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10 Best Cheap 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 15.6" Business Laptop, Free Microsoft Office 2024 Lifetime License, Copilot AI Chat, HD Touchscreen Display, Intel 6-Core i3-1215U 4.4 GHz, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Long Battery Life, Windows 11 Pro

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,496
Processor (CPU)
Build Quality and Portability
Operating System

Most important from
465 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The hardware configuration is strong, making it a very competent laptop for various tasks.
Build Quality and Portability
This laptop offers great value for the money, feeling light yet not cheaply made.
Operating System
It's easy to set up and comes with Microsoft Office pre-installed, but be sure to decline the option to buy Office 365 during setup.

The HP 15.6" Business Laptop offers several strong features that make it an attractive option for budget-conscious users. One of its standout strengths is the inclusion of a free Microsoft Office 2024 lifetime license, which adds considerable value for students and professionals who rely heavily on Office applications. The laptop is equipped with an Intel 6-Core i3-1215U processor, providing decent performance for everyday tasks and moderate multitasking, complemented by 16GB of RAM and a spacious 1TB SSD for efficient storage and quick boot times.

Another highlight is the AI-powered Copilot assistant, which can help streamline productivity and enhance user experience through smart interactions. The laptop runs on Windows 11 Pro, offering robust security features and enterprise-grade management tools suitable for business use. However, there are some noticeable drawbacks. The 15.6" HD touchscreen display has a resolution of 1366x768, which is relatively low compared to Full HD screens, potentially affecting the clarity and sharpness of visuals.

The battery life, while claimed to be long, averages around 5-6 hours, which might be insufficient for extended use without charging. Additionally, the build quality and portability are average, with a weight of 3.75 pounds and a non-backlit keyboard, which might not be ideal for frequent travelers or those working in dimly lit environments. Despite these shortcomings, the HP 15.6" Business Laptop is a solid choice for users seeking a budget-friendly device with ample performance, storage, and productivity software.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,496
Processor (CPU)
Build Quality and Portability
Operating System

Most important from
465 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The hardware configuration is strong, making it a very competent laptop for various tasks.
Build Quality and Portability
This laptop offers great value for the money, feeling light yet not cheaply made.
Operating System
It's easy to set up and comes with Microsoft Office pre-installed, but be sure to decline the option to buy Office 365 during setup.
#2

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
9.8
Processor (CPU)
RAM
Storage

Most important from
3450 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The HP 14 Laptop is praised for handling basic tasks like web browsing, email, and productivity software effectively.
RAM
While the laptop is good for basic use, the 4GB of RAM can limit multitasking capabilities, causing slowdowns with multiple tabs or programs.
Storage
64GB of storage might be insufficient for users who need to store many files locally.
Display
The screen is a bit dim, making it difficult to use outdoors despite adjustments to display settings.
Battery Life
Users appreciate its long battery life, which can last up to 6.5 hours on a single charge.

The HP 14 Laptop is a budget-friendly option designed for basic, everyday tasks. It comes with an Intel Celeron N4020 processor, which is suitable for light computing activities such as web browsing, word processing, and watching videos. The 4 GB of RAM is adequate for these tasks but may struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking.

The 64 GB of storage is on the lower side, so users might quickly run out of space if they store many files, but it's sufficient for users who rely on cloud storage or primarily use web-based applications. The 14-inch HD display, with its micro-edge bezel and 79% screen-to-body ratio, offers a clear and pleasant viewing experience, though the resolution is not as high as more premium models.

The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 600 can handle streaming 4K content but is not ideal for gaming or graphic-intensive work. One of the standout features is its portability; the thin and light design makes it easy to carry around. The laptop runs on Windows 11 Home in S mode, which is streamlined for security and performance but limits app installations to those from the Microsoft Store. Battery life should comfortably last through a typical work or school day, making it a good option for students or professionals who need a device for on-the-go use. The build quality, while decent for its price, might not be as durable as higher-end models. This laptop is best for users seeking an affordable, portable device for basic tasks without the need for high performance or large storage capacity.

Rating
9.8
Processor (CPU)
RAM
Storage

Most important from
3450 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The HP 14 Laptop is praised for handling basic tasks like web browsing, email, and productivity software effectively.
RAM
While the laptop is good for basic use, the 4GB of RAM can limit multitasking capabilities, causing slowdowns with multiple tabs or programs.
Storage
64GB of storage might be insufficient for users who need to store many files locally.
Display
The screen is a bit dim, making it difficult to use outdoors despite adjustments to display settings.
Battery Life
Users appreciate its long battery life, which can last up to 6.5 hours on a single charge.
#3

Acer Nitro V Gaming Laptop | Intel Core i5-13420H Processor | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU | 15.6" FHD IPS 144Hz Display | 8GB DDR5 | 512GB Gen 4 SSD | WiFi 6 | Backlit KB | ANV15-51-51H9

Rating
9.7
Processor (CPU)
RAM
Storage

Most important from
560 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The Intel i5 CPU and RTX4050 GPU provide very decent performance.
RAM
This laptop is perfect for those who want to upgrade, with two physical RAM slots and two M2 storage slots.
Storage
This laptop is perfect for those who want to upgrade, with two physical RAM slots and two M2 storage slots.
Display
The display is bright and clear, and the 144Hz refresh rate ensures super smooth gameplay.
Build Quality and Portability
The hardware specs are truly outstanding for the price, with a great screen and comfortable keyboard and trackpad.
Operating System
The pre-installed bloatware makes the machine feel incredibly slow on first bootup, but once removed, it runs like a dream.

