pay a lot if you want great speed and extra features. The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i is a well-built computer with a bright screen and an easy-to-use keyboard. It is also made by the same company that made the first 2-in-1 laptop with a 360-degree swivel, so it can be turned into a tablet. The IdeaPad Flex 5i is hard to beat if you want a cheap, flexible, and easy-to-carry laptop that you can use for office work, web viewing, and video calls.

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Reasons to buy:

• Lasts a long time. The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i can run on its battery for up to 10 hours, so you can use it all day without worrying about it dying.
• Comfortable keyboard. The keyboard on the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i is comfy and makes it fun to type. You can type quickly and correctly because the keys aren’t too close together and have enough travel.
• Price is reasonable. The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i is a great deal for the money. It has a lot of functions and works well, and the price is very fair.

Reasons to skip:

• Some other computers are more powerful. If you want the most powerful laptop on the market, you might not want to go with the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i.
• Some computers are better made than this one. Some other computers on the market are better made than the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i. The plastic body is a little bit thin, and the hinge is a little bit loose.

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2

	Specification
Display	13.3-inch QLED touchscreen, 1920 x 1080 resolution
Processor	Celeron 5205U Chrome OS
Graphics Card	Integrated (Intel UHD Graphics)
Storage	64GB HDD
Battery Life	Up to 13 hours

The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 is a cheap laptop that doesn’t feel cheap. It has a slim, ultraportable form, a sharp-looking QLED touchscreen, and a good 8-hour battery life. It will also sound great, and with its Core i3 configuration, Chrome OS will run very fast. We weren’t as happy with how little the keyboard moved up and down. This makes for a small learning curve that you will get used to over time. But for less than $500, it’s a great deal to get a Chromebook that looks and feels this good. In a sea of silver and black computers, the Fiesta Red one stands out.

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Reasons to buy:

• It was a great show. The Intel Core i3 processor and 8GB of RAM in the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 make it great for regular jobs like browsing the web, streaming videos, and working on documents.
• Beautiful display. The 13.3-inch AMOLED screen on the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 is beautiful and makes for stunning images. The screen is also very bright, so you can easily see it even when the sun is out.
• OS Chrome. Chrome OS, which is used by the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2, is a small and fast operating system that works well with Chromebooks. Chrome OS is also very safe, so students and companies can feel safe using it.

Reasons to skip:

• Some other computers are more powerful. Some other computers on the market, like the MacBook Air or the Dell XPS 13, are more powerful than the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2.

Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3

	Specification
Display	10.3-inch FHD touchscreen, 1920 x 1200 resolution
Processor	Intel N5030 (Windows 10 Pro)
RAM	8 GB
GPU	Intel
Battery Life	Up to 7 hours

Most of the best cheap computers are Chrome devices, and the Lenovo Duet 3 is the best Chrome tablet you can get for $359 or less. This is a bigger, more expensive version of the Chromebook Duet, which Lenovo made in 2020 and is still on this list. The Chromebook Duet was a Chrome tablet that was both fast and inexpensive, which was a surprise. We liked the original Duet because it had a long battery life, worked well, and had a good keyboard cover. About $250 could buy all of these things.

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Reasons to buy:

• Detachable keyboard. The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 has a keyboard that can be taken off, so it can be used in many different ways and places.
• Lasts a long time. You can use the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 all day without worrying about running out of power because the battery lasts a long time.
• Easy to carry and not too heavy. The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 is small and light, which makes it easy to carry with you.
• You can use Android and Chrome OS. You can use the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 in different ways because it can run both Android and Chrome OS.

Reasons to skip:

• Processor with little power. The processor in the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 isn’t very powerful, so it might not be good for things like gaming or editing videos.
• Small display. The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 has a small screen, which may not work for everyone.

Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook

	Specification
Display	13.3-inch FHD touchscreen, 1920 x 1080 resolution
Graphics Coprocessor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c
RAM	4 GB
Graphics Card Description	Integrated
Battery Life	Up to 15 hours

The Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook is very different from the original Chromebook Duet, which you can learn more about further down this page. Even though the price is higher, this 2-in-1 is still a good deal because it comes with a lot of new gear. The Duet 5 still has a cloth back and keyboard cover like the last model, but the 13.3-inch OLED screen will make you double-check that it costs less than $500. Even more has changed than that. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 chip is much better, and the phone can work for more than 13 hours on a single charge.

