Unveiling the Ultimate Budget Laptop Guide for 2023
Discover the top budget laptops of 2023 that offer exceptional value without breaking the bank From versatile 2-in-1 options to impressive gaming capabilities, find the perfect laptop to suit your needs without compromising your wallet
Check out our newly updated buying guide for a wide selection of superior budget laptops. Rest assured, you don't have to compromise on essential features like battery life or performance to find a great deal.
UPDATE: 10/19/2023
We've updated our buying guide with plenty of new and improved picks. Take a look!
Best Budget Laptop Overall See at Best Buy
Best Budget Laptop for Gaming $950 at Amazon
Best 2-in-1 Budget Laptop $599 at Amazon
Best Touch Screen Budget Laptop See at Best Buy
Best Budget Laptop for Students $680 at Amazon
See More
Best Budget Linux Laptop Star Labs
What to Look For in a Budget Laptop in 2023
To obtain a remarkable laptop within your budget, it is crucial to determine your priorities. Consider what aspects are the most significant to you in a laptop and what aspects you are willing to be flexible with.
For instance, if you are in search of a reasonably priced laptop for work purposes or gaming, it is advisable to prioritize the internal hardware specifications while being prepared to compromise on battery life or the level of color saturation on the screen.
If you require a portable and compact device for everyday use, prioritizing a lightweight design, long battery life, and durable construction is more important than having a powerful internal system.
When considering hardware options for a budget laptop, we suggest aiming for a newer Intel i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 CPU as the minimum requirement. If you have a higher budget, you can opt for a device with a faster processor like the Ryzen 5 5500U, Core i5-1130G7, or even the Core i7-1160G7.
When it comes to memory, it is advisable to aim for a minimum of 8GB of RAM. This allows for efficient multitasking and smooth navigation through the operating system. For a laptop or gaming device that performs heavy tasks, we recommend a 16GB memory capacity to handle the increased workload.
In terms of storage, if you heavily rely on cloud-based storage and prefer streaming music, movies, and TV shows, 128GB of internal storage should suffice. However, if you're a gamer or someone who prefers having their favorite media locally stored, we suggest considering a minimum storage capacity of 256GB, unless you're willing to carry an external hard drive.
For gamers in search of a gaming laptop, prioritize a device equipped with an RTX 3060 and 16GB of RAM. If these options exceed your budget, consider the RTX 3050 Ti while still aiming for a laptop with 16GB of RAM.
It's important to note that manufacturers often compromise on the screen quality of budget laptops, resulting in dim panels with slightly washed-out colors. If you require precise color accuracy for your work, you may need to invest in a non-budget laptop despite the higher cost.
When searching for a laptop, it is imperative to prioritize finding one with a 1080p resolution display. Opting for devices that feature screens with 768p or lower resolutions often comes with numerous disadvantages, making them not advisable choices.|
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Our product recommendations at How-To Geek are provided by our team of experts. With their extensive experience in fixing gadgets, they have assisted users more than a billion times. Our recommendations are solely based on thorough research and our team's expertise. We are committed to ensuring that we only endorse and review the finest products available, and we never accept any form of payment for these recommendations. Learn More »
Best Budget Laptop Overall: Acer Aspire Vero
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Great performance for the price | Not the brightest display |
Plenty of onboard storage | |
Good selection of ports | |
Solid battery life |
While there is no shortage of affordable laptops available, most of them lack the necessary hardware capabilities beyond basic web browsing. However, if you require a budget-friendly laptop that is equipped to handle more demanding tasks, the Acer Aspire Vero is the ideal solution for you.
Many lower-priced laptops typically come equipped with i3 processors, but the Aspire Vero sets itself apart with its 13th-generation Intel i5-1335U CPU. Acer complements this powerful processor with 8GB RAM and 512GB storage in its default configuration, providing ample capacity for web browsing and productivity applications.
Featuring a spacious 15.6-inch screen with a resolution of 1920x1080, the Aspire Vero offers an IPS panel. However, it is important to note that it does not have a touchscreen feature. If touch capability is a requirement for you, we recommend considering our best budget touchscreen option. With its brightness of 300 nits, the screen is not the brightest, but it still delivers satisfactory performance, especially considering its price.
Acer has made a notable departure from the trend of reducing ports on budget laptops with this model. It includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, and two USB-A ports. The battery life is impressive, with a maximum rating of 8.5 hours.
When taking into account everything that this laptop offers for its price, it is well worth paying a little extra for the Acer Aspire Vero, despite its few drawbacks.
See at Best Buy
Best Budget Laptop for Gaming: Acer Nitro 16 Gaming Laptop
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Great performance for the price | Sound is lacking |
DLSS 3 makes a big difference in some games | |
Above-average battery life | |
165Hz display |
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Gone are the days when gaming laptops meant sacrificing quality. In today's world, even affordable gaming laptops can deliver impressive performance, just like the Acer Nitro 16 Gaming Laptop.
