We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Budget Laptops 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

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.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Lenovo V-Series V15 Business Laptop, 15.6" FHD Display, AMD Ryzen 7 7730U, 40GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Numeric Keypad, HDMI, RJ45, Webcam, Wi-Fi, Windows 11 Pro, Black

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,374
Processor (CPU)
Storage
Display

Most important from
484 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Delivers fast, smooth performance that handles business software effortlessly.
Storage
Storage capacity is ample for downloading and running multiple programs without lag.
Display
The screen quality is impressive for a budget laptop, providing clear visuals suitable for everyday use.
Build Quality and Portability
Build quality and portability meet expectations for routine business and study tasks, though it’s not designed for rugged use.

The Lenovo V-Series V15 Business Laptop offers strong performance features that stand out in the budget laptop category. Its AMD Ryzen 7 7730U processor with 8 cores and 16 threads can handle multitasking and demanding applications smoothly. Paired with a very generous 40GB of DDR4 RAM and a fast 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD, it allows quick boot times and plenty of space for files and programs. The 15.6-inch Full HD display provides clear visuals suitable for everyday tasks, though it may not deliver the color accuracy or brightness found in higher-end models. Connectivity options are solid, including USB Type-C, USB 3.2, HDMI, RJ45 Ethernet, and Wi-Fi 6, which covers most needs for both home and office use. The numeric keypad is a useful addition for those who work with numbers frequently.

The laptop weighs about 3.64 pounds and has a slim profile, making it reasonably portable, though not the lightest in its class. Build quality is dependable for everyday business or study tasks, though it isn’t positioned as a rugged or premium device. Windows 11 Pro is included, offering useful productivity and security features out of the box. The integrated AMD Radeon graphics are sufficient for casual use but not suitable for gaming or graphics-intensive work.

This Lenovo V15 model makes a solid choice for users who prioritize strong processing power, ample RAM, and fast storage at a budget-friendly price, especially for business or study contexts. However, if portability, battery life, or advanced graphics are key priorities, exploring other options might be worthwhile.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,374
Processor (CPU)
Storage
Display

Most important from
484 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Delivers fast, smooth performance that handles business software effortlessly.
Storage
Storage capacity is ample for downloading and running multiple programs without lag.
Display
The screen quality is impressive for a budget laptop, providing clear visuals suitable for everyday use.
Build Quality and Portability
Build quality and portability meet expectations for routine business and study tasks, though it’s not designed for rugged use.
#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
10.0
Display
Battery Life
Build Quality and Portability

Most important from
825 reviews

Display
The product has exceeded expectations. It was easy to setup and works very well. Battery life is excellent and picture quality great.
Battery Life
Fairly easy to set up, speed is awesome, very lightweight, battery life is pretty good.
Build Quality and Portability
Fairly easy to set up, speed is awesome, very lightweight, battery life is pretty good.

The Dell Inspiron Touchscreen Laptop offers a solid balance of performance and features for budget-conscious users such as students and professionals. It is powered by an Intel Quad-Core i5-1155G7 processor, which provides sufficient performance for everyday tasks and light multitasking. The 32GB RAM is an excellent feature, ensuring smooth operation even with multiple applications open. Storage-wise, the 1TB SSD is generous, offering quick access to your files and ample space for software and documents. The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display delivers clear and vibrant visuals, and the touchscreen functionality adds versatility for different usage scenarios.

The brightness level of 220 nits is somewhat low, potentially affecting visibility in bright environments. The build quality is decent, featuring a sleek and lightweight design that is easy to carry around, making it suitable for students and professionals who need to transport their laptop frequently. Connectivity options are comprehensive, with multiple USB ports, HDMI, and Bluetooth, ensuring compatibility with various peripherals and easy connection options. The inclusion of Windows 11 Pro enhances the laptop's appeal for business and educational use, bringing advanced features and better security.

One drawback is the integrated Intel UHD Graphics, which may not suffice for intensive graphical tasks or gaming. Nonetheless, this laptop is a practical choice for those seeking a reliable, feature-rich device without breaking the bank.

Rating
10.0
Display
Battery Life
Build Quality and Portability

Most important from
825 reviews

Display
The product has exceeded expectations. It was easy to setup and works very well. Battery life is excellent and picture quality great.
Battery Life
Fairly easy to set up, speed is awesome, very lightweight, battery life is pretty good.
Build Quality and Portability
Fairly easy to set up, speed is awesome, very lightweight, battery life is pretty good.
#3

Dell Inspiron 15 Business Laptop, 15.6" FHD Touchscreen, Intel 10-Core i5-1334U, 32GB RAM 1TB SSD, Wi-Fi 6, Win 11 Pro, Laptop Computer for Work School Home Office Professional Use

Rating
9.4
RAM (Memory)
Battery Life
Build Quality & Portability

Most important from
13 reviews

RAM (Memory)
This laptop handles heavy multitasking effortlessly, running multiple demanding applications without any lag thanks to its 32GB RAM.
Battery Life
Battery life lasts through a full workday, making it a dependable companion for professional use on the go.
Build Quality & Portability
The professional and sleek design fits perfectly in client meetings, combining style with functionality.
Display
The 15.6-inch touchscreen offers a sharp, responsive experience ideal for streaming and everyday tasks.
Storage (HDD or SSD)
A spacious 1TB SSD provides fast access and ample storage for large files, photos, and even games.

