Overview
Update (Jan. 23, 2024)
The guide is currently undergoing an overhaul, and additional picks will be added in the coming months. The Mashable staff is actively testing the HP Chromebook 14 Plus x360, HP Chromebook Plus 15, and Acer Chromebook 516GE. Readers are encouraged to check back for new reviews and updates to the list.
Introduction
The article challenges the notion that quality laptops require a hefty budget, presenting options for budget-friendly laptops that excel in everyday tasks.
Link to the best laptops for work, school, and gaming in 2024
The article aims to gather the best budget laptops in one place, catering to students, office workers, and those seeking high-tech, responsive devices without breaking the bank.
Best Cheap MacBook: Apple MacBook Air (13.3-inch, M1)
Overview
The M1 MacBook Air is highlighted as an excellent buy for students and office workers on a budget. Its lightweight design, all-day battery life, and solid performance make it a standout option.
Key Features
- Super lightweight
- Quiet fanless design
- Solid battery life (Up to 18 hours)
- Backlit keyboard
Specifications
- Processor: Apple M1
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 13.3-inch Retina display
- Webcam: 720p FaceTime HD
- Ports: Two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, headphone jack
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Quiet fanless design
- Solid battery life
- Backlit keyboard
- Usually on sale for $750
Cons:
- Very few ports
Read Mashable’s full review of the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air (M1)
Buying Options
Best Cheap Microsoft Laptop: Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
Overview
Described as a “Windows Air,” the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 offers a premium build quality with an exceptional keyboard. It’s considered suitable for young students or Gen Z users.
Key Features
- Amazing keyboard
- Ultra-portable size
- Fingerprint reader in the power button
- Looks more expensive than it really is
Specifications
- Processor: Intel Core i5-1235U
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB
- Display: 12.4-inch PixelSense display
- Webcam: 720p
- Ports: USB-C, USB-A, headphone jack, Surface Connect
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Amazing keyboard
- Ultra-portable
- Fingerprint reader
- Looks expensive
Cons:
- CPU is two generations behind
- Dim display
- A little overpriced
Read Mashable’s full review of the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
Buying Options
Best Cheap Gaming Laptop: HP Victus 16-s0097nr
Overview
While surpassing the typical definition of a “cheap laptop,” the HP Victus 16 is praised for its value, featuring an NVIDIA RTX 4060 GPU and a large, 144Hz display.
Key Features
- Slick black chassis
- 1080p webcam
- Runs cool
- 144Hz refresh rate
- RGB backlit keyboard
Specifications
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Display: 16.1-inch IPS display
- Webcam: 1080p
- Ports: Three USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, headphone jack
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Slick black chassis
- Runs cool
- 144Hz refresh rate
- Good sound
- RGB backlit keyboard
- Frequently on sale for under $1,000
Cons:
- Dim display
- A little hefty
- Not exactly cheap (but a great value for RTX 4060)
Read Mashable’s review of the HP Victus 16-s0097nr
Buying Options
Best Cheap Laptop in the Long Run: Framework Laptop 13
Overview
The Framework Laptop 13 stands out for its modular design, allowing users to replace and repair components easily. While an upfront investment, it offers long-term savings for users who upgrade specs over the years.
Key Features
- Lightweight
- Easy for beginners to customize/repair
- Extremely future-proofed
- Fingerprint reader
- 1080p webcam
Specifications
- Processor: Intel Core i5-1340P
- GPU: Intel UHD
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 13.5-inch matte display
- Webcam: 1080p
- Ports: Four user-selectable expansion cards
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy for beginners to customize/repair
- Extremely future-proofed
- Fingerprint reader
Cons:
- Expensive upfront
Read Mashable’s full review of the Framework Laptop 13
Buying Options
How We Tested
Mashable staff thoroughly tested the M1 Apple MacBook Air, Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3, HP Victus 16-s0097nr, and a previous version of the Framework Laptop 13. The testing involved non-stop use, including work, typing, video streaming, and other tasks to evaluate their functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important things to look for in a laptop?
The guide advises users to consider RAM, storage, and processor speed based on their needs. For everyday tasks, factors like ports and memory become more crucial than having the latest processors, graphics cards, or displays.
What do you lose by getting a cheap laptop?
Laptops in this price range may not match gaming or editing laptops in performance. Expectations for display resolution, refresh rate, RAM, and storage should align with budget-friendly usage, such as web browsing, word processing, Zoom calls, and streaming.
Are cheap laptops worth it?
While the saying “you get what you pay for” holds, the guide asserts that well-chosen cheap laptops can offer substantial value. The selected laptops prioritize impressive hardware specs and are known for reliability without excessive bloatware.