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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

HP 14 Laptop, Intel Celeron N4020, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB Storage, 14-inch Micro-edge HD Display, Windows 11 Home, Thin & Portable, 4K Graphics, One Year of Microsoft 365 (14-dq0040nr, Snowflake White)

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,410
RAM
Storage
Display

Most important from
2954 reviews

RAM
The laptop is a bit slow with many tabs open or multiple programs running due to limited RAM.
Storage
64GB of storage may not be sufficient for users with larger storage needs.
Display
The screen can be dim and challenging to use outdoors despite adjustments.
Battery Life
Impressive battery life, lasting up to 6.5 hours on a single charge.
Operating System
S mode can be easily turned off to install additional programs not found in the Microsoft store.
Connectivity
Includes an SD card slot, perfect for transferring data easily.

The HP 14 Laptop is designed for users seeking a basic yet functional computing experience. It features an Intel Celeron N4020 processor, 4 GB of RAM, and 64 GB of storage, making it suitable for everyday tasks such as browsing the web, word processing, and streaming videos. The 14-inch Micro-edge display offers a decent viewing experience, though its HD resolution (1366 x 768) may not satisfy those looking for sharp graphics or high-resolution content. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 600 allows for 4K streaming, but gaming performance will be limited due to the laptop's entry-level specifications.

Its thin and portable design, weighing just 3.24 pounds, makes it easy to carry, which is a significant plus for students or professionals on the go. The battery life is commendable at around 10 hours, allowing for a full day of usage without needing to recharge, which is ideal for work or school settings.

However, there are some drawbacks. The storage capacity of 64 GB might feel restrictive, especially if you plan to install multiple applications or store large files. Additionally, the use of Windows 11 S limits you to apps available in the Microsoft Store, which could be a drawback for users who need more flexibility in their software choices. Moreover, the RAM is also on the lower side for multitasking, which might affect performance if too many applications are open simultaneously.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,410
RAM
Storage
Display

Most important from
2954 reviews

RAM
The laptop is a bit slow with many tabs open or multiple programs running due to limited RAM.
Storage
64GB of storage may not be sufficient for users with larger storage needs.
Display
The screen can be dim and challenging to use outdoors despite adjustments.
Battery Life
Impressive battery life, lasting up to 6.5 hours on a single charge.
Operating System
S mode can be easily turned off to install additional programs not found in the Microsoft store.
Connectivity
Includes an SD card slot, perfect for transferring data easily.
#2

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
9.8
Battery Life
Display

Most important from
425 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
9.8
Battery Life
Display

Most important from
425 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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