The Acer Nitro V Gaming Laptop is an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers. It features a 13th Gen Intel Core i5 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, which together provide solid performance for gaming and creative tasks. The 15.6-inch Full HD display with a 144Hz refresh rate ensures smooth and vibrant visuals, enhancing the gaming experience.

However, the 8GB of DDR5 RAM might be a limiting factor for more demanding applications or multitasking, though it is adequate for general use and moderate gaming. With 512GB of fast Gen 4 SSD storage, there is ample space for games and applications, and the system boots up quickly. The inclusion of WiFi 6 and Gigabit Ethernet ensures fast and stable internet connectivity, which is a bonus for online gaming.

The laptop's build quality is decent, though at 4.66 pounds, it may not be the lightest option for portability. The backlit keyboard is a nice touch for gaming in low light conditions. Another notable feature is the Thunderbolt 4 port, which supports high-speed data transfer, charging, and video output. The dual-fan cooling system is designed to keep the laptop cool during intense gaming sessions. Running on Windows 11 Home, it provides the latest features and updates. The Acer Nitro V is a good choice for gamers looking for a budget-friendly laptop with robust performance and modern features, though the limited RAM might require an upgrade for more intensive use.

Rating
9.7
Processor (CPU)
RAM
Storage

Most important from
560 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The Intel i5 CPU and RTX4050 GPU provide very decent performance.
RAM
This laptop is perfect for those who want to upgrade, with two physical RAM slots and two M2 storage slots.
Storage
This laptop is perfect for those who want to upgrade, with two physical RAM slots and two M2 storage slots.
Display
The display is bright and clear, and the 144Hz refresh rate ensures super smooth gameplay.
Build Quality and Portability
The hardware specs are truly outstanding for the price, with a great screen and comfortable keyboard and trackpad.
Operating System
The pre-installed bloatware makes the machine feel incredibly slow on first bootup, but once removed, it runs like a dream.

Buying Guide for the Best Cheap Laptops

When it comes to buying a cheap laptop, it's important to balance cost with functionality. You want to ensure that the laptop you choose 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 find the best fit for your needs without overspending.
Processor (CPU)The processor, or CPU, is the brain of your laptop. It determines how fast and efficiently your laptop can run programs and perform tasks. For basic tasks like web browsing, word processing, and streaming videos, an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor is usually sufficient. If you plan to do more demanding tasks like photo editing or light gaming, you might want to look for an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5. Choose a processor based on the complexity of the tasks you intend to perform.
RAMRAM (Random Access Memory) is crucial for multitasking and running applications smoothly. It temporarily stores data that your laptop is actively using. For basic use, 4GB of RAM might be enough, but 8GB is recommended for a smoother experience, especially if you plan to run multiple applications simultaneously. If you need to run more demanding software or multitask heavily, consider a laptop with 16GB of RAM.
StorageStorage determines how much data you can save on your laptop, including your operating system, applications, and personal files. There are two main types: HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid State Drive). SSDs are faster and more reliable but can be more expensive. For a cheap laptop, a 256GB SSD is a good balance between speed and storage capacity. If you need more space and are okay with slower performance, a 500GB or 1TB HDD might be suitable.
DisplayThe display size and resolution affect your viewing experience. A 14-inch or 15.6-inch screen is common for cheap laptops and offers a good balance between portability and usability. For resolution, a Full HD (1920x1080) display provides clear and sharp images, which is ideal for most users. If you only need the laptop for basic tasks, a lower resolution might be acceptable, but for better visual quality, aim for Full HD.
Battery LifeBattery life is important if you plan to use your laptop on the go. It determines how long you can use your laptop without needing to recharge. For basic use, look 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, consider a laptop with 10 hours or more. Your usage patterns will guide you in choosing the right battery life.
Build Quality and PortabilityBuild quality affects the durability and feel of the laptop. Cheaper laptops may use plastic materials, which can be less durable than metal. Portability is also a factor, especially if you need to carry your laptop frequently. Look for a lightweight and slim design if portability is a priority. Consider how often you will be moving your laptop and choose one that balances durability with ease of transport.
Operating SystemThe operating system (OS) is the software that manages your laptop's hardware and software resources. Common options include Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS. Windows is versatile and supports a wide range of software, making it a good choice for most users. Chrome OS is lightweight and ideal for web-based tasks, offering good performance on cheaper hardware. Choose an OS based on your familiarity and the software you need to use.

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