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10 Best Basic Laptops 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Lenovo ThinkPad E16 G2 Business Laptop Computer, 16" FHD+, AMD 8-Core Ryzen 7 7735HS (Beat i7-1360P), 32GB DDR5, 1TB PCIe SSD, WiFi 6E, Fingerprint Reader, Backlit Keyboard, Windows 11 Pro, AZ-XUT

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,442
Processor (CPU)
RAM
Storage

Most important from
195 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Delivers solid hardware performance that meets business and multitasking needs effectively.
RAM
Equipped with a large, fast SSD and ample RAM, ensuring smooth operation even with demanding workloads.
Storage
Equipped with a large, fast SSD and ample RAM, ensuring smooth operation even with demanding workloads.
Display
Features a comfortable, anti-glare 16-inch display that reduces eye strain during extended use.
Ports and Connectivity
Connectivity options are comprehensive, supporting diverse business and networking needs.
Build Quality and Design
Build quality is sturdy and durable, fitting well within the expectations for a business-class laptop.

The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable, business-focused laptop with strong performance. Its AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS processor with 8 cores ensures smooth multitasking and can handle demanding work without slowing down. With a generous 32GB of fast DDR5 RAM and a large 1TB PCIe SSD, it offers plenty of memory and storage space for files and programs, which is excellent for users who work with large documents or multiple applications at once.

The 16-inch Full HD+ display delivers clear and comfortable visuals with an anti-glare finish, making it easier on your eyes during long work sessions, although the color range is somewhat limited (45% NTSC), so it’s not ideal for professional photo or video editing. Running Windows 11 Pro, it comes preloaded with useful security and productivity features fitting for business use. Connectivity options are comprehensive, including multiple USB-A and USB-C ports, HDMI, Ethernet, and WiFi 6E for fast and stable internet connections. The built-in fingerprint reader and privacy webcam shutter add extra security, which is a nice touch.

Weighing around 5 pounds with a slim design, it’s reasonably portable but not the lightest option out there. The keyboard is backlit, helping you work in dim environments comfortably. One downside is the display isn’t touch-enabled, which some users might miss. While the build is sturdy and designed for business, it won’t feel as premium as higher-end ThinkPads or ultrabooks, but remains durable for daily use. This laptop suits professionals or students who want a powerful, secure machine for everyday tasks, office work, and moderate multitasking, without needing specialized features like a touchscreen or high-end color accuracy.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,442
Processor (CPU)
RAM
Storage

Most important from
195 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Delivers solid hardware performance that meets business and multitasking needs effectively.
RAM
Equipped with a large, fast SSD and ample RAM, ensuring smooth operation even with demanding workloads.
Storage
Equipped with a large, fast SSD and ample RAM, ensuring smooth operation even with demanding workloads.
Display
Features a comfortable, anti-glare 16-inch display that reduces eye strain during extended use.
Ports and Connectivity
Connectivity options are comprehensive, supporting diverse business and networking needs.
Build Quality and Design
Build quality is sturdy and durable, fitting well within the expectations for a business-class laptop.
#2

Acer Aspire Go 15 AI Ready Laptop, 15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS Display, AMD Ryzen 7 5825U, AMD Radeon Graphics, 16GB DDR4, 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD, Wi-Fi 6, Windows 11 Home, AG15-42P-R3NB

Rating
9.1
Processor (CPU)
RAM
Storage

Most important from
4500 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The laptop runs games surprisingly well for its price, delivering fast and smooth performance that supports multitasking and entertainment seamlessly.
RAM
With 16GB of RAM and Wi-Fi 6, it handles everyday tasks and connectivity effortlessly, making it a dependable choice for home office and casual use.
Storage
Booting up takes just seconds thanks to the solid state drive, enabling quick access to work and applications without delay.
Ports and Connectivity
Its lightweight design and good selection of ports allow easy connection to multiple accessories, enhancing overall usability and convenience.

The Acer Aspire Go 15 is a solid choice if you need a reliable laptop for everyday tasks like browsing, video calls, and productivity work. It comes with a powerful AMD Ryzen 7 processor and 16GB of RAM, which means it handles multitasking smoothly and can keep up with most basic to moderate computing needs without lag. Storage is generous with a fast 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD, giving you plenty of space for files and quick access to your programs. The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display offers clear, sharp visuals with good color consistency, making it comfortable for watching videos or working on documents. Battery life is respectable, lasting up to about 10 hours, so it should get you through a typical day without needing a charge. This model runs Windows 11 Home, which is user-friendly and familiar to most users.

Connectivity is strong with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, and a variety of ports including USB-C with power delivery, multiple USB 3.2 ports, HDMI 2.1, and Ethernet, which means you can easily plug in all sorts of peripherals and enjoy fast internet connections. Build-wise, it’s lightweight at just under 4 pounds with a slim design, and it also includes handy extras like a backlit keyboard, fingerprint reader, and a numeric keypad. While the integrated AMD Radeon graphics are fine for general use, this laptop is not meant for demanding gaming or heavy graphic work. The webcam quality is decent with low-light enhancements but won’t replace a dedicated camera if you want professional video calls.

This laptop is well-suited for students, professionals, and casual users who want a dependable, well-rounded machine without unnecessary complexity.

