Welcome to our buying guide of The Best Budget And Cheap Laptops in 2023. In today’s fast-paced world, having a reliable laptop is essential. But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to find one that fits your needs and budget. If you’re in the market for a new laptop but don’t want to break the bank, don’t worry.
In this blog post, we’ll be discussing the best budget and cheap laptops of 2023. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just need a computer for everyday use, we’ve got you covered. We’ve done the research and found laptops that are not only affordable but also offer great performance, durability, and features. So, if you’re looking for a new laptop without spending a fortune, keep reading!
The Best Budget And Cheap Laptops you can buy in 2023.
So, here are the Best Budget And Cheap Laptops of 2022. If you want more information and updated pricing on the products mentioned, be sure to check the links in each product we mentioned.
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1. Acer Aspire 5
The Acer Aspire 5 is an excellent option for those looking for a balance of price and performance. The 2022 model comes equipped with either an 11th-generation Intel or AMD Ryzen 5000 processor, making it a step above the low-powered or outdated chips found in many cheap laptops. This means that you can expect snappy performance from the Acer Aspire 5, even more so if you opt for a slightly more expensive configuration with more RAM.
In our testing, the Intel Core i5-1135G7, Iris Xe, 8GB RAM configuration of the Acer Aspire 5 delivered respectable performance that should be more than enough for most productivity and casual workloads. Additionally, the laptop boasts a battery life of up to 10 hours, making it a great option for those on the go. Unlike many other cheap laptops, the Acer Aspire 5 has a solid, lightweight chassis that is built to last and is easy to transport.
When it comes to affordable laptops, the Acer Aspire 5 is a standout option. With its powerful processor, ample RAM, and long battery life, it is well-suited for a wide range of tasks. Its lightweight, solid build makes it a great choice for commuting and travel, and its affordable price point makes it accessible to a wide range of users.
REASONS TO BUY
- Equipped with a powerful 11th-generation Intel or AMD Ryzen 5000 processor, providing snappy performance
- Can be configured with more RAM for even better performance
- Delivers respectable performance for productivity and casual workloads
- Long battery life of up to 10 hours
- Solid, lightweight chassis built for durability and ease of transport
- Affordable price point
REASONS TO AVOID
- Not suitable for heavy gaming or intensive graphics work
- Battery life may vary depending on usage and configuration
- Limited upgradability options
- Depending on the configuration, the storage may be limited.
- The built-in graphics card may not be powerful enough for some high-end applications.
2. Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15 (2021)
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15 (2021) is a budget-friendly option for those in need of a new laptop. This 15.6-inch ultraportable Windows laptop has a sturdy build, a thin and light design, and a battery that lasts around nine hours of light use. It’s available in configurations with an AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 CPU and up to 16GB of memory and 1TB of storage, which makes it capable of handling general productivity tasks like text processing, web browsing, video playback, and even some light photo editing.
However, being a budget model, there are a few compromises to be aware of. The keyboard on the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15 (2021) is spacious and provides satisfying tactile feedback, but the keys require a fair amount of force to actuate, which may cause fatigue over time. Additionally, the laptop does not have USB-C charging, and you’ll need to carry the proprietary power adapter with you. Some models have a fingerprint sensor, so it’s best to check the specs before buying if it’s a feature you want.
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15 (2021) is a great budget option for those looking for a reliable and portable laptop. With its sturdy build, thin and light design, and long battery life, it’s perfect for everyday use. The AMD Ryzen CPUs can handle general productivity tasks, and the storage and memory options give you the flexibility you need. However, it’s important to keep in mind that it doesn’t have USB-C charging, and the keyboard may cause fatigue over time.
REASONS TO BUY
- Budget-friendly option
- Sturdy build, thin and light design, and long battery life of around 9 hours
- Available in configurations with AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 CPU, up to 16GB of memory, and 1TB of storage
- Capable of handling general productivity tasks like text processing, web browsing, and video playback
- Some models may have a fingerprint sensor
REASONS TO AVOID
- The keyboard requires a fair amount of force to actuate, which may cause fatigue over time.
- Does not have USB-C charging, and you’ll need to carry the proprietary power adapter with you.
- It may not be suitable for heavy gaming or intensive graphics work
- The storage and memory options may be limited depending on the configuration
- It may not have the latest features that some high-end laptops have.
3. Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 is a budget laptop that offers a premium experience. Its sleek ultraportable design, sharp-looking QLED touchscreen, and solid 8-hour battery life make it stand out among other budget laptops. The Core i3 configuration provides ample speed for Chrome OS, making it a great option for everyday use.
While the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 has a lot going for it, there are a few downsides to consider. The keyboard has a shallow vertical travel, which can take some time to get used to. However, this is a small trade-off for a Chromebook that looks and feels this premium, especially considering its budget-friendly price point of under $500.
