The most effective low-cost laptop computer for 2023

Low-cost laptops are getting higher and higher. The query to ask is: what’s most necessary, and what are you prepared to sacrifice? Even one of the best low-cost laptops aren’t good in each space — they’ve some strengths however minimize corners to realize their value tags. You may virtually definitely discover a price range laptop computer with a touchscreen, a premium-looking chassis, an HDMI port, a backlit keyboard, or stylus help. However you could want to think about which of these options you need essentially the most and which you’ll be able to go with out.

My present decide for one of the best price range laptop computer of 2023 is the Gateway 14. It’s a tool you possibly can simply discover for properly below $500, and it nails the fundamentals whereas offering glorious battery life and quite a few completely different enjoyable colours — in addition to user-accessible storage. It’s an ideal decide for many who wish to purchase a practical, enticing laptop computer for as low a value as doable.

But when cow spots don’t float your boat, to not fear. I’ve received a various record of strategies right here for you at quite a lot of sub-$1,000 value factors, together with gaming laptops, enterprise laptops, convertibles, Chromebooks, and extra. A few of my favorites on this class embody the Asus Chromebook CX5, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3, and the HP Victus 15. Many of those laptops additionally seem on our greatest laptop computer, finest Chromebook, and finest pupil laptop computer lists. 

What we’re on the lookout for

Worth: Clearly, worth is necessary right here. We’re on the lookout for one of the best laptops you should buy for the least sum of money. We don’t anticipate price range computer systems to be good and even nice — we anticipate them to supply a stable bundle for a low value.Perform: We wish laptops with sufficient energy to accommodate their target market. For many price range laptops, that’s a regular college or workplace workload. Finances gaming laptops don’t must beat premium gaming rigs however ought to nonetheless have the ability to run in the present day’s common video games at playable charges.Battery life: As a result of college students are sometimes buying within the price range class, we worth battery life extremely on this web page. College students are very more likely to be engaged on the go and have fewer alternatives to plug their units in than different customers.Construct: Shopping for a price range product doesn’t prevent all that a lot cash if it’s essential to repurchase it in a number of months. We’re on the lookout for laptops which can be sturdy sufficient to outlive a number of years of damage and tear.

We typically don’t advocate units which can be greater than two years previous, however this class is an exception since shopping for an older system will be one of the best ways to get good specs at low costs. We now have a mixture of present and older picks on this web page. We do, nevertheless, often take away units that we now have not reviewed in a few years, as our scores and insights could not be present at that time.

1. Gateway 14

The most effective low-cost laptop computer of 2023

$399

The Gateway 14 is a colourful, cow-spotted system that provides glorious specs for its low value.

CPU: Intel Core i5-1135G7 / GPU: Intel Iris Xe / RAM: 16GB / Storage: 512GB / Show: 14.1-inch IPS show, 1920 x 1080, 60Hz, no contact possibility / Dimensions: 13.1 x 8.75 x 0.75 inches / Weight: 4 kilos

In the event you’re on the lookout for one of the best specs you may get for as low a value as doable, your finest guess is the $376 (as of this writing) Gateway 14. This cow-spotted (in spirit) system is available in a number of funky colours that can stand out from the gang. (The mannequin I reviewed is a daring vivid blue.) It provides a few of the finest specs you may get for below $400 in addition to a superb port choice and speedy efficiency. There’s even an empty drive slot so you possibly can stick in as a lot storage as you want.

The Gateway 14 is the bluest Home windows laptop computer you should buy and one of the best laptop computer below $400. Picture by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge

There are a number of compromises to concentrate on. The microphones are weak, for one, and the touchpad is clunky and loud. Nevertheless, these are affordable compromises to make for the Gateway’s low value, particularly since they’re each simply remedied with exterior peripherals. Within the grand scheme of the laptop computer market, the Gateway 14 provides unparalleled specs, efficiency, and battery life for its value. Plus, it appears tremendous cute.

Learn my Gateway 14 assessment.