Rating
9.1
Processor (CPU)
RAM
Storage

Most important from
4500 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The laptop runs games surprisingly well for its price, delivering fast and smooth performance that supports multitasking and entertainment seamlessly.
RAM
With 16GB of RAM and Wi-Fi 6, it handles everyday tasks and connectivity effortlessly, making it a dependable choice for home office and casual use.
Storage
Booting up takes just seconds thanks to the solid state drive, enabling quick access to work and applications without delay.
Ports and Connectivity
Its lightweight design and good selection of ports allow easy connection to multiple accessories, enhancing overall usability and convenience.
#3

Dell Inspiron Touchscreen Laptop, 15.6" Business & Student Laptop Computer, Windows 11 Pro Laptop 32GB RAM 1TB SSD, Intel i5-1155G7 Processor, Full HD IPS Display, Numeric Keypad, HDMI, Carbon Black

Rating
8.8
Battery Life
Display

Most important from
844 reviews

Battery Life
Battery life is excellent, and the picture quality is great.
Display
Lightweight design and touchscreen resolution make it ideal for students.

The Dell Inspiron Touchscreen Laptop is well-suited for students and business professionals. Featuring an Intel Quad-Core i5-1155G7 processor, it offers solid performance for daily tasks. The substantial 32GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking, and the 1TB SSD provides generous and fast storage, making it ideal for storing large files and applications.

The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS touchscreen display, with its narrow bezels and anti-glare feature, delivers sharp visuals and comfortable viewing. Its 220 nits brightness might be less impressive in bright environments. Running on Windows 11 Pro, it offers robust security and multitasking features beneficial for professionals and students alike. Connectivity options include two USB 3.2 Type-A ports, one USB 2.0 Type-A port, an HDMI 1.4 port for external displays, a headphone/microphone combo jack, and an SD card reader. Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth ensure reliable wireless connections, although some might prefer the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard.

The laptop's build is sleek and portable, weighing only 3.65 pounds and measuring 0.69 inches in thickness, making it convenient for on-the-go use. While the integrated Intel UHD Graphics is sufficient for basic graphics tasks, it may not satisfy users seeking advanced gaming or heavy graphical work. This laptop is a solid choice for students and professionals needing reliable performance, ample storage, and a high-quality display for their daily computing needs.

Rating
8.8
Battery Life
Display

Most important from
844 reviews

Battery Life
Battery life is excellent, and the picture quality is great.
Display
Lightweight design and touchscreen resolution make it ideal for students.

Buying Guide for the Best Basic Laptops

Choosing the right laptop can be a daunting task, especially with the myriad of options available in the market. To make an informed decision, it's essential to understand the key specifications that define a laptop's performance and usability. By focusing on these specs, you can find a laptop that best fits your needs, whether it's for work, study, or casual use.
Processor (CPU)The processor is the brain of the laptop, responsible for executing tasks and running programs. A more powerful processor can handle more demanding applications and multitasking efficiently. For basic use, such as browsing the internet, streaming videos, and using office applications, an entry-level processor like Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 is sufficient. If you plan to do more intensive tasks like photo editing or light gaming, consider a mid-range processor like Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5.
RAMRAM (Random Access Memory) is crucial for multitasking and running multiple applications smoothly. More RAM allows your laptop to handle more tasks simultaneously without slowing down. For basic usage, 4GB of RAM is usually adequate. However, if you tend to keep many tabs open or use more demanding applications, 8GB of RAM is a better choice to ensure smooth performance.
StorageStorage determines how much data you can save on your laptop, including documents, photos, videos, and applications. There are two main types: HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid State Drive). SSDs are faster and more reliable but usually come with less storage space compared to HDDs. For basic use, a 256GB SSD is a good starting point, offering quick boot times and fast access to files. If you need more space for storing large files, consider a laptop with a larger SSD or an additional HDD.
DisplayThe display is important for your viewing experience. It includes size, resolution, and panel type. A 13 to 15-inch screen is ideal for portability and general use. Resolution affects the clarity of the screen; Full HD (1920x1080) is a good standard for clear and sharp visuals. For basic tasks, a standard LCD panel is sufficient, but if you want better color accuracy and viewing angles, consider an IPS panel.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long you can use your laptop without needing to recharge. This is especially important if you plan to use your laptop on the go. For basic use, aim for a laptop that offers at least 6-8 hours of battery life. If you need to work for extended periods away from a power source, look for models that offer longer battery life, such as 10-12 hours.
Operating SystemThe operating system (OS) is the software that manages all the hardware and software on your laptop. The most common options are Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS. Windows is versatile and compatible with a wide range of software, making it suitable for most users. macOS is known for its smooth performance and integration with other Apple products, ideal for users who are already in the Apple ecosystem. Chrome OS is lightweight and designed for web-based tasks, perfect for users who primarily use online applications.
Ports and ConnectivityPorts and connectivity options determine how you can connect your laptop to other devices. Common ports include USB, HDMI, and headphone jacks. Ensure the laptop has enough USB ports for your peripherals, such as a mouse, keyboard, or external hard drive. HDMI is useful for connecting to external monitors or TVs. Additionally, check for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities for wireless connections.
Build Quality and DesignBuild quality and design affect the durability and aesthetics of the laptop. Look for a laptop with a sturdy build, preferably with metal or high-quality plastic. Consider the weight and thickness if you plan to carry it around frequently. A well-designed laptop not only looks good but also feels comfortable to use.

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