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10 Best Inexpensive Laptops 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M4 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID; Sky Blue

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,419
Processor (CPU)
RAM
Storage

Most important from
3455 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The MacBook Air delivers incredible speed and compactness, handling everyday tasks and multitasking with ease.
RAM
Performance with the new M4 chip and 16GB unified memory ensures smooth operation even for demanding applications and multitasking.
Storage
While the 256GB SSD is fast, storage space may feel limited for users handling large multimedia files, but this can be mitigated with cloud or external options.
Display
The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display produces bright, vivid colors and sharp visuals that enhance both creative work and media consumption.
Battery Life
Battery life impressively lasts around 15 to 18 hours, supporting extended work or media sessions without frequent charging.
Build Quality
A sleek, thin design combined with a premium build makes this laptop highly portable and stylish, appealing to both students and professionals.

The Apple 2025 MacBook Air with the M4 chip is a sleek and powerful laptop that excels in speed and portability. Its new M4 processor, featuring 10 CPU cores and an 8-core GPU, handles multitasking, video editing, and some gaming smoothly. The 16GB of unified memory (RAM) ensures efficient app performance, while the 256GB SSD storage provides fast access to files, though the storage might be limited for users with large video or project files. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display delivers bright and colorful visuals, making photos, videos, and text appear crisp and vibrant—ideal for those who value screen quality.

Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 18 hours with typical use, allowing extended work or media consumption without frequent charging. The build quality is excellent, with a slim, lightweight design crafted from durable materials, making it highly portable. Running macOS, the laptop integrates seamlessly with other Apple devices and offers useful privacy and productivity features.

This MacBook Air may not be the best choice for budget-conscious buyers or those who prefer Windows laptops. Additionally, it has limited ports—only two Thunderbolt 4 and a headphone jack—so adapters might be necessary for additional connections. This device is ideal for users invested in the Apple ecosystem seeking a light, fast, and high-quality laptop for everyday tasks, creative work, and media consumption.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,419
Processor (CPU)
RAM
Storage

Most important from
3455 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The MacBook Air delivers incredible speed and compactness, handling everyday tasks and multitasking with ease.
RAM
Performance with the new M4 chip and 16GB unified memory ensures smooth operation even for demanding applications and multitasking.
Storage
While the 256GB SSD is fast, storage space may feel limited for users handling large multimedia files, but this can be mitigated with cloud or external options.
Display
The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display produces bright, vivid colors and sharp visuals that enhance both creative work and media consumption.
Battery Life
Battery life impressively lasts around 15 to 18 hours, supporting extended work or media sessions without frequent charging.
Build Quality
A sleek, thin design combined with a premium build makes this laptop highly portable and stylish, appealing to both students and professionals.
#2

Apple 2025 MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop with M4 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 15.3-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID; Silver

Rating
9.7
Processor (CPU)
Storage
Display

Most important from
1293 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The M4 chip delivers blazing-fast performance, handling multitasking, editing, and coding with ease.
Storage
This laptop is perfect for users who prioritize speed, display quality, and portability over large storage capacity.
Display
The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display is bright, sharp, and vibrant, providing stunning visuals that enhance both work and entertainment.
Battery Life
Battery life easily lasts a full day without needing a recharge, supporting all-day use.
Build Quality
The build quality feels premium and durable, with a sleek aluminum body that stands out.
Operating System
macOS offers smooth and stable performance, complementing the hardware for a seamless user experience.

The 2025 Apple MacBook Air 15-inch with the M4 chip is a powerful and sleek laptop, but it is not a typical inexpensive laptop. It features a fast 10-core CPU and 16GB of unified memory, which means it handles multitasking and demanding applications smoothly. The 256GB SSD offers decent storage but might feel limited if you store lots of files or large apps. Its 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display is bright and sharp with support for 1 billion colors, providing excellent visual quality that surpasses many budget laptops.

Battery life is impressive at up to 18 hours, allowing all-day use without frequent charging. Build quality is excellent, with a lightweight and slim aluminum body that feels premium and durable. The MacBook runs macOS, known for smooth performance and strong integration with other Apple devices, but this OS can have a learning curve for users familiar with Windows. Ports are limited to two Thunderbolt 4 and a headphone jack, which might require adapters for some peripherals.

This MacBook Air delivers top-tier performance, display, and battery life in a very portable design, but its 256GB storage and higher price make it less suited for budget-conscious buyers seeking a basic or entry-level laptop.

