by Looking for a new laptop that won’t break the bank? Check out our top 5 picks for the best budget laptops of 2023. These affordable options are packed with features and performance capabilities to meet your everyday needs.
Are you in the market for a new laptop but don’t want to break the bank? Look no further! We’ve scoured the market and tested various options to bring you the best budget laptops for 2023. These laptops are affordable, yet still packed with features and performance capabilities that will meet your everyday needs.
Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop
Affordable and powerful with a 15.6-inch full HD display and Ryzen 3
The Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop is a perfect example of a budget laptop that doesn’t compromise on performance. With a 15.6-inch full HD IPS display, an AMD Ryzen 3 3200U processor, and Radeon Vega 3 Graphics, this laptop can handle everyday tasks with ease. It also comes with 4GB DDR4 memory, a 128GB PCIe NVMe SSD, and up to 7.5 hours of battery life. At a price point of around $400, the Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop is a steal.
Pros
- 1. Lightweight and Portable
- One of the biggest selling points of the Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop is its portability. Weighing in at just over 3 pounds, this laptop is easy to take with you on-the-go. Whether you’re traveling for work or school, or simply want a laptop that’s easy to move around your home, the Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop delivers.
- Solid Performance
- While the Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop may not be the most powerful laptop on the market, it certainly holds its own when it comes to everyday tasks. With an 8th generation Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM, this laptop can easily handle web browsing, word processing, and even some light gaming.
- Great Battery Life
- Another standout feature of the Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop is its battery life. With up to 9.5 hours of battery life on a single charge, you can use this laptop throughout the day without worrying about running out of juice.
- Comfortable Keyboard
- The keyboard on the Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop is comfortable to type on, with well-spaced keys that have a decent amount of travel. This makes it easy to type for long periods of time without experiencing hand fatigue
Cons
- Limited Graphics Performance
- While the Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop can handle basic gaming, it’s not designed for heavy-duty graphics tasks. If you’re looking for a laptop that can handle intensive video editing or gaming, you’ll want to look elsewhere.
- Mediocre Display
- The display on the Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop is decent, but not exceptional. It’s a 15.6-inch full HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. While this is perfectly adequate for most tasks, it doesn’t have the same level of color accuracy and vibrancy as some other laptops on the market.
- Limited Storage
- With just a 128GB solid-state drive, the Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop doesn’t offer a ton of storage space. If you plan on storing a lot of photos, videos, or other large files on your laptop, you may need to invest in an external hard drive.
- No Thunderbolt 3 Port
- Finally, the Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop does not come with a Thunderbolt 3 port. This may not be a dealbreaker for most users, but if you rely on Thunderbolt 3 for high-speed data transfer or external displays, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Laptop
Reliable and affordable with a 15.6-inch full HD display and Ryzen 5
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Laptop is another great option for those on a budget. It boasts a 15.6-inch full HD display, an AMD Ryzen 5 3500U processor, and AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics. It also comes with 8GB DDR4 RAM, a 256GB SSD, and up to 7.5 hours of battery life. At a price point of around $500, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Laptop is a solid choice for those looking for a reliable and affordable laptop.
Pros
- Affordable Price
- One of the biggest selling points of the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is its price. Starting at just a few hundred dollars, this laptop is a great option for anyone on a budget. Despite its low price, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 still offers solid performance and a decent set of features.
- Good Performance for Everyday Tasks
- The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 processor and 8GB of RAM, which is more than enough power for everyday tasks like web browsing, word processing, and even light gaming. This laptop can also handle some photo and video editing, making it a versatile choice for students and professionals.
- Decent Battery Life
- The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 offers up to 7 hours of battery life on a single charge, which is enough to get you through a typical work or school day. This makes it a great choice for anyone who needs to use their laptop on-the-go.
- Plenty of Ports
- Despite its slim design, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 still manages to pack in a variety of ports. It includes two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, an HDMI port, and an SD card reader, giving you plenty of options for connecting peripherals.
Cons
- Poor Display Quality
- One of the biggest drawbacks of the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is its display quality. The 15.6-inch display has a resolution of just 1366 x 768 pixels, which is significantly lower than other laptops in this price range. This can make it difficult to see small details, and colors may not be as vibrant as you’d like.
