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10 Best Affordable Laptops 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 score

Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop | 15.6" Full HD IPS Display | AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Quad-Core Processor | AMD Radeon Graphics | 8GB LPDDR5 | 128GB NVMe SSD | Wi-Fi 6 | Windows 11 Home in S Mode

The Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop is an affordable option that balances performance and portability. It features an AMD Ryzen 3 7320U quad-core processor, which provides adequate power for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and document editing. The 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM ensures smooth multitasking, and the 128GB NVMe SSD offers fast storage, although it might be limited for users with large files or extensive media libraries. The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display delivers sharp and vibrant visuals, making it great for watching videos and working on light design projects. However, the absence of a backlit keyboard could be a drawback for those who often work in low-light environments.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,284
Processor (CPU)
Display
Battery Life

Most important from
4451 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Surprisingly fast performance for an affordable laptop, suitable for coding and assignments.
Display
The screen brightness and quality are impressive, enhancing the visual experience.
Battery Life
Battery life is reliable, lasting long enough to get through a day on campus without frequent recharging.
Build Quality and Portability
Build quality feels good and the design is sleek, though the screen is somewhat bendable and should be handled with care.
#2
9.6 score

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)

The HP 14 Laptop is a solid choice for those seeking an affordable and portable laptop. It features an Intel Celeron N4020 processor, which is adequate for basic tasks like web browsing, document editing, and streaming videos. With its 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage, it can handle light multitasking, but it may struggle with more demanding applications or heavy multitasking situations. The storage capacity is limited, which might require external solutions for storing larger files.

Rating
9.6
Processor (CPU)
RAM
Storage

Most important from
3187 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The laptop is a bit slow, but manageable for the price.
RAM
The 4GB RAM limits multitasking capabilities.
Storage
The 64GB storage may be insufficient for some users.
Display
The screen is dim and not suitable for outdoor use.
Battery Life
Impressive battery life, lasting up to 6.5 hours on a single charge.
Connectivity
Includes an SD card slot, which is a rare feature in this price range.
#3
9.4 score

Dell Inspiron Touchscreen Laptop, 15.6" Business & Student Laptop Computer, Windows 11 Pro Laptop 32GB RAM 1TB SSD, Intel i5-1155G7 Processor, Full HD IPS Display, Numeric Keypad, HDMI, Carbon Black

The Dell Inspiron Touchscreen Laptop is a versatile option for both business users and students. Powered by an Intel Quad-Core i5-1155G7 processor, it offers solid performance for a range of tasks, from daily productivity to light multitasking. The 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD ensure smooth operation and ample storage, making it a good choice for those handling large files or running multiple applications simultaneously.

Rating
9.4
Display
Battery Life
Build Quality and Portability

Most important from
508 reviews

Display
The picture quality is outstanding, enhancing the visual experience.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, ensuring extended use without frequent charging.
Build Quality and Portability
Lightweight design makes it highly portable and convenient for students.

Top 10 Best Affordable Laptops 2025 in the United States

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Buying Guide for the Best Affordable Laptops

Choosing the right affordable laptop can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can find a model that fits your needs perfectly. The key is to understand what specifications are most important for your intended use and how to evaluate them. Here are some key specs to consider when shopping for an affordable laptop, along with explanations to help you make an informed decision.
Processor (CPU)The processor, or CPU, is the brain of your laptop. It determines how fast and efficiently your laptop can perform tasks. For basic tasks like web browsing, email, and word processing, a dual-core processor (e.g., Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3) is usually sufficient. For more demanding tasks like photo editing or light gaming, a quad-core processor (e.g., Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5) is a better choice. If you need to run heavy applications or multitask frequently, consider a higher-end processor, but keep in mind that this may increase the cost.
Memory (RAM)RAM, or Random Access Memory, is crucial for multitasking and running applications smoothly. For basic use, 4GB of RAM is the minimum you should consider. However, 8GB of RAM is recommended for a smoother experience, especially if you plan to run multiple applications simultaneously. If you are into more intensive tasks like video editing or gaming, 16GB of RAM would be more appropriate, but this might be harder to find in the affordable range.
StorageStorage determines how much data you can keep 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 they are slower. SSDs are faster and more reliable but come with less storage for the same price. For an affordable laptop, a 256GB SSD is a good balance between speed and storage capacity. If you need more space, consider a laptop with a 1TB HDD or look for models that offer both SSD and HDD.
DisplayThe display quality affects your overall experience, especially if you spend a lot of time on your laptop. A resolution of 1920x1080 (Full HD) is recommended for clear and sharp images. Screen size is also important; a 13-14 inch screen is portable and good for basic tasks, while a 15-17 inch screen is better for media consumption and multitasking. Consider what you'll be using the laptop for and choose a screen size and resolution that fits your needs.
Battery LifeBattery life is crucial if you plan to use your laptop on the go. Look for laptops that offer at least 6-8 hours of battery life for basic use. If you need to work for extended periods without access to a power outlet, consider models that offer 10 hours or more. Keep in mind that battery life can vary based on usage, so check reviews and user feedback for real-world performance.
Build Quality and PortabilityBuild quality affects the durability and feel of your laptop. Look for laptops with sturdy construction, preferably with metal or high-quality plastic. Portability is also important; lighter laptops (under 4 pounds) are easier to carry around. If you travel frequently or need to move your laptop often, prioritize a lightweight and well-built model.
ConnectivityConnectivity options determine how you can connect your laptop to other devices. Ensure the laptop has enough USB ports (preferably USB 3.0 or higher), an HDMI port for external displays, and a headphone jack. If you need to connect to the internet wirelessly, look for laptops with Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6 for better speed and reliability. Bluetooth is also useful for connecting peripherals like mice and headphones.
Operating SystemThe operating system (OS) is the software that runs your laptop. Windows is the most common and offers a wide range of software compatibility. Chrome OS is a good choice for basic tasks and is often found on more affordable laptops, but it has limited software options. macOS is exclusive to Apple laptops and offers a seamless experience with other Apple devices but is generally more expensive. Choose an OS that fits your software needs and personal preference.

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