At first glance, the hardware specifications of the Nitro 16 may not seem extraordinary. This particular configuration includes an Intel i5-13500H CPU, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050, 8GB RAM, and 512GB storage.
The DLSS 3 in 40-series NVIDIA GPUs is truly impressive, offering significant performance enhancements - and this is where the Nitro 16 stands out. This technology enables you to achieve remarkably high frame rates even when ray tracing is enabled, particularly excelling in games such as Cyberpunk 2077. Additionally, the 16-inch screen boasts a bright display with a sharp resolution of 2560x1600. With support for refresh rates up to 165Hz and the added advantage of DLSS, you can enjoy exceptionally smooth performance without breaking the bank.
This is the entry-level configuration of the Acer Nitro 16, but for those seeking increased power, you have the option to purchase it with superior CPU and GPU choices directly from the Acer website.
Top Gaming Laptop on a Budget: $950 $1200 - Save $250. The Acer Nitro 16 may not seem extraordinary at first glance, but its gaming performance exceeds expectations, even in its most affordable setup. When it comes to budget-friendly options for playing modern games, there are few options that can rival the Acer Nitro 16.
Available for $950 on Amazon. Explore further on the Acer website.
Best 2-in-1 Budget Laptop: Lenovo Flex 5
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Powerful hardware | Screen could've been brighter |
Superb portability | Average build quality |
Excellent touchscreen capability | |
Comfortable keyboard |
The Lenovo Flex 5 reigns as the ultimate choice for budget-friendly 2-in-1 laptops, delivering an unmatched combination of features at a price that surpasses its competitors. With its exceptional hardware, including the powerful AMD Ryzen 5 5500U CPU, a generous 16GB of DDR4 memory, and a speedy 256GB SSD, this laptop truly stands out.
The screen on this 2-in-1 device is a bit lackluster, which is not ideal. However, other budget-friendly 2-in-1 devices from competitors also have dim screens. The difference is that those devices do not come with 16GB of memory or a powerful Ryzen 5500U CPU like the Flex 5.
On the positive side, the screen's touch capability is excellent. Navigating the operating system is a delightful experience due to its precise touch sensitivity and quick response time. Additionally, the device supports the Lenovo stylus, which is convenient for those who prefer to avoid constantly cleaning fingerprints off the screen.
The budget 2-in-1 laptop offers exceptional portability with its lightweight design and slim body. Fortunately, the keyboard and battery life remain impressive, despite the slimmed-down chassis. Notably, the battery life can last up to 10 hours under light usage, making it ideal for a budget 2-in-1 device.
Although the screen may be dim, Lenovo has made compromises with the webcam, microphone, and build quality, all of which are average. However, even with these drawbacks, the Lenovo Flex 5 14 remains an outstanding choice for a budget 2-in-1 laptop.
$599 at Amazon
Best Touch Screen Budget Laptop: Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Sharp screen at this size | Port selection is still too small |
Solid performance for work or school use | |
Fantastic build quality for the price |
Microsoft's Surface line of laptops, although not as hardware and software integrated as Apple's offerings, is highly regarded as some of the finest Windows laptops available. Among them, the Surface Go line stands out as the most affordable option. However, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 demonstrates that these remarkably versatile models exceed expectations.
True to its name, the Surface Laptop Go line prioritizes portability, featuring a smaller 12.4-inch screen. This screen boasts a 3:2 aspect ratio and a resolution of 1536 x 1024, making it ideal for viewing and editing documents. Surprisingly, it is also a touchscreen, a feature that may catch one off guard considering its compact design.
While this particular Surface Laptop Go model may not be as cutting-edge as some of the other models we're considering, it still offers impressive features such as a 12th-generation Intel i5-1235U CPU, providing ample performance for its price. Additionally, it is equipped with 8GB RAM and a 256GB SSD, making it an ideal choice for utilizing Microsoft Office apps or their web alternatives, as well as performing basic photo and video editing tasks. However, if you require intensive image or video editing capabilities, we would recommend exploring alternative options, such as our budget gaming pick.
When it comes to configurations, the Surface Laptop Go 3 does not offer the option of purchasing extra storage. However, you have the opportunity to purchase a model with 16GB RAM, providing even more power for spreadsheet-crunching tasks.
Introducing the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 - an exceptional touch screen budget laptop that combines affordability with remarkable build quality and impressive performance. Available at Best Buy.
Best Budget Laptop for Students: ASUS VivoBook 16X
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Potent hardware, especially the CPU | The screen's not great regarding colors and max brightness |
Big, 16:10 display | |
512GB PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD | |
Comfortable keyboard |
The ASUS VivoBook 16X is built for students on a budget planning to use the device they purchase for a long time.