- Slow Storage
- The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 comes with a 256GB solid-state drive, which should be enough storage for most users. However, this drive is on the slower side, which can make boot and load times slower than you’d like. If you need faster storage, you may want to look at other options.
- Limited Graphics Performance
- While the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 can handle basic gaming and some photo and video editing, it’s not designed for heavy-duty graphics tasks. If you’re looking for a laptop that can handle more intensive gaming or graphics work, you’ll want to look elsewhere.
- Mediocre Audio Quality
- The speakers on the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 are average at best, with limited bass and a tinny sound. If you plan on using your laptop to listen to music or watch videos, you may want to invest in a pair of external speakers or headphones.
HP Pavilion x360 Convertible Laptop
Perfect for work and play with a 14-inch full HD touchscreen display
If you’re in need of a 2-in-1 laptop, the HP Pavilion x360 Convertible Laptop is a great option. With a 14-inch full HD touchscreen display, an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor, and Intel UHD Graphics, this laptop is perfect for those who need a laptop for both work and play. It also comes with 8GB DDR4 RAM, a 256GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD, and up to 8 hours of battery life. At a price point of around $600, the HP Pavilion x360 Convertible Laptop is an excellent value.
Pros
- Versatile Design
- The HP Pavilion x360 Convertible’s versatile design allows you to use it as a traditional laptop, a tablet, or in tent mode for presentations. This flexibility makes it a great option for anyone who needs a device that can adapt to their needs.
- Solid Performance
- Powered by an 11th Gen Intel Core processor and up to 16GB of RAM, the HP Pavilion x360 Convertible offers solid performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, word processing, and even light photo and video editing. This makes it a great choice for students and professionals who need a reliable device for work or school.
- Long Battery Life
- The HP Pavilion x360 Convertible offers up to 8 hours of battery life on a single charge, making it a great choice for anyone who needs to use their laptop on-the-go. This is especially impressive given the laptop’s powerful performance and versatility.
- Plenty of Ports
- Despite its slim design, the HP Pavilion x360 Convertible still manages to pack in plenty of ports. It includes two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, an HDMI port, and an SD card reader, giving you plenty of options for connecting peripherals.
Cons
- Limited Storage
- The HP Pavilion x360 Convertible comes with a 256GB solid-state drive, which may not be enough storage for everyone. While this drive is fast, you may need to invest in external storage or a larger internal drive if you need more space.
- Heavy and Bulky
- While the HP Pavilion x360 Convertible is versatile and powerful, it’s also quite heavy and bulky compared to other 2-in-1 laptops. This can make it difficult to carry around for extended periods of time, especially if you plan on using it as a tablet.
- Mediocre Display Quality
- The 14-inch display on the HP Pavilion x360 Convertible has a resolution of just 1366 x 768 pixels, which is lower than other laptops in this price range. While the display is adequate for everyday use, you may find that small details and text are difficult to see.
- Average Audio Quality
- The speakers on the HP Pavilion x360 Convertible are adequate for watching videos and listening to music, but they’re not the best. You may want to invest in external speakers or headphones if you’re looking for high-quality audio.
ASUS VivoBook 15 Laptop
Sleek and modern design with a 15.6-inch full HD display and Ryzen 5
The ASUS VivoBook 15 Laptop is a great budget laptop option for those who prioritize design. With a sleek and modern design, this laptop stands out from the competition. It boasts a 15.6-inch full HD display, an AMD Ryzen 5 3500U processor, and AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics. It also comes with 8GB DDR4 RAM, a 128GB SSD, and up to 8 hours of battery life. At a price point of around $500, the ASUS VivoBook 15 Laptop is a great option for those who want a laptop that looks as good as it performs.
Pros
- Powerful Performance
- The ASUS VivoBook 15 is powered by an 11th Gen Intel Core processor and up to 16GB of RAM, providing plenty of power for demanding tasks like video editing and gaming. This makes it a great choice for professionals and gamers who need a powerful device for their work or hobby.
- Sleek Design
- The ASUS VivoBook 15 features a sleek design with a slim profile and minimal bezels. It’s available in a range of attractive colors, including Indie Black, Transparent Silver, and Hearty Gold, making it a stylish option for anyone who values aesthetics.