The Dell Inspiron 15 Business Laptop packs strong features for a budget-friendly machine, making it a great choice if you need a powerful laptop for work, school, or everyday tasks. It uses a 10-core Intel i5-1334U processor, which is surprisingly fast for this category and can handle multitasking and demanding applications smoothly. With 32GB of RAM, you’ll have plenty of memory for running several programs at once without slowdowns. Storage is generous too, with a 1TB solid-state drive, offering fast access to your files and enough space for large projects or media.

The 15.6-inch Full HD touchscreen is clear and responsive, great for presentations or casual use, although it’s not especially bright for very sunny environments. The laptop has a slim, lightweight design, so it’s portable enough to carry between home, school, or office. Battery life is described as all-day, which means you should get a full work or study session without hunting for an outlet. Connectivity is modern with Wi-Fi 6, supporting faster and more reliable internet connections, and there are plenty of ports for everyday needs. It runs Windows 11 Pro, offering enhanced business and security features right out of the box.

The laptop uses integrated graphics, so it’s not suited for heavy gaming or advanced video editing. Also, while the build is sleek, it may not feel as rugged as higher-end business laptops if you need something extremely durable. The touchscreen is a nice touch, but some may prefer a non-touch display to save battery or reduce reflections. This Dell Inspiron model is excellent for students and professionals who want a capable, speedy laptop without breaking the bank, especially if portability and a sharp display are important.

Rating
9.4
RAM (Memory)
Battery Life
Build Quality & Portability

Most important from
13 reviews

RAM (Memory)
This laptop handles heavy multitasking effortlessly, running multiple demanding applications without any lag thanks to its 32GB RAM.
Battery Life
Battery life lasts through a full workday, making it a dependable companion for professional use on the go.
Build Quality & Portability
The professional and sleek design fits perfectly in client meetings, combining style with functionality.
Display
The 15.6-inch touchscreen offers a sharp, responsive experience ideal for streaming and everyday tasks.
Storage (HDD or SSD)
A spacious 1TB SSD provides fast access and ample storage for large files, photos, and even games.

Buying Guide for the Best Budget Laptops

Choosing the right budget laptop can be a bit overwhelming, but breaking your decision down into key parts will help you find a great fit for your needs. Start by thinking about what you plan to use the laptop for—study, work, web browsing, streaming, or light gaming. Then, pay attention to the most important features and figure out which moments matter most for what you’re planning to do. Always balance your expectations; a budget laptop might not do everything at top speed, but you can absolutely find something reliable with the right mix of features.
Processor (CPU)The processor, or CPU, is like the brain of your laptop—it handles all the tasks and makes everything run. For casual tasks like browsing or watching videos, a basic processor will do the job, but if you want to run more programs at once or need extra speed for heavier applications, a more powerful one is better. Entry-level laptops usually have CPUs that are marketed for efficiency rather than raw speed, but you can generally tell how fast it is by looking at the number and type of cores. For just schoolwork or browsing, a basic dual-core processor is enough; for a bit more speed and multitasking, aim for a quad-core processor. If you often work with images or need to multitask with lots of tabs and tools, go for the best CPU you can find within the budget range.
RAM (Memory)RAM gives your laptop space to keep things running smoothly in the background. The more RAM you have, the more applications and browser tabs your laptop can handle at once without slowing down. Budget laptops generally come with between 4GB and 8GB of RAM. 4GB is suitable for light usage such as emails, streaming, and editing documents. If you want to do more, like light photo editing, use lots of tabs, or keep multiple programs running, 8GB is a better choice. Think about how much multitasking you do when making your choice.
Storage (HDD or SSD)Storage refers to how much data—like pictures, videos, and applications—your laptop can keep. There are two main kinds: HDD (hard drives) and SSD (solid-state drives). SSDs are much faster, helping your laptop start and load programs quickly, even if they often offer less space than traditional HDDs in budget models. If you want quick start-up times and don’t plan to store tons of big files, go for an SSD (even 128GB can be enough for basic users). If you store a lot of videos, photos, or games, you might need a larger drive, even if it’s an older HDD. Choose based on whether speed or storage size is more important to you.
DisplayThe display is what you’ll look at all day, so it’s worth paying attention to. On budget laptops, screen size usually ranges from 11 to 15 inches. A smaller display means a lighter, more portable machine but less space for multitasking or watching movies. Larger screens are better for watching content or working with documents side-by-side, but they’ll be heavier. Screen quality (resolution and brightness) matters too—Higher resolution means sharper images; for basic needs, HD (1366x768) is fine, but Full HD (1920x1080) offers better clarity for productivity and streaming. Pick a screen size and resolution that fits how often you’ll carry your laptop and the kind of tasks you do most.
Battery LifeBattery life tells you how long your laptop can run without needing to be plugged in. This matters a lot if you’ll use your laptop away from home or a charging spot, like in school or cafes. On budget laptops, battery life can range from a few hours up to a full day. If mobility is important and you’ll be on the go often, look for laptops that advertise 6 hours or more of battery life. If your laptop’s mostly going to stay on a desk, this is less of a worry.
Build Quality & PortabilityBuild quality affects how well the laptop stands up to everyday use and travel. Budget models often use simple plastic designs, but some have reinforced seams or water-resistant features. If portability (carrying your laptop around a lot) is key, pay attention to weight (lighter is better) and thickness. If your laptop will mostly stay in one spot, you might care less about this and more about a solid, comfortable keyboard or larger touchpad.
Ports and ConnectivityThe kinds and number of ports matter if you need to plug in extra things like USB drives, headphones, or external displays. Most budget laptops have a few USB ports and headphone jacks, but not always extras like HDMI or SD card slots. Consider what devices you use most—if you often connect to a TV or projector, for example, make sure your laptop has the required port.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now