Best Cheap Laptops in 2023
Previously, to buy a good laptop, you had to leave a decent amount of money in the store. But now, due to great competition in the market, manufacturers are trying to produce many PC configurations for different price segments. We have divided our rating by type of activity and in each category we have identified models that are ideal for specific tasks:
| Purpose | Tasks | Minimum Requirements |
| For work | Working with documents, tables, visiting web pages, the need to connect a printer, scanner, mouse; | Processor: Intel core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 Video card: Intel UHD Graphics RAM: 8 GB Hard drive: 256 GB Autonomy: from 6 hours Interfaces: at least two USB ports, eSATA, SD card port, audio connector (jack 3) .5 mm), Ethernet; |
| For study | Working with Word, Excel, searching for information on the Internet; | Processor: Intel core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 Video card: Intel UHD Graphics RAM: 8 GB Hard drive: 256 GB Autonomy: from 6 hours Interfaces: at least two USB ports, eSATA, SD card port, audio connector (jack 3) .5 mm); |
| For home | Viewing mail, communicating in instant messengers, watching video content; | Processor: Intel Atom, Celeron, Pentium Video card: Intel UHD Graphics RAM: 8 GB Hard drive: 256 GB Autonomy: from 2 hours Interfaces: at least two USB ports, eSATA, HDMI, audio connector (3.5 mm jack); |
| For the Internet | Surfing the Internet, watching videos and photos on social networks; | Processor: Intel Atom, Celeron, Pentium Video card: Intel UHD Graphics RAM: 8 GB Hard drive: 256 GB Autonomy: from 6 hours Interfaces: at least two USB ports, eSATA, HDMI, audio connector (3.5 mm jack); |
| For games, graphics programs and editing | Work without interruptions in programs such as CorelDraw and Adobe Illustrator; Smooth game without lag and good graphics. | Processor: Intel core i5, AMD Ryzen 5 Video card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 RAM: 16 GB Hard drive: 512 GB Autonomy: from 3 hours Interfaces: at least two USB ports, eSATA, HDMI, audio connector (3.5 mm jack) ). |
Editor’s Choice
Acer Aspire 7 A715-75G-42G (for graphics programs and editing)
The model with an Intel Core i7 processor and a discrete NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card is suitable for those who are interested in photo processing and video editing. For example, the laptop can handle working in CorelDraw and Adobe Illustrator without any problems. The 15.6-inch screen with an IPS matrix, 300 nits brightness and 72% sRGB color gamut is not suitable for photo and video processing professionals, but for amateurs and beginners it is a decent inexpensive option. The PC has 8 GB of RAM, which is enough for normal data processing speed, and the SSD hard drive capacity is 512 GB.
MSI Alpha 15 (Gaming)
A versatile laptop with an AMD Ryzen 5 5600H processor and an AMD Radeon Rx 6600M graphics card is designed for gaming (Witcher 3, Shadow of the Tomb Raider), but is also suitable for everyday use. There is 8 GB of RAM (can be doubled) and 512 GB of internal memory, and there is also empty space for installing another 2.5-inch SSD drive. One of the advantages is the Cooler Boost key, which speeds up the operation of the fans and helps reduce the temperature during a long game (however, the noise from them will be very loud). The operating time without recharging in gaming mode will be about 4 hours.
This model uses a 15.6-inch IPS matrix with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. The interfaces on the left are an Ethernet port, HDMI and mini-DisplayPort, one USB 3.2 Gen1 A-type and C-type, as well as two 3.5 mm mini-jacks for connecting headphones and a microphone, on the right are two USB 3.2 Gen1 A-type and SD card port.
The lid of the laptop and the area around the keyboard are made of metal, and everything else is plastic, but the laptop is made of high quality and durable. There is also a customizable keyboard backlight. For example, you can select a brightness mode that matches the brightness of the display.
Main characteristics
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 5600H |
| Display | 15.6 inches |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Video card | AMD Radeon Rx 6600M |
| HDD | 512 GB |
| Approximate battery life | 4 hours |
| Weight | 2.35 kg |
Rating of the top 6 best inexpensive laptops for work
1. Asus VivoBook 15
Mobile and stylish, the Asus VivoBook 15 laptop is suitable for everyday use at work. The 15.6-inch OLED screen with a resolution of 1920×1080 and brightness up to 400 nits will not let your eyes get tired quickly. The dual-core Intel Core i3 processor and Intel UHD Graphics graphics card can handle both casual games and undemanding office programs (Word, Exel). RAM is 8 GB. The hard drive capacity of 256 GB is not enough to store personal and work files, but there is room for installing a 2.5-inch SATA drive, which will give a decent 512 GB.
The very sensitive touchpad tracks touches easily, and it also has a built-in fingerprint scanner. The top cover of the laptop is made of ABS polymer coated with aluminum, which creates additional durability. The rest of the body is made of plastic, which retains fingerprints.
Among the minor disadvantages, we can highlight the battery life of about 5 hours in office applications, while the device is equipped with a fast charging function (75% in one hour), as well as a durable case.
