10 Best Basic Laptops 2025 in the United States

The HP 14 Laptop is designed for users seeking a basic yet functional computing experience. It features an Intel Celeron N4020 processor, 4 GB of RAM, and 64 GB of storage, making it suitable for everyday tasks such as browsing the web, word processing, and streaming videos. The 14-inch Micro-edge display offers a decent viewing experience, though its HD resolution (1366 x 768) may not satisfy those looking for sharp graphics or high-resolution content. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 600 allows for 4K streaming, but gaming performance will be limited due to the laptop's entry-level specifications.

Its thin and portable design, weighing just 3.24 pounds, makes it easy to carry, which is a significant plus for students or professionals on the go. The battery life is commendable at around 10 hours, allowing for a full day of usage without needing to recharge, which is ideal for work or school settings.

However, there are some drawbacks. The storage capacity of 64 GB might feel restrictive, especially if you plan to install multiple applications or store large files. Additionally, the use of Windows 11 S limits you to apps available in the Microsoft Store, which could be a drawback for users who need more flexibility in their software choices. Moreover, the RAM is also on the lower side for multitasking, which might affect performance if too many applications are open simultaneously.

The Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH is a solid choice for anyone looking for a basic laptop, particularly for students or families who need a reliable device for everyday tasks. It features an AMD Ryzen 3 7320U processor and 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, which offer decent performance for web browsing, document editing, and streaming. The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display provides sharp visuals, making it pleasant for watching videos and working on projects.

One of its greatest strengths is the design—it's slim and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. The 11-hour battery life is impressive too, allowing for extended use without needing to plug it in. Additionally, the incorporation of Wi-Fi 6 enhances connectivity, ensuring fast internet speeds and a stable connection.

The Aspire 3 is great for basic tasks and casual use, but those with more demanding needs may want to explore options with larger storage, dedicated graphics, or additional features.

The Acer Gateway Chromebook 311 is a compact and efficient laptop ideal for basic usage. It features an Intel Celeron N4500 processor and 4GB of RAM, ensuring smooth everyday performance for tasks like browsing, streaming, and document editing. The 64GB eMMC storage is adequate for cloud-centric usage, reinforced by the seamless integration with Google apps and services.

The 11.6-inch HD display is decent for its size, though the resolution (1366 x 768) may feel limiting for those used to higher resolutions. The Chromebook's standout feature is its operating system, Chrome OS, which is known for its security, simplicity, and speed, starting up in under 10 seconds and offering a virus-free experience with automatic updates. Battery life is impressive, with up to 10 hours on a single charge, making it great for on-the-go use.

Portability is enhanced by its lightweight design and small form factor, making it easy to carry around. Connectivity is well-covered with Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, and multiple USB ports, including a USB-C port, although the absence of more modern features like Thunderbolt may be a downside for some users. Build quality is robust, though the plastic construction may not feel as premium as more expensive models. This Chromebook is perfect for users seeking a simple, secure, and portable laptop for basic tasks without breaking the bank.