Imagine needing a laptop for school, work, or just to connect with friends, but your wallet feels a little too light. The dream of owning a computer can seem out of reach when prices are high. But what if we told you that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a great machine?
Finding the cheapest laptop can feel like a treasure hunt. You want something that works well without breaking the bank. It’s easy to get confused by all the different brands and features. You might worry that a cheap laptop won’t be good enough for what you need. Will it be slow? Will it break easily? These are real worries!
In this post, we’ll explore how to find amazing laptops that are easy on your wallet. We’ll show you what to look for and what to avoid. By the end, you’ll feel confident about choosing a laptop that fits your budget and your needs. Get ready to discover your next affordable tech companion!
Our Top 5 Cheapest Laptop Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Cheapest Laptop Detailed Reviews
1. Dell Chromebook 11 3100 11.6″ Chromebook – 1366 x 768 – Celeron N4020-4 GB RAM – 16 GB Flash Memory – Chrome OS – Intel HD Graphics – English (US) Keyboard – Bluetooth (Renewed)
Rating: 9.2/10
Looking for a simple and reliable laptop for school or everyday tasks? The Dell Chromebook 11 3100, a renewed 11.6-inch Chromebook, might be just what you need. It runs on Chrome OS, which means it’s super easy to use. This Chromebook is built to handle daily adventures, whether you’re writing reports, browsing the web, or watching videos. Its compact size makes it easy to carry around, and it’s designed to be tough.
What We Like:
- It’s very light and easy to carry.
- The design is strong and can handle bumps.
- Chrome OS is simple and quick to learn.
- It’s a budget-friendly option.
- It connects easily to other devices with Bluetooth.
What Could Be Improved:
- The storage space (16GB) is quite small for lots of files.
- The 1366 x 768 screen resolution is basic.
- Performance might be slow for demanding tasks.
- As a renewed product, the battery life may vary.
This Dell Chromebook 11 3100 is a solid pick for basic computing needs. It offers a straightforward experience at an attractive price point, making it a smart choice for students and casual users.
2. HP 14 Laptop
Rating: 9.0/10
The HP 14 Laptop in Snowflake White is a great choice for anyone who needs a computer that can go anywhere. It’s super thin and light, so you can easily carry it around. The screen is almost all display, with a tiny border, making it feel bigger than it is. This laptop runs on Windows 11 Home and comes with a year of Microsoft 365, making it ready for work and fun right out of the box.
What We Like:
- It’s very thin and light, making it easy to take with you.
- The screen has a tiny border, so you get more picture and less frame.
- It’s great for everyday tasks like browsing the web and typing papers.
- The Intel Celeron N4020 processor is good for saving power and money.
- It can smoothly play videos in 4K and handle some games thanks to Intel UHD Graphics 600.
- It includes 64 GB of storage and 4 GB of RAM, which is enough for basic needs.
- You get a whole year of Microsoft 365 included.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 64 GB storage might fill up quickly if you save a lot of big files or games.
- 4 GB of RAM is good for simple tasks, but it might feel slow if you try to run many programs at once.
- The HD display (1366 x 768) is okay, but a higher resolution would make text and images sharper.
This HP 14 Laptop offers a solid experience for basic computer needs, especially for students or those who travel often. It’s a good value with the included Microsoft 365 subscription.
3. Lenovo 100E Chromebook 2ND Gen 81QB000AUS Laptop Computer
Rating: 9.4/10
The Lenovo 100E Chromebook 2ND Gen 81QB000AUS is a fantastic laptop for students and teachers. It’s built to handle a busy school day, just like a dedicated teacher! This Chromebook runs on Chrome OS, which makes it super easy to use. It has an 11.6-inch HD screen, a MediaTek processor, and 4GB of RAM to help you get your work done. This is a renewed product, meaning it’s been checked and fixed up to work like new again. It comes in black and is ready for all your learning adventures.
What We Like:
- It’s tough and can survive bumps and drops, which is great for school.
- It’s very affordable, making it a smart choice for families.
- Chrome OS is simple and quick to learn, perfect for students.
