Should you own a laptop in 2018? The answer to this question varies depending on your particular situation and needs – what do you do and how can a laptop be useful to you? Only you know the answer to this question.
The bottom line is that if you require the power and versatility of a traditional desktop computer, but also need to work on the go, then a laptop computer can really come in handy.
However, with a whole raft of laptops being sold in the market today, singling out which type of laptop to invest in can be a confusing task.
The following guide is a must-read if you are contemplating buying the best budget laptop but don’t know where to start looking.
FAQs About Best Budget Laptop Purchase
Here is a look at some frequently asked questions about laptop purchase.
Q: I Already Have a Desktop Computer, Why Should I Buy a Laptop?
A: In terms of performance, a laptop is comparable to a desktop computer in most aspects, but it offers the added benefit of being portable, meaning you can easily carry your PC and work from anywhere.
Q: What Specs Should I Consider When Buying a Laptop?
A: There are many technical specifications to consider before purchasing a laptop. To choose a laptop with the right specs, consider discussing your particular needs with a computer sales expert. They will help you choose something that is right for you.
Q: Should I Purchase a Specific Laptop Brand?
A: There are many good computer brands available out there, so you should evaluate what your options are before investing in a laptop.
Q: Where Can I Buy the Best Budget Laptop?
A: You can purchase your laptop from any of the several trusted retailers or dealers selling laptops and computer equipment online and/or in physical stores local to you.
Q: How Much Does a Laptop Cost?
A: Laptop prices vary depending on the model and brand of the computer you want to buy. What you want determines how much you will need to pay.
Q: Can I Purchase My Laptop in Installments?
A: This depends on the payment terms specified by the seller. Some sellers require cash payment, while others may accept installment plans or both.
This product review is based on thorough research and extensive knowledge of the best budget laptop computers available in the market right now. It is a neutral, unbiased assessment of the key features, pros and cons, and prices of 10 different types of laptops that don’t cost too much but will still get the job done.
This review also discusses where you can buy each of the listed laptops, as well as if there are product warranties and coupon deals available for you.
Overall Price Range of the Best Budget Laptops
Laptop prices vary depending on the model and brand of the computer you want to buy. What you want determines how much you will need to pay. Currently, you can get a decent-quality laptop with a budget of under $700. But if money isn’t a problem, you can get a machine that costs more that this average amount.
Some of the things that usually set expensive laptops apart from their lower-priced counterparts include greater in-built storage capacity, better graphics, faster processing speeds, and more exciting features.
This review strictly focuses on the best budget (affordable) laptop computers available for people who need to perform every day work as they move.
Top 10 Best Budget Laptops That Won’t Break the Bank
Here are 10 fantastic under $700 laptops available to you.
Off the Acer Aspire E 15 series of laptops, the Acer Aspire E 15, E5-575-33BM laptop offers reliable performance at an affordable price.
Key Features
- CPU: 7th-generation Intel Core i3 processor
- Operating System: Windows 10 OS
- RAM: 4GB
- In-Built Storage: 1TB hard drive
- Display Size: 15.6 inches
- Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Battery: up to 12 hours of battery life
- Great battery life
- Large full HD display.
- Reliable performance.
- A backlight keyboard.
- Strong build quality.
- 4GB memory might not be ideal for heavy multi-tasking.
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Brand new laptop should retail at about $350 – $600 |
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Check price and availability on Amazon. |
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1-year limited manufacturer’s warranty from Acer. |
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You could save up to $ 50 (11% of the listed price) if you get a used Acer Aspire E 15 E5-575-33B from Amazon. |
ASUS Chromebook Flip C302 2-In-1 Laptop- 12.5” Full HD Touchscreen,…
- The flexible 360 Degree hinge and 12.5 inches full HD touchscreen lets you use the C302 in tablet or laptop mode
- Intel Core Processor with 64GB storage and 4GB RAM for fast and efficient performance with a bright backlit illuminated keyboard
- Extremely lightweight at 2.65 pounds with the protection of a sleek aluminum metal body
If you are looking for a 2-in-1 that is lightweight and fast, look no further than this Chromebook from Asus.