Main characteristics
| CPU | Intel Core i3 1115G4 |
| Display | 15.6 inches |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Video card | Intel UHD Graphics |
| HDD | 256 GB |
| Approximate battery life | 5 o’clock |
| Weight | 1.8 kg |
2. HP 15s-eq1129ur
The laptop model is perfect for office work. A high-quality 15.6-inch Full HD screen with thin frames and an IPS matrix has a wide viewing angle and good color reproduction, which will allow your eyes not to get tired quickly when using the PC for a long time. The model’s hardware is suitable for productive work with office applications: a processor from the manufacturer AMD Athlon 3020e, 4 GB RAM and a 256 GB hard drive (there is no additional space for another drive).
he operating time of the device without recharging is very decent – about 7 hours of use in office applications. Especially convenient for those who prefer remote work. The device has a 45 W fast charging function – the laptop will be fully charged in just an hour and a half. The model has the following slots: HDMI, two USB 1 ports, USB 3.1 Type-C and a 3.5 mm jack for headphones.
According to consumer reviews, the disadvantages of this device are limited visibility of the picture in the sun, and also during prolonged operation the fan in the cooling system is very noisy.
Main characteristics
| CPU | AMD Athlon 3020e |
| Monitor | 15.6 inches |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Video card | AMD Radeon Graphics |
| HDD | 256 GB |
| Approximate battery life | 7 o’clock |
| Weight | 1.69 kg |
3. Acer Aspire 1 A114-21-R0ME
The AMD Athlon Silver 3050U processor allows you to work in several programs simultaneously without slowing down or freezing. A good time without recharging the device (6 hours) makes it possible to take it with you during business trips or use it remotely. A small diagonal of 14 inches has a resolution of 1366×768 pixels, which gives a clear and bright picture. A plus will be the matte coating of the screen, which protects it from glare.
According to customer reviews, the PC has a noisy operation of the keyboard keys, strong heating of the lower part of the case when watching movies, and a matte cover that is easily soiled (prints remain).
Main characteristics
| CPU | AMD Athlon Silver 3050U |
| Display | 14 inches |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Video card | AMD Radeon Graphics |
| HDD | 128 GB |
| Approximate battery life | 6 hours |
| Weight | 1.9 kg |
4. Lenovo V15-ADA
Another option suitable for work is the Lenovo V15-ADA. This laptop can handle video calls and use several programs at once (text editors, instant messengers) thanks to the AMD Athlon 3020e processor. The model has the ability to select different configurations (with a different choice of processors and video cards, up to 6 options). We have highlighted the most budget version. On the positive side, there is a fairly large 15.6-inch screen with high-quality image transmission, a responsive touchpad, a soft keyboard and decent battery life (8 hours) when surfing social networks.
Of course, 128 GB of built-in memory is not enough, but there is an additional slot for installing another drive. Users also note that the case is easily scratched.
Main characteristics
| CPU | AMD Athlon 3020e |
| Display | 15.6 inches |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Video card | AMD Radeon Graphics |
| HDD | 128 GB |
| Approximate battery life | 8 ocloc’k |
| Weight | 1.85 kg |
5. Dell Inspiron 3542
A budget but stylish laptop is perfect for office work. The Intel Pentium 3558U processor with 4 GB RAM is designed for easy work in text programs. 500 GB of hard drive space will be enough to store work and personal files. This model has 3 USB ports, HDMI, a 3.5 mm headphone output and a slot for an SD card.
The device is well assembled and does not bend under hand pressure. At normal load, the battery life will be 6 hours. The 15.6-inch screen with a glossy finish causes significant glare. Users also note high fan noise during long operation and the easily soiled surface of the case.
Main characteristics
| CPU | Intel Pentium 3558U |
| Display | 15.6 inches |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Video card | NVIDIA GeForce 820M |
| HDD | HDD 500 GB |
| Approximate battery life | 6 hours |
| Weight | 2.3 kg |
6. HP Pavilion 14-dv0041ur
An excellent gadget for work and study, with a pre-installed Windows operating system and a backlit keyboard. Powerful, energy efficient, balanced, durable and aesthetic model. Convenient for working on the Internet and with documents, storing photos. The HP Pavilion 14-dv0041ur handles high-definition video well, so watching movies on it is a pleasure.
A pleasant bonus to the advantages of the model is the attractive silver body and the optimal screen resolution for modern laptops – 1920×1080 pixels. Among other things, this laptop can be charged with any power bank or smartphone charger.
Main characteristics
| CPU | Intel Core i3 |
| Monitor | 14 inches, IPS |
| RAM capacity | 4 GB+ expandable |
| Video card | Intel UHD Graphics |
| HDD | 256 GB |
| Approximate battery life | 9 o’clock |
| Weight | 1.41 kg |
Rating of the top 6 best inexpensive laptops for study
1. Asus E410
An excellent option for studying in the form of a lightweight (1.3 kg) and mobile laptop from Asus. An undoubted advantage will be a long battery life (12 hours) under light loads, which is important for those who prefer to take a laptop with them to university instead of notebooks and pens. Thanks to the Intel Pentium Silver N5030 processor, 4 GB RAM and Intel UHD Graphics 605 graphics card, the model can easily cope with everyday tasks (for example, working with documents).
