Looking for the Best Laptops Under $1000 in (Spring) 2023?
You’re in the right place.
With so many options available, choosing the best laptop under $1000 can be a daunting task. You want to ensure that you make an informed decision and get the most value for your money. In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best laptops under $1000, considering factors like performance, portability, display, and battery life.
Also check out my picks for the best laptops under $500, best gaming laptops, best windows laptops, best chromebooks, best laptops for college and best budget laptops.
So, let’s dive in and find the best laptop under $1000 for you.
The Best Laptops Under $1000 you can buy in 2023.
Discover the Best Laptops Under $1000 with our detailed buying guide, including reasons to buy and reasons to avoid, as well as an frequently asked questions with answers section.
(Disclaimer: When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.)
1. Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1, 2020)
The Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1, 2020) is a sleek and powerful laptop that offers exceptional performance and portability. With a starting price of $999, it provides excellent value for money. This MacBook Air model is equipped with Apple’s M1 chip, which delivers impressive speed and efficiency. It features a 13.3-inch Retina display with True Tone technology, providing vibrant colors and sharp visuals. The laptop comes with 8GB of unified memory and a 256GB solid-state drive (SSD), ensuring smooth multitasking and quick access to files and applications. Additionally, it offers a battery life of up to 15 hours, making it perfect for on-the-go use.
The Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1, 2020) boasts a range of impressive features that enhance user experience. Its thin and lightweight design, weighing just 2.8 pounds, makes it highly portable and easy to carry around. The laptop features a backlit Magic Keyboard that provides a comfortable typing experience, and the Force Touch trackpad is responsive and accurate. The M1 chip delivers outstanding performance, allowing for fast app launches, seamless multitasking, and smooth graphics performance. The MacBook Air also includes a range of connectivity options, including two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports and a headphone jack.
Who should buy Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1, 2020)?
The Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1, 2020) is recommended for students, professionals, and anyone in need of a reliable and high-performance laptop. Its lightweight design and long battery life make it ideal for students who need to carry their laptop between classes. Professionals will appreciate the M1 chip’s power and efficiency, which enables smooth video editing, photo retouching, and other demanding tasks. The MacBook Air is also suitable for general users who value a premium computing experience with a user-friendly interface and access to a wide range of applications through the macOS ecosystem.
Reasons to Buy
- Sleek design
- Fast performance
- Long battery life
- Lightweight
- Excellent display
Reasons to Avoid
- Limited port selection
- Non-upgradeable memory
- Higher price compared to some Windows laptops
2. Dell Inspiron 16 5000
The Dell Inspiron 16 5000 is a powerful and affordable laptop that offers solid performance and a large 16-inch display. With an AMD Ryzen 7 5825U processor and a 16:10 format, 1920 x 1200 resolution screen, it provides a great viewing experience. The laptop features a 512GB SSD for fast storage and 8GB of RAM for smooth multitasking. While the screen and webcam quality could be improved, the Dell Inspiron 16 5000 delivers on its promise of being a reliable and capable device.
In terms of features, the Dell Inspiron 16 5000 stands out with its bright and sharp 3K display, providing excellent visuals for multimedia and productivity tasks. The laptop’s performance is also commendable, thanks to its Intel Core i7-11800H processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPU. The battery life is decent, allowing you to work or enjoy entertainment for extended periods without worrying about running out of power. However, the keyboard and speakers could be better, lacking the premium feel found in some competitors.
Who should buy Dell Inspiron 16 5000?
The Dell Inspiron 16 5000 is recommended for users looking for an affordable laptop that offers good performance and a large display. It is suitable for both productivity tasks and moderate creative workloads. With its powerful processor, dedicated graphics, and ample storage, it can handle demanding applications and multitasking. The laptop’s affordability makes it an attractive option for those who want a reliable device without breaking the bank.
Reasons to Buy
- Bright 3K display
- Decent CPU and GPU performance
- Solid battery life
- Affordable price
- Ample storage capacity
Reasons to Avoid
- Meh keyboard with deck flex
- Congested speakers
- Build quality could be better
3. HP Envy 13 (2021)
The HP Envy 13 (2021) is a top-value pick that offers a modern design, fast performance, and long battery life at a reasonable price. This sleek and lightweight laptop comes with a 13.3-inch 1080p touchscreen display, powered by an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor and Iris Xe graphics. With 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, it delivers speedy performance for everyday tasks and multitasking.
