Key Points
Our choice for the #1 Best Overall Cheap Laptop is the Acer Aspire 3 Spin.
In the cheap laptop space, you have some excellent choices that can run as low as $200 or as high as $500.
The cheap laptop space is filled with some great Chromebook options, which makes for a perfect computer if browsing is a top priority.
Whether it’s for work or personal use, laptops have become a central part of our online world. If you’re on the hunt for a new laptop, rest assured you don’t need to spend a fortune as there are plenty of budget-friendly options. Even as prices can fluctuate with sales and companies release new models regularly, you can still cut through the noise to find some outstanding yet inexpensive laptops that will work for you. Not everyone needs to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on a laptop as sometimes several hundred dollars will get you exactly what you need.
Let’s take a look at the best cheap laptops on Earth today.
#1 Best Overall: Acer Aspire 3 Spin 14
The Acer Aspire 3 Spin 14 stands out as the top cheap laptop thanks to its combination of performance, features and flexibility at an affordable price point.
Running on an 11th Gen Intel Core i3 processor and Intel UHD graphics, it packs decent power for browsing, streaming, office work and more. You get a responsive 14-inch touch display with Full HD 1920 x 1200 resolution ips technology, making it sharp and vivid.
As a 360-degree convertible, the Aspire Spin 3 can easily switch between laptop and tablet modes. This 2-in-1 form factor paired with touch input gives you added convenience. Portability is also a plus at just 3.4 pounds.
Connectivity is excellent for the price with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, HDMI and multiple USB ports onboard. Battery life is satisfactory but not exceptional at around 6 hours web browsing.
Overall though, if you want a sub $500 laptop with versatile usage modes, a great screen and solid productivity chops, the Aspire 3 Spin 14 is a leading choice.
Best Value: HP 14 Laptop
Shopping on a tight budget? The HP 14 Laptop gives you decent basic computing for less than $200. It runs Windows 11 Home in S Mode for streamlined performance. You get an Intel Celeron processor, 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. This configuration handles web apps, documents and media playback well.
The 14-inch screen has a lower 1366 x 768 resolution but gets reasonably bright, while narrow bezels give you more viewing space. Battery life is a big win at over 11 hours to get you through the day. It‘s also lightweight for easy portability in and out of the home.
Keep in mind that the lower specs do have some limitations in terms of heavy multitasking. But for simple web-based tasks on a tight budget, the HP 14 Laptop is a great value pick.
Best Chromebook: Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook
Chrome OS offers a streamlined computing experience perfect for web-focused users. And the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i is one of the best Chromebooks out now with great specs and flexibility.
It features mid-range components like an 11th Gen Intel Core i3 processor, Intel UHD Graphics and 8GB DDR4 RAM for snappy performance even with multiple tabs and apps open. You also get a sharp 13.3-inch 1080p touchscreen display that bends back 300 degrees into tablet mode.
The lightweight, slim metal body enhances portability while dual speakers provide superior audio. Battery runtime reaches 10 hours for day-long usage between charges. At this sub $500 pricing, the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook is a well-rounded package for work and entertainment.
Best 2-in-1: Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook
If you want a versatile Chromebook that pulls tablet duty just as well, the IdeaPad Duet 5 is made for you. This detachable 2-in-1 gives you ultra-portability in a slim 0.31-inch thick slate weighing just 1.66 pounds.
It‘s built around a stunning 13.3-inch OLED touchscreen with 400 nits high brightness and 1080p detail. The panel supports stylus input too for natural writing and drawing. Powered by an octa-core Snapdragon processor and 128GB of flash storage, it handles Chrome OS admirably for everyday productivity.
As a tablet, you get enhanced entertainment with four-speaker audio and up to 15 hours battery life for movies and web surfing on the couch. Factor in LTE support as well for connectivity anywhere. If you need a super portable Chromebook plus tablet in one device, the Duet 5 delivers top-notch flexibility.
Best for Portability: Microsoft Surface Go 2
Microsoft‘s Surface Go 2 stands out with a supremely portable design in a full Windows tablet. Weighing a mere 1.2 pounds as a standalone slate, it‘s easy to grab on the go. When paired with the optional Type Cover keyboard, it retains lightweight appeal at just 2.4 pounds total.
Don‘t let the small size fool you though. The Surface Go 2 packs a versatile 10.5-inch PixelSense touch display crisp enough for documents and media. An Intel Pentium Gold processor and 4GB RAM handle everyday tasks smoothly. Battery life is also long at up to 10 hours.
