In the fast-evolving world of technology, finding the best cheap laptop that suits your needs can be daunting, especially with countless options available. As 2024 unfolds, affordable laptops are becoming increasingly efficient, aiding students, professionals, and casual users alike. This article will explore the top 10 best cheap laptops on Amazon, providing in-depth reviews to help you make an informed decision. We’ve considered performance, battery life, and user feedback to craft a well-rounded list that caters to various needs.
Buying Guide for the Best Cheap Laptop
When searching for the best cheap laptop in 2024, consider the following key factors to ensure you make the right choice:
Performance
- Processor: Look for laptops with at least an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor. These models provide decent performance for everyday tasks.
- RAM: A minimum of 8GB RAM is advisable. More RAM allows for better multitasking, especially if you plan to use several applications simultaneously.
- Storage: SSDs (Solid State Drives) are preferred over HDDs as they offer faster boot times and overall performance. Aim for at least 256GB SSD for basic storage needs.
Battery Life
Battery life is crucial for portability. Most budget laptops offer between 5 to 10 hours of usage, which should suffice for day-long tasks. Always check user reviews regarding real-world battery performance.
Display
A good display enhances your overall experience. Look for a laptop with a resolution of at least 1920 x 1080 pixels (Full HD) for crisp visuals. Anti-glare screens can also be beneficial if you’re using the device outdoors or in bright environments.
Build Quality & Design
While searching for the best cheap laptop, it’s important to find one that is durable yet lightweight. Materials like aluminum or high-quality plastic are ideal.
Brand & Support
Famous brands often offer better customer service and support. Prioritize laptops from well-known manufacturers, as they usually have good warranty options and customer service.
Additional Features
Consider other features such as backlit keyboards, fingerprint scanners, and ports (USB-C, HDMI), depending on your preferences and usage scenarios.
With these buying guidelines in mind, let’s delve into the top 10 best cheap laptops available on Amazon in 2024.
Top 10 Best Cheap Laptops on Amazon
1. Acer Aspire 5
The Acer Aspire 5 stands out in the affordable laptop segment with its powerful performance and sleek design. Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 5 processor and 8GB RAM, it handles multitasking seamlessly.
The 512GB SSD ensures quick boot times, while the 15.6-inch Full HD display provides vibrant visuals. Battery life is around 8 hours, which is impressive for its price range.
While the Aspire 5 is well-equipped for work and media consumption, its gaming capabilities may not satisfy hardcore gamers. Still, for general use, it’s a fantastic choice.
- Do What You Do With Exceptional Performance: The 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13420H processor goes beyond performance to let your PC do even more at once. And Intel UHD graphics distribute performance where you need it most. With 16GB LPDDR5 memory and 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage—the Aspire 5 is made to do it all.
- Clear and Comfortable Viewing: Experience crisp, lifelike colors and sharp details on the 15.6” FHD IPS touch display. You have more space to work thanks to narrow bezels. Equipped with Acer’s suite of visual technologies for dynamic color optimization and viewing comfort.
- The Design: The slim 0.71" body give the Aspire 5 a premium feel and appearance. An ergonomic hinge design lifts the body of Aspire 5 and tilts the keyboard for comfortable typing, improved cooling and a better sound experience.
- Smooth Operator: Make light work of your daily tasks, with a full line-up of features to elevate your day-to-day—like a 720p webcam and an air inlet keyboard.
- Internal Specifications: 16GB LPDDR5 memory; 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD to store your files and media; Windows 11 Home
2. Lenovo IdeaPad 3
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a solid contender for the best cheap laptop tag. Powered by an Intel Core i3 processor and 8GB RAM, this laptop sturdily meets the requirements for day-to-day tasks.
It boasts a 15.6-inch display with anti-glare technology, improving usability in bright conditions. Storage options include a 256GB SSD, which may be sufficient for most users. Battery life offers roughly 6 hours, making it a reliable option for students and remote workers alike.
Its lightweight design makes it portable, however, gaming performance might leave something to be desired.
- 【Memory & Storage】Memory is 12GB high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once. Hard Drive is 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive which allows to fast bootup and data transfer
- 【Processor】 Intel Core i3-1115G4 3.00 GHz 2 Cores Processor (6MB Cache, up to 4.10 GHz), Intel UHD Graphics
- 【Screen】15.6" HD TouchScreen (1366 x 768) Display
- 【Ports】2 x SuperSpeed USB Type-A 3.2, 1 x SuperSpeed USB Type-A, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Headphone/Microphone Combo, 1 x SD Card Reader, Wireless-AC (Wi-Fi 5) and Bluetooth Combo
- 【Operating System】Windows 11 Home, 64 bit
3. HP Chromebook 14
If your primary usage revolves around web browsing and cloud applications, the HP Chromebook 14 is among the best cheap laptops to consider. Running on Chrome OS, it is efficient for casual web users.
