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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

Dell 15 Laptop DC15250-15.6-inch FHD (1920x1080) 120Hz Display, Intel Core i5-1334U Processor, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD, Intel UHD Graphics, Windows 11 Home, Onsite Service - Platinum Silver

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,297
Processor (CPU)
Storage
Display

Most important from
602 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Starts up quickly and runs smoothly, delivering a reliable and fast experience for everyday tasks without lag or frustration.
Storage
Generous SSD storage and responsive performance make multitasking, browsing, and streaming effortless.
Display
The 15.6-inch Full HD screen is crisp, clear, and easy on the eyes, enhancing comfort during extended use.
Build Quality and Portability
Lightweight yet sturdy design makes it highly portable while maintaining a professional, durable feel.
Operating System
Windows 11 runs smoothly and feels more user-friendly and faster compared to older systems.

The Dell 15 Laptop DC15250 is a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly laptop that delivers good performance for everyday tasks. It comes with a modern Intel Core i5 processor and 16GB of RAM, which is quite generous for this price range, allowing smooth multitasking and responsiveness. The 512GB SSD storage offers fast boot times and ample space for files and programs compared to traditional hard drives. Its 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) display features a 120Hz refresh rate, which is uncommon in budget laptops and can make screen movement look smoother, especially for video and casual gaming. The anti-glare coating and Dell ComfortView software help reduce eye strain during long use.

Battery life is supported by energy-efficient design and Express Charge technology. The laptop weighs about 3.6 pounds and measures under 1 inch thick, offering reasonable portability for a 15.6-inch device. Build quality appears decent with ergonomic typing features like lifted hinges and a backlit keyboard, enhancing comfort and usability. It runs Windows 11 Home, giving access to the latest software and security updates. The processor speed is listed as 900 MHz base, but higher turbo frequencies typical for this CPU family ensure sufficient performance for typical office work, web browsing, and streaming. Integrated Intel UHD graphics mean it’s not designed for heavy gaming or demanding graphic work.

The lack of an optical drive is common and unlikely to be an issue for most users. Dell’s onsite warranty service is a nice plus, especially for those who prefer hands-on support. This laptop is best suited for students, professionals, or anyone needing a reliable machine for web browsing, office applications, media consumption, and light multitasking without spending too much.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,297
Processor (CPU)
Storage
Display

Most important from
602 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Starts up quickly and runs smoothly, delivering a reliable and fast experience for everyday tasks without lag or frustration.
Storage
Generous SSD storage and responsive performance make multitasking, browsing, and streaming effortless.
Display
The 15.6-inch Full HD screen is crisp, clear, and easy on the eyes, enhancing comfort during extended use.
Build Quality and Portability
Lightweight yet sturdy design makes it highly portable while maintaining a professional, durable feel.
Operating System
Windows 11 runs smoothly and feels more user-friendly and faster compared to older systems.
#2

Dell 15 Laptop DC15255-15.6-inch FHD 120Hz Display, AMD Ryzen 5-7520U, 8GB LPDDR5 RAM, 512GB SSD, AMD Radeon 610M Graphics, Windows 11 Home, Onsite Service - Carbon Black

Rating
9.1
Processor (CPU)
Display
Build Quality and Portability

Most important from
602 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Starts up quickly and runs smoothly, handling browsing, streaming, and documents effortlessly with no lag or frustration.
Display
The 15.6-inch Full HD screen is crisp, easy on the eyes, and offers sharper visuals uncommon at this price point.
Build Quality and Portability
Lightweight yet sturdy design with a professional look that suits work or school environments.
RAM
Memory usage can be high with 8GB RAM, so upgrading to 16GB is recommended for better multitasking.
Operating System
Windows 11 integration encourages use of OneDrive for cloud storage, which is worth considering during setup.

The Dell 15 Laptop DC15255 offers solid performance for its price category, powered by an AMD Ryzen 5-7520U processor which is well-suited for everyday computing like browsing, streaming, and office work. Its 8GB of fast LPDDR5 RAM ensures smooth multitasking, while the 512GB SSD provides ample and speedy storage for documents, media, and apps. The 15.6-inch Full HD display with a 120Hz refresh rate is a nice touch for sharper visuals and smoother motion, which is uncommon at this price point. Battery life specifics aren’t detailed but the laptop’s adaptive thermal system helps maintain efficiency whether you're working at a desk or on your lap. Build-wise, it weighs just over 4 pounds and is about 0.75 inches thick, making it reasonably portable though not the lightest in this segment. The ergonomic keyboard with a numeric keypad is good for extended typing and data entry. It runs Windows 11 Home, offering a familiar and user-friendly interface.

The integrated AMD Radeon 610M graphics are basic and won’t handle demanding games or heavy graphics work. Also, there’s no optical drive, which might matter if you still use CDs or DVDs. The laptop includes useful features like a built-in HD webcam and several USB ports, but it’s not designed for intensive tasks like gaming or video editing. This Dell model represents a well-rounded choice for students, office workers, or anyone needing a reliable, affordable laptop for daily use with a nice display and decent speed.

Rating
9.1
Processor (CPU)
Display
Build Quality and Portability

Most important from
602 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Starts up quickly and runs smoothly, handling browsing, streaming, and documents effortlessly with no lag or frustration.
Display
The 15.6-inch Full HD screen is crisp, easy on the eyes, and offers sharper visuals uncommon at this price point.
Build Quality and Portability
Lightweight yet sturdy design with a professional look that suits work or school environments.
RAM
Memory usage can be high with 8GB RAM, so upgrading to 16GB is recommended for better multitasking.
Operating System
Windows 11 integration encourages use of OneDrive for cloud storage, which is worth considering during setup.
#3

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
9.1
Processor (CPU)
RAM
Storage

Most important from
4633 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
9.1
Processor (CPU)
RAM
Storage

Most important from
4633 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.

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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