9 Top Picks
3 Reviewers
40 Hours of Research
20 Options Considered
A laptop plays an important role in your work, especially when your job is a programmer, writer, designer or producer. Knowing this thing already, you probably are looking for the best affordable laptop 2023, right?
Then congratulations! You are in the right place. In this article, we will introduce to you the top 9 cheap laptops and guide you on how to get the right one.
3 Top Budget Laptop
1. [Best Overall]
5/5
This Dell Latitude E5570 laptop proved an excellent pick for a cheap laptop. Although the accessories may not be original, they are compatible and work well with the computer.
2. [Best For The Money] Lenovo ThinkPad T560 Notebook Laptop
4.9/5
The Lenovo Thinkpad T560 Notebook Laptop has advanced features that meet all my computing needs. For instance, it comes with enough internal storage.
3. [Best For The Lightweight]
4.8/5
The HP Elitebook 840 G5 Laptop comes with a 14 inches screen. The display is massive, allowing me to open multiple windows or partition it to enhance multitasking.
Best Budget Laptop 2023
Are you ready to go? Let’s scroll down to see and find your budget machine!
[Best Overall]
5/5
This Dell Latitude E5570 laptop proved an excellent pick for a cheap laptop. Although the machine may not have any original or fancy features, it does its job and the best value laptop.
I also liked that it was ready to use out of the box as it comes pre-installed with a Windows operating system. Refurbishing the laptop extends its lifetime and helps reduce electronic waste.
Dell Latitude E5570 Laptop (Refurbished) Features
- Solid battery life of 5-8 hours, depending on how new it is and what you're using it for
- It has been inspected, tested, and cleaned by Amazon’s vendors to ensure it functions properly.
- It comes pre-installed with the Windows 10 Pro operating system and is reset back to factory settings.
- I was satisfied with the laptop’s versatility as it offers various connectivity options. For instance, you can connect to other devices using the Bluetooth feature. It also comes with an Intel Dual Band Wireless 8260 (802.11ac).
- Since I spend hours working with my laptop, I wanted one that’s easy on my eyes. The 15.6-inch HD Non-touch screen has an anti-glare feature that protects your eyes from excess light. Thus, you can use the laptop for an extended period without experiencing discomfort in the eyes or migraines.
- As a gaming enthusiast, I liked the powerful Intel Core 6th Generation i7 -6600U processor that ensures high performance and helps me enjoy a smooth and immersive gaming experience making this a great cheap gaming laptop
- It comes with an internal dual-pointing keyboard and a great battery life that exceeds 80% relative to new.
- The hard disk capacity of 256 GB means I can store as many files as I want. It also comes with 16 GB RAM.
Pros
Cons
[Best For The Money]
4.9/5
I was looking for a refurbished laptop that could boost my productivity. The Lenovo Thinkpad T560 Notebook Laptop has advanced features that meet all my computing needs and is #2 in our pursuit for cheap business laptops. For instance, it comes with enough internal storage. Without worrying about space, I could store my files, including pictures, personal documents, and apps.
Lenovo Thinkpad T560 Notebook Laptop Features
It comes with a 512 SSD hard drive, allowing me to store various files, including videos, pictures, documents, etc., without deleting them to create space.
I like multitasking and sometimes deal with demanding software. The laptop comes with 16 GB RAM, which allows for smooth operation as I handle tasks simultaneously.
The Lenovo Thinkpad Windows laptop comes loaded with Windows 10 Pro-64, saving me the trouble of installing an operating system.
Physically, I was happy that I could easily carry the laptop around and work from anywhere. The Lenovo Thinkpad has a light and compact design that enhances portability.
The powerful Intel Core i5 processor with a 2.30 GHz clock speed makes the laptop fast and reduces lag.
It also features wireless communication technology that allows me to connect to other devices using Bluetooth.
The 1920 x 1080 resolution ensures high-quality and life-like images. Therefore, I use the laptop to watch movies and TV shows during my free time.
The 16.5-inches screen size is handy when I want to watch a movie or favorite show. It’s also ideal for multitasking as you can open multiple windows.