Equipped with an Intel Celeron processor and 4GB RAM, the Chromebook is best for light usage but shines in battery life, often lasting up to 12 hours. With a 14-inch Full HD display, it serves well for streaming and online learning.
The limited storage (32GB eMMC) is a downside, but it’s bolstered by cloud storage, which is a crucial aspect of Chromebook usability.
- FOR HOME, WORK, & SCHOOL – With an Intel processor, 14-inch display, custom-tuned stereo speakers, and long battery life, this Chromebook laptop lets you knock out any assignment or binge-watch your favorite shows..Voltage:5.0 volts
- HD DISPLAY, PORTABLE DESIGN – See every bit of detail on this micro-edge, anti-glare, 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) display (1); easily take this thin and lightweight laptop PC from room to room, on trips, or in a backpack.
- ALL-DAY PERFORMANCE – Reliably tackle all your assignments at once with the quad-core, Intel Celeron N4120—the perfect processor for performance, power consumption, and value (2).
- 4K READY – Smoothly stream 4K content and play your favorite next-gen games with Intel UHD Graphics 600 (3) (4).
- MEMORY AND STORAGE – Enjoy a boost to your system’s performance with 4 GB of RAM while saving more of your favorite memories with 64 GB of reliable flash-based eMMC storage (5).
4. ASUS VivoBook 15
The ASUS VivoBook 15 combines style with performance, making it a valuable player in the budget laptop space. It comes equipped with an Intel Core i5 processor, making it highly capable for multitasking.
The 15.6-inch Full HD display comes with a sleek NanoEdge bezel for an immersive viewing experience. With 8GB RAM and a 512GB SSD, it provides ample storage for applications and files, all while ensuring quick access.
Battery life averages around 7 hours, which is reasonable given its powerful specifications. However, the build quality may feel less premium compared to more expensive models.
- 15.6” NANOEDGE DISPLAY — Super slim bezel design with a smooth 60Hz refresh rate, vibrant 45% NTSC color gamut and 250-nit sustained brightness
- AMD Ryzen 5 7520U PROCESSOR — Designed for thin laptops, this processor gives you fast performance for browsing and light gaming with longer battery life with integrated AMD Radeon Graphics
- 8GB MEMORY + 512GB STORAGE — Faster memory that smoothly runs multiple applications at once with supersized storage for files, documents and more
- WI-FI 5 AND BLUETOOTH 5.1 — Seamlessly and quickly connect your devices
- SOUND BY SONICMASTER — Crisp, multi-dimensional sound with built-in speakers and an array microphone
5. Dell Inspiron 15 3000
The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 line has been a popular choice, blending functionality and affordability. Featuring an Intel Core i3 processor and 8GB RAM, it meets the basic requirements for various tasks efficiently.
With a 15.6-inch HD display and a 256GB SSD, it strikes a good balance between performance and storage capacity. Users can expect a 6 to 8-hour battery life depending on usage, which makes it a reliable daily driver for students and professionals alike.
The laptop is also equipped with useful ports, though it may lack some modern connectivity options like USB-C.
![Dell Inspiron 15 3000 3520 Business Laptop Computer[Windows 11 Pro], 15.6'' FHD Touchscreen, 11th Gen Intel Quad-Core i5-1135G7, 16GB RAM, 1TB PCIe SSD, Numeric Keypad, Wi-Fi, Webcam, HDMI, Black](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51O3nNfyJPL._SL160_.jpg)
- 【15.6" Full HD Touchscreen】The 1920 x 1080 resolution boasts impressive color and clarity. IPS technology for wide viewing angles. Energy-efficient LED backlight. Designed with tiny rubber feet and bumpers on the hinge that keep it from skidding and provide additional stability.
- 【11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor】Ultra-low-voltage platform. Quad-core, eight-way processing provides maximum high-efficiency power to go. Your always-ready experience starts as soon as you open your device. Turn on, boot-up, and log-in quickly.
- 【16GB DDR4 RAM + 1TB PCIe SSD】16GB RAM can smoothly run your games and photo- and video-editing applications, as well as multiple programs and browser tabs all at once. A 1TB NVMe PCIe solid slate drive that leaves the power at your fingertips with the fastest data transfers currently available.
