In the digital era, the quest for an affordable laptop that meets both work and play demands is like finding a diamond in the rough. With a sea of options flooding the market, distinguishing the best laptops from the merely glittery and shiny can be overwhelming.
This guide aims to help you get through the various budget laptop choices, ensuring you find a device that doesn’t just fit your budget but also shines in performance and reliability. Whether a student, an entrepreneur, or a serious gamer, there are budget laptops on this list that are sure to impress.
Choosing the Perfect Budget Laptop
When selecting a budget laptop, consider key factors such as:
- Performance and Storage: Look for processors and SSDs that deliver speed and efficiency for your tasks.
- Battery Life: A long-lasting battery is crucial for those on the move.
- Build Quality and Design: Durability and a sleek design ensure your laptop stands the test of time and trends.
While finding the best budget laptop that suits your needs is crucial, enhancing your setup with the right accessories can significantly improve your experience. For those long gaming sessions or work marathons, having a top-notch wireless mouse can make all the difference in comfort and efficiency.
The Best War Games's Best Picks for the Best Budget Laptops in 2024
Acer Nitro V ANV15-51-51H9
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Home
- CPU
- Intel Core i5 13420H
- GPU
- Nvidia Geforce RTX 4050 Laptop
- RAM
- 8GB DDR5
- Storage
- 512GB SSD
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 15.6", 1920x1080p
The entry-level Acer Nitro V gaming laptop is powered by a capable 13th-generation Intel Core i5 CPU with a budget-friendly RTX 4050 GPU, 8GB RAM, and 512GB SSD.
The laptop is a well-balanced machine for users on a budget for both gaming and work in 2024 even as it clocks well under $1000 unlike most of its peers.
- Brand
- Acer
- Model
- ANV15-51-51H9
- Display type
- IPS
- Potent CPU-GPU combo for day to day work and gaming
- LED-backlit keyboard
- 144Hz IPS display for fluidity
- RAM and storage may require upgrade soon
- Lackluster color reproduction
Acer's Nitro V series has several models featuring processors and GPUs from multiple generations and varied configurations at different price points. The ANV15-51-51H9 is currently the most affordable, yet provides the most value per dollar spent. Through its admirable CPU-GPU combo, the laptop is able to take on different tasks that require intensive CPU and GPU execution. From the 13th gen Intel family, the Core i5 13420H is a splendid chip that does the job without consuming a lot of power. Through its combination of 4 performance and 4 efficient cores, it provides enough juice for the main operations and background processes.
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The GPU, on the other hand, is ideal for works like game development, rendering in AutoCad, or even playing games at 1080p high settings. The display panel is thankfully an IPS one, which has great viewing angles to easily share the work with others without moving the screen. It runs at a 144Hz refresh rate for smooth and pleasant movements and has thin bezels. Packed with the latest connectivity features like WiFi 6E, multiple USB ports, and Thunderbolt 4 Port that enables 65W charging, the Acer Nitro V is a terrific budget laptop for 700 bucks.
Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop AN17-41-R7G3
- Operating System
- Windows 11
- CPU
- AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS 8-Core CPU
- GPU
- Nvidia RTX 4060 8GB
- RAM
- 16GB DDR5
- Storage
- 1TB NVME M2 SSD
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 17'' 3 QHD/2K 165Hz
The Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop is a large 17-inch gaming laptop powered by an efficient, but potent octa-core AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and Nvidia's mid-range RTX 4060 GPU. The display features Quad HD resolution and a high 165 Hz refresh rate for fast-paced gaming. That is all topped up with a large 1TB SSD and 16 GB of DDR5 memory, making it an ideal desktop replacement for those looking to grab one.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Network
- Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1
- Brand
- Acer Nitro
- Model
- AN17-41-R7G3
- Card Reader
- Yes
- Keyboard
- Backlit
- Webcam
- Yes
- Impressive 17" QHD display with a 165Hz refresh rate
- Powerful CPU-GPU combo for superior gaming performance
- RGB-backlit keyboard
- Some reports of crashes, highlighting stability issues
- QHD resolution might be a little too much for RTX 4060 in some games
The Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop AN17-41-R7G3, hailed as the best gaming budget laptop, emerges as a king in the realm of affordable gaming. Its 17-inch QHD display, boasting a 165Hz refresh rate, delivers unparalleled clarity and smoothness, making every game look its best. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 and Nvidia RTX 4060, this laptop ensures that gamers can enjoy the latest titles at high settings without breaking the bank.
