Looking for the best budget laptop that won’t break the bank? we got you covered. To simplify your decision-making process, we’ve compiled a review of some of the Best Budget Laptops of 2023 on the market. From gaming powerhouses to versatile 2-in-1s, here’s a breakdown of each model’s features, strengths, and weaknesses.
Let’s dive deeper into each segment, discussing the details, needs, our best picks, and recommended use cases:
Best Budget Laptops For Gaming:
Gaming laptops in this segment are equipped with powerful processors, dedicated graphics cards (often from NVIDIA or AMD), high refresh rate displays, and efficient cooling systems to handle demanding gaming tasks.
What Gamers Look For: Gamers require laptops that can deliver smooth and immersive gaming experiences, allowing them to play the latest titles at high settings without lag or overheating.
1. Dell G15
The Dell G15 laptops are tailored for gamers seeking a blend of performance and affordability. They feature powerful processors and dedicated graphics cards, allowing for smooth gameplay. With high refresh rate displays and effective cooling systems, these laptops deliver an immersive gaming experience. The Dell G15 series is a suitable choice for those who want to enjoy modern games without compromising on performance.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-13450HX (Up to 4.60 GHz Turbo, 10 cores, 16 threads, 20 MB cache) |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050, 6GB GDDR6 |
| Display | 15.6″, FHD 1920×1080, 120Hz, Non-Touch |
| Storage | 8 GB, 1 x 8 GB, DDR5, 4800 MT/s |
| RAM | 256 GB, M.2, PCIe NVMe, SSD |
| Battery Life | 6+ hours, 3 Cell, 56 Wh, integrated |
| Weight | around 6.19 lb (2.81 kg) |
| Price | Varies, typically $800+ |
Pros
- Powerful processors and dedicated graphics for smooth gaming performance.
- High refresh rate display enhances gaming visuals.
- Effective cooling systems to prevent overheating issue during long gaming sessions.
Cons
- Battery life might be shorter due to high-performance components.
- Higher price range compared to non-gaming laptops.
2. HP Victus 15
The HP Victus 15 targets gamers who want a balance between performance and design. Equipped with capable processors and graphics cards, it can handle most games smoothly. Its sleek design and customizable RGB lighting offer a touch of personalization. The HP Victus 15 is suitable for gamers who appreciate a stylish aesthetic and reliable performance without breaking the bank.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen™ 5 5600H (up to 4.2 GHz, 6 cores, 12 threads, 16 MB L3 cache) |
| Graphics | 4GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Laptop GPU |
| Display | 15.6″, FHD 1920×1080, micro-edge, anti-glare, 250 nits |
| Storage | 256 GB PCIe® NVMe™ M.2 SSD Up to 1TB |
| RAM | 8 GB DDR4-3200 SDRAM (2 X 4 GB) Up to 16GB |
| Battery Life | Varies, around 6 hours |
| Weight | Around 5.06 lb (2.3kg) |
| Price | Varies, typically $800+ |
Pros
- Balanced performance for gaming and everyday tasks.
- Stylish design with customizable RGB lighting.
- Affordable pricing for gamers on a budget.
Cons
- Build quality might not be as robust as premium gaming laptops.
- Graphics may not match the performance of higher-end gaming laptops.
Our Best Picks: The Dell G15 stands out as a strong option in this category. These laptops offer a balance between performance and affordability, providing the hardware necessary for enjoyable gaming experiences without breaking the bank.
Use Cases: Playing graphically intensive games, streaming gameplay on platforms like Twitch, creating gaming content, and engaging in eSports competitions.
Best Budget Laptops For Work/Productivity:
Laptops for work and productivity prioritize a combination of performance, portability, and features such as a comfortable keyboard and a variety of connectivity options.
What Professionals Look For: Professionals require laptops that can handle multitasking, software applications, and creative tasks, all while offering a comfortable working environment.