The AMD Ryzen 5600H CPU, although slightly dated, still delivers outstanding performance. It is an ideal choice for individuals utilizing CAD programs or compiling code. Additionally, you are equipped with a substantial 16GB of DDR4 memory. While this may not be optimal for the previously mentioned scenarios, it is sufficient for most projects.
The remaining features of this package are commendable given its price point. These include a comfortable keyboard, functional touchpad, and satisfactory build quality. The screen, however, falls short in terms of color accuracy and brightness. Nonetheless, its 16-inch size and 16:10 aspect ratio prove advantageous when it comes to tasks such as writing essays or conducting research on Google Scholar.
Connectivity options are reliable, as well as the battery life and build quality. While they may not be exceptional, they are more than satisfactory considering the price. If you're a student who prefers to store all files locally and requires a fast SSD, you'll be pleased to know that this budget device comes equipped with a 512GB PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD that offers impressive speed.
The ASUS VivoBook 16X is a dependable laptop that offers excellent performance for its price. Although other aspects may not be outstanding, they are sufficient for the majority of students.
$680 at Amazon
Best Budget Linux Laptop: Star Labs StarLite 11
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
✓ A lot of laptop for the money | ✗ Tepid CPU |
✓ Open warranty | ✗ Micro HDMI port |
✓ Open Source BIOS option | |
✓ Wide selection of Linux distros to choose from | |
✓ 65W GaN Charger & USB-C charging support |
For Linux enthusiasts on a budget, the Star Labs StarLite 11 is worth considering. It offers a compact design and modest specifications but has great potential.
Although it comes with the less-than-ideal Intel Pentium N5030 processor and 8GB of DDR4 memory, you have the option to upgrade the base 256GB SSD to either a 480GB or 960GB unit, all without exceeding your budget.
Starlab Systems is commendable for its wide range of Linux flavors, such as Ubuntu, Mint, and Manjaro, as well as offering a choice between American Megatrends and coreboot BIOS. Linux enthusiasts will particularly appreciate coreboot, which is an ideal open-source option.
Additionally, this budget laptop offers pleasant surprises such as a chassis made of aluminum, a compact 65W GaN charger, a glass trackpad, USB-C charging capability, and a Micro SD slot. However, it is regrettable that the laptop is limited to only a Micro HDMI port.
Overall, the Star Labs StarLite 11-inch is a budget-friendly Linux laptop that, despite its average CPU performance and the presence of a Micro HDMI port, offers a comprehensive package suitable for the requirements of budget-oriented Linux users.
The StarLite 11, a best budget Linux laptop, may have a slightly underwhelming CPU but offers exceptional features at an affordable price. With a wide range of Linux distros available, a 65W GaN charger, and the option for an open source BIOS, this compact laptop is a favorable choice for budget-conscious Linux enthusiasts.
FAQ
How much RAM does a laptop need?
How much storage space does a laptop need?
For a modern laptop, it is essential to have a minimum of 8GB of memory. Although 4 gigabytes may be sufficient if you are on a tight budget, we advise against opting for laptops with this limited memory capacity.
What price range is best for a budget laptop?
When it comes to a Chromebook powered by the web-based Chrome OS, a storage capacity of 64 gigabytes often suffices for the majority of users. However, for Windows or Mac devices, it is recommended to have a minimum of 128GB of storage space.
Looking for a reliable budget laptop under $500? You're in luck! However, if your requirements include more than 8GB of memory, a spacious 512GB SSD, or a vibrant screen with vivid colors, then you might want to consider devices in the $700-$800 price range.
If you're a gamer on a budget, you can still grab a laptop for $1000 or slightly below. Keep in mind though, that significant compromises need to be made on every hardware component. Expect trade-offs such as limited 8GB memory, a modest 256GB SSD, or a dim display with noticeable ghosting and faded colors.
How do I connect a laptop to a TV or monitor?
To make the connection between your laptop and monitor, the most straightforward method is by using an HDMI cable. Simply insert one end into your laptop's HDMI port and the other end into the HDMI port on your monitor. However, if your monitor does not have an HDMI port, you can explore the option of using HDMI adapters that are compatible with DisplayPort or DVI ports. Additionally, if your laptop is equipped with a USB-C port that has DisplayPort functionality or a Thunderbolt port, you have the alternative of using a USB-C cable to establish the connection between the two devices.
How long do laptops last?
The question regarding the longevity of a laptop does not have a fixed answer as it is influenced by various factors. Unless the laptop faces an irreparable problem at some point or is a faulty unit, it will endure for as long as its performance satisfies your requirements.
How do I right-click on a laptop touchpad?
To execute a right-click action on your laptop, follow these instructions based on the type of trackpad you have. If your laptop features a trackpad with two physical buttons, simply press the right button. However, if your laptop has a touchpad without clearly visible buttons, you should generally click on the lower right area of the touchpad to perform the right-click action.