- Large Display
- The 15.6-inch Full HD display on the ASUS VivoBook 15 provides plenty of screen real estate for work or entertainment. The display is also equipped with ASUS Splendid technology, which enhances color and contrast for a more immersive viewing experience.
- Long Battery Life
- The ASUS VivoBook 15 offers up to 8 hours of battery life on a single charge, making it a great option for anyone who needs to use their laptop on-the-go. This makes it an ideal choice for students and professionals who need to work away from an outlet.
Cons
- Limited Storage
- The ASUS VivoBook 15 comes with a 512GB solid-state drive, which may not be enough storage for some users. While the drive is fast, you may need to invest in external storage or a larger internal drive if you need more space.
- Mediocre Audio Quality
- While the ASUS VivoBook 15 has decent audio quality for a laptop, it’s not the best. The speakers are located on the bottom of the laptop, which can make the sound muffled, and the volume may not be loud enough for some users.
- No Thunderbolt 3 Support
- The ASUS VivoBook 15 does not support Thunderbolt 3, which may be a drawback for some users who need fast data transfer speeds. This means that you won’t be able to connect high-speed peripherals like external GPUs or high-resolution displays.
- No Dedicated Graphics Card
- While the ASUS VivoBook 15’s integrated graphics card is powerful enough for most tasks, it may not be sufficient for demanding games or graphics-intensive applications. If you’re a gamer or professional who needs a dedicated graphics card, this laptop may not be the best choice for you.
Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Laptop
A budget option that doesn’t skimp on features and performance
The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Laptop is a budget laptop that doesn’t skimp on features. With a 15.6-inch HD display, an Intel Celeron N4020 processor, and Intel UHD Graphics 600, this laptop is perfect for everyday use. It also comes with 4GB DDR4 RAM, a 128GB SSD, and up to 7 hours of battery life. At a price point of around $300, the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Laptop is an excellent value for those on a tight budget.
Pros
- Affordable price: The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is one of the most affordable laptops in the market, making it a great option for budget-conscious buyers.
- Large screen: This laptop features a 15.6-inch display, which is larger than many other budget laptops in its class.
- Decent performance: The Inspiron 15 3000 comes with a range of Intel processors, including the Core i3, i5, and i7, which can provide decent performance for everyday tasks such as browsing the web, using Microsoft Office, and even light gaming.
- Ample storage: The laptop comes with a 1TB hard drive, which provides ample storage for all your files, documents, and media.
- Variety of ports: The Inspiron 15 3000 comes with a variety of ports, including USB 3.0, HDMI, and SD card reader, making it easy to connect to different devices and peripherals.
Cons
- Average battery life: The battery life of the Inspiron 15 3000 is not very impressive, lasting around 5 hours on a single charge.
- Subpar build quality: The laptop is made from plastic, which doesn’t feel as sturdy as laptops made from metal or other materials.
- Mediocre display: The display on the Inspiron 15 3000 is average at best, with poor viewing angles and color accuracy.
- Limited upgradability: The laptop doesn’t have a lot of options for upgrading, with only one RAM slot and limited options for storage upgrades.
- Bloatware: The Inspiron 15 3000 comes with a lot of pre-installed software, which can slow down the laptop and take up storage space.
In conclusion, the best budget laptops of 2023 offer a great combination of affordability, features, and performance. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight laptop for on-the-go use, a larger model with a bigger screen for multimedia, or a 2-in-1 convertible for flexibility, there’s a budget laptop out there for you. So why spend more when you can get the same or even better value for less?
Overall:
Overall, it’s clear that these budget laptops offer impressive value for their price. While they may not have all the bells and whistles of high-end models, they offer solid performance, good battery life, and a range of features that are suitable for most users. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a casual user, you’re sure to find a budget laptop that meets your needs and your budget.
In many cases, there’s no need to spend more on a laptop. The technology available in budget laptops today is more than adequate for most users, and the performance gap between budget laptops and high-end models is narrowing all the time. With careful research and consideration of your needs, you can find a budget laptop that is both affordable and powerful enough to meet your requirements.