3. Asus Zenbook 13 OLED
The Asus Zenbook 13 OLED caters to professionals and content creators with its stunning OLED display that delivers vibrant colors and sharp visuals. It combines a powerful processor with a sleek and lightweight design, making it ideal for productivity tasks, multimedia editing, and creative endeavors. The Asus Zenbook 13 OLED is an excellent choice for those who prioritize visual quality and performance.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i7-1165G7 Processor 2.8 GHz (Up to 4.7 GHz, 4 cores, 12M Cache) |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Plus Graphics |
| Display | 13.3-inch, FHD 1920×1080, OLED, 0.2ms response time, 60Hz refresh rate |
| Storage | 512GB M.2 NVMe™ PCIe® 3.0 SSD Up to 1TB |
| RAM | 8 GB DDR4-3200 SDRAM (2 X 4 GB) Up to 16GB |
| Battery Life | 6+ Hours, 67WHrs, 4S1P, 4-cell Li-ion |
| Weight | Around 1.14 kg (2.51 lbs) |
| Price | Varies, typically $1000+ |
Pros
- Stunning OLED display with vibrant colors and sharp visuals.
- Blend of powerful performance and sleek design for productivity.
- Portability and lightweight construction make it ideal for professionals on the go.
Cons
- Battery life may not be as long as some other laptops.
4. Microsoft Laptop Surface Go 2 (2023)
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 is a compact and portable laptop built for productivity on the go. With its balanced specs, it’s perfect for tasks like document editing, web browsing, and communication. The laptop’s sleek design and compatibility with the Surface Pen make it a great option for students and professionals who need a versatile device for everyday tasks.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Quad Core 11th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-1135G7 Processor |
| Graphics | Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics |
| Display | Screen: 12.4” PixelSense™ Display Resolution: 1536 x 1024 (148 PPI) Aspect ratio: 3:2 Touch: 10 point multi-touch |
| Storage | SSD 256 GB Up to 512GB |
| RAM | 8GB Up to 16GB |
| Battery Life | Around 12+ hours Battery Capacity Nominal (WH): 41.0 Battery Capacity Min (WH): 40.0 |
| Weight | Around 2.48 lb (1.2 kg) |
| Price | Varies, typically $800+ |
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design for portability.
- Balanced performance for everyday productivity tasks.
- Compatible with Surface Pen for note-taking and creative work.
Cons
- Premium features could lead to a higher cost.
5. Lenovo ThinkBook 13s Gen 4 Intel (13″)
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13s is aimed at business users, featuring security features and solid performance. It’s suitable for professionals who need a reliable laptop for office tasks, presentations, and business communication. The laptop’s robust build and business-focused features make it a valuable tool for working professionals.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | 12th Generation Intel® Core™ i5-1240P Processor (Up to 3.30 GHz E-cores, Up to 4.40 GHz P-cores) |
| Graphics | Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics |
| Display | 13.3″ WQXGA 2560×1600, IPS, Anti-Glare, Non-Touch, 300 nits, 60Hz, LED Backlight |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD M.2 PCIe Gen4 |
| RAM | 8 GB LPDDR5-4800MHz (Soldered) |
| Battery Life | Around 11+ hours 56Wh (MM18) |
| Weight | Around 2.75 lbs (1.25 kg) |
| Price | Varies, typically $1500+ |
Pros
- Business-focused features and security options.
- Reliable performance for office tasks and presentations.
- Solid build quality and professional design.
Cons
- Graphics performance may not be sufficient for graphics-intensive work.
- Display quality might not be as impressive as higher-end models.
- Price point may be higher due to business-oriented features.
6. Asus VivoBook 15 (F1502ZA)
The Asus VivoBook 15 (F1502ZA) is designed for users seeking a portable laptop for general productivity and entertainment. It offers a good balance of performance and affordability, making it suitable for tasks like document editing, web browsing, and multimedia consumption. Its compact size and versatility make it a great option for students and users on the move.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel® Core™ i5-1240P Processor 1.7 GHz (Up to 4.4 GHz, 4P+8E cores, 12M Cache) |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xᵉ Graphics |
| Display | 15.6-inch, FHD 1920×1080, 16:9 aspect ratio, 60Hz refresh rate, 220nits |
| Storage | 512GB M.2 NVMe™ PCIe® 3.0 SSD |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 on board Up to 12GB |
| Battery Life | Around 9+ hours 42WHrs, 3S1P, 3-cell Li-ion |
| Weight | Around 3.75 lbs (1.7 kg) |
| Price | Varies, typically $700+ |
Pros
- Balanced performance for multitasking and productivity.
- Affordable price point for budget-conscious users.
- Slim and lightweight design for portability.
Cons
- Integrated graphics may not handle demanding tasks or gaming well.
