9 Best Cheap Laptops (2026), Tested and Reviewed

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The Ultimate Guide to Budget Laptops: Get More for Less in 2025

In today’s fast-paced digital world, finding the perfect laptop that doesn’t break the bank can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Whether you’re a student on a tight budget, a professional looking for a reliable work companion, or simply someone who needs a solid machine for everyday tasks, the budget laptop market has exploded with options that deliver impressive performance without the premium price tag.

We’ve scoured the market, tested dozens of devices, and consulted with tech experts to bring you the definitive guide to the best budget laptops of 2025. From Chromebooks that can handle your Chrome tabs with ease to Windows machines that won’t leave you frustrated, we’ve got you covered.

Top 9 Budget Laptops Compared

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s take a quick look at how these budget champions stack up against each other:

1. Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 16 – The Versatile Performer
2. Acer Aspire Go 14 – The Battery Life King
3. HP OmniBook 5 16 – The Sleek Contender
4. Lenovo LOQ 15 – The Gaming Beast
5. Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus – The Chromebook Champion
6. Acer Chromebook Plus 515 – The Value King
7. Asus Zenbook 14 – The Premium Feel
8. HP Laptop 15t – The Reliable Workhorse
9. Dell Inspiron 14 – The All-Rounder

Other Budget Laptops to Consider

HP OmniBook 5 16 for $630

The HP OmniBook 5 16 is giving the Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 16 a run for its money. These two laptops share a lot in common – they both sport similar chassis sizes and come equipped with the same Intel processors. However, the OmniBook 5 16 suffers from the same budget display issues that plague many affordable laptops, with color accuracy that leaves something to be desired.

While it’s a decent machine, the current discount on the $550 IdeaPad 5i makes it the better option for most users. That said, if you’re eyeing the Snapdragon X Plus version of the OmniBook 5 16, keep an eye out for deals. Based on our extensive testing of Snapdragon-powered laptops, we have a feeling that its current selling price of $550 is a crazy-good deal that’s hard to pass up.

Lenovo LOQ 15 for $779

When it comes to budget gaming laptops, the Lenovo LOQ 15 is a standout performer. We tested the RTX 5060 model, and let us tell you, it’s an incredible deal. The RTX 5050 model is also a solid option, offering great performance at a slightly lower price point.

While it’s not quite as cheap as the Acer Nitro V 16, the LOQ 15 doesn’t have the power adapter issues that some budget gaming laptops face, and it boasts a better overall design. The LOQ 15 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) isn’t covered in RGB lighting or harsh edges, making it a decent budget-oriented content-creation machine as well.

That discrete graphics card will not only let you play modern games, but it’ll also speed up other GPU-dependent workflows like video rendering or 3D modeling. It’s a versatile machine that punches well above its weight class.

Acer Aspire Go 14 for $290

If you’re looking for the ultimate in affordability, the Acer Aspire Go 14 is hard to beat. This laptop won’t win any style or performance awards, but it holds up well as an incredibly affordable Windows laptop. The one major thing it has going for it is fantastic battery life.

We were able to hit upwards of 14 hours on a single charge, which could make this a decent budget option for students who need something that’ll last a whole day on campus. Just keep in mind this is a $300 laptop (occasionally less on sale), so the screen quality, sound, and webcam are far from great. But for basic tasks and web browsing, it’s a solid choice.

Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus for $490

Chromebooks have long had a reputation for being underpowered, but Google is looking to change that with its Chromebook Plus initiative. Launched in 2023, Chromebook Plus is an umbrella category for a new class of devices from various manufacturers that offer better performance, faster processors, more memory, more storage, and better video cameras.

One of our favorites is Lenovo’s Flex 5i Chromebook Plus. It’s among the fastest Chromebooks we’ve tested at this price, featuring an Intel Core i3-1315U CPU, 8 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of flash storage. The Flex 5i Chromebook Plus offers a great balance of performance and affordability, making it an excellent choice for students and casual users alike.

Acer Chromebook Plus 515 for $380

If you’re looking for a modest step up from basic Chromebooks in terms of performance, the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 is worth considering. Thanks to the Intel Core i3-1305U chip inside, this Chromebook offers a noticeable performance boost over cheaper models.

So, if you need a cheap Chromebook that won’t slow down under your dozens of Chrome tabs or need to connect to an external monitor, the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 will do the trick. It’s a great option for those who want a bit more power without breaking the bank.

Asus Zenbook 14 for $749

The Asus Zenbook 14 offers a compelling package of good performance, great battery life, and an OLED display – all for a little over $1,000. Now, you might think that sounds a little expensive to be considered a “cheap laptop.” And you’d be right. But Asus also sells a cheaper, Intel-powered model called the Zenbook 14 Q415.

