10 Best Affordable Laptop Computers 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Apple 2026 MacBook Pro Laptop with Apple M5 Pro chip with 15-core CPU and 16-core GPU: Built for AI, 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display, 24GB Unified Memory, 2TB SSD, Wi-Fi 7; Silver
The Apple 2026 MacBook Pro with the M5 Pro chip is a very powerful laptop designed for heavy tasks like AI computing and professional work, featuring a 15-core CPU and 16-core GPU. It includes 24GB of memory and a large 2TB solid-state drive, providing plenty of space and smooth multitasking capabilities. The 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display offers outstanding brightness and color quality, making it ideal for creative work or media consumption.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,130
Processor (CPU)
Display
Battery Life
Most important from
14 reviews
#2
Apple 2026 MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop with M5 chip: Built for AI, 15.3-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 1TB SSD, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID, Wi-Fi 7; Sky Blue
The Apple 2026 MacBook Air 15-inch is a sleek and powerful laptop that features Apple's latest M5 chip with strong AI capabilities, making it excellent for multitasking and creative work. It includes 16GB of unified memory and a spacious 1TB SSD, ensuring responsiveness and ample storage for files and applications. The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display offers a bright, colorful, and sharp experience, ideal for watching videos or working on photos.
Rating
9.4
Processor (CPU)
Storage
Display
Most important from
63 reviews
#3
Apple 2026 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M5 chip: Built for AI, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID, Wi-Fi 7; Midnight
The Apple 2026 MacBook Air 13-inch with the M5 chip is a strong choice if you want a lightweight, portable laptop that handles everyday tasks and creative work smoothly. Its 16GB of unified memory and 512GB SSD storage offer a good balance for multitasking and storing files, making it suitable for students, professionals, or casual users. The M5 chip brings speedy performance and AI features, which can make working with apps feel fluid and responsive. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display is sharp and vibrant, providing crisp text and rich colors, great for watching videos or editing photos.
Rating
9.1
Processor (CPU)
Display
Battery Life
Most important from
826 reviews
Top 10 Best Affordable Laptop Computers 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Apple 2026 MacBook Pro Laptop with Apple M5 Pro chip with 15-core CPU and 16-core GPU: Built for AI, 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display, 24GB Unified Memory, 2TB SSD, Wi-Fi 7; Silver
Apple 2026 MacBook Pro Laptop with Apple M5 Pro chip with 15-core CPU and 16-core GPU: Built for AI, 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display, 24GB Unified Memory, 2TB SSD, Wi-Fi 7; Silver
Processor (CPU): M5 Pro chip, 15-core CPU
Memory (RAM): 24 GB
Storage: 2 TB SSD
Display: 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR
Battery Life: Up to 22h video, 14h web
Build Quality and Portability: 3.5 pounds, 45% recycled content
Operating System: macOS
Chosen by 1130 this week
Apple 2026 MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop with M5 chip: Built for AI, 15.3-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 1TB SSD, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID, Wi-Fi 7; Sky Blue
Apple 2026 MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop with M5 chip: Built for AI, 15.3-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 1TB SSD, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID, Wi-Fi 7; Sky Blue
Processor (CPU): Apple M5 10-core CPU, 4+6 cores
Memory (RAM): 16 GB
Storage: 1 TB SSD
Display: 15.3-inch Liquid Retina, 2880x1864, 500 nits
Battery Life: Up to 18 hours video streaming
Build Quality and Portability: Recycled aluminum, 3.3 lbs, 0.45x13.4x9.35 in
Operating System: macOS
Apple 2026 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M5 chip: Built for AI, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID, Wi-Fi 7; Midnight
Apple 2026 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M5 chip: Built for AI, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID, Wi-Fi 7; Midnight
Processor (CPU): M5 chip
Memory (RAM): 16GB
Storage: 512GB SSD
Display: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina
Battery Life: up to 18 hours
Build Quality and Portability: premium, lightweight
Operating System: Mac OS
Related Products
Acer Aspire Go 15 AI Ready Laptop | 15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS Display | AMD Ryzen 7 7730U | AMD Radeon Graphics | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD | Wi-Fi 6 | Windows 11 Home | AG15-42P-R9FW