Rating
9.7
Processor (CPU)
Storage
Display

Most important from
1293 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The M4 chip delivers blazing-fast performance, handling multitasking, editing, and coding with ease.
Storage
This laptop is perfect for users who prioritize speed, display quality, and portability over large storage capacity.
Display
The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display is bright, sharp, and vibrant, providing stunning visuals that enhance both work and entertainment.
Battery Life
Battery life easily lasts a full day without needing a recharge, supporting all-day use.
Build Quality
The build quality feels premium and durable, with a sleek aluminum body that stands out.
Operating System
macOS offers smooth and stable performance, complementing the hardware for a seamless user experience.
#3

Apple 2024 MacBook Pro Laptop with M4 chip with 10‑core CPU and 10‑core GPU: Built for Apple Intelligence, 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display, 24GB Unified Memory, 1TB SSD Storage; Space Black

Rating
9.4
Processor (CPU)
Display
Battery Life

Most important from
1430 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The M4 chip delivers blazing fast performance, making multitasking, compiling, and heavy workloads feel smooth and effortless.
Display
The 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display offers stunning visuals with outstanding brightness, contrast, and sharpness.
Battery Life
Battery life is exceptional, easily lasting a full workday even under intensive use without needing to recharge.
Build Quality
The laptop feels premium and sturdy, with a sleek design that balances power and portability effectively.
Operating System
macOS delivers a smooth, tailored software experience that integrates well with the hardware for seamless usability.

The 2024 Apple MacBook Pro with the M4 chip is a powerful and premium laptop. It features a highly capable 10-core CPU and GPU, combined with 24GB of unified RAM and 1TB of fast SSD storage, delivering excellent speed for multitasking, professional work, and creative applications. Its 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display offers stunning visuals with very high brightness and sharpness, ideal for users who value a top-tier screen.

Battery life is impressive, providing up to 24 hours of video playback, which supports mobile work without frequent charging. The build quality is premium, with a sleek, durable design in space black, and the laptop runs macOS, known for a smooth and secure user experience. However, these high-end features come with a significant price tag, placing this laptop well above budget-friendly options. It is also heavier compared to typical budget laptops, which may affect portability.

If you want a strong, stylish laptop with excellent display and battery life and are prepared to invest significantly, this MacBook Pro is an excellent choice. For those prioritizing affordability and basic everyday tasks, more cost-effective laptops are available that will adequately meet those needs.

Rating
9.4
Processor (CPU)
Display
Battery Life

Most important from
1430 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The M4 chip delivers blazing fast performance, making multitasking, compiling, and heavy workloads feel smooth and effortless.
Display
The 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display offers stunning visuals with outstanding brightness, contrast, and sharpness.
Battery Life
Battery life is exceptional, easily lasting a full workday even under intensive use without needing to recharge.
Build Quality
The laptop feels premium and sturdy, with a sleek design that balances power and portability effectively.
Operating System
macOS delivers a smooth, tailored software experience that integrates well with the hardware for seamless usability.

Buying Guide for the Best Inexpensive Laptops

Choosing an inexpensive laptop can be a bit overwhelming given the variety of options available. The key is to understand your needs and match them with the right specifications. Whether you need a laptop for basic tasks like browsing the internet and checking emails, or for more demanding activities like streaming videos and light gaming, knowing what to look for will help you make an informed decision.
Processor (CPU)The processor is the brain of the laptop and determines how fast and efficiently it can perform tasks. For basic use, an Intel Celeron or AMD A-series processor will suffice. If you plan to do more multitasking or light gaming, look for Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3. Higher-end processors like Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 are better for more demanding applications but may be less common in inexpensive laptops.
RAMRAM (Random Access Memory) affects how smoothly your laptop can run multiple applications at once. For basic tasks, 4GB of RAM is usually enough. If you plan to do more multitasking or use more demanding applications, 8GB of RAM is recommended. More RAM allows for better performance, especially when running multiple programs simultaneously.
StorageStorage determines how much data you can save on your laptop. There are two main types: HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid State Drive). HDDs are cheaper and offer more storage space, but SSDs are faster and more reliable. For basic use, a 128GB SSD or a 500GB HDD should be sufficient. If you store a lot of files or applications, consider a 256GB SSD or a 1TB HDD.
DisplayThe display size and resolution affect your viewing experience. For basic tasks, a 14-inch screen with HD (1366x768) resolution is usually enough. If you plan to watch videos or do more detailed work, a 15.6-inch screen with Full HD (1920x1080) resolution is better. Larger screens and higher resolutions provide better clarity and more workspace.
Battery LifeBattery life is important if you plan to use your laptop on the go. For basic use, a laptop with 6-8 hours of battery life should be sufficient. If you need to use your laptop for longer periods without access to a charger, look for models with 8-10 hours or more. Longer battery life ensures you can work or play without interruption.
Build QualityBuild quality affects the durability and feel of the laptop. Inexpensive laptops may use plastic materials, which are lighter but less durable. If you need a laptop that can withstand more wear and tear, look for models with metal or reinforced plastic construction. A sturdy build ensures your laptop can handle daily use and occasional bumps.
Operating SystemThe operating system (OS) determines the software environment of your laptop. Windows is the most common and offers a wide range of applications. Chrome OS is simpler and works well for basic tasks and web-based applications. If you prefer a more streamlined experience and primarily use Google services, a Chromebook might be a good choice. Choose an OS that aligns with your software needs and preferences.

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