2. Framework Laptop computer

The most effective low-cost DIY laptop computer

$849

The Framework Laptop computer 13 is one of the best laptop computer for many who need full management of their expertise. All the pieces from the processor and RAM to the keyboard and bezels is user-upgradeable.

CPU: Intel Core 15-1340P/Core i7-1360P/Core i7-1370P, AMD Ryzen 5 7640U/Ryzen 7 7840U / GPU: Intel UHD/Intel Iris Xe, AMD Radeon 700M / RAM: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB / Storage: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB / Show: 13-inch 2256 x 1540 3:2 matte / Dimensions: 11.68 x 9.01 x 0.62 inches / Weight: 2.87 kilos

Whereas the Framework Laptop computer prices a bit more cash upfront than most of the merchandise on this web page, it’s very more likely to prevent cash in the long term. This laptop lets you swap out each single port (even the mainboard, in addition to issues just like the audio system and hinges) your self. In principle, this implies the Framework will final you for much longer than many cheaper units will, as a result of you possibly can simply substitute sure elements after they run out of steam moderately than needing to improve your entire system.

Not solely can you purchase the Framework as a prebuilt system, however it’s also possible to order it as a DIY equipment, permitting you to assemble your entire factor your self and swap out elements as you please. The DIY system is cheaper than the prebuilt possibility, and is an effective selection if you wish to avoid wasting additional money.

The Framework Laptop computer 13 is one of the best low-cost laptop computer you could assemble your self. Picture by Monica Chin / The Verge

Other than its repairability and value, the Framework has another nice options. It has a vivid, high-resolution, roomy display, glorious audio, and a conveyable chassis that’s below three kilos. When you have the cash to buy a DIY equipment up entrance, and the time to assemble it, it’s more likely to prevent vital cash in the long term.

Learn my Framework Laptop computer 13 assessment.

3. Asus Chromebook Flip CX5

The most effective low-cost Chromebook of 2023

$649

The Asus Chromebook CX5 provides an ideal bundle for a little bit of a steep value.

CPU: Intel Core i5-1135G7 / GPU: Intel Iris Xe / RAM: 16GB / Storage: 128GB / Show: 15.6-inch IPS, 1920 x 1080, 60Hz, contact possibility / Dimensions: 14.08 x 9.48 x 0.73 inches / Weight: 4.3 kilos

The Chromebook Flip CX5 actually is that good. It’s sturdy sufficient to resist every kind of jolts and jostles in a backpack or briefcase, and has a singular velvety texture that’s very nice to carry. Add a large port choice, a easy and cozy keyboard, and a vivid show, and also you’ve received a chassis that may maintain its personal towards loads of midrange Home windows laptops. 

The Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 is one of the best low-cost Chromebook of 2023. Picture by Amelia Holowaty Krales

Efficiency is equally spectacular. I by no means as soon as heard its fan in testing, even when pushing a workload that slowed most units down. Battery life is sort of passable, simply lasting a day. And the audio system delivered a few of the finest audio I’ve ever heard from a Chromebook. Whereas the CX5 isn’t an ideal system, it’s the most effective ones we’ve ever examined below $700. General, price range customers who don’t thoughts Chrome OS received’t be disillusioned on this machine.

Learn my Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 assessment.

4. Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3

The most effective Chrome OS pill

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 is a wonderful 11-inch price range system. The value consists of the keyboard and kickstand.

CPU: Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 / GPU: Qualcomm Adreno graphics / RAM: 4Gb, 8GB / Storage: 128GB / Show: 10.95-inch IPS, 2000 x 1200, 60Hz, contact possibility / Dimensions: 10.16 x 6.48 x 0.31 inches / Weight: 1.14 kilos

In the event you’re on the lookout for an absurdly low-cost Chromebook that completely will get the job completed, it is best to undoubtedly be trying on the Duet 3. This can be a nice, tiny laptop computer for price range customers with a magnetic removable keyboard and kickstand. The display even helps USI styluses, although a stylus will not be included on this value. The keyboard is included, nevertheless, as are the keyboard and kickstand, which makes for a fairly stable bundle for a sub-$400 value.