Pros
Cons
[Best For The Lightweight]
4.8/5
I liked the HP Elitebook 840G5 for its versatility. This 14-inch laptop took my productivity to another level by allowing me to open multiple tabs to compare and multitask.
Additionally, this i7 laptop features a powerful processor that speeds up the computing process. Although refurbished, the laptop’s operating system functions well, taking my computing to the next level on a budget.
HP Elitebook 840 G5 Laptop Features
The HP Elitebook 840 G5 Laptop comes with a 14 inches screen. The display is massive, allowing me to open multiple windows or partition it to enhance multitasking.
I was happy with the 512 GB of internal storage. It’s enough space to store various files, including personal and other files.
With the 16 GB RAM, I enjoyed enhanced versatility. The RAM ensures fast and smooth computing, allowing me to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
I was happy with the silver color, which makes it sleek and elegant.
Additionally, the laptop is light and has a compact design that makes it highly portable. Thus, I can carry it around, enabling me to work from anywhere at any time.
The high-resolution screen offers high-quality images.
The Intel Core i7 processor makes computing fast. The processor can handle heavy applications and demanding games.
The laptop’s cooling system was also a plus for me. It features more vents to enhance airflow and prevent the device from overheating.
Pros
Cons
4.7/5
The 2022 Windows 11 Laptop is an excellent choice for a cheap laptop. I can use this laptop for editing office work, doing online shopping, or browsing the internet. This Windows laptop stands out from the rest due to the lithium battery that has up to 8 hours of battery life. Thus, I can work, listen to music, watch videos, and browse websites without worry.
2022 Windows 11 Laptop Features
With the 256GB SSD storage, I had adequate storage to download Android apps, songs, videos, documents, and other files.
On the other hand, I was satisfied with the 8GB of RAM that ensures speed and excellent response while performing various tasks. It also ensures I can multitask without experiencing any lag.
The 2022 Windows Laptop enables me to connect to the internet and enjoy browsing the web, downloading apps, streaming content, and chatting with friends. It helps to connect using 2.4g or 5G HZ dual-band WiFi and browse online.
The Windows laptop stood out for me due to its extension compatibility, which enhances versatility. It has various connectivity options, including a headphone jack, USB 3.0, micro SD slot, DC, and HD.
It’s slim and lightweight, making it easy to carry around and work from anywhere.
It also features an Intel Celeron J4125 CPU with enhanced performance. It has low power consumption and heating technology.
The 1920 x 1080 pixel screen resolution was a plus when I wanted to watch movies, videos, and other content. It combines with 100% RGB color reproduction to ensure life-like images.
Additionally, the anti-glare feature makes my eyes comfortable even with prolonged use.
Pros
Cons
4.6/5
The first laptop in our list is the Aspire 5 Slim Laptop made by brand Acer, sitting comfortably under $500. If you like a thin laptop with a simple style, then surely this one is born for you.
Probably you are wondering how simple it is, right? Unlike other normal cheap laptops that often have large sizes, this Aspire 5 looks so thin and light. When you hold it in your hand, you can even feel that it does not have any weight!
Yes, we understand what you are thinking about that point. A lightweight laptop is quite easy to be broken down, right? What can we say? Just be assured! Having an aluminum top cover, this device can survive well after falling from a high distance. No doubt that it is so durable.
Besides, if you love deep bass music, then this mobile computer can please you at best. Just try turning on some music, you will feel the great audio coming out of its specially designed speaker.
You may not believe, but this Aspire version 5 is the best partner of every office worker. No matter if you are a programmer, or a content writer, its comfortable backlit keyboard will bring you utmost convenience to work with high efficiency.
In contrast to the good sides, there is a small issue with this item. After an amount of time, the backlight from the keyboard will automatically turn down. In order to reopen it, you have to press a key. However, it is still not a big deal, isn’t it?
Pros
Cons
Verdict
If you are an office worker, you may see this Aspire 5 as a good option due to the convenience that it brings.
4.5/5
The second product has arrived! Let’s meet the Vivobook L203MA Ultra-Thin Laptop. Having a compact design, this ASUS’s laptop is another great option for those loving the simplicity. It's usually around under $300, but as prices fluctuate sometimes it's above $300, but most often it falls into under $400 laptop bracket.