The Envy 13 impresses with its attractive design, featuring a sleek aluminum build that strikes a balance between form and function. It offers both USB-A and Thunderbolt ports, providing versatile connectivity options. The clicky keyboard enhances typing comfort, and the bright and vivid display ensures an enjoyable viewing experience. Additionally, it boasts an impressive battery life of up to 11 hours and 15 minutes, allowing for long hours of productivity on the go.
Who should buy HP Envy 13 (2021)?
The HP Envy 13 (2021) is recommended for individuals looking for a mid-range laptop that delivers flagship-like performance and features. It is suitable for students, professionals, and anyone in need of a portable and reliable device for everyday use. With its affordable price, powerful performance, and sleek design, the Envy 13 offers excellent value for money. Whether you’re working on documents, browsing the web, or enjoying multimedia content, this laptop delivers a smooth and immersive experience.
Reasons to Buy
- Bright, vivid display
- Attractive design and clicky keyboard
- Speedy performance with Core i5 CPU
- Impressive battery life of 11+ hours
- Versatile connectivity with USB-A and Thunderbolt ports
Reasons to Avoid
- Plastic touchpad
- No IR camera option
- Plastic trackpad feels cheap
4. Asus VivoBook 17 (2022)
The Asus VivoBook 17 (2022) is a feature-packed laptop that offers a large display, impressive specifications, and an affordable price. With a 17.3-inch Full HD display, it provides a spacious viewing experience for work and entertainment. Powered by an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM, it delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks and multitasking. The laptop also includes a 512GB SSD for fast storage and quick boot times. Priced competitively, the Asus VivoBook 17 (2022) offers excellent value for its range of features and specifications.
The VivoBook 17 (2022) boasts a sleek design with slim bezels, providing a modern and immersive visual experience. The laptop features a full-sized keyboard with a numeric keypad, making it convenient for productivity and data entry. The performance is further enhanced by the inclusion of an NVIDIA GeForce MX450 graphics card, allowing for smooth multimedia playback and light gaming. The laptop also offers a range of connectivity options, including USB Type-C and HDMI ports, ensuring compatibility with a variety of devices and peripherals.
Who should buy Asus VivoBook 17 (2022)?
The Asus VivoBook 17 (2022) is recommended for individuals seeking a versatile and budget-friendly laptop with a larger screen size. Its spacious display is ideal for tasks that require more screen real estate, such as video editing, graphic design, and multitasking. Students and professionals who need a reliable and capable laptop for everyday use will appreciate the performance and features offered by the VivoBook 17 (2022). With its affordable price point, it provides a compelling option for those who prioritize value without compromising functionality.
Reasons to Buy
- Large 17.3-inch Full HD display
- Powerful performance with Intel Core i5 processor
- Sleek design with slim bezels
- NVIDIA GeForce MX450 graphics card for multimedia and light gaming
- Range of connectivity options including USB Type-C and HDMI ports
Reasons to Avoid
- Limited RAM capacity (8GB)
- Average battery life
- Bulky and less portable design
5. Google Pixelbook Go (2019)
The Google Pixelbook Go (2019) is a sleek and lightweight laptop designed for productivity on the go. With a starting price of $499, it offers a premium computing experience at a competitive price point. The Pixelbook Go features a 13.3-inch Full HD touchscreen display, providing sharp visuals and vibrant colors. Powered by Intel Core processors and available in various configurations with up to 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, it offers fast and efficient performance for work and entertainment. The laptop also boasts a long battery life of up to 12 hours, ensuring all-day productivity without needing to be tethered to a power outlet.
The Pixelbook Go combines a minimalist design with impressive features. It features a comfortable keyboard with backlit keys and a spacious trackpad, enabling effortless typing and navigation. The laptop’s magnesium alloy body makes it lightweight and durable, perfect for frequent travelers and commuters. The device runs on Chrome OS, providing seamless integration with Google services and access to a vast range of apps from the Chrome Web Store. With its built-in Titan C security chip, the Pixelbook Go ensures secure and encrypted data storage, protecting users’ privacy.
Who should buy Google Pixelbook Go (2019)?
The Google Pixelbook Go (2019) is recommended for individuals who prioritize portability, productivity, and a streamlined computing experience. Its lightweight design and long battery life make it an excellent choice for students, professionals, and anyone constantly on the move. The laptop’s integration with Google services and access to the Chrome Web Store make it ideal for users who heavily rely on cloud-based applications and productivity tools. Additionally, the Pixelbook Go’s impressive display and powerful internals make it suitable for media consumption and casual gaming.