This model is selling for around $650, if you can believe it, as it’s a couple of years old. That model comes with less memory but otherwise offers the same portability, port selection, and comfortable keyboard. It’s a great option for those who want a premium feel without the premium price tag.

What Are Important Specs in a Cheap Laptop?

When shopping for a budget laptop, it’s crucial to understand what specs matter most. Read our comprehensive guide on how to choose the right laptop for you if you want all the details on specs and what to look for.

In short, your budget is the most important factor, as it determines what you can expect out of the device you’re purchasing. But you should also consider display size, chassis thickness, CPU, memory, storage, and port selection.

While appropriate specs can vary wildly when you’re considering laptops ranging from $200 to $800, there are a few hard lines we don’t recommend crossing. For example, don’t buy a laptop if it doesn’t have a display resolution of at least 1920 x 1080. In 2025, there’s just no excuse for anything less than that.

You should also never buy a laptop without at least 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. Even in Chromebooks, these specs are becoming the new standard. You’re selling yourself short by getting anything less. Another rule is to avoid a Windows laptop with an Intel Celeron processor – leave those for Chromebooks only.

Specs are only half the battle, though. Based on our years of testing, laptop manufacturers tend to make compromises in display quality and touchpad quality. You can’t tell from the photos or listed specs online, but once you get the laptop in your hands, you may notice that the colors of the screen look a bit off or that the touchpad feels choppy to use.

It’s nearly impossible to find laptops under $500 that don’t compromise in these areas, but this is where our reviewers and testers can help. We’ve done the hard work of sifting through the options to find the best budget laptops that offer the most value for your money.

How Much RAM Do You Need in a Cheap Laptop?

The simple answer? You need at least 8 GB of RAM. These days, there are even some Windows laptops at around $700 or $800 that come with 16 GB of RAM standard, as part of the Copilot+ PC marketing push. That’s a great value, and ensures you’ll get the best performance out of your laptop, especially when running heavier applications or multitasking.

Either way, it’s important to factor in the price of the RAM, because manufacturers will often charge $100 or even $200 to double the memory. On Chromebooks, there are some rare occasions where 4 GB of RAM is acceptable, but only on the very cheapest models that are under $200. Even budget Chromebooks like the Asus Chromebook CX15 now start with 8 GB of RAM.

Are There Any Good Laptops Under $300?

Yes, but you need to be careful. Don’t just go buy a random laptop on Amazon under $300, as you’ll likely end up with an outdated, slow device you’ll regret purchasing. You might be tempted by something like this or this, but trust us – there are better options, some of which you’ll find in this guide.

For starters, you shouldn’t buy a Windows laptop under $300. That price puts you solidly in cheap Chromebook territory. While these are still budget-level in terms of quality, they’re better in almost every way than their Windows counterparts of a similar price. A good example is the Asus Chromebook CX15.

If you want a Windows laptop that won’t give you instant buyer’s remorse, you’ll need to spend at least a few hundred more. Once you hit $500 or $600, there are some more solid Windows laptops available, such as the Acer Aspire Go 14, though even there, you’re making some significant compromises in performance and storage capacity. These days, Windows laptops really start to get better in the $600-plus range.

Should You Buy a Chromebook or a Cheap Windows Laptop?

The eternal question. If you’re looking for a laptop under $500, we highly recommend that you opt for a Chromebook. We know that won’t be a possibility for everyone, as some have certain applications that require a Windows laptop or MacBook. If you do aim to get a Chromebook, make sure all your connected accessories and other devices are compatible.

Chromebooks give you access to a full desktop Chrome browser, as well as Android apps. While that leaves some gaps for apps that some may need, you might be surprised by how much you can get done without the need to install any software. Most applications have web versions that are every bit as useful.

While Chromebooks are most well-known as junky student laptops, the recent “Chromebook Plus” designation has filled in the gap between dirt-cheap Chromebooks and $800 Windows laptops. You’ll find some great Chromebook Plus options in the $400 to $600 range that have better performance and displays, while also looking a bit more like a modern laptop. The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is a great example of this.

Final Thoughts

Finding the perfect budget laptop in 2025 doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With so many great options available, you can get a machine that meets your needs without breaking the bank. Whether you opt for a Chromebook for its simplicity and affordability, or a Windows laptop for its versatility, there’s never been a better time to upgrade your portable computing setup.

Remember, the best laptop for you depends on your specific needs and budget. Consider what you’ll be using the laptop for, how much you’re willing to spend, and what features are most important to you. With this guide in hand, you’re well-equipped to make an informed decision and find the perfect budget laptop to suit your needs.

Happy laptop hunting!

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