10 Best Low Budget Laptops 2025 in the United States

The Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024) stands out as a sleek, lightweight option with a sharp 13.8-inch touchscreen and a bright 2304x1536 resolution, making it great for everyday tasks and media consumption. It runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus processor paired with 16GB of RAM, which delivers smooth performance for web browsing, office work, and AI-powered applications thanks to Windows 11 Copilot+. The 256GB SSD offers decent storage space that’s fast, though it might feel limited if you store lots of files or large programs.

One of its biggest highlights is the impressive battery life—up to 20 hours—allowing you to work or play for a full day without charging. The build quality is solid with a durable aluminum body, and its 2.96-pound weight adds to portability, perfect if you move around often. Windows 11 Home ensures you have the latest software features with AI enhancements built-in. This laptop uses an integrated graphics solution, which means it’s not designed for heavy gaming or graphic-intensive work. While the Snapdragon chip is efficient and powerful for many tasks, it may not match the performance of some traditional Intel or AMD CPUs in demanding applications.

As a budget-friendly laptop, the Surface Laptop (2024) delivers excellent battery life, a premium feel, and AI-focused features that enhance productivity. It is a smart choice for students, professionals, or anyone needing a stylish, capable machine for daily use without breaking the bank.

The Dell Inspiron 3530 is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable laptop that covers the basics well. It comes with an Intel Core i3-1305U processor and 8GB of DDR4 RAM, which is enough for everyday tasks like web browsing, office work, and video streaming. The 512GB SSD provides plenty of fast storage, helping the system boot and load apps quickly. The 15.6-inch Full HD screen is bright and sharp, with an anti-glare coating that reduces eye strain during longer use. Dell also includes ComfortView software to further protect your eyes by reducing blue light.

In terms of portability, it weighs about 3.66 pounds and is reasonably slim at 0.75 inches thick, making it easy to carry around for students or remote workers. The build quality feels sturdy for the price, and the lift hinge design adds some ergonomic comfort when typing. Having multiple USB ports and a built-in HD webcam means you can connect various devices and stay connected through video calls without extra accessories.

Windows 11 Home comes pre-installed, providing a modern and user-friendly environment. The integrated Intel UHD graphics are fine for light multimedia use but won’t handle gaming or heavy graphic work well. The battery life is expected to last through typical daily tasks based on the processor and build, though heavy use may require more frequent charging. This laptop is best suited for students, professionals, or casual users who need reliable performance for general use without the cost of high-end features. Those seeking a more powerful machine for gaming or demanding software might want to consider other options, but for everyday computing on a budget, the Inspiron 3530 offers good value.

The Dell Inspiron Touchscreen Laptop is a solid pick for those on a budget looking for a reliable device for business or educational purposes. It comes with a powerful Intel Quad-Core i5-1155G7 processor, which ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks. The hefty 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD provide ample memory and storage, which is quite generous for this price range, ensuring you won't run out of space or experience slowdowns easily.

The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS touchscreen display with narrow bezels and anti-glare features offers decent visuals, although the 220 nits brightness might be a bit dim in brightly lit environments. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics are suitable for general use but not ideal for high-end gaming or graphics-intensive tasks. Battery life isn't extensively detailed but having a lightweight build at 3.65 pounds makes it portable and convenient for daily commuting.

The design is stylish with a professional look in carbon black, and the numeric keypad is a plus for those who frequently work with numbers. On the connectivity front, it includes multiple USB ports, HDMI, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi 5, covering most users' needs. Running Windows 11 Pro, it ensures access to the latest features and security updates, making it a good choice for remote work and online classes. However, it lacks an optical drive, which might be a downside if you need to use CDs or DVDs. Summing up, this laptop is well-suited for students, professionals, and small businesses looking for a cost-effective yet capable device.