Do you dream of a new laptop but your wallet feels a little light? Finding a great computer that doesn’t cost a fortune can feel like a treasure hunt. You want something that’s fast enough for homework, fun for games, and smooth for watching your favorite shows, but the prices can quickly add up!
It’s tough to know which laptops are worth your money when you’re on a budget. You might worry about getting a slow computer or one that breaks easily. You’ve probably spent hours scrolling through websites, feeling confused by all the technical terms and endless choices. We get it – it’s a common problem!
But don’t worry! This guide is here to help you discover the best laptops you can buy for under $800. We’ll break down what to look for, highlight some fantastic options, and show you how to get the most bang for your buck. By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel confident about choosing a laptop that fits your needs and your budget perfectly.
Our Top 5 Laptop Under $800 Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Laptop Under $800 Detailed Reviews
1. Dell Latitude 3190 11.6″ HD 2-in-1 Touchscreen Laptop Intel N5030 1.1Ghz 4GB Ram 128GB SSD Windows 11 Professional (Renewed)
Rating: 9.2/10
The Dell Latitude 3190 11.6″ HD 2-in-1 Touchscreen Laptop is a versatile and budget-friendly option for students and everyday users. This renewed laptop packs a punch with its 1.1 GHz Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core processor, which can boost up to 2.4GHz for faster performance. It comes with 4GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD, giving you enough space and speed for your apps and files. The 11.6-inch HD touchscreen display is great for watching videos, browsing the web, or even taking notes with its 2-in-1 design. Plus, it runs on Windows 11 Pro, offering all the latest features.
What We Like:
- The 2-in-1 design lets you flip it into tablet mode.
- The 11.6-inch HD touchscreen is bright and clear.
- It’s lightweight and easy to carry around.
- The 128GB SSD makes starting up and loading apps quick.
- Windows 11 Pro is pre-installed for your convenience.
- The price is very affordable for a renewed laptop.
What Could Be Improved:
- 4GB of RAM might be a bit slow for demanding tasks.
- The Intel Celeron processor is good for basic use, but not for heavy gaming or video editing.
- The display resolution is HD (1366 x 768), which is standard but not super sharp.
This Dell Latitude 3190 is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and flexible laptop for schoolwork or general use. It offers a good balance of features and affordability.
2. HP 14 Laptop
Rating: 9.0/10
The HP 14 Laptop in Snowflake White is a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable computer for everyday tasks. It’s thin and light, making it easy to carry around, and the screen is bright and clear. You can use it for schoolwork, browsing the internet, or even watching your favorite shows. Plus, it comes with a year of Microsoft 365, which is super handy!
What We Like:
- It’s super thin and light, so you can take it anywhere easily.
- The screen has almost no border, making it feel bigger and more immersive.
- The Intel Celeron N4020 processor is good for everyday tasks and saves battery.
- You can stream videos in 4K and play some games thanks to the Intel UHD Graphics 600.
- It has enough storage for your important files and 4 GB of RAM helps things run smoothly.
- The included year of Microsoft 365 is a big bonus.
What Could Be Improved:
- 64 GB of storage might fill up quickly if you save a lot of large files or programs.
- 4 GB of RAM is enough for basic tasks, but it might slow down if you have many apps open at once.
- The HD display is good, but a higher resolution screen would make text and images even sharper.
This HP laptop is a solid option for everyday use. It offers a good balance of portability and performance for its price.
3. HP Chromebook 14 Laptop
Rating: 8.8/10
The HP Chromebook 14 Laptop (14a-na0226nr, 2022) in Mineral Silver is a versatile and budget-friendly device designed to handle your daily tasks. It boasts a thin and lightweight build, making it easy to carry around for school, work, or just relaxing at home. With its vibrant HD display and long-lasting battery, you can power through assignments or enjoy your favorite shows without interruption.
What We Like:
- It’s great for home, work, and school. You can do homework or watch movies easily.