Key Features
- CPU: Intel Core m3 processor
- Operating System: Chrome OS
- RAM: 4GB
- In-built Storage: 64GB SSD
- Display Size: 12.5 inches
- Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Battery: up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge
- Excellent resolution.
- Plenty of built-in functionality.
- Great battery life.
- Solid performance.
- Comes without USB Type A ports, keyboard feels ‘spongy’.
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Costs about $ 470-$490. |
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Check price and availability on Amazon. |
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1-year limited manufacturer’s warranty from Asus. |
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Save money off the listed price by purchasing a refurbished version of this laptop from Amazon. |
HP is renowned for making reliable yet affordable laptop models for everyday use. The HP Stream 11-y010nr truly attests to this.
Key Features
- CPU: Intel Celeron 1.6GHz dual-core processor
- Operating System: Windows 10 OS
- RAM: 4GB
- In-built Storage: 32GB eMMC
- Display Size: 11.6 inches
- Screen Resolution: 1366 x 768
- Battery: Over 10 hours of battery life on a single charge
- Colorful design.
- Solid performance.
- Free 1-year subscription to Office 365.
- Unspectacular/washed out display.
- Touchpad needs some fine-tuning
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Starting price is about $180-$200. |
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Check price and availability on Amazon. |
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A standard one-year limited manufacturer’s warranty from HP. |
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Save 5% off the listed price by getting your laptop from Amazon. Save 46% off the list price by buying a used model. |
This is yet another amazing laptop from Acer’s Aspire E 15 series. It boasts of superior features than the E5-575-33BM model, and thus delivers better performance.
Key Features
- CPU: 8th-generation Intel Core i5 processor
- Operating System: Windows 10 OS
- RAM: 8GB
- In-built Storage: 256GB
- Display Size: 15.6 inches
- Screen Resolution: Full HD 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Battery: Up to 15 hours of battery life
- Excellent battery life.
- Bright and sharp display.
- Decent performance.
- Large display/work area.
- A bit pricey compared to some of the best budget laptops on the market.
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Check price and availability on Amazon. |
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A standard one-year limited manufacturer’s warranty from Acer. |
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With an Amazon gift card, you can save $ 50 off the list price. |
The Ideapad 120s is a budget laptop whose design and performance are hard to outrival. It has a sleek, stylish design that performs incredibly well when used to do simple everyday tasks.
Key Features
- CPU: Intel Celeron duo-core processor
- Operating System: Windows 10 OS
- RAM: 4GB
- In-built Storage: 64GB eMMC hard drive
- Display Size: 14 inches
- Screen Resolution: 1366 x 768 pixels
- Battery: about 8 hours of battery life on a single charge
- Compact performance
- Crystal clear HD
- Aesthetic design.
- Supports USB Type-C charging.
- Resolution is not so good compared to laptops with 1920 x 1080 pixels.
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Starting price of about $. |
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Check price and availability on Lenovo. |
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A standard one-year limited manufacturer’s warranty from Lenovo. |
ASUS ZenBook UX303UA 13.3-Inch FHD Touchscreen Laptop, Intel Core i5,…
- Powerful 6th-generation Intel Core i5-6200U 2.3GHz (Turbo up to 2.8GHz). Skylake
- Touchscreen/ 8GB RAM/ 256GB SSD Storage. Backlit keyboard.
- Amazing 13.3” IPS multi-touch display with FHD (1920 x 1080) resolution for visuals in stunning clarit.With Instant On taking just two seconds to resume, you can start work again immediately from where you left off.
This laptop has been designed and built to cater to the needs of people who need a powerful machine and they are on a budget.
Key Features
- CPU: 6th-generation Intel Core i5 processor
- Operating System: Windows 10 OS
- RAM: 8GB
- In-built Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 13.3-inch LCD display
- Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Battery: up to 12 hours of battery life
- Fast storage.
- Ultra-slim profile.
- Superbly optimized color.
- Built-in finger-print reader for added security.
- Long battery life.
- Relatively costly to buy new.