- It boots up fast, so you can start working right away.
- It’s lightweight, making it easy to carry around in a backpack.
What Could Be Improved:
- The storage space is a bit small (16GB), so you might need to rely on cloud storage.
- For really demanding tasks, it might feel a little slow.
- The screen resolution is HD, which is good, but not as sharp as some other laptops.
This Chromebook is a solid option for anyone needing a dependable and budget-friendly device for schoolwork. It gets the job done without breaking the bank.
4. HP Chromebook 14 Laptop
Rating: 9.3/10
The HP Chromebook 14 Laptop (14a-na0226nr, 2022, Mineral Silver) is a versatile machine designed for students, professionals, and casual users alike. Its lightweight build and impressive battery life make it an ideal companion for those on the go, whether you’re heading to class, a coffee shop, or just moving between rooms at home. With Chrome OS, you get a secure and user-friendly experience, along with access to a vast library of apps.
What We Like:
- It’s great for home, work, and school tasks, letting you get assignments done or enjoy entertainment.
- The 14-inch HD display shows details clearly and is anti-glare, making it comfortable to view.
- Its thin and lightweight design makes it super portable for carrying anywhere.
- The Intel Celeron N4120 processor handles multiple tasks smoothly and efficiently.
- You can stream 4K content and play games thanks to the Intel UHD Graphics 600.
- It comes with 4 GB of RAM for good performance and 64 GB of storage for your files.
- The battery lasts up to 14 hours, and HP Fast Charge gets it to 50% in about 45 minutes.
- Chrome OS is always secure and updated, and you have access to many apps from the Google Play Store.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity are strong and reliable for remote work or streaming.
- The multi-touch touchpad supports gestures for easy navigation.
- It has a sustainable design, being ENERGY STAR certified and EPEAT Silver registered.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 64 GB of eMMC storage might be limited for users who store a lot of large files or media.
- While the display is HD, a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution would offer even sharper visuals.
- The Intel Celeron N4120 is a capable processor for everyday tasks, but more demanding applications or heavy multitasking might show its limitations.
Overall, this HP Chromebook offers excellent value and portability for everyday computing needs.
5. Lenovo 11.6in Chromebook
Rating: 9.2/10
The Lenovo 11.6-inch Chromebook, a renewed model, offers a budget-friendly way to get online for school, work, or simple browsing. It runs on Google’s Chrome OS, which is super easy to use and keeps things running smoothly. This Chromebook is powered by an Intel Celeron N3350 processor and has 4GB of RAM, making it great for everyday tasks like checking emails, watching videos, and using web-based apps. The 32GB eMMC SSD provides quick boot-up times and speedy access to your files. Plus, it has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for all your wireless needs.
What We Like:
- It’s very portable at just 2.76 lbs and has a compact 11.4 x 8 x 0.8-inch size.
- The 11.6-inch HD LED display with a 16:9 aspect ratio is nice for watching videos.
- It features a spill-resistant keyboard, which is a big plus for students or anyone prone to accidents.
- With two USB-C ports that support power delivery and two USB 3.0 ports, you have plenty of options for connecting devices.
- The battery can last up to 10 hours, meaning you can use it all day without needing to charge.
- It includes a built-in 720p camera for video calls.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 32GB eMMC SSD might fill up quickly if you store a lot of large files directly on the device.
- The Intel Celeron N3350 processor is best suited for basic tasks and may struggle with more demanding applications.
- The 4GB of RAM is soldered, meaning it cannot be upgraded later.
- The 1366 x 768 resolution is standard but not as sharp as higher-resolution displays.
This renewed Lenovo Chromebook is a smart choice for anyone needing a reliable and affordable laptop for everyday computing. It offers a good balance of features for its price point.
Your Guide to the Cheapest Laptop That’s Still Great
Finding a laptop that doesn’t break the bank is a challenge. But you can get a good one if you know what to look for! This guide helps you find the cheapest laptop that still works well for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a cheap laptop, focus on these important things:
- Screen Size: Most cheap laptops have screens between 11 and 15 inches. Smaller screens are good for carrying around. Bigger screens are better for watching movies or doing homework.