- The 14-inch HD display is clear and bright, showing every detail.
- It’s thin and light, so you can take it anywhere in your backpack.
- The Intel Celeron N4120 processor handles tasks smoothly and saves power.
- You can stream 4K videos and play games thanks to Intel UHD Graphics 600.
- 4 GB of RAM helps your system run faster, and 64 GB of storage holds your files.
- The battery lasts up to 14 hours, and HP Fast Charge gets you to 50% in about 45 minutes.
- Chrome OS is secure and always up-to-date, with access to many apps from the Google Play Store.
- It has strong Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for reliable connections.
- The touchpad supports multi-touch gestures for easy navigation.
- It’s an ENERGY STAR certified and EPEAT Silver registered product, making it eco-friendly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 64 GB of eMMC storage might fill up quickly if you store many large files.
- The 14-inch HD display has a resolution of 1366 x 768, which is lower than Full HD.
This HP Chromebook offers a solid experience for everyday computing needs. It’s a fantastic option for students or anyone looking for an affordable and reliable laptop.
4. HP Pavilion 15.6″ HD Touchscreen Anti-Glare Laptop
Rating: 8.9/10
Meet the HP Pavilion 15.6″ laptop, a versatile machine designed for your daily tasks. Its silver finish looks sleek, and the touchscreen makes it super easy to navigate. You can enjoy your favorite movies and games with its crisp display. This laptop offers good performance for everyday use, from schoolwork to browsing the web.
What We Like:
- The 16GB of RAM lets you run many apps at once without slowing down.
- A speedy 1TB SSD means your laptop starts up fast and opens programs quickly.
- The 15.6-inch HD touchscreen is great for interacting with your content.
- The anti-glare screen helps reduce eye strain, especially in bright rooms.
- With up to 11 hours of battery life, you can work or play on the go.
- Plenty of ports, including USB-C and HDMI, make it easy to connect your devices.
- Windows 11 Home comes pre-installed, offering a modern operating system.
What Could Be Improved:
- The HD display resolution (1366 x 768) is basic; a Full HD screen would offer sharper images.
- The Intel Core i3 processor is good for everyday tasks but might struggle with very demanding software or heavy multitasking.
- The 220 nits brightness and 45% NTSC color gamut mean the screen might not be ideal for professional creative work or very bright outdoor use.
This HP Pavilion laptop is a solid choice for students and home users needing a reliable and user-friendly device. It balances performance and convenience for everyday computing needs.
5. Tonmom Laptop Stand for Desk
Rating: 8.6/10
Working on your laptop for long hours can be tough on your body. That’s where the Tonmom Laptop Stand comes in! This handy stand can lift your laptop to a better height, helping you sit up straighter and feel more comfortable. It’s made of strong plastic and has soft silicone pads to keep your laptop from slipping or getting scratched. Plus, it helps your laptop stay cool by letting air flow underneath it. It’s also super light and folds up small, so you can take it with you wherever you go. This stand works with most laptops between 10 and 15.6 inches.
What We Like:
- It lets you adjust the height to find the perfect eye level, which helps prevent neck and back pain.
- The strong design and silicone pads keep your laptop safe and steady.
- The open design helps your laptop cool down, so it runs better.
- It’s very light and folds up small, making it easy to carry around.
- It fits a wide range of laptops, so most people can use it.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s sturdy, it’s made of plastic, so very rough handling might be a concern for some.
- The folding mechanism, while convenient, could potentially wear out over time with frequent folding and unfolding.
The Tonmom Laptop Stand is a smart choice for anyone who wants a more comfortable and healthier way to use their laptop. It’s a simple yet effective tool that can make a big difference in your daily work.
Your Guide to Finding a Great Laptop Under $800
Finding a good laptop doesn’t have to cost a fortune. You can get a fantastic machine for less than $800 if you know what to look for. This guide will help you pick the best laptop for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, pay attention to these important parts of a laptop.