Reasons to Buy
- Sleek and lightweight design
- Sharp and vibrant touchscreen display
- Fast performance with Intel Core processors
- Long battery life (up to 12 hours)
- Secure and encrypted data storage
Reasons to Avoid
- Limited storage options
- Chrome OS limitations for certain software applications
- Relatively high starting price
6. Dell XPS 13
The Dell XPS 13 is a standout laptop that offers a perfect blend of style and power. With its slim and lightweight design, this laptop is ideal for users on the go. The XPS 13 features a stunning 13.4-inch FHD+ display that delivers vibrant colors and sharp details. Powered by 12th Generation Intel Core processors, it offers snappy performance for multitasking and demanding tasks. The XPS 13 also comes with ample storage options and fast memory to ensure smooth operation. Starting at a competitive price, this laptop provides excellent value for its premium features.
The Dell XPS 13 is packed with impressive features that enhance user experience. It boasts a backlit keyboard with a fingerprint reader, providing convenience and security. The InfinityEdge display offers an immersive viewing experience with slim bezels and excellent color accuracy. The XPS 13 also excels in connectivity, offering Thunderbolt 4 ports and Wi-Fi 6E for fast and reliable connectivity. Its sleek and stylish design, featuring a premium build quality, makes it a head-turner wherever you go. The XPS 13 delivers exceptional performance, whether you’re working, streaming, or gaming.
Who should buy Dell XPS 13?
The Dell XPS 13 is highly recommended for professionals and tech enthusiasts who value performance and style. Its powerful specifications and portable design make it a great choice for professionals who require a reliable and capable laptop for work on the go. The XPS 13’s premium features, such as the backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader, cater to users who prioritize convenience and security. Additionally, tech enthusiasts will appreciate the XPS 13’s powerful performance for demanding tasks and its sleek design that sets it apart from the competition.
Reasons to Buy
- Sleek and lightweight design
- Impressive performance
- Vibrant and immersive display
- Convenient backlit keyboard with fingerprint reader
- Strong connectivity options
Reasons to Avoid
- Limited number of ports
- Relatively high price point
- Average webcam quality
7. Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 (2021)
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 (2021) is a versatile and portable 2-in-1 device that offers the convenience of a tablet and the functionality of a laptop. It features a 13.3-inch Full HD touch display with vibrant colors and crisp visuals, providing an immersive viewing experience. Powered by an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM, this Chromebook delivers smooth performance for multitasking and browsing the web. It comes with 128GB of storage to store your files, apps, and media. The Chromebook Duet 5 also boasts a long battery life of up to 15 hours, ensuring you can use it throughout the day without worrying about running out of power. With its lightweight design and detachable keyboard, it’s easy to carry and use on the go.
In terms of features, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 offers a versatile design that allows you to switch between laptop and tablet modes effortlessly. The detachable keyboard provides a comfortable typing experience, while the included stylus pen enables precise input and creative tasks. The device runs on Chrome OS, providing access to a wide range of apps from the Google Play Store. It also supports Google Assistant, allowing you to control the Chromebook with voice commands. The Chromebook Duet 5 features a sleek and modern design with slim bezels, giving it a premium look and feel. The device is equipped with dual front-facing speakers that deliver clear and immersive audio.
Who should buy Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 (2021)?
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 (2021) is recommended for students, professionals, and anyone who values portability and versatility. Its lightweight and compact form factor make it ideal for carrying to school or work, and its 2-in-1 design allows for seamless transition between productivity tasks and entertainment. The long battery life ensures that you can stay productive or entertained throughout the day without the need for frequent charging. The Chrome OS provides a secure and user-friendly interface, making it suitable for users of all skill levels. Whether you need to take notes, browse the web, or enjoy multimedia content, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 offers a convenient and reliable solution.
Reasons to Buy
- Portable and lightweight
- Versatile 2-in-1 design
- Crisp and vibrant touch display
- Long battery life
- Access to a wide range of apps through Chrome OS
Reasons to Avoid
- Limited storage capacity
- Keyboard may feel cramped for some users
- Performance may be limited for demanding tasks
Best Laptops Under $1000 Buying Guide 2023
When looking for the best laptops under $1000, there are a few key factors to consider.
Determining Your Needs and Budget
Before delving into the options, it’s important to identify your needs and prioritize the features that matter most to you. Consider your use cases, such as professional work, gaming, content creation, or general web browsing, and determine the specifications that align with those requirements. Additionally, set a budget of $1000 to narrow down your options.