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 is one of the best low-cost laptop computer below $500. Picture by Monica Chin / The Verge

Whereas I don’t advocate the Duet 3 for work use, it’s fairly usable for social media use, leisure, and multimedia viewing. It has a pointy, vivid, 11-inch display, and the keyboard and touchpad are surprisingly snug. As a bonus, it’s simply 2.09 kilos, which makes it nice for carrying round in a backpack or a handbag.

Learn our Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 assessment.

5. Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 Professional

The most effective price range laptop computer for enterprise

Related in lots of facets to the very costly ThinkPad enterprise line, the Slim Professional 7 is a high-quality skilled laptop computer presently accessible for very first rate costs.

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS / GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 / RAM: 16GB / Storage: 512GB / Show: 14.5-inch 2560 x 1600 90Hz IPS / Dimensions: 12.81 x 8.84 x 0.71 inches / Weight: 3.37 kilos

In the event you’re a small enterprise proprietor or self-employed skilled, it may be tough to search out sturdy laptops with the facility wanted for computing-heavy workloads that received’t break the financial institution. Your best choice is usually to have a look at units just like the IdeaPad Slim 7 Professional, which supply mid-range discrete GPUs and high-resolution, excessive refresh fee shows. This system has a superb keyboard and an ideal port choice along with its highly effective chips. And it’s now a bit previous, which suggests it’s straightforward to search out at costs properly beneath $1,000.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 Professional is a strong laptop computer that’s presently accessible for giant reductions. Picture by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge

The first draw back of this system is that its battery life isn’t nice. I received round seven and a half hours of steady use — which is sweet for units with discrete GPUs, however not superb for the enterprise class. Nonetheless, for those who’re trying a conveyable system from an organization with an unbeatable popularity for enterprise merchandise, the IdeaPad is presently a deal value contemplating.

Learn our IdeaPad Slim 7 Professional assessment.

6. HP Victus 15

An reasonably priced gaming laptop computer

$748

This 15-inch gaming laptop computer is likely one of the hottest decisions for price range customers. It consists of Twelfth-Gen Intel processors and might include a GTX 1650 or an RTX 3050.

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600H, Ryzen 7 5800H, Intel Core i5-13500H, Core i7-13700H, Core i7-12700H / GPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600H, Ryzen 7 5800H, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050, RTX 3050 Ti, RTX 4050 / RAM: 8GB, 16GB / Storage: 512GB, 1TB / Show: 15.6-inch IPS, 1920 x 1080, 60Hz/144Hz, no contact possibility / Dimensions: 14.09 x 10.04 x 0.93 / Weight: 5.05 kilos

Gaming laptops are identified to be pretty costly, however the HP Victus 15 provides surprisingly good body charges for a sub-$700 value. The bottom mannequin is out there with a GTX 1650, whereas those that wish to run essentially the most demanding titles and don’t thoughts spending a bit extra can go for an RTX 3050, which provides $90 to the worth. (There are even RTX 3050 Ti fashions, for those who’re actually a frame-rate perfectionist.)

The HP Victus 15 is likely one of the finest gaming laptops you should buy, and the most effective low-cost laptops below $700. Picture by Monica Chin / The Verge

I examined the GTX 1650 mannequin, and it had no drawback with lighter esports titles. The 144Hz display, which is a big bonus at this value level, was a pleasure to observe. It is best to anticipate to bump some settings down if you need fashionable AAA titles to completely reap the benefits of the show. On the skin, the Victus has a pleasant, unobtrusive look, and a portable-enough five-pound chassis.  

Learn our HP Victus 15 assessment.

7. HP Pavilion Plus 14

A (comparatively) low-cost OLED laptop computer

$950

HP’s Pavilion Plus 14 laptop computer has a 90Hz, 2.8K OLED display. It’s additionally very skinny and light-weight and has a superb webcam with AI options.