- Processor (CPU): This is like the laptop’s brain. For everyday tasks like browsing the internet, writing papers, and watching videos, an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 is usually good enough. If you do more, like light photo editing or gaming, aim for an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5.
- RAM (Memory): This helps your laptop run many programs at once. 8GB of RAM is the sweet spot for most people. It lets you switch between apps smoothly. 16GB is even better if you can find it in your budget.
- Storage (SSD): Look for a Solid State Drive (SSD). SSDs are much faster than old Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). They make your laptop start up quickly and apps load faster. A 256GB SSD is a good start. 512GB gives you more space for files and programs.
- Screen Size and Resolution: Most laptops under $800 come with screens between 13 and 15 inches. A 1080p (Full HD) screen is best for clear pictures and text.
- Battery Life: Think about how long you need to use your laptop away from a power outlet. Look for laptops that promise 7-8 hours or more of battery life.
Important Materials
The materials used in a laptop can affect its look and how long it lasts.
- Plastic: Many laptops in this price range use strong plastic. It keeps the cost down. Good quality plastic can still feel sturdy and look nice.
- Aluminum: Some laptops might have an aluminum lid or body. This makes them feel more premium and often makes them lighter and stronger.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain things can make a laptop better or not as good.
What Makes a Laptop Better:
- Fast SSD: This is a big one. A quick SSD makes everything feel snappier.
- Good Keyboard and Trackpad: You’ll be using these a lot. A comfortable keyboard and a responsive trackpad make a big difference in how much you enjoy using the laptop.
- Bright Screen: A screen that’s easy to see, even in a bright room, is a plus.
What Can Make a Laptop Less Good:
- Slow Processor: If the processor is too weak, your laptop will feel sluggish.
- Not Enough RAM: If you only have 4GB of RAM, you might notice your laptop slowing down when you open a few things.
- Low-Quality Screen: A screen with dull colors or a low resolution can be hard on your eyes.
- Poor Build Quality: A laptop that feels flimsy or creaks might not last as long.
User Experience and Use Cases
Who is this laptop for? What will you do with it?
For Students:
A laptop under $800 is perfect for schoolwork. You can write essays, do research online, take notes, and attend virtual classes. Look for good battery life so you can get through a school day without charging. A lightweight design also helps when carrying it around campus.
For Everyday Home Use:
If you just need a laptop for browsing the web, checking email, watching movies, and social media, you’ll be very happy with a laptop in this price range. It will handle these tasks with ease.
For Light Creative Work:
Some laptops under $800 can handle light photo editing or graphic design. You’ll want a screen with good color accuracy and at least 8GB of RAM. A more powerful processor will also help.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best processor for a laptop under $800?
A: An Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 is a great choice for performance. An Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 is good for basic tasks.
Q: How much RAM do I need?
A: 8GB of RAM is recommended for smooth multitasking. 16GB is even better if your budget allows.
Q: Should I get an SSD or an HDD?
A: Always choose an SSD. It makes your laptop much faster.
Q: What screen resolution is best?
A: A Full HD (1080p) resolution provides the clearest picture.
Q: How important is battery life?
A: It’s very important if you plan to use your laptop away from an outlet. Aim for 7-8 hours or more.
Q: Can I play games on a laptop under $800?
A: You can play many casual games. For demanding games, you might need a more expensive gaming laptop.
Q: Are these laptops good for video editing?
A: For very basic video editing, yes. For professional work, you’ll need a more powerful machine.
Q: What is the typical build material for these laptops?
A: Mostly strong plastic, with some models offering aluminum accents.
Q: How long should I expect a laptop under $800 to last?
A: With good care, a well-chosen laptop can last 3-5 years for everyday tasks.
Q: Where can I find good deals on laptops under $800?
A: Look at major online retailers, electronics stores, and check for sales around holidays.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.