- 【Easy-to-use Technology】Long-lasting battery and express charge capability, to keep going for longer. Comes with Express Charge capabilities that minimize the time you spend tethered to an outlet and will recharge your battery 80% in 60 minutes. Built-in media reader for simple photo transfer.
- 【Windows 11 Professional】Experience the most secure Windows ever built with fast boot times, increased responsiveness, and added protection against phishing and malware. Plus, you can switch out of S mode.
6. Microsoft Surface Laptop Go
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go is on the higher end of the budget spectrum but justifies its cost with premium build quality and portability. Weighing under 3 pounds, it’s an excellent option for users on the go.
Featuring an Intel Core i5 processor with 8GB of RAM, this lightweight device provides decent performance for everyday tasks. The 12.4-inch touchscreen display enhances user interaction, making it ideal for students or professionals using digital presentations.
However, the 128GB SSD can be limiting for users with extensive storage needs, but the sleek and stylish design compensates for this disadvantage.
- · The perfect everyday laptop – Ultra-portable at under 2.5 pounds with a vibrant 12.4” touchscreen for work or play, wherever you are.
- · Colors you crave – Available in Platinum, Sage, Sandstone, and Ice Blue, all in a durable, cool metal finish [3].
- · Get your work done effortlessly – Stream all the latest releases, and run your favorite day-to-day apps, now with faster performance and up to 16GB RAM and 256GB storage [4].
- · Up to 15 hours [1] of battery life – Power through a full day of work, play, shopping, or streaming. Plus, recharge quickly with Fast Charging.
- · Fingerprint Power Button – One Touch sign-in provides fast, secure login, cloud access to OneDrive Personal Vault [7] files, and more.
7. Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5
The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 merges functionality with a 2-in-1 design, making it versatile for different usage scenarios. It features an Intel Core i3 processor alongside 4GB RAM.
This Chromebook is perfect for streaming and web browsing with a 13.3-inch Full HD touchscreen display. Battery life stands at around 10 hours, further enhancing portability. With a 64GB eMMC storage capacity, it’s ideal for cloud-based tasks and light use.
The flexibility of the 2-in-1 design makes it suitable for note-taking in tablet mode or professional presentations in laptop mode.
- Lenovo Flex 5 5i 2 in 1 Chromebook, larger screen and keyboard size than the 12.2" version. The x360 degree hinge allows 'Laptop' mode for everyday computing, 'Yoga' mode for sharing things, 'Flip' mode for binge-watching, or 'Tablet' mode for more intuitive interaction. The fast, secure operating system built by Google comes with AI tools to make hard work feel easy. Write like a pro, design unique backgrounds, and reimagine photos with generative AI.
- Intel Core i3-1315U (6 cores 8 threads, base clock speed 1.2GHz, max turbo to 4.5GHz, 10MB Cache); 8GB LPDDR4x 4266 MHz Memory (Soldered), 256GB Storage (128GB eMMC + 128GB SD Card); Get 12 months of free access to 2 TB of secure cloud storage with Google One
- 14" WUXGA (1920x1200) IPS 300nits Glossy, Touch Display; Integrated Intel UHD Graphics; Support to expandable monitors via HDMI or Type-C Ports. Maximum supported resolution of 4k (3840*2160) @60Hz; FHD 1080p Webcam with Privacy Shutter
- USB-A (USB 5Gbps / USB 3.2 Gen 1), 2x USB-C (USB 10Gbps / USB 3.2 Gen 2), with USB PD 3.0 and DisplayPort 1.4, Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm), microSD card reader; Wi-Fi 6E, 802.11ax 2x2 + Bluetooth 5.3; Backlit Keyboard
- Auto Update Expiration (AUE) Date: June 2032. Google Chrome OS, Chromebook is a computer for the way the modern world works, with thousands of apps, built-in cloud backups and Google Assistant. It is secure, fast, up-to-date, versatile, and simple. Idea for Online course, Online school, k12 & k9 & College students, Zoom meeting, or Video streaming.
8. HP Pavilion x360
For those seeking a reliable convertible laptop, the HP Pavilion x360 offers strong performance along with flexibility. Featuring an Intel Core i3 processor and 8GB of RAM, it is well-equipped for most users.
The 14-inch touchscreen display is both responsive and vibrant, enhancing usability in various modes. The 256GB SSD provides fast access and sufficient space for everyday needs.
Battery life is a respectable 8 hours, making it a good choice for students needing a laptop for classes. The convertible nature of the laptop adds to versatility, suitable for both work and entertainment.
