Getting a powerful and reliable laptop doesn‘t have to break the bank. Thanks to advances in technology and competition among manufacturers, there are now great options available for under $900 that can handle most common computing tasks.
In this guide, we‘ll highlight the key factors to consider when shopping for a laptop in this price range and review 6 top-rated models across different categories to suit a variety of needs.
Key Specs to Look For
When choosing a quality yet affordable laptop, pay attention to these key specs:
RAM: For basic usage like web browsing, document editing, etc., 8GB is ideal. Some budget gaming laptops may have just 4GB which could create bottlenecks when multitasking.
Storage: Solid state drives (SSDs) are much faster than traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). Aim for at least a 256GB SSD for good performance.
CPU: Intel Core i5 processors strike a nice balance between price and ability to handle intensive tasks. Some basic use laptops may have Core i3 which is OK.
Display Resolution: Look for a minimum of 1080p (1920 x 1080) for a sharp, clear picture. Higher-end laptops may have 4K.
Graphics Card: Integrated graphics are fine for general use. Dedicated GPUs are recommended if you plan to do gaming or demanding creative work.
Battery Life: Expect 5+ hours of mixed use from quality laptops under $900 when not doing processor-intensive work. Gaming drains batteries faster.
Paying attention to those key factors while comparing options will help you identify laptops offering a great combination of performance, build quality, and value at this moderate budget level.
Windows Laptop vs. Chromebook
One decision you‘ll need to make when shopping under $900 is whether to get a Windows laptop or a Chromebook. Here‘s a quick rundown of their key differences:
Windows:
- Offers full-featured OS to run Windows software
- Wider selection of models optimized for different needs
- More storage/RAM flexibility for applications and files
Chrome OS:
- Streamlined cloud-based OS relies on web apps
- Limited local storage, focused on cloud syncing
- Excellent battery life and quick boot times
- Great affordable options for students and light users
The 6 Best Laptops Under $900
Here are 6 laptops priced under $900 that provide excellent performance and features to meet a range of needs:
1. Best Overall: ASUS Vivobook 15
$689
With its combination of ample storage, powerful performance and large vibrant display, the ASUS Vivobook 15 is a terrific overall option for work, school or entertainment.
Key Specs:
- 15.6” FHD Display
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700U CPU
- 16GB RAM
- 512GB SSD Storage
-Fingerprint reader
Pros:
- Very responsive performance
- Good build quality for price
- Comfortable backlit keyboard
Cons:
- Display colors could be more vivid
Best For: Students, office/productivity work, streaming & casual gaming
2. Best Budget Gaming: Acer Nitro 5
$799
The Acer Nitro 5 packs impressive specs for immersive AAA gaming at a budget price point, though battery life takes an expected hit.
Key Specs:
- 15.6” FHD 144Hz Display
- Intel Core i5-10300H CPU
- 16GB RAM
- 512GB SSD
- NVIDIA GTX 1650 GPU
Pros:
- Great performance for popular games
- Bright vivid 144Hz screen
- Lots of config options
Cons:
- Battery lasts just 4-5 hours
- Gets hot when gaming
Best For: Gamers wanting good FPS without blowing budget
3. Best 2-in-1: Lenovo Flex 5 14
$699
With a vivid 1080p touchscreen that rotates 360 degrees into tablet mode, the Lenovo Flex 5 14 is a versatile 2-in-1 choice for artists and creators.
Key Specs:
- 14” FHD Touch Display
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500U CPU
- 16GB RAM
- 256GB SSD
- AMD Radeon Graphics
Pros:
- Bright, color-accurate display
- Smooth stylus input performance
- Classy design with metal finish
Cons:
- Mediocre battery runtime
- Tablet mode is bulky
Best For: Digital artists, flexible use
4. Best Battery Life: ASUS Chromebook CX9
$699
Boasting over 16 hours of video playback on a charge, the ASUS Chromebook CX9 lets you work or study for days without plugging in.