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 is a great budget option for those looking for a premium laptop experience. Its sleek design, sharp QLED touchscreen, and solid battery life make it stand out, and the Core i3 configuration provides ample speed for Chrome OS. Although the keyboard has a shallow vertical travel, it’s a small trade-off for a budget laptop that looks and feels this premium.
REASONS TO BUY
- Budget-friendly with a premium design and feel
- Sleek and ultraportable design
- Sharp-looking QLED touchscreen
- Solid 8-hour battery life
- Core i3 configuration provides ample speed for Chrome OS
REASONS TO AVOID
- The keyboard has a shallow vertical travel which takes some time to get used to
- The storage and memory options may be limited depending on the configuration
- It may not be suitable for heavy gaming or intensive graphics work
- It may not have the latest features that some high-end laptops have.
- The color options may be limited.
4. Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 (2021)
When looking for the best laptop under $500, Chromebooks like the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 are an excellent option to consider. Due to their lightweight operating system, Chromebooks require less power to be efficient multi-taskers, which means that you’re likely getting a more capable notebook if you choose a Chromebook over a Windows 10 or 11 laptop with similar specs and a similar price. Additionally, Chromebooks often have a more premium build and better features than their Windows counterparts.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook is a perfect example of this. One of the best Chromebooks we’ve ever tested, the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 offers high quality at a price point that is much lower than you would expect. The OLED touch display is gorgeous, the keyboard is spacious, and the battery life is one of the longest we’ve seen on a Chromebook, which is saying a lot considering the reputation of Chromebooks for long battery life.
When searching for the best laptop under $500, consider a Chromebook like the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5. Due to their lightweight operating system, Chromebooks are efficient multi-taskers, they often have a more premium build and better features than their Windows counterparts. The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook is an excellent example of this, with its gorgeous OLED touch display, spacious keyboard and long battery life.
REASONS TO BUY
- Affordable price
- Lightweight operating system that requires less power to be efficient multi-tasker
- High-quality build and better features than a Windows laptop with similar specs and price point
- Gorgeous OLED touch display
- Spacious keyboard
- Long battery life
REASONS TO AVOID
- Not suitable for heavy gaming or intensive graphics work
- Limited upgradability options
- The storage and memory options may be limited depending on the configuration
- It may not have the latest features that some high-end laptops have.
- The built-in graphics card may not be powerful enough for some high-end applications.
5. Lenovo Legion 5 Gen 6 15 (2021)
The Lenovo Legion 5 Gen 6 15 (2021) is our top pick for a budget gaming laptop. This 15.6-inch laptop boasts a sturdy build, a spacious full-size keyboard, and a wide port selection that includes an HDMI 2.1 port. It can be configured with a powerful AMD Ryzen 5 5600H or Ryzen 7 5800H CPU, making it capable of providing smooth gameplay. Additionally, there are multiple GPU options available, ranging from an entry-level NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 to a high-end RTX 3070, giving you flexibility in terms of performance.
The Lenovo Legion 5 Gen 6 15 (2021) also offers multiple display options, with the 1080p 165Hz or the 1440p 165Hz display being the best options for a great visual experience. However, it’s important to note that this laptop is a bit bulky and heavy, making it less portable. Additionally, the battery life lasts only around an hour when gaming, so you’ll need to carry the charger with you.
The Lenovo Legion 5 Gen 6 15 (2021) is a great budget option for gamers, with its sturdy build, spacious keyboard, and wide port selection. The powerful AMD Ryzen 5 5600H or Ryzen 7 5800H CPU and multiple GPU options provide smooth gameplay, and the multiple display options make for a great visual experience. However, it’s bulkiness and heavy make it less portable, and the battery life is not suitable for long gaming sessions.
REASONS TO BUY
- Affordable price for a gaming laptop
- Powerful AMD Ryzen 5 5600H or Ryzen 7 5800H CPU for smooth gameplay
- Multiple GPU options, ranging from an entry-level NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 to a high-end RTX 3070
- Multiple display options, 1080p 165Hz or 1440p 165Hz provide the best visual experience
- Spacious full-size keyboard and wide port selection that includes an HDMI 2.1 port
REASONS TO AVOID
- Bulky and heavy, making it less portable
- Battery life lasts only around an hour when gaming
- It may not have the latest features that some high-end laptops have
- The storage and memory options may be limited depending on the configuration
- The cooling system may not be sufficient for long gaming sessions.
6. Microsoft Surface Go 2
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is a versatile Windows 10 tablet that can also function as a budget laptop replacement. On its own, it’s a solid tablet with enough power for basic browsing and a battery life that will last through the day.