While not made for intensive computing, the Surface Go 2 works wonderfully for web access, streaming, light work docs and more. If you want a super compact Windows laptop with versatile tablet functionality, this is the one to get.
Best for Gaming: Dell Inspiron 14
Laptops focused exclusively on gaming performance often demand premium prices. But the Dell Inspiron 14 hits a sweet spot for budget-minded gamers.
It features a current gen AMD Ryzen 5000U processor with Radeon graphics capable of running many popular titles easily. The 14-inch 1080p anti-glare display keeps visuals smooth and immersive. You also get creature comforts like Wi-Fi 6 and a lift hinge for ergonomic typing angles.
Battery life is rated for up to 8 hours as well between charges. While not an elite gaming machine, the Inspiron 14 delivers reliable recreational play at over 60FPS for games like Fortnite, Minecraft or Rocket League. For under $600, it brings good value to casual gamers.
How to Pick the Best Cheap Laptop: Step-by-Step
For anyone in the market looking for a great cheap laptop, there are four important considerations to start with.
Operating System
In the cheap laptop space, you are going to have to choose between a Windows computer and a Chromebook. Windows undoubtedly has more compatibility with different applications and is the default interface for many computers. Chromebooks are often less expensive and require less intensive hardware to run at the same performance level as a Windows machine.
If web browsing is your top priority, a Chromebook is a great choice. However, if using applications like Word or PowerPoint is most important for you, Windows is the best way to go.
Body Style
Just as you have two choices for your operating system, with a cheap laptop you are likely to have three different options. The first two bounce between the traditional laptop model and the 2-in-1 that has the monitor portion bending back almost 360 degrees while remaining attached to the keyboard to create a writing space.
The third option is a different type of 2-in-1 where the screen and keyboard can detach from each other thereby creating a tablet as is the case with the Microsoft Surface Go 2. For many people, the idea of a 2-in-1 that detaches makes it easy to work during the day with a keyboard attached and then detach when it’s time to sit on the couch and binge Netflix.
Screen
Among this list of the best cheap laptops, you have screen sizes ranging from 10.5 inches to 14 inches. Choosing a laptop size can help determine how portable your new computer will be, and depending on the laptop you choose, it could lighten your load while on the go. The second consideration is that different resolutions can impact how much space you have to watch a movie or browse, so looking for a laptop that can display at least 1080p Full HD resolution is the right place to start.
Battery
No matter the price of a laptop, cheap or otherwise, finding one with all-day battery life should be a priority. Fortunately, many cheap laptops offer at least 8-10 hours of battery before needing to be recharged. This should be enough power to get you through a workday and into the evening where entertainment can take over. Chromebooks, in particular, offer standout battery life while being a cheap option because of their low-power operating system, so they are a great option if you value battery life above all else.
Using a Cheap Laptop: What It‘s Like
Using a cheap laptop isn’t unlike using a more expensive laptop, you just have to temper your expectations of what these machines can do. These are not gaming powerhouses so don’t expect to play the latest AAA titles. You should also not look at these machines if you are a content creator and need to edit videos or photos on a regular basis.
Instead, these machines are perfect for being online all the time for browsing as well as watching your favorite shows or movies. As long as you don't expect to play Cyberpunk 2077 on the Dell Inspiron 14, you are going to be absolutely okay with any of these cheap laptop options.
Summary Table
| Rank | Laptop |
| Best Overall | Acer Aspire 3 Spin |
| Best Value | HP 14 Laptop |
| Best Chromebook | Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i |
| Best 2-in-1 | Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 |
| Best Portability | Microsoft Surface Go 2 |
| Best for Gaming | Dell Inspiron 14 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cheap laptop available today?
The best cheap laptop available right now is the Acer Aspire 3 Spin 14.
What qualifies as a cheap laptop these days?
The word cheap is going to be defined differently by different people, but ideally, under $500 would be a good place to start.
Should you go for Windows or ChromeOS with a cheap laptop?
This is a very subjective choice based on your needs and what you want out of a computer.
How many different Chromebook models are available?
There are dozens of models available in the Chromebook space these days, which is good news for consumers who want options.
Can you play games on a Chromebook?
The answer to this is yes and no as it really depends on the Chromebook, as newer Chromebook options, which are more expensive, are now coming with cloud gaming features.