The specs make this laptop a must-have, but it also feels intuitive to use. Its performance and speed are amazing, making it not only a gaming powerhouse but also an excellent choice for schoolwork and productivity. Even with some reports of crashes, the overall consensus is extremely positive. This gaming budget laptop is a top pick for gamers looking for performance and value.
Acer Swift Go 14
- Operating System
- Windows 11
- CPU
- Intel Core i7 1355U
- GPU
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- RAM
- 16GB LPDDR5
- Storage
- 512GB SSD
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 14", 1920x1200p
Acer Swift Go 14 is highly portable due to its compact size and lightweight construction. It's powered by a power-efficient yet potent Core i7 processor that also boasts an Iris Xe-based iGPU to suffice for most needs. Its 14-inch display provides a touchscreen feature and has a good color gamut for vibrant details.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Brand
- Acer
- Model
- SFG14-71T-72QV
- Wide color gamut
- Touchscreen display for better productivity
- Highly power-efficient
- Lackluster in intensive CPU or GPU processes
- May require storage upgrade
Touchscreen displays are a luxury most laptops do not possess, especially when considering the $500-$700 price range. The Acer Swift Go Intel defies that norm and brings a high-quality IPS panel that allows interaction with the elements through fingers. Although the screen size is just 14", it's sufficient for most users as the elements will look clear and sharp, thanks to its FHD+ resolution. The laptop boasts a silverfish light-weight and sturdy exterior that is roughly around 0.6 inch in thickness, making it highly portable.
The laptop does lack vigorous CPU-GPU power as it is aimed at users who generally work on smaller and non-intensive applications, but it won't refuse to crunch big numbers when needed, even if it takes a little bit of time. The Core i7 1355U at its heart is more about handling the background processes in order to let the two performance cores focus on the main job. It also brings the Intel Iris Xe iGPU onboard to handle the graphical load, all of that by just consuming 15W, which when needed can boost up to 55W.
ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED Business Laptop
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Pro
- CPU
- Core i5
- GPU
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- RAM
- 8 GB
- Storage
- 512 GB
- Brand
- Asus
Asus Zenbook 14X OLED is a graphics design laptop that offers maximum power while still being light. Its 13th Gen Intel 12-core i5-13500H Processor and 18MB Smart Cache makes graphic design seamless. Asus Zenbook 14X OLED also has an extra slim design built for effortless portability and features ASUS 3D Noise Reduction to ensure that designers work in a quiet environment.
- OLED screen for superior visual quality
- Portable and lightweight design, perfect for on-the-go users
- ASUS 3D Noise Reduction technology for a quieter workspace
- Limited RAM for heavy multitasking
- Storage might be insufficient for large projects
Need a multi-purpose laptop for both work and play? The ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED is a testament to how far budget laptops have come, offering a blend of performance, portability, and stunning visuals that's hard to find at this price point. Its 13th Gen Intel i5 processor and OLED display make it a top choice for graphic designers, video editors, pro gamers, and multitaskers alike, striking the perfect balance between work and play. The laptop's slim profile and lightweight design mean you can take your work anywhere, without sacrificing power or screen quality.
Despite its many strengths, potential users should consider the 8 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage. While ample for many, power users with extensive software needs might find these specs limiting. However, for those seeking an all-rounder, that excels in both professional settings and personal use, the Zenbook 14X OLED stands out as the best multi-purpose budget laptop.