When paired with the optional Type-Cover accessory, the Surface Go 2 transforms into a compact laptop that is surprisingly capable. However, to keep the price below $500, the device is equipped with an Intel Pentium Gold processor, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage. While this may not be the most powerful set of specs, it’s sufficient for those who need a 2-in-1 device for light productivity tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and emailing.
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 offers a great balance of portability and functionality. It’s a solid Windows tablet that can also serve as a budget laptop replacement with the optional Type-Cover accessory. It’s powered by an Intel Pentium Gold processor, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage. It’s not a powerhouse but is perfect for light productivity tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and emailing. The device is also budget-friendly and can be a great option for students or professionals who are always on the go.
REASONS TO BUY
- Versatile device that can function as a tablet and a budget laptop replacement
- Solid performance for basic browsing and light productivity tasks
- Long battery life
- Affordable price
- Can be paired with an optional Type-Cover accessory to turn it into a compact laptop
REASONS TO AVOID
- Equipped with an Intel Pentium Gold processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage, which may not be sufficient for heavy productivity or gaming tasks
- The device may not have the latest features that some high-end laptops have
- The storage and memory options may be limited depending on the configuration
- The device may not be suitable for extended use, as it may not have a cooling system to prevent overheating
- The device may not have a dedicated graphics card.
7. HP Victus 15
The HP Victus 15 is a budget-friendly gaming laptop that offers great performance at an affordable price. Even the lowest-specced configuration can handle high-end titles with ease and still balance other tasks that the user may need. It is an ideal option for price-savvy gamers who are looking for a high-performance laptop without breaking the bank.
However, if you’re looking for a laptop with a long battery life or a flashy appearance, the HP Victus 15 may not be the best option. The design is not necessarily unattractive but can be considered bland. Additionally, the battery life is not sufficient for extended use away from a power outlet.
In summary, the HP Victus 15 is a great option for budget-conscious gamers who are looking for a high-performance laptop at an affordable price. It offers great gaming performance and can handle other tasks well. However, it may not be the best option for those who value a long battery life or a flashy design.
REASONS TO BUY
- Affordable price with great gaming performance
- Can handle high-end titles with ease and balance other tasks
- Suitable for budget-conscious gamers
- The lowest-specced configuration can still provide good performance
REASONS TO AVOID
- The design is not flashy and may be considered bland
- The battery life is not sufficient for extended use away from a power outlet
- It may not have the latest features that some high-end laptops have
- The storage and memory options may be limited depending on the configuration
- It may not be suitable for those who value a long battery life or a flashy design.
8. Acer Chromebook Spin 311
The Acer Spin 311 is a budget-friendly and portable Chromebook that is suitable for students, children, or anyone looking for a lightweight machine that can handle work and light play every day. The keyboard is excellent for a Chromebook of this size and price, and the battery life is solid. The performance may not be great, but it’s sufficient for handling light, day-to-day tasks.
For students or children, the Spin 311 is one of the best Chromebooks for kids that can also compete with some of the best Chromebooks of comparable price. It’s lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry around, and it offers excellent value for money. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a budget-friendly device that can handle basic tasks such as web browsing, word processing and emailing.
In summary, the Acer Spin 311 is a budget-friendly and portable Chromebook that is suitable for students, children, or anyone looking for a lightweight machine that can handle work and light play every day. The keyboard is excellent for a Chromebook of this size and price, and the battery life is solid. The performance may not be great, but it’s sufficient for handling light, day-to-day tasks. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a budget-friendly device that can handle basic tasks such as web browsing, word processing and emailing.
REASONS TO BUY
- Affordable price
- Portable and lightweight
- Excellent keyboard for a Chromebook of this size and price
- Solid battery life
- Suitable for students, children, or anyone looking for a lightweight machine that can handle work and light play every day
REASONS TO AVOID
- Performance may not be great for heavy-duty tasks
- The device may not have the latest features that some high-end laptops have
- The storage and memory options may be limited depending on the configuration
- It may not be suitable for extended use, as it may not have a cooling system to prevent overheating
- It may not be suitable for those who need a powerful device for heavy-duty tasks.
9. Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) is a budget-friendly gaming laptop that offers great performance for its price. It comes with an AMD Ryzen 5 5600H or Ryzen 7 5800H CPU and multiple GPU options ranging from an entry-level GTX 1650 to a mid-range RTX 3060 with ray-tracing and DLSS support. The memory and storage drive are user-upgradeable, allowing you to allocate more of your budget towards a better GPU and display.
The display options include a 60Hz, 120Hz, or 165Hz panel. We recommend the 120Hz or the 165Hz option, as they provide a smoother and more responsive gaming experience with less screen tearing. The keyboard feels great to type on and has a pretty good webcam for streaming. However, the battery life is short when gaming, and the laptop gets hot and loud under load, so you’ll need to carry the power adapter if you want to game on the go.