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Starting from about $800-$900. |
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Check price and availability on Amazon. |
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One-year limited manufacturer’s warranty. |
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Spend $50 less on your laptop purchase by using an Amazon gift card. |
Key Features
- CPU: Intel duo core processor
- Operating System: Chrome OS
- RAM: 4GB
- In-built Storage: 64GB eMMC flash memory
- Display Size: 12.3-inch display
- Screen Resolution: Full HD 2400 x 1600 pixels
- Battery: Up to 15 hours of battery life
- Sleek profile.
- Strong performance.
- Bright and sharp display.
- Relatively more expensive than other budget laptops reviewed.
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Should retail at $570-$599 |
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Check price and availability on Samsung and Amazon. |
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1 year limited manufacturer’s warranty from Samsung. |
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With Samsung financing, you can buy this laptop by paying equal instalments of $ 50.00 for 12 months with no interest charged if pay the entire amount ($ on time. Amazon offers cheaper deals on used laptops of the same brand and model. |
Key Features
- CPU: Intel Dual-Core Celeron Processor
- Operating System: Windows 10 OS
- RAM: 4GB
- In-built Storage: 500GB hard drive
- Display Size: 15.6 inches
- Screen Resolution: 1366 x 768 pixels
- Battery: up to 3 hours battery life
- Decent performance.
- Lightweight build.
- Cheap price.
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Goes for about $280-$300. |
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Check price and availability on Amazon. |
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1-year depot or carry-in. |
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Save cash by checking the used laptop deals that Amazon has for you. |
Samsung has earned worldwide for acclaim for providing quality products, and this budget-friendly, solid performance laptop is no exception.
Key Features
- CPU: 1.6 GHz Intel Celeron N3060
- Operating System: Google Chrome OS
- RAM: 4GB
- In-built Storage: 32 GB eMMC hard drive
- Display Size: 11.6 inches
- Screen Resolution: 1366 x 768 pixels
- Battery: up to 11 hours on a single charge
- Compact size.
- Great battery life.
- Lightweight and slim design.
- Built to last.
- Built-in security features to protect your data.
- Compared to other budget laptops.
- The Samsung Chromebook 3 XE500C13-K03US model has a much smaller screen to work from.
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Should retail at around $210 – $230. |
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Check price and availability on Samsung or Amazon. |
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1 Year Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty from Samsung. |
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You can save money by checking out used Samsung Chromebook 3 XE500C13-K03US laptops sold on Amazon. |
ASUS VivoBook F510UA 15.6” Full HD Nanoedge Laptop, Intel Core…
- Powerful 8th Generation Intel Core i5 8250U 1.6GHz (Turbo up to 3.4GHz) processor
- 14.2 Inches Wide, 0.8 Inches Thin and portable footprint with 0.3 Inches Nano edge bezel for a stunning 80% screen to body ratio
- 15.6 inches Anti glare full HD display with ASUS splendid software enhancement
This modern, stylish laptop is designed with the needs of daily laptop users in mind.
Key Features
- CPU: 8th Generation 1.6 GHz Intel Core i5 processor
- RAM: 8GB
- In-built Storage: 1TB hard drive
- Display Size: 15.6-inch display
- Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Battery: approximately 5 hours of battery life
- Solid performance.
- Thin and lightweight design.
- Large storage space.
- Full HD resolution.
- Comprehensive connections.
- Battery life is relatively short.
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Retails at about $500 – $600. |
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Check price and availability on Amazon. |
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1 Year Limited Warranty from Asus. |
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Save 25% off the list price of $ 599 by buying a used ASUS VivoBook F510UA FHD laptop from Amazon. |
Buying the best budget laptop doesn’t not necessarily mean going for the cheapest laptop available.
It is all about striking the right balance between performance, reliability, durability and affordability. If you are looking for a laptop that fulfils this requirement in the best way possible, the Acer Aspire E 15, E5-575-33BM laptop is a clear winner – it is robustly built, delivers solid performance, provides a large work area and has a great battery life. Provided that you’re not a heavy multi-tasker, as with many other everyday laptop users, this $ laptop should give you incredible value for money.