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10 Best Budget 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
10.0
Chosen by1,112
Processor (CPU)
RAM
Storage

Most important from
3428 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Works well for genealogy and everyday tasks despite being a bit slow.
RAM
Great for basic tasks like web browsing and productivity software, but limited by 4GB of RAM for multitasking.
Storage
64GB storage may be insufficient for users with larger files or numerous applications.
Display
Small touchpad and dim screen can be challenging to use, especially outdoors.
Battery Life
Impressive battery life, lasting up to 6.5 hours on a single charge.

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.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,112
Processor (CPU)
RAM
Storage

Most important from
3428 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Works well for genealogy and everyday tasks despite being a bit slow.
RAM
Great for basic tasks like web browsing and productivity software, but limited by 4GB of RAM for multitasking.
Storage
64GB storage may be insufficient for users with larger files or numerous applications.
Display
Small touchpad and dim screen can be challenging to use, especially outdoors.
Battery Life
Impressive battery life, lasting up to 6.5 hours on a single charge.
#2

Dell Inspiron 15 15.6" Touchscreen Laptop Computer for Student Study and Business, 13th Gen Intel 10-Core i5-1334U (Beat i7-1250U), 32GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB PCIe SSD, FHD, WiFi6, Windows 11 Pro, USB C Hub

Rating
10.0
Processor (CPU)
Display
Build Quality and Portability

Most important from
12 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Performance is fast and powerful, making it suitable for tasks like web surfing and managing finances with ease.
Display
The touchscreen is highly responsive and adds significant convenience to everyday use.
Build Quality and Portability
Dell’s reputation as a trusted brand is reinforced by the solid design, speed, and flexibility of this model.

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.

Rating
10.0
Processor (CPU)
Display
Build Quality and Portability

Most important from
12 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Performance is fast and powerful, making it suitable for tasks like web surfing and managing finances with ease.
Display
The touchscreen is highly responsive and adds significant convenience to everyday use.
Build Quality and Portability
Dell’s reputation as a trusted brand is reinforced by the solid design, speed, and flexibility of this model.
#3

ASUS Vivobook Go 15.6” FHD Slim Laptop, AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Quad Core Processor, 8GB DDR5 RAM, 128GB SSD, Windows 11 Home, Fast Charging, Webcam Sheild, Military Grade Durability, Black, E1504FA-AS33

Rating
10.0
Processor (CPU)
RAM
Storage

Most important from
408 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The AMD Ryzen 3 processor and 8GB RAM handle daily activities perfectly.
RAM
The AMD Ryzen 3 processor and 8GB RAM handle daily activities perfectly.
Storage
The SSD makes the laptop super fast and efficient.
Display
Clear screen and handy fast charging make it a great deal for the price.
Battery Life
Clear screen and handy fast charging make it a great deal for the price.

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.

Rating
10.0
Processor (CPU)
RAM
Storage

Most important from
408 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The AMD Ryzen 3 processor and 8GB RAM handle daily activities perfectly.
RAM
The AMD Ryzen 3 processor and 8GB RAM handle daily activities perfectly.
Storage
The SSD makes the laptop super fast and efficient.
Display
Clear screen and handy fast charging make it a great deal for the price.
Battery Life
Clear screen and handy fast charging make it a great deal for the price.

Buying Guide for the Best Budget Laptops

When it comes to buying a budget laptop, it's important to find a balance between cost and functionality. You want a device that can handle your daily tasks without breaking the bank. To make an informed decision, you should consider several key specifications that will impact the performance and usability of the laptop. Understanding these specs will help you choose a laptop that fits your needs and ensures you get the best value for your money.
Processor (CPU)The processor, or CPU, is the brain of your laptop. It determines how fast and efficiently your laptop can run applications and perform tasks. For budget laptops, you will typically find processors from Intel's Core i3 or i5 series, or AMD's Ryzen 3 or 5 series. If you plan to use your laptop for basic tasks like web browsing, word processing, and streaming videos, an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 should suffice. However, if you need to run more demanding applications or multitask frequently, opting for an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 will provide better performance.
RAMRAM (Random Access Memory) is crucial for multitasking and running applications smoothly. It temporarily stores data that your laptop is actively using, allowing for quick access. For budget laptops, 4GB of RAM is the minimum you should consider, which is adequate for basic tasks. However, 8GB of RAM is recommended for a smoother experience, especially if you plan to run multiple applications simultaneously or use more demanding software. More RAM allows your laptop to handle more tasks at once without slowing down.
StorageStorage determines how much data you can save on your laptop, including your operating system, applications, and personal files. Budget laptops typically come with either HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) storage. HDDs offer more storage space at a lower cost but are slower. SSDs, on the other hand, are faster and more reliable but usually come with less storage capacity in budget models. If speed and performance are important to you, opt for an SSD with at least 128GB of storage. If you need more space for files and don't mind slightly slower performance, a 500GB or 1TB HDD might be a better choice.
DisplayThe display is what you will be looking at every time you use your laptop, so it's important to choose one that meets your needs. Budget laptops typically come with screen sizes ranging from 11 to 15 inches. A smaller screen (11-13 inches) makes the laptop more portable and easier to carry around, which is great for students or frequent travelers. A larger screen (14-15 inches) provides a better viewing experience for watching videos, working on documents, or browsing the web. Additionally, consider the resolution; a Full HD (1920x1080) resolution is ideal for clear and sharp visuals, while lower resolutions may appear less crisp.
Battery LifeBattery life is an important consideration, especially if you plan to use your laptop on the go. It determines how long your laptop can run on a single charge. Budget laptops typically offer battery life ranging from 4 to 10 hours. If you need a laptop for basic tasks and don't mind charging it frequently, a shorter battery life may be acceptable. However, if you need a laptop that can last through a full day of work or classes without needing to be plugged in, look for models that offer at least 7-8 hours of battery life. Keep in mind that battery life can vary based on usage and settings.
Build Quality and PortabilityBuild quality and portability are important factors to consider, especially if you plan to carry your laptop around frequently. Budget laptops are often made from plastic, which can be less durable than metal or other materials. Look for a laptop with a sturdy build that can withstand daily wear and tear. Additionally, consider the weight and thickness of the laptop. Lighter and thinner laptops are easier to carry and more convenient for travel. If portability is a priority, aim for a laptop that weighs around 3 pounds or less and has a slim profile.
ConnectivityConnectivity options determine how you can connect your laptop to other devices and networks. Budget laptops should have a good selection of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and an audio jack. USB-A ports are useful for connecting older peripherals, while USB-C ports offer faster data transfer and charging capabilities. HDMI ports allow you to connect your laptop to an external monitor or TV. Additionally, ensure the laptop has reliable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities for wireless connectivity. If you need to connect to wired networks, look for a laptop with an Ethernet port.

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