Key Specs:
- 13.5" FHD Touch Display
- Intel Core i3-1115G4 CPU
- 8GB RAM
- 128GB SSD
- Intel UHD Graphics
Pros:
- Crazy long battery life
- Bright vibrant touchscreen
- Solid build quality
Cons:
- Mediocre speakers
- Average camera
Best For: Students, frequent travelers
5. Best Under $500: Lenovo IdeaPad 3
$479
For just under $500, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 provides reliable performance for work and school paired with a premium look.
Key Specs:
- 15.6” HD Touch Display
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500U CPU
- 12GB RAM
- 256GB SSD
Pros:
- Lots of config options
- Classy, slim profile
- Comfortable keyboard
Cons:
- Display not very bright
- Some bloatware included
Best For: Tight budgets, office work
6. Best Portability: Acer Swift 3 Thin & Light
$789
Weighing just 2.65 pounds, the super portable Acer Swift 3 delivers surprising performance in an ultrathin metal chassis.
Key Specs:
- 14" FHD Display
- 12th Gen Intel Core i7 CPU
- 8GB RAM
- 512GB SSD
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Pros:
- Incredibly lightweight
- Aluminum chassis looks sleek
- Peppy productivity performance
Cons:
- Quiet speakers
- Display could be brighter
Best For: Frequent travelers prioritizing portability
Choosing Among the Best Laptops Under $900
With so many options to pick from, choosing the right laptop comes down to identifying your key needs and priorities.
For students on a budget, Chromebooks and lower-priced Windows laptops balance performance with affordability. Those using specialized software should ensure compatibility.
Frequent travelers benefit from premium ultraportables like the Acer Swift 3 that provide speed and long battery life without weighing you down.
Creators and artists wanting touch inputs may prefer the Lenovo Flex 2-in-1 with its vibrant display and smooth stylus support.
And gamers get their money’s worth with gaming-centric rigs like the Acer Nitro 5 that squeeze impressive graphics capabilities into a low cost package.
No matter your specific needs, sticking to laptops in this under $900 price tier means you can get excellent quality without overspending. Carefully compare options using the criteria outlined earlier to zero in on the right laptop for you.
Getting the Best Laptop Deals
While our recommended models already offer fantastic value at their list prices, you can often save extra by keeping an eye out for sales and deals.
Monitor retailer sites for seasonal sales around back-to-school season, Black Friday, and other big shopping holidays. Signing up for email alerts can help you jump on limited-time offers.
Third party dealers like Amazon also regularly discount laptops, so check Camelcamelcamel or other Amazon price trackers to identify the best discounts.
Buying certified refurbished from the manufacturer can be another money-saving route to get premium laptops at steep markdowns over new models, with the peace of mind of a warranty and quality assurance testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get an HDD or SSD drive?
SSDs are much faster, more reliable, and energy efficient. The extra cost is well worth it over traditional hard disk drives.
How much RAM do I really need?
For office productivity and web browsing, 8GB is plenty. Power users can benefit from 16GB+ for intensive creative work or keeping many programs/browser tabs open.
Are gaming laptops under $900 worth it?
Absolutely.Dedicated gaming GPUs were once extremely expensive, but nowadays models around this price deliver great 1080p performance in popular titles with some settings tweaking.
Is a backlit keyboard worth it?
If you frequently use your laptop in dim environments, backlit keyboards make a huge quality of life difference for comfortable typing. Well worth a small upcharge.
What accessories should I get?
A good laptop sleeve or case is essential for protecting your device when traveling. External monitors, keyboards and docking stations can also massively improve desktop setups.
The Bottom Line
Getting a high-performing laptop with a polished user experience no longer requires spending over a grand. As this guide illustrates, top brands now offer fantastic options under $900 suitable for students, creatives, business users and even gamers.
By carefully weighing your needs against device capabilities and keeping an eye out for deal, you can get an impressive portable computer with head-turning looks without breaking your budget. Any of the laptops profiled above will serve you well for years of productive use.