In summary, the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021) is an affordable gaming laptop that offers great performance for its price. It comes with an AMD Ryzen 5 5600H or Ryzen 7 5800H CPU and multiple GPU options. The memory and storage drive are user-upgradeable, allowing you to allocate more of your budget towards a better GPU and display. The display options include a 60Hz, 120Hz, or 165Hz panel, and the keyboard is comfortable to type on. However, the battery life is short and the laptop can get loud and hot under load.
REASONS TO BUY
- Affordable price with great gaming performance
- Multiple GPU options ranging from an entry-level GTX 1650 to a mid-range RTX 3060 with ray-tracing and DLSS support
- Memory and storage drive are user-upgradeable, allowing you to allocate more of your budget towards a better GPU and display
- The display options include a 60Hz, 120Hz, or 165Hz panel, and the keyboard is comfortable to type on
REASONS TO AVOID
- The battery life is short when gaming
- The laptop can get hot and loud under load, so it may not be suitable for extended use
- The device may not have the latest features that some high-end laptops have
- The cooling system may not be sufficient to prevent overheating
- The device may not be suitable for those who need a powerful device for heavy-duty tasks or for extended use.
Best Budget And Cheap Laptops Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a budget or cheap laptop, it can be difficult to know where to start. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which one is the best fit for your needs. In this buying guide, we’ll break down the key factors to consider when shopping for a budget laptop in 2023.
- Purpose: The first thing to consider is the purpose of the laptop. Will it be used primarily for productivity tasks such as text processing, web browsing, and email? Or will it be used for gaming, graphic design, or video editing? This will determine the type of laptop and the specs you’ll need.
- Processor: The processor is the brain of your laptop, and it’s important to choose one that is powerful enough to handle the tasks you’ll be using the laptop for. Intel and AMD processors are both great options, and you’ll find them in most budget laptops.
- Graphics: If you’re planning to use the laptop for gaming or graphic design, you’ll need a dedicated graphics card. This will provide better performance for these types of tasks than integrated graphics.
- Display: The display is another important factor to consider. A high resolution display will provide better visual quality, but it will also affect the battery life. A high refresh rate display will provide a smoother gaming experience.
- Memory and storage: The amount of memory and storage you need will depend on your usage. If you’re planning to use the laptop for productivity tasks, 4GB of memory and 64GB of storage should be enough. If you’re planning to use it for gaming or graphic design, you’ll need more memory and storage.
- Battery life: Battery life is important, especially if you’ll be using the laptop on the go. Look for a laptop with a battery life of at least 8 hours, and consider the type of tasks you’ll be using the laptop for when estimating how long
Best Budget And Cheap Laptops FAQ
What is the best budget laptop in 2023?
There are several budget laptops available in 2023 that offer great value for money. Some of the best options include the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15 (2021), Acer Aspire 5, Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2, Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5, and HP Victus 15. Each of these laptops offers a balance of performance and price, and they’re suitable for a variety of tasks such as productivity, gaming, and everyday use.
What should I consider when buying a budget laptop in 2023?
When buying a budget laptop in 2023, there are several factors to consider. First, you should consider the type of tasks you’ll be using the laptop for. For example, if you’re a student or need a laptop for productivity tasks, a Chromebook or a Windows laptop with an Intel or AMD processor may be a good option. If you’re a gamer, you may want to consider a laptop with a dedicated GPU and a high refresh rate display.
What are the trade-offs of buying a budget laptop in 2023?
When buying a budget laptop in 2023, there may be some trade-offs to consider. For example, the performance may not be as good as a more expensive laptop, and the battery life may be shorter. Additionally, the build quality may not be as good as a more expensive laptop and the device may not have the latest features that some high-end laptops have.
What are some of the best budget laptops for gaming in 2023?
Some of the best budget laptops for gaming in 2023 include the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021), HP Victus 15, and Acer Nitro 5. These laptops offer powerful processors, dedicated graphics cards, and high refresh rate displays, making them suitable for gaming.
Are there any budget laptops with a long battery life in 2023?
es, there are budget laptops available in 2023 that have a long battery life. For example, the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 has a long-lasting battery, and the Acer Aspire 5 and Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 also have a good battery life.
Are there any budget laptops that are lightweight and portable in 2023?
Yes, there are budget laptops available in 2023 that are lightweight
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the right budget laptop in 2023 can be a daunting task, but by considering the factors outlined in this buying guide, you can make an informed decision that best fits your needs. Whether you’re looking for a laptop for productivity, gaming, graphic design, or everyday use, there are many options available that offer great value for money.
We’ve also reviewed some of the best budget laptops of 2023 to help you make a decision. Remember to weigh the pros and cons of each device, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it. Make sure to consider your needs and budget before making a decision, and you will find the perfect budget laptop for you.