- Storage: This is where your files, pictures, and apps live. Look for at least 64GB of storage. Some laptops let you add more later with a memory card.
- RAM (Memory): RAM helps your laptop run apps smoothly. Aim for at least 4GB of RAM. More RAM means you can do more things at once without the laptop slowing down.
- Processor (CPU): This is like the laptop’s brain. Cheaper laptops often have Intel Celeron or Pentium processors, or AMD equivalents. These are good for basic tasks.
- Battery Life: How long can the laptop last without being plugged in? Look for laptops that promise at least 5-6 hours of battery life. This is great for school or working on the go.
2. Important Materials
Cheap laptops are often made from plastic. This keeps the cost down.
- Plastic Body: Most budget laptops have plastic shells. While not as tough as metal, good quality plastic can still be strong. It also makes the laptop lighter.
- Screen Type: Most screens are LCD. Some might have touchscreens, which can be fun for certain uses.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a cheap laptop better, and some make it worse.
Things That Improve Quality:
- Solid Build: Even with plastic, a laptop can feel sturdy. When you hold it, it shouldn’t bend or creak too much.
- Good Keyboard and Trackpad: You’ll be typing and clicking a lot. A comfortable keyboard and a responsive trackpad make a big difference in how you use the laptop.
- Decent Screen Brightness: A screen that’s bright enough is easier to see, even in a sunny room.
Things That Reduce Quality:
- Slow Processor: A very slow processor will make everything take a long time. Loading apps or websites might feel like an eternity.
- Low Storage: If you don’t have enough storage, you’ll have to delete things often. This can be very frustrating.
- Flimsy Build: A laptop that feels like it could break easily is not a good buy.
- Poor Screen Resolution: A screen that looks blurry or pixelated makes everything less enjoyable.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Who is a cheap laptop for? What can you do with it?
Who It’s For:
- Students: For taking notes, doing homework, and researching.
- Beginners: If you’re new to computers and just need to get online.
- Casual Users: For browsing the internet, checking email, and watching videos.
- Secondary Device: If you already have a powerful computer but need something light to travel with.
What You Can Do:
- Browse the web (Google Chrome, Firefox, etc.)
- Check and send emails
- Watch videos on YouTube or Netflix
- Use word processors (Google Docs, Microsoft Word online)
- Create presentations
- Basic photo editing
- Play simple games
You likely won’t be editing videos or playing demanding video games on a cheap laptop. But for everyday tasks, a budget-friendly option can be a smart choice!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cheapest Laptops
Q: What is the absolute cheapest type of laptop?
A: The cheapest laptops are often Chromebooks or basic Windows laptops with lower-end processors and less storage.
Q: Can I run Microsoft Office on a cheap laptop?
A: Yes, you can use the web versions of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for free. Paid desktop versions might run slowly.
Q: Is a Chromebook good for school?
A: Yes, Chromebooks are excellent for schoolwork like writing papers, browsing the web, and using Google Workspace apps.
Q: How much storage do I really need?
A: For basic use, 64GB is a good starting point. If you plan to download many apps or save lots of files, aim for 128GB or more if possible.
Q: Will a cheap laptop be slow?
A: They can be slower for demanding tasks, but for web browsing, email, and document editing, they are usually fast enough.
Q: What if I need to edit photos?
A: For simple edits, basic photo apps can work. For professional photo editing, you’ll need a more powerful laptop.
Q: Are cheap laptops good for gaming?
A: No, most cheap laptops are not designed for gaming. They can run very simple, older games.
Q: What is “refurbished”?
A: A refurbished laptop has been used before, then repaired and cleaned to work like new. They are often cheaper.
Q: How important is the brand of a cheap laptop?
A: For the cheapest options, features and specs matter more than the brand. Focus on what the laptop can do.
Q: Can I upgrade a cheap laptop later?
A: Sometimes you can add more RAM or storage, but often cheap laptops are not designed for easy upgrades.
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.