10 Best Budget Laptops 2025 in the United States

The HP 14 Laptop is a solid choice for those in need of a budget-friendly device, especially students or anyone who requires a portable computer for everyday tasks. It features an Intel Celeron N4020 processor paired with 4 GB of RAM, which makes it suitable for basic activities like web browsing, word processing, and streaming videos. The 14-inch micro-edge HD display offers a decent viewing experience, although the 1366 x 768 resolution may not meet everyone's expectations for sharpness.

One of its biggest advantages is its lightweight and compact design, making it easy to carry around. The battery life is impressive too, with up to 10 hours of usage, which is great for on-the-go productivity. Additionally, the inclusion of Windows 11 Home and one year of Microsoft 365 adds value for users looking for software to get started right away.

This laptop does have its limitations. The storage of 64 GB may be insufficient for users who plan to store large files or install numerous applications, as it relies on flash storage that can fill up quickly. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 600 allows for some basic gaming and streaming, but it may struggle with more demanding tasks or newer games. Another point to note is the build quality; while it’s portable, some users may find the materials feel less premium compared to higher-end models. Additionally, the lack of an optical drive might be a drawback for those who rely on CDs or DVDs.

The Dell Inspiron 15 is a powerful budget-friendly laptop with strong features that suit students, professionals, and general users looking for solid performance without breaking the bank. It runs on a 13th Gen Intel Core i5 processor with 10 cores, which is quite capable for everyday tasks like studying, business work, streaming, and light creative projects. The 32GB of RAM is unusually large for a budget laptop, ensuring smooth multitasking and future-proofing. Storage comes in the form of a fast 1TB PCIe SSD, providing plenty of space and quick access to files.

The 15.6-inch Full HD touchscreen display offers sharp visuals with good color thanks to its anti-glare technology, making it comfortable for long periods of use both indoors and in various lighting conditions. Connectivity is comprehensive with WiFi 6 for faster wireless internet, Bluetooth, multiple USB ports including USB-C, HDMI, and an SD card reader, plus a useful USB-C hub with additional ports for expanding options. The laptop’s build is slim and lightweight for portability, though it weighs around 5 pounds, which is slightly on the heavier side compared to ultra-portable models.

This Dell Inspiron 15 effectively balances performance, storage, and connectivity for users on a budget, especially those needing a larger screen and solid multitasking ability.

The ASUS Vivobook Go 15.6” is a solid budget laptop option for those needing good performance for everyday tasks. It comes with an AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Quad-Core processor, which handles web browsing, document editing, and streaming smoothly. The 8GB of DDR5 RAM supports multitasking well, and the 128GB SSD provides decent storage and quick boot times.

The 15.6” full HD display with slim bezels offers a vibrant viewing experience, although its 45% NTSC color gamut and 250-nit brightness might not satisfy those needing superior display quality for graphic design or media editing work. The build quality is dependable, with military-grade durability and a light weight of 3.59 lbs, making it portable and sturdy. Connectivity is comprehensive with multiple USB ports, HDMI, and Wi-Fi 5, ensuring you can easily connect various peripherals and networks.

The Windows 11 Home operating system provides an up-to-date, user-friendly interface, and the added privacy of a webcam shield is a thoughtful touch. However, the integrated graphics are basic and not suitable for gaming or heavy graphic-intensive applications. For users seeking a reliable, budget-friendly laptop for general use like school, work, or casual entertainment, the ASUS Vivobook Go 15.6” is a strong contender, balancing performance, portability, and essential features well.