Acer Aspire Go 15 AI Ready Laptop | 15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS Display | AMD Ryzen 7 7730U | AMD Radeon Graphics | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD | Wi-Fi 6 | Windows 11 Home | AG15-42P-R9FW
Processor (CPU): AMD Ryzen 7 7730U, 2-4.5 GHz, 8 cores
Memory (RAM): 16 GB DDR4
Storage: 512 GB SSD
Display: 15.6", 1920x1080, LCD, 300 Nit
Battery Life: 53 Watt Hours
Build Quality and Portability: 3.92 lbs, 0.78 in thick, functional
Operating System: Windows 11 Home
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Buying Guide for the Best Affordable Laptop Computers
Choosing an affordable laptop can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can find a model that fits your needs without breaking the bank. The key is to understand what specifications are most important for your intended use and how to balance performance with cost. Here are some key specs to consider when shopping for an affordable laptop and how to navigate them to find the best fit for you.Processor (CPU)The processor is the brain of your laptop, determining how quickly and efficiently it can perform tasks. For basic tasks like web browsing, email, and word processing, an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor will suffice. If you plan to do more demanding tasks like photo editing or light gaming, consider an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5. For heavy multitasking or more intensive applications, an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 would be ideal, but these are often found in higher-priced models.
Memory (RAM)RAM is where your laptop stores data that is actively being used, which affects how many applications you can run simultaneously and how smoothly they operate. For basic use, 4GB of RAM is the minimum, but 8GB is recommended for a smoother experience. If you plan to run multiple applications at once or use more demanding software, 16GB of RAM will provide better performance. More than 16GB is generally unnecessary for most users and can significantly increase the cost.
StorageStorage determines how much data you can keep on your laptop, including the operating system, applications, and personal files. There are two main types: Hard Disk Drives (HDD) and Solid State Drives (SSD). HDDs are cheaper and offer more storage space, but are slower. SSDs are faster and more reliable but come at a higher cost per gigabyte. For most users, a 256GB SSD provides a good balance of speed and storage capacity. If you need more space for files like videos and photos, consider a 512GB SSD or a combination of a smaller SSD with a larger HDD.
DisplayThe display affects your viewing experience and can impact your comfort during extended use. Screen size typically ranges from 11 to 17 inches. Smaller screens (11-13 inches) are more portable and suitable for basic tasks, while larger screens (15-17 inches) provide a better viewing experience for media consumption and multitasking. Resolution is also important; a Full HD (1920x1080) resolution is recommended for clear and sharp images. Higher resolutions like 4K are usually unnecessary for most users and can drain battery life faster.
Battery LifeBattery life is crucial if you plan to use your laptop on the go. Manufacturers often provide an estimated battery life, but real-world usage can vary. For basic tasks, a laptop with 6-8 hours of battery life should be sufficient. If you need to work away from a power source for extended periods, look for models that offer 10 hours or more. Keep in mind that more powerful components and higher-resolution screens can reduce battery life.
Build Quality and PortabilityThe build quality and portability of a laptop are important for durability and ease of transport. Laptops made from materials like aluminum or magnesium alloy tend to be more durable than plastic ones. Weight is also a factor; lighter laptops (under 3 pounds) are easier to carry around, making them ideal for students and professionals who travel frequently. Consider how often you'll be moving your laptop and choose a model that balances durability with portability.
Operating SystemThe operating system (OS) is the software that manages your laptop's hardware and software resources. The most common options are Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS. Windows is versatile and compatible with a wide range of software, making it a good choice for most users. macOS, found on Apple laptops, is known for its user-friendly interface and seamless integration with other Apple products. Chrome OS is lightweight and designed for web-based tasks, making it ideal for users who primarily use their laptops for internet browsing and cloud-based applications. Choose an OS that aligns with your software needs and personal preferences.