CPU: Intel Core i5-1240P, Core i5-12500H, Core i5-1235U, Core i7-12700H, Core i7-1255U/ GPU: Intel Iris Xe, Nvidia GeForce RTX 2050 / RAM: 8GB, 16GB / Storage: 256GB, 512Gb, 1TB / Show: 14-inch IPS/OLED, 2240 x 1400/2880 x 1800, 60Hz, no contact possibility / Dimensions: 12.34 x 8.83 x 0.72 inches / Weight: 3.09 kilos

The HP Pavilion Plus 14, presently accessible for $799, stretches what most would contemplate a price range value. However this 14-inch laptop computer has an opulent OLED, 2.8K, 90Hz show that far outclasses its value. It’s additionally the thinnest Pavilion HP has ever constructed, and at simply 3.09 kilos, it’s fairly straightforward to hold round in a backpack or briefcase. 

The Pavilion Plus 14 is likely one of the finest low-cost laptops below $800 for 2023. Picture by Monica Chin / The Verge

The webcam additionally provides a number of distinctive (and at occasions hilarious options). Auto-framing retains you focused as you progress round your convention space, backlight and low-light changes maintain you trying sharp, and “BRB Mode” can freeze your feed and stick a “BRB” signal on the underside to let your coworkers know you’ll be proper again. The primary draw back to think about is that battery life isn’t nice – I received slightly below 5 hours to a cost out of my check unit, a typical end result for a laptop computer with an OLED display.

Learn our HP Pavilion Plus 14 assessment.

8. HP Envy x360 15

An reasonably priced laptop computer with a premium design

HP’s Envy x360 is a beautiful laptop computer with stable efficiency and battery life.

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7540U/Ryzen 7 7730U / GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics / RAM: 8GB, 16GB / Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB / Show: 15.6-inch, 1920 x 1080, 60Hz IPS, contact possibility / Dimensions: 14.13 x 9.02 x 0.73 inches / Weight: 4.04 kilos

The HP Envy x360 15 appears so much like HP’s high-end Spectre laptops. But it surely’s extra reasonably priced than these Spectres, with fashions presently accessible for properly below $700. The chassis is extremely sturdy with stylish accents and a premium end, making for a tool that may match proper in amongst far more costly 15-inch merchandise.

The HP Envy x360 15 is an reasonably priced laptop computer with a stunning construct. Picture by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge

Along with the distinctive AMD Ryzen processors inside, the Envy x360 15 provides quite a few glorious perks. You get glorious all-day battery life, a vivid display, and a loaded port choice. The keyboard is plenty of enjoyable to kind on, and the touchpad is easy. In the event you worth aesthetic and craftsmanship in your laptops, that is one to have a look at.

Learn our HP Envy x360 15 assessment.

9. Acer Chromebook Spin 714

The most effective low-cost 14-inch Chromebook

The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 provides quick Intel processors and Thunderbolt 4 help. Whereas it’s not as spectacular as its predecessor’s, notably in relation to battery life, it’s a strong laptop computer with good perks like an HDMI port and garaged stylus.

CPU: Intel Core i5-1235U, Core i7-1260P / GPU: Intel Iris Xe / RAM: 8GB / Storage: 256GB / Show: 114-inch IPS, 2560 x 1600, 60Hz, contact possibility / Dimensions: 12.31 x 8.82 x 0.71 inches / Weight: 3.09 kilos

In the event you’d desire a extra conventional Chromebook with a clamshell type issue, the $479 Acer Chromebook Spin 714 is an reasonably priced possibility that’s all-around glorious. It has a stunning 16:10 show, suitable with a garaged stylus, that delivers a pointy image and vivid, vibrant colours with loads of vertical area.

The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 is one of the best 14-inch Chromebook you should buy, and the most effective low-cost laptops below $800. Picture by Becca Farsace / The Verge

The display alone would make the Chromebook Spin 714 a standout, but it surely has quite a few different strengths as properly, together with an ideal keyboard, all-day battery life, and a complete port choice, together with an HDMI, along with Thunderbolt 4. It’s an particularly good purchase at a reduction (which you’ll be able to usually discover).

Learn our Acer Chromebook Spin 714 assessment.