The first thing about this laptop is its thinness, lightweight and small size. Can you believe it? this item is even smaller than an A4 paper! Additionally, it is only about 2.0 bounds heavy. Thus, you are able to hold it with a single hand and carry it around without trouble.
You have been impressed by its mobility already? Just stay calm because here come greater things. Typically, a normal laptop can only last for about 3 - 4 hours without being plugged in. But this L203MA is not like so. Its battery life is so good, allowing you to use the laptop for up to 10 hours! As a flexible worker, have you fallen in love with it?
Furthermore, you can lay this Vivobook flat 180 degrees on the table. So that whenever you have a project, a slideshow, or just want a travel laptop, take this option into consideration.
Unfortunately, this machine does not have a strong RAM. So if you are looking for a mobile budget gaming laptop that supports heavy games, we recommend you to purchase another product. Otherwise, some light applications can be acceptable.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
Due to the compact size, this laptop is suitable for any flexible worker.
Do you ofter chat on Skype? Do you usually have video calls with your friends? Then you can not miss out on this attractive deal. Again, we want to introduce to you an ASUS product. But this time the featured Vivobook 15 is an amazing laptop under $700 with an HD camera!
Yes, right on the top bezel of the laptop, you can find an HD camera. Thanks to this feature, you can take a selfie or chat with your friends at any time, any place without worrying about the quality of either the photos or the videos.
A small question: Have you ever been tired of opening the laptop and typing your passwords every single time?
Now you can leave that annoying thing aside. This Vivobook model allows you to login with just a finger touch! Right on the upper right of the touchpad, you can see a fingerprint sensor. Just touch there and the operating system can recognize you quickly. So convenient and secure, right?
On another side, this decent laptop is famous not only because of its design but also of the audio. Thanks to the ASUS SonicMaster technology, the speaker will play powerful sounds and especially deeper bass for all music lovers.
Of course, this product still has a disadvantage. If you require a good TFT panel, then it can not work to please you. As you often watch Netflix or long series, it may not support a suitable viewing angle. And the result is, you will not feel comfortable while watching.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
If you often have online Zoom meetings or conversations, this product is not a bad option for you.
It is such a miss if we don’t list this MacBook Air MD760LL in our list of best cheap laptops. Having great security and smooth operation, this Apple product can please even the most demanding user.
Speaking of Apple's product, we can think immediately about the wonderful graphic, the high 1440 x 900 resolution, and strong speaker. But those are not everything that this lovely laptop has. Based on its Intel Core i5 Dual-Core, you can use this mobile computer for daily needs such as web surfing, content writing, chatting, etc without any problem.
Moreover, this 13.3-inch laptop is designed to suit both men and women. In spite of the fact that it is small, thin and light, you can see a cover of aluminum around it. Due to this reason, you will not have to worry about its durability.
And if you care about its power, then you will be amazed when we explain this to you. As it has a great battery life, you are able to use this product for about 13 hours while it is not being plugged in. On the world’s market, it is really hard to find another cheap laptop that can beat this Macbook at this point.
On the downside, this MacBook Air does not give you permission to upgrade its CPU. So if you want to have a higher CPU with higher RAM, you may have to purchase separated items.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
If you are a fan of Apple but don’t have much money, you should consider buying this product.
Lastly, we will bring to you a great laptop for under $800. In all 5 options in this article, this item has the most special features. Let’s see what it has!
About the design, this laptop has a wide 15.6 inches screen. Inside it is an Intel Core i5 - 7200U, supporting the laptop to run smoothly. If you combine these advantages, you may already know what to do with it, right? Of course, what can be better than watching movies with a large screen?
If your job involves typing regularly, then we highly recommend you to buy this one. Its keyboard is really comfortable and extra soft, providing the most pleasurable feel while you are contacting with it.
Come back to the most special feature which we talk about at the very beginning. Can you guess it?
It is the Touchscreen technology! Yes, with this, you can make contact directly to the screen. The era of analog is now out oftrend. Why must you type the physical keyboards while you can use the laptop like using your smartphone, right?