SAMSUNG 15.6" Galaxy Book3
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Pro
- CPU
- Intel Core i5 1335U
- GPU
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- RAM
- 16GB LPDDR4X
- Storage
- 512GB SSD
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 15.6", 1920x1080p
SAMSUNG 15.6" Galaxy Book3 is a Business-oriented laptop that is easy to carry and is power-efficient as well. Powered by the 13th gen 10-core i5 processor, both CPU and GPU-oriented tasks are carried out by a single chip, letting the laptop run for several hours on a single charge.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Brand
- Samsung
- Model
- NP754XFG-KB2US
- Incredibly thin and lightweight for easily portability
- Can work for over 8 hours on a single charge
- Premium quality display
- Not ideal for gaming
- CPU not made to handle heavy loads
The Samsung Galaxy Book3 is made for easy portability through a sturdy yet lightweight construction, which results in just 0.61 inches of thickness and less than 2kg of weight. Not only does it have a premium quality exterior, but a premium quality display panel, boasting a 1080p resolution and decent built-in speakers with Dolby Atmos support. At its heart lies the Intel Core i5 1355U processor, powering modern applications without consuming hundreds of watts and has enough room for a burst mode.
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With its Intel Iris Xe iGPU, the laptop is capable of handling apps like Adobe Photoshop and has 16GB of system RAM to keep bottlenecks at bay. Surely, it falls short in gaming, but considering its affordable price tag, which is significantly lower than budget gaming laptops, it's hard to complain.
Lenovo Chromebook Flex 3i Spin 2-in-1 Laptop
- Operating System
- ChromeOS
- CPU
- Intel N100
- GPU
- Intel UHD Graphics
- RAM
- 4GB
- Storage
- 128GB
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 12.2", 1920x1200p
Lenovo Chromebook Flex 3i Spin 2-in-1 Laptop uses a quad-core Alder Lake CPU for blazing speed and has 4GB RAM to suffice for most tasks. This Chromebook has a total of 128GB storage to store a good amount of data and comes with a fast WiFi 6 adapter. This 2024 edition is an affordable laptop for students that is capable of running most applications satisfactorily and boasts a touch display.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Brand
- Lenovo
- Flexible hinge for a 2-in-1 mode
- Touchscreen display with FHD+ resolution
- Ultra power-efficient quad-core processor
- PC games not supported except for streaming
- Is mostly for basic programs
This incredibly cheap Chromebook costs less than $300 and was launched earlier this year. Despite being so cheap, it is packed with excellent handy features, which are generally found on premium laptops. These comprise an FHD+ resolution on a touchscreen display and a 2-in-1 mode through its flexible hinge. Users can simply lay it flat to share its screen or put it in gaming mode to enjoy some cloud gaming. As the display is touchscreen-enabled, a simple swipe or touch will work flawlessly, increasing productivity.
It's powered by the 12th gen Intel N100 processor, featuring 4 cores and 4 threads, which works at just 6W of operating power. This allows it to stay on for 8+ hours. While not ideal for gaming or 3D rendering stuff, the Flex 3i Spin Chromebook is an ideal budget laptop for school or university students to run Android apps.
Finding Your Ideal Budget Laptop
Navigating the vast sea of budget laptops can seem daunting. Yet, understanding a few key aspects can significantly simplify your search, ensuring you find a laptop that not only fits your budget but also your needs.
Performance and Storage
Performance is not just about the speed at which a laptop can execute tasks. It's also about ensuring your workflow remains uninterrupted. Opting for a solid-state drive (SSD) over a hard disk drive (HDD) can offer quicker boot times and faster data access.
Battery Life
For those constantly on the move, battery life becomes a pivotal deciding factor. A laptop that can last a full day on a single charge offers unparalleled convenience and productivity, freeing you from the constant search for power outlets.
Build Quality and Design
A sturdy build not only extends the lifespan of your laptop but also enhances its portability. With advancements in technology, finding a budget laptop that doesn’t compromise on design or durability is more feasible than ever.
FAQ
Q: Can budget laptops handle gaming?
Yes, many budget laptops now come equipped with dedicated graphics cards and efficient processors, making them suitable for casual gaming.
Q: Are budget laptops good for students?
Absolutely, budget laptops offer the essential features needed for research, writing, and presentations, making them ideal for students.
Q: Can I edit videos on a budget laptop?
While budget laptops can handle basic video editing, for more demanding tasks, look for models with higher RAM and a better processor.