- FULL HD TOUCH DISPLAY - Intuitive touchscreen technology lets you control your PC right from the vibrant 1920 x 1080 screen, plus be entertained any way you choose with this PC’s 360-degree design
- INTEL CORE PROCESSOR - Offering more than just a performance score, this 13th Generation Intel Core i3-1315U processor advances real-world computing and delivers more ultra-efficient multi-tasking
- INTEL UHD GRAPHICS - Smoothly stream 4K content and play your favorite games
- STORAGE AND MEMORY - Get up to 15x faster performance than a traditional hard drive with 256 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage; and enjoy higher bandwidth and boosted performance with 8 GB DDR4 RAM memory
- GET A FRESH PERSPECTIVE WITH WINDOWS 11 HOME - From a rejuvenated Start menu, to new ways to connect to your favorite people, news, games, and content—Windows 11 is the place to think, express, and create in a natural way
9. Acer Chromebook Spin 311
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is an excellent choice for younger users due to its kid-friendly design and lightweight chassis. Powering through tasks with an ARM processor, it features 4GB RAM for smooth processing.
The 11.6-inch touchscreen display offers flexibility depending on your usage preferences. With a battery life extending beyond 10 hours, it’s ideal for long school days or meetings. Storage is limited to 32GB eMMC but works well with online storage options.
Despite its limitations, the Spy 311’s durability and performance make it suitable for students and light users.
- Aspect Ratio:16:9
- Chromebook runs on Chrome OS - An operating system by Google that is built for the way we live today. It comes with built-in virus protection, updates automatically, boots up in seconds and continues to stay fast over time. (Internet connection is required).
- All the Google apps you know and love come standard on every Chromebook, which means you can edit, download, and convert Microsoft Office files in Google Docs, Sheets and Slides.
- Get access to more than 2 million Android apps from Google Play to learn and do more.
- Chromebooks come with built-in storage for offline access to your most important files and an additional 100GB of Google Drive space to ensure that all of your files are backed up automatically.
10. Dell Latitude 3490
Closing our list is the Dell Latitude 3490, an enterprise-grade laptop that doubles as a budget-friendly option. It features an Intel Core i5 processor and comes with 8GB RAM, which provides ample performance for multitasking.
The 14-inch display is clear and easy to read, while the chassis offers a robust build quality. With a 256GB SSD, it has enough storage for users with professional needs. Battery life competently lasts around 7-8 hours, making it a great choice for on-the-go professionals.
Overall, it’s a reliable workhorse that won’t break the bank.
- Laptop Size：This Dell Latitude 3490 Business Laptop, has a screen size of 14". With the HD screen(1366 x 768), can mostly reduces fatigue when using it, allowing you to focus on work. With a weight of only about 1.72KG, this Dell Latitude refurbished laptop is a great choice for your travel.
- Processor：This Renewed Dell Latitude 3490 laptop is installed with Intel Core i5-8250U, which is a stable processor that runs at an average frequency of 1.6GHz Up to 3.4GHz, 4Cores, 8Threads, 6MB Cache, meeting the fast and stable operation of most programs.
- Powerful Memory: This renewed Latitude 3490 laptop computer has installed 16GB of RAM running memory and 512GB of Solid State Drive for you, allowing you to run multiple software and browsers at the same time with confidence, the Dell latitude powerful hard drive gives you enough space to download files!
- Multiple Ports: 2×USB 3.1 Gen1，1xHDMI Port, 1xNetwork Port, 1xHeadset/microphone combo jack, 1xSD Card Reader, 1xUSB 2.0 Port, 1xVGA Display Port, this Dell laptop allows you to fully enjoy the pleasure brought by technology.
- System and Wrranty: Windows 10 Pro is recognized as the most stable operating system, which is mostly for both commercial and professional users. Windows 10 Pro provides more security and management features for this used Dell 3490 notebook, as well as supporting virtualization and remote access. Meanwhile, it supports multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, etc.Simultaneously guarantee a 30 day maintenance period
Conclusion
The quest for the best cheap laptop in 2024 should now be easier thanks to our in-depth analysis of the top 10 contenders available on Amazon. Each laptop caters to different user needs, ensuring there’s something for everyone, from students to professionals.
When buying a cheap laptop, it’s crucial to consider performance, battery life, display quality, and additional features that suit your lifestyle. The laptops listed above not only provide excellent performance for their price but also offer unique features that stand out in 2024.
In summary, whether you decide to go for the Acer Aspire 5, Lenovo IdeaPad 3, or even a versatile Chromebook like the HP Chromebook 14, you’re sure to find a device that meets your needs without breaking the bank.