Considering Performance Factors
When it comes to performance, key factors to consider include the processor, RAM, and graphics capabilities. Look for laptops with the latest-generation processors, such as Intel Core i5 or i7, or AMD Ryzen 5 or 7, as these provide excellent speed and multitasking capabilities. Aim for a minimum of 8GB RAM to ensure smooth performance, especially when running multiple applications simultaneously. If you’re into gaming or graphic-intensive tasks, consider laptops with dedicated graphics cards.
Evaluating Display Options
The display is another critical aspect to consider. Look for laptops with at least a Full HD (1920×1080) resolution for sharp and vibrant visuals. Consider the screen size as well; 13 to 15 inches are the most common options, balancing portability and usability. Additionally, features like IPS panels can offer better color accuracy and wider viewing angles.
Assessing Portability and Build Quality
If you need a laptop for on-the-go use, portability becomes a significant factor. Look for lightweight and slim designs that are easy to carry. Consider the build quality, opting for laptops with sturdy materials like aluminum or magnesium alloy for durability. Backlit keyboards, fingerprint sensors, and ergonomic designs can enhance the overall user experience.
Examining Battery Life
Having good battery life is crucial, especially if you frequently work or travel without easy access to power outlets. Look for laptops that offer a minimum of 8 hours of battery life, ensuring you can use your device for extended periods without interruption.
Storage and Memory Considerations
Consider your storage needs based on the type of files you’ll be working with. Solid State Drives (SSDs) offer faster boot times and data access compared to traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). Aim for a minimum of 256GB SSD, as it provides a good balance between speed and storage capacity. If you require more storage, look for laptops that offer additional storage options like secondary HDDs or expandable SSD slots. In terms of memory, 8GB RAM is usually sufficient for most tasks, but if you plan on running memory-intensive applications or multitasking heavily, consider upgrading to 16GB.
Connectivity and Expansion Options
Check the connectivity options available on the laptop. Look for laptops with multiple USB ports (preferably USB 3.0 or higher) for connecting peripherals and external devices. HDMI or DisplayPort outputs are essential if you plan on connecting your laptop to an external monitor or projector. Additionally, consider the availability of other ports like SD card slots, Ethernet ports, and headphone jacks based on your specific requirements.
Operating System Preferences
Consider your preference for the operating system (OS) when choosing a laptop. The most common options are Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS. Windows offers a wide range of software compatibility and customization options. macOS is known for its seamless integration with Apple devices and robust multimedia capabilities. Chrome OS is lightweight and primarily web-based, suitable for users heavily reliant on web applications and cloud storage.
Best Laptops Under $1000 FAQ
What is the best laptop under $1000?
The best laptop under $1000 will vary depending on your specific needs, but some great options include the Dell Inspiron 16 5000, the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1, 2020), the Acer Nitro 5 (2022), the Lenovo Legion 5 Gen 6 15 (2021), and the Asus Chromebook CX9.
What processor should I look for in a laptop under $1000?
Look for laptops with at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor. These processors will provide enough power for most everyday tasks and even some light gaming.
What is a good display resolution for a laptop under $1000?
Look for laptops with a 1080p resolution display. This will provide a clear and sharp image, making it great for streaming, browsing, and working.
How much memory and storage should I look for in a laptop under $1000?
8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage are good starting points, but more memory and storage will provide a better experience, especially if you plan to use your laptop for gaming or video editing.
What is a good battery life for a laptop under $1000?
Look for laptops that have a battery life of at least 8 hours, as this will ensure that you can use your laptop throughout the day without needing to constantly charge it.
What kind of design should I look for in a laptop under $1000?
Look for laptops that are lightweight, portable and have a sleek design, as this will make it easy to carry around and use on the go.
What are some reputable brands for laptops under $1000?
Look for laptops from reputable brands such as Dell, Lenovo, HP, Asus, and Acer. These brands have a history of producing quality laptops at affordable prices.
You may also like: 8 Best Laptops Under $500 in 2023: Reviews
Conclusion
Choosing the best laptop under $1000 requires careful consideration of various factors such as performance, display, portability, battery life, storage, connectivity, and operating system preferences. By determining your needs, prioritizing key features, and comparing different options, you can find a laptop that offers excellent value and meets your requirements. Remember to read customer reviews and consider warranty and support services before making your final decision.