Although this HP product has many useful features, we don’t say that it does not have a drawback. If you are a fan of the backlit keyboard, then it may not be suitable for you.
Anyway, this HP machine is still designed to tilt to the “touchscreen” side. So we can not expect much about the physical keyboard.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
If you love following trends and want to try new technology, we highly recommend you use this product.
How To Select The Best Budget Laptop?
In order to get the best budget laptop, you should base on these criteria below:
Price
Of course, the price is always the first thing any consumer cares about. If you want to buy a good cheap laptop, you should wait till the sale-off events. These events are often held in the middle of the years.
Purpose
You should know why you need a cheap laptop. On the market, there are plenty of laptop types. Each type works for different using purposes. For example, if you often play games, you require a high RAM gaming laptop. On the other hand, if you have to do many projects and presentations, you need an item that can help you to share the content.

Touchpad
With a PC, you often use the mouse, right? But with a laptop, you will have to get used to the touchpad. Therefore, finding a product with a comfortable touchpad is really necessary.
Technology
The famous brands never stop researching and improving their products. Therefore, you can meet a new released laptop with modern technology every day. In fact, this technology can support a lot for your work. So if you love convenience, you should consider the features of the product carefully before deciding to buy.
Keyboard
If you are a gamer, a blogger, or a programmer, you surely will understand the importance of the keyboard. Because you have to type so much, a good keyboard can increase the typing speed and bring a comfortable feeling to your fingers.
There are three most common types of keyboards on the market. Those are gaming keyboard, qwerty keyboard, virtual keyboard. Depending on your purpose of using, you will know which one is suitable.
Display
Firstly, you need to decide on a size. Most budget laptops will be 13 or 15 inch but you can also go smaller or larger if you want something even more portable or if it rarely needs to move.
Remember that the size of the screen will have an impact on things like the weight of the laptop and other things like the keyboard and even how many ports and connections it can have.
It’s typical to find a cheap laptop with an unexciting resolution of 1366×768 (HD) but if you can find higher, probably 1920×1080 (or Full HD) then you’ll be much better off. Look for a matt finish which is preferable to a glossy screen that reflects like a mirror when it’s bright and sunny.
You’ll also want to look out for the type of display and this is often an area where costs are cut so viewing angles can be poor as well as brightness and colour. Get an IPS rather than TN screen if you can.
Storage
Don’t confuse storage and memory. The latter – normally called RAM – is for temporarily storing information when you open an app or file, while storage is the space to store files and programs.
In both cases, it’s better to have as much as possible. A lot of budget laptops will come with a 500GB or 1TB hard drive but only 4GB of RAM. An SSD storage (solid state drive) is more common now and helps keep things speedy but don’t expect more than 8GB of RAM at these budget prices.
Remember that you can also always use cloud storage if you need additional space.
Battery Life
The cheap laptops that prioritize portability tend to offer a little more battery life, and you'll want to skip a dedicated graphics chip if you want the most battery life.
However, you can find plenty of budget systems that offer a full workday and beyond on a single charge. In some cases, budget laptops offer better battery life than many laptops that cost a few hundred dollars more.
FAQs
Which Company Sells Good Laptops?
There are so many good brands that sell high quality budget laptops. Some we can tell are Apple, ASUS, HP, Acer, Microsoft, Lenovo,etc.
How Much Ram Is Good For A Laptop?
Depending on your using purposes, you will need a different number of RAM. For example, if you often play heavy games, choosing a strong RAM like 16GB or 8GB for your cheap gaming laptop is necessary. Otherwise, 4GB of RAM is already good to go.
Which Cheap Laptop Is Suitable For Old People?
Old people usually need a cheap laptop that is light and easy to use. In this case, the best cheap laptop you can buy is the MacBook Air MD760LL by the brand Apple.
Do Cheap Laptops Have Warranty?
The answer is yes. Typically, when you buy an electronic product, you can have from 2 - 3 years of warranty.
Final Word On Best Budget Laptops
Our topic has come to the end. In conclusion, we have listed for you top 5 best cheap laptops and provided some tips to get the right product.
Having all the information you need already, now let’s start buying the best cheap laptops.