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10 Best Budget Laptops 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop | 15.6" Full HD IPS Display | AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Quad-Core Processor | AMD Radeon Graphics | 8GB LPDDR5 | 128GB NVMe SSD | Wi-Fi 6 | Windows 11 Home in S Mode

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,333
Processor (CPU)
Display
Battery Life

Most important from
4237 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Surprisingly fast performance for a budget laptop, handling everyday tasks with ease.
Display
Screen brightness and quality are impressive, offering vibrant colors and crisp images.
Battery Life
Battery life is reliable, lasting through a day of classes without needing a recharge.
Build Quality and Portability
The sleek and lightweight design makes it convenient to carry around.

The Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH is a solid choice for anyone seeking a budget laptop that balances performance and portability. Powered by the AMD Ryzen 3 7320U processor and equipped with 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, this laptop is well-suited for everyday tasks such as browsing, document editing, and light multimedia use. The 15.6" Full HD IPS display ensures vibrant colors and crisp images, making it a treat for watching videos or working on presentations.

One of the notable strengths of this model is its lightweight design, which makes it easy to carry around. With a battery life of up to 11 hours, it’s perfect for students or professionals who need to work on the go without worrying about frequent recharges. The addition of Wi-Fi 6 technology means you’ll benefit from faster and more reliable internet connections, especially useful for online meetings or streaming.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,333
Processor (CPU)
Display
Battery Life

Most important from
4237 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Surprisingly fast performance for a budget laptop, handling everyday tasks with ease.
Display
Screen brightness and quality are impressive, offering vibrant colors and crisp images.
Battery Life
Battery life is reliable, lasting through a day of classes without needing a recharge.
Build Quality and Portability
The sleek and lightweight design makes it convenient to carry around.
#2

Dell Inspiron Touchscreen Laptop, 15.6" Business & Student Laptop Computer, Windows 11 Pro Laptop 32GB RAM 1TB SSD, Intel i5-1155G7 Processor, Full HD IPS Display, Numeric Keypad, HDMI, Carbon Black

Rating
9.6
Display
Battery Life
Build Quality and Portability

Most important from
404 reviews

Display
The product has exceeded expectations. It was easy to setup and works very well. Battery life is excellent and picture quality great.
Battery Life
Fairly easy to set up, speed is awesome, very lightweight, battery life is pretty good.
Build Quality and Portability
Fairly easy to set up, speed is awesome, very lightweight, battery life is pretty good.

The Dell Inspiron Touchscreen Laptop offers a solid balance of performance and features for budget-conscious users such as students and professionals. It is powered by an Intel Quad-Core i5-1155G7 processor, which provides sufficient performance for everyday tasks and light multitasking. The 32GB RAM is an excellent feature, ensuring smooth operation even with multiple applications open. Storage-wise, the 1TB SSD is generous, offering quick access to your files and ample space for software and documents. The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display delivers clear and vibrant visuals, and the touchscreen functionality adds versatility for different usage scenarios.

The brightness level of 220 nits is somewhat low, potentially affecting visibility in bright environments. The build quality is decent, featuring a sleek and lightweight design that is easy to carry around, making it suitable for students and professionals who need to transport their laptop frequently. Connectivity options are comprehensive, with multiple USB ports, HDMI, and Bluetooth, ensuring compatibility with various peripherals and easy connection options. The inclusion of Windows 11 Pro enhances the laptop's appeal for business and educational use, bringing advanced features and better security.

One drawback is the integrated Intel UHD Graphics, which may not suffice for intensive graphical tasks or gaming. Nonetheless, this laptop is a practical choice for those seeking a reliable, feature-rich device without breaking the bank.

Rating
9.6
Display
Battery Life
Build Quality and Portability

Most important from
404 reviews

Display
The product has exceeded expectations. It was easy to setup and works very well. Battery life is excellent and picture quality great.
Battery Life
Fairly easy to set up, speed is awesome, very lightweight, battery life is pretty good.
Build Quality and Portability
Fairly easy to set up, speed is awesome, very lightweight, battery life is pretty good.
#3

HP 14 Laptop, Intel Celeron N4020, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB Storage, 14-inch Micro-edge HD Display, Windows 11 Home, Thin & Portable, 4K Graphics, One Year of Microsoft 365 (14-dq0040nr, Snowflake White)

Rating
9.4
Processor (CPU)
RAM
Storage

Most important from
2898 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Works well for genealogy and everyday tasks despite being a bit slow.
RAM
Great for basic tasks like web browsing and productivity software, but limited by 4GB of RAM for multitasking.
Storage
64GB storage may be insufficient for users with larger files or numerous applications.
Display
Small touchpad and dim screen can be challenging to use, especially outdoors.
Battery Life
Impressive battery life, lasting up to 6.5 hours on a single charge.

