10 Best Budget Laptops

The HP Chromebook 14" is a solid choice if you're looking for an affordable and easy-to-use laptop mainly for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and document work. It runs on an Intel N100 processor, which offers decent speed for basic activities but won’t handle heavy multitasking or demanding programs. With 4 GB of DDR5 RAM, it can smoothly run Chrome OS and multiple browser tabs, though upgrading memory isn’t an option if your needs grow. Storage is 128 GB of flash memory, which is fast and reliable but might feel limited if you plan to store many files locally.

The 14-inch HD display provides clear visuals with an anti-glare coating, making it comfortable for longer use, though the resolution is standard and not sharp for detailed media work. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 12 hours on a single charge, making it great for working or studying on the go without constant charging worries. The build is lightweight and portable at 1.45 kg, with a durable design that includes some sustainable materials. It also features dual speakers, a privacy webcam switch, and wireless connectivity including Wi-Fi 6, which helps with smooth streaming and video calls.

Chrome OS limits software options compared to Windows or macOS, so this laptop suits users who mainly rely on web-based apps. The modest processor and RAM mean it won’t be the best fit for gaming or heavy photo editing. This Chromebook serves as a practical pick for students, casual users, or anyone needing a budget-friendly, portable device for everyday internet and media tasks.

The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is a solid choice if you're looking for a budget-friendly laptop that handles everyday tasks smoothly. It features a 13th Gen Intel Core i5 processor and 16GB of RAM, which means it can manage multiple apps and some light multitasking without slowing down. The 512GB SSD offers plenty of storage space and quick access to your files, helping the laptop boot up and load programs faster than traditional hard drives. Its 15.6-inch Full HD display with a 120Hz refresh rate is a nice bonus at this price, providing clear visuals and smoother motion, which is great for watching videos or casual gaming.

The laptop weighs just under 2 kg and has a slim profile, making it reasonably portable for carrying around daily, though it might feel a bit heavy compared to ultra-light models. Battery life is decent, and the ExpressCharge feature lets you recharge up to 80% in about an hour, which is handy if you're often on the go. The build quality is typical for the Inspiron line—sturdy but not premium—so it can handle regular use but won't feel like a luxury device. It runs Windows 11 Home, offering an updated and user-friendly operating system out of the box. Integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics are suitable for basic creative work and casual games but won't support demanding graphic tasks.

This laptop is most suitable for students, professionals, or anyone needing a reliable machine for browsing, office work, streaming, and light multitasking without breaking the bank. If you want something ultra-lightweight or for heavy gaming and video editing, you might need to look elsewhere.

The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is a solid choice if you're looking for a budget-friendly laptop that doesn’t compromise on performance. It comes with a capable AMD Ryzen 5 processor paired with 16GB of RAM and a spacious 512GB SSD, making it well-suited for everyday multitasking and storing your files smoothly. The 15.6-inch Full HD screen offers clear visuals, though it's a TN panel, which generally means colors and viewing angles won’t be as vibrant as higher-end IPS screens. You’ll appreciate the anti-glare coating, which makes it easier to work under bright lighting.

With Windows 11 Home in S mode, the system stays secure and fast, but it can limit software installation to only apps from the Microsoft Store unless you switch out of S mode. The build is thin and light at just 1.58 kg, making it easy to carry around for studies, work, or casual use. Battery life is impressive for a budget laptop, offering up to 11 hours, so you can stay unplugged for a full day without worry.

Connectivity options include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 6, enabling fast internet and device pairing, while a privacy shutter on the camera is a nice touch for security. However, the display brightness at 250 nits is modest, so it might struggle in very bright environments. Also, the integrated AMD Radeon 610M graphics are fine for basic tasks and light media but won’t handle demanding games or graphic work. The IdeaPad 1 is a reliable, portable laptop ideal for students, remote workers, or anyone needing solid everyday performance on a budget. Just keep in mind the display quality and Windows 11 S mode restrictions when making your choice.