7. HP Pavilion Aero 13
The HP Pavilion Aero 13 is a lightweight laptop built for productivity and entertainment. With its AMD Ryzen processors, it offers a good combination of performance and energy efficiency. The laptop’s vibrant display and portability make it suitable for tasks like content creation, streaming, and light productivity.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen™ 5 7535U (Up to 4.55 GHz, 6 cores, 12 threads, 16 MB L3 cache) |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon™ Graphics |
| Display | 13.3″, WUXGA 1920×1200, IPS, micro-edge, anti-glare, 400 nits |
| Storage | 256 GB PCIe® NVMe™ M.2 SSD Up to 1 TB |
| RAM | 8 GB (Onboard) Up to 16GB |
| Battery Life | Around 10+ hours |
| Weight | Around 2.2 lbs (1 kg) 3-cell, 43Wh Li-ion polymer |
| Price | Varies, typically $900+ |
Pros
- Special Feature Fingerprint reader
- Lightweight and stylish design for professionals.
- AMD Ryzen processor offers solid performance.
- Good battery life for productivity on the go.
Cons
- Memory is soldered on board.
Our Best Picks: The Asus Zenbook 13 OLED excels in this segment due to its high-quality OLED display, making it suitable for content creators, designers, and those who require accurate color representation.
The Microsoft Laptop Surface Go 2 (2023) caters to those who need a compact and lightweight laptop for work on the go.
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13S Gen 4 is aimed at business users, offering security features and robust performance for office tasks and presentations.
Use Cases: Creating and editing documents, spreadsheets, presentations, graphic design, video editing, software development, and business communication.
Best Budget Laptops For Student/Education:
Laptops for students emphasize affordability, portability, and capabilities that facilitate online learning, note-taking, and collaboration.
What Students Look For: Students require laptops that are easy to carry, have a decent battery life for long study sessions, and support educational apps and platforms.
8. Acer Aspire 5
The Acer Aspire 5 is an affordable laptop that’s ideal for students. It offers a balance between performance and price, making it suitable for online classes, note-taking, and basic assignments.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 5500U Hexa-Core Mobile Processor |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics |
| Display | 15.6-inch, FHD 1920×1080, IPS, 16:9 aspect ratio |
| Storage | 256GB NVMe SSD |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 |
| Battery Life | Around 10+ hours 48Wh, 3-cell Li-ion |
| Weight | Around 3.8 lbs (1.7 kg) |
| Price | Varies, typically $550+ |
Pros
- Affordable price point for budget-conscious students.
- Balanced performance for online classes and basic assignments.
- Full HD display for clear visuals.
Cons
- Build quality might not be as premium as higher-end models.
- Limited storage capacity compared to some larger laptops.
9. ASUS Chromebook Flip C434
The Asus Chromebook Flip C434 is a premium Chromebook designed for students who need a reliable and versatile device for online learning, research, and entertainment.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel® Core™ m3-8100Y processor (1.1GHz dual-core with Up to 3.4GHz Turbo Boost, 4MB cache) |
| Graphics | Intel® UHD Graphics 615 |
| Display | 14” FHD 1920×1080, 16:9, LED-backlit, Touchscreen |
| Storage | 64GB eMMC Up to 128GB |
| RAM | 8GB 1867MHz LPDDR3 onboard |
| Battery Life | Around 10+ hours 48Wh 3-cell lithium-polymer battery |
| Weight | Around 3.2 lbs (1.5 kg) |
| Price | Varies, typically $600+ |
Pros
- Versatile 2-in-1 design for multiple usage modes.
- Chrome OS optimized for online tasks and lightweight productivity.
- Full HD touchscreen display for interactive use.
Cons
- Limited processing power for demanding applications.
- Limited storage capacity compared to some larger laptops.
Our Best Picks: The Acer Aspire 5 provides a good balance between performance and price, making it suitable for online classes and basic tasks.
The Asus Chromebook Flip C434 is great for students who want the flexibility of a convertible device.
Use Cases: Participating in online classes, taking notes, research, collaborating on group projects, and accessing educational apps.
Also Read: Best HP Laptop for Engineering Students
Best Budget Laptops For Versatile/General Use:
Laptops in this segment are designed for everyday tasks and entertainment, focusing on a blend of usability, design, and affordability.
What General Customers Look For: Users require laptops that can handle common activities like web browsing, media consumption, and light productivity without unnecessary complexity or high costs.