The HP 14 Laptop is a solid choice for those in need of a budget-friendly device, especially students or anyone who requires a portable computer for everyday tasks. It features an Intel Celeron N4020 processor paired with 4 GB of RAM, which makes it suitable for basic activities like web browsing, word processing, and streaming videos. The 14-inch micro-edge HD display offers a decent viewing experience, although the 1366 x 768 resolution may not meet everyone's expectations for sharpness.

One of its biggest advantages is its lightweight and compact design, making it easy to carry around. The battery life is impressive too, with up to 10 hours of usage, which is great for on-the-go productivity. Additionally, the inclusion of Windows 11 Home and one year of Microsoft 365 adds value for users looking for software to get started right away.

This laptop does have its limitations. The storage of 64 GB may be insufficient for users who plan to store large files or install numerous applications, as it relies on flash storage that can fill up quickly. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 600 allows for some basic gaming and streaming, but it may struggle with more demanding tasks or newer games. Another point to note is the build quality; while it’s portable, some users may find the materials feel less premium compared to higher-end models. Additionally, the lack of an optical drive might be a drawback for those who rely on CDs or DVDs.

Rating
9.4
Processor (CPU)
RAM
Storage

Most important from
2898 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Works well for genealogy and everyday tasks despite being a bit slow.
RAM
Great for basic tasks like web browsing and productivity software, but limited by 4GB of RAM for multitasking.
Storage
64GB storage may be insufficient for users with larger files or numerous applications.
Display
Small touchpad and dim screen can be challenging to use, especially outdoors.
Battery Life
Impressive battery life, lasting up to 6.5 hours on a single charge.

Buying Guide for the Best Budget Laptops

When it comes to buying a budget laptop, it's important to find a balance between cost and functionality. You want a device that can handle your daily tasks without breaking the bank. To make an informed decision, you should consider several key specifications that will impact the performance and usability of the laptop. Understanding these specs will help you choose a laptop that fits your needs and ensures you get the best value for your money.
Processor (CPU)The processor, or CPU, is the brain of your laptop. It determines how fast and efficiently your laptop can run applications and perform tasks. For budget laptops, you will typically find processors from Intel's Core i3 or i5 series, or AMD's Ryzen 3 or 5 series. If you plan to use your laptop for basic tasks like web browsing, word processing, and streaming videos, an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 should suffice. However, if you need to run more demanding applications or multitask frequently, opting for an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 will provide better performance.
RAMRAM (Random Access Memory) is crucial for multitasking and running applications smoothly. It temporarily stores data that your laptop is actively using, allowing for quick access. For budget laptops, 4GB of RAM is the minimum you should consider, which is adequate for basic tasks. However, 8GB of RAM is recommended for a smoother experience, especially if you plan to run multiple applications simultaneously or use more demanding software. More RAM allows your laptop to handle more tasks at once without slowing down.
StorageStorage determines how much data you can save on your laptop, including your operating system, applications, and personal files. Budget laptops typically come with either HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) storage. HDDs offer more storage space at a lower cost but are slower. SSDs, on the other hand, are faster and more reliable but usually come with less storage capacity in budget models. If speed and performance are important to you, opt for an SSD with at least 128GB of storage. If you need more space for files and don't mind slightly slower performance, a 500GB or 1TB HDD might be a better choice.
DisplayThe display is what you will be looking at every time you use your laptop, so it's important to choose one that meets your needs. Budget laptops typically come with screen sizes ranging from 11 to 15 inches. A smaller screen (11-13 inches) makes the laptop more portable and easier to carry around, which is great for students or frequent travelers. A larger screen (14-15 inches) provides a better viewing experience for watching videos, working on documents, or browsing the web. Additionally, consider the resolution; a Full HD (1920x1080) resolution is ideal for clear and sharp visuals, while lower resolutions may appear less crisp.
Battery LifeBattery life is an important consideration, especially if you plan to use your laptop on the go. It determines how long your laptop can run on a single charge. Budget laptops typically offer battery life ranging from 4 to 10 hours. If you need a laptop for basic tasks and don't mind charging it frequently, a shorter battery life may be acceptable. However, if you need a laptop that can last through a full day of work or classes without needing to be plugged in, look for models that offer at least 7-8 hours of battery life. Keep in mind that battery life can vary based on usage and settings.
Build Quality and PortabilityBuild quality and portability are important factors to consider, especially if you plan to carry your laptop around frequently. Budget laptops are often made from plastic, which can be less durable than metal or other materials. Look for a laptop with a sturdy build that can withstand daily wear and tear. Additionally, consider the weight and thickness of the laptop. Lighter and thinner laptops are easier to carry and more convenient for travel. If portability is a priority, aim for a laptop that weighs around 3 pounds or less and has a slim profile.
ConnectivityConnectivity options determine how you can connect your laptop to other devices and networks. Budget laptops should have a good selection of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and an audio jack. USB-A ports are useful for connecting older peripherals, while USB-C ports offer faster data transfer and charging capabilities. HDMI ports allow you to connect your laptop to an external monitor or TV. Additionally, ensure the laptop has reliable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities for wireless connectivity. If you need to connect to wired networks, look for a laptop with an Ethernet port.

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