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Reasons to buy:

• Moveable and easy to carry. The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook is easy to take with you wherever you go because it is small and light.
• Detachable keyboard. The keyboard on the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook can be taken off, so you can use it as either a tablet or a laptop.
• Price. The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook is very cheap, which makes it a good choice for people on a tight budget.

Reasons to skip:

• No backlit keys. The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook doesn’t have a lighted keyboard, which can be annoying in low-light situations.
• Some Chromebooks are more powerful than this one. The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook might not be the best choice if you want the most powerful Chromebook on the market.

Asus Chromebook Detachable CM3

	Specification
Display	10.5-inch FHD touchscreen, 1920 x 1200 resolution
Processor	MediaTek MT8183
RAM	4 GB
Storage	65 GB HDD
Battery Life	Up to 12 hours

The Asus Chromebook Detachable CM3 looks like a laptop that is wrapped in tweed. But if you open the cover, you’ll find a 2-in-1 laptop that can be used as a diary and comes with a stylus. Even though the Detachable CM3 Chromebook isn’t the most powerful. It is a great device for watching movies and surfing the web because it is thin and has a bright screen. It also fits easily into any bag. Even though it costs a lot because it has a MediaTek engine, the CM3 makes up for it with a strong body and a battery life of almost 12 hours.

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Reasons to buy:

• Lasts a long time. The power life of the Asus Chromebook Detachable CM3 is up to 11 hours, so you can easily use it for a full day.
• Detachable design. The Asus Chromebook Detachable CM3 can be taken apart, so it can be used as either a tablet or a laptop. This makes it a great choice for people who want the freedom of both sizes.
• Stylus holder. You can use a stylus with the Asus Chromebook Detachable CM3, so you can take notes, draw, or write.
• Price. The Asus Chromebook Detachable CM3 is very cheap, which makes it a good choice for people who are on a tight budget.

Reasons to skip:

• Some Chromebooks are more powerful than this one. The Asus Chromebook Detachable CM3 may not be the best choice if you want the most powerful Chromebook on the market.
• No backlit keys. The Asus Chromebook Detachable CM3 doesn’t have a lighted keyboard, which can be annoying in low-light situations.

Lenovo Yoga 6

	Specification
Display	13.3-inch FHD touchscreen, 1920 x 1080 resolution
Processor	AMD R Series
RAM	8 GB
Storage	356 GB HDD
Battery Life	Up to 12 hours

The Lenovo Yoga 6 is a great portable that is made for a wide range of people. Most of the time, it’s more expensive than we can afford here, but we can often find it for less than $700 because there are always deals going on. We looked at the Lenovo Yoga 6 and thought it was a great choice at its usual price. Now that it’s on sale, it’s a no-brainer to buy it. For that price, you get a lot of good. The 13.3-inch screen is pretty good for a cheap laptop. It has a sharp Full HD (1920 x 1200) screen and a tall 16:10 aspect ratio.

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Reasons to buy:

• CPU made by AMD called Ryzen 5 5500U. The AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor runs the Lenovo Yoga 6. This is a powerful processor that can handle demanding jobs like editing videos and playing games.
• Full HD IPS monitor at 13.3 inches. The 13.3-inch Full HD IPS touchscreen display on the Lenovo Yoga 6 makes images look clear and bright.
• Up to 18 hours on a single charge. The battery life on the Lenovo Yoga 6 is long, so you can use it all day without worrying about running out of juice.
• Backlit keys. The Lenovo Yoga 6 has a lighted keyboard that makes it easy to type when there isn’t much light.

Reasons to skip:

• Pricey. The Lenovo Yoga 6 is not cheap, and some people may not be able to afford it.
• Plastic is made well. Since the Lenovo Yoga 6 is made of plastic, it feels a little bit cheap.

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