10. HP Pavilion Plus 14
The HP Pavilion Plus 14 is designed for general use, offering a good mix of performance and design. It’s suitable for everyday tasks, entertainment, and light productivity.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel® Core™ i5-13500H (Up to 4.7 GHz, 12 cores, 16 threads, 18 MB L3 cache) |
| Graphics | Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics |
| Display | 14″ diagonal, 2.2K (2240 x 1400), IPS, 300 nits |
| Storage | 256 GB PCIe® NVMe™ M.2 SSD Up to 1 TB |
| RAM | 16 GB (onboard) |
| Battery Life | Around 8+ hours 51Wh, 3-cell Li-ion polymer |
| Weight | Around 3.1 lbs (1.4 kg) |
| Price | Varies, typically $850+ |
Pros
- Suitable for general tasks, entertainment, and light productivity.
- Balanced performance for everyday use.
- Affordable price point for budget-conscious users.
Cons
- Integrated graphics may not handle demanding tasks or gaming well.
11. Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 is a premium Chromebook with a vibrant display, making it suitable for users who want a visually appealing device for web browsing, media consumption, and light productivity.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel® Core™ i3-10110U (2.1GHz Up to 4.1GHz, 2 cores, 4 threads, 4 MB cache) |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics |
| Display | 13.3-inch, FHD (1920 x 1080) QLED |
| Storage | 128GB HDD |
| RAM | 8 GB (2400 MHz) LPDDR3 |
| Battery Life | Around 12+ hours |
| Weight | Around 2.71 lbs (1.23 kg) |
| Price | Varies, typically $700+ |
Pros
- Stunning QLED display with vibrant colors.
- Suitable for web browsing, media consumption, and basic productivity.
- Lightweight and portable design.
Cons
- Premium features come with a higher price tag.
Our Best Picks: The HP Pavilion Plus 14 strikes a balance between performance and design, making it suitable for general use, entertainment, and casual productivity.
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 offers a visually stunning display for multimedia consumption and web browsing.
Use Cases: Web browsing, streaming movies and TV shows, social media, online shopping, and light document editing.
FAQs About The Best Budget Laptops
What should I consider when looking for the best budget laptop?
Consider factors like performance, display quality, battery life, storage capacity, and build quality to ensure the laptop meets your needs within your budget.
Can I get a decent laptop for under $500?
Yes, there are several laptops under $500 that offer decent performance for everyday tasks, such as web browsing, word processing, and multimedia consumption.
Are Chromebooks good budget options?
Chromebooks are popular budget options for users focused on web-based tasks. They offer good battery life, lightweight design, and affordability, but they may have limitations with certain software.
Should I prioritize processor or RAM in a budget laptop?
Ideally, a balance between both is important. Aim for at least an Intel Core i3 or equivalent AMD processor and 8GB of RAM for smooth multitasking and performance.
Can I find budget laptops with a Full HD display?
Yes, many budget laptops now offer Full HD (1080p) displays. Look for models with higher-resolution screens for better visuals.
What about storage? How much is sufficient?
A budget laptop usually offers around 128GB to 256GB of SSD storage. Consider your usage; if you need more space, consider cloud storage or external drives.
Are there any budget laptops suitable for light gaming?
Some budget laptops have integrated graphics capable of light gaming. Look for models with Intel Iris Xe or AMD Radeon graphics for better performance.
Can I find a budget laptop with good battery life?
Yes, some budget laptops offer impressive battery life of 8-11 hours or more, especially those with energy-efficient processors like Intel’s 10th Gen or newer.
Is it worth considering refurbished budget laptops?
Refurbished laptops can be a good way to get a more powerful laptop for your budget. Just ensure they come from reputable sellers and include a warranty.
Do budget laptops sacrifice build quality?
While some budget laptops might have plastic builds, many manufacturers are improving the build quality of their budget models. Look for laptops with durable materials and solid construction.
Remember, the best budget laptop for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. It’s important to thoroughly research and read reviews before making a purchase to ensure the laptop aligns with your requirements.
Conclusion
The world of laptops offers a diverse array of options to cater to various needs and preferences. Whether you’re a gamer, a creative professional, a student, or someone in need of a reliable workhorse, the above laptop models have something to offer. From impressive performance to versatile designs, these laptops showcase the evolution of technology in meeting modern computing demands.
While there’s more, we tried to cover the 11 best budget laptops in 2023 that you can buy right now.
We greatly appreciate your thoughts. If this article helps, please share and leave your thoughts in comment below. Thanks.
Also Read: Top 10 Best Laptop for Video Calls in 2023 : Zoom Like a Pro