Among the features: the device has a touchpad with the NumberPad function, when you touch it, keys for entering numbers are displayed on the panel. The device has a passive cooling system – there are no fans. Heat is removed using a radiator and heat pipes.
Based on customer reviews, the following disadvantages can be identified: the calculator on the touchpad is not convenient for everyone to use, since it is periodically turned on by accidental pressing. Many people don’t like the design on the top cover of the laptop.
Main characteristics
| CPU | Intel Pentium Silver N5030 |
| Monitor | 14 inches |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Video card | Intel UHD Graphics 605 |
| HDD | SSD 256 GB |
| Approximate battery life | 12 hours |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
2. HP 255 G8
The powerful AMD Athlon 3020e processor and AMD Radeon Graphics graphics card ensure reliable operation of the laptop. You will also be pleased with the IPS screen with high-quality pictures from LG. 4 GB of RAM and a 256 GB hard drive are enough to work without freezing in text editors and parallel work in a web browser. With such a good battery life (7 hours), this laptop is perfect for recording lectures while studying.
3.HONOR MagicBook X14
The latest “magic” laptop with the Windows operating system is suitable for work, study and Internet surfing. The stylish case of the model with narrow frames (only 4.8 mm) is made of high-quality aluminum, which adds to its advantages. The laptop is easy to carry and convenient to take on trips. The manufacturer used technology to reduce screen brightness in the gadget, making the work comfortable for the eyes.
4. Haier U1550SM
A lightweight (1.5 kg) and compact model from the manufacturer Hair will be an excellent study assistant. A decent operating time without recharging (8 hours) will allow you to take the laptop with you to the institute to record lectures. An Intel processor with 2 cores can easily handle important programs for studying (Word, Excel) and searching for the necessary information on the Internet.
The advantage of the model is a 15.6-inch screen with an IPS matrix, which gives a high-quality picture at the output. And if 128 GB of internal memory confuses you, you can install another drive in the free additional slot, increasing the total memory capacity to 256 GB. The interfaces include only 1 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3.0, mini HDMI and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
Main characteristics
| CPU | Intel Celeron N4000 |
| Display | 15.6 inches |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Video card | Intel UHD Graphics 600 |
| HDD | 128 GB |
| Approximate battery life | 8 ocloc’k |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
5. Acer TravelMate P2 TMP214
The budget Acer TravelMate P2 laptop is well suited for studying. The Intel Core i3 10110U processor and Intel UHD Graphics graphics card will cope with basic tasks such as working in text editors, watching videos and searching for the necessary information on the Internet. The device is lightweight (1.6 kg) and mobile due to its 14-inch screen. When writing information into a notepad, the laptop will last 10 hours without recharging. As for the interfaces, there are plenty of them: two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A, and one Type-C, HDMI and VGA. Plus RJ-45 for connecting the Internet via wire, a 3.5 mm headphone jack and a slot for an SD card.
Among the disadvantages, according to reviews, we can highlight the insufficiently strong laptop lid, which bends when pressure is applied to it, and the power button is integrated into the keyboard – you can accidentally turn off the PC.
Main characteristics
| CPU | Intel Core i3 10110U |
| Display | 14 inches |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Video card | Intel UHD Graphics |
| HDD | 256 GB |
| Approximate battery life | 10 hours |
| Weight | 1.6 kg |
6. Lenovo V15-IGL
A compact laptop with an Intel Celeron processor is suitable for any basic tasks, be it viewing email, communicating in instant messengers, or writing material in a text editor. 4 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage are enough to use the PC as a study assistant. The 15.6-inch screen has an anti-glare matte coating and a TN matrix with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels.
A nice addition will be a Dolby Audio-enabled audio system with 3D audio immersion. The set of interfaces is standard: USB 2.0 Type A, USB 3.0 Type A x 2, HDMI output and a microphone and headphone jack. The disadvantages include the easily soiled surface of the laptop and the noisy operation of the processor when watching videos.
Main characteristics
| CPU | Intel Celeron N4120 |
| Display | 15.6 inches |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Video card | Intel UHD Graphics 600 |
| HDD | 256 GB |
| Approximate battery life | 6 hours |
| Weight | 1.8 kg |
Rating of the top 6 best inexpensive laptops for home
1. ASUS VivoBook X515JF-BR326T
A laptop with a 15-inch diagonal and a discrete Nvidia GeForce MX130 graphics card allows you to enjoy high-quality images when watching your favorite movies. Inside there is an Intel Pentium 6805 processor, which copes with basic tasks such as surfing the Internet and viewing email.
RAM is 4 GB, internal storage is 256 GB. At the same time, the device has additional slots for M.2 and an SSD drive, which will allow you to increase the memory capacity up to 512 GB. Without recharging, the model can last about 5 hours while watching movies. The laptop is protected by metal plates around the display, keyboard and internal storage. From the small disadvantages, according to reviews, we can conclude that the speakers are weak at maximum volume.
Main characteristics
| CPU | Intel Pentium 6805 |
| Display | 15.6 inches |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Video card | Nvidia GeForce MX130 |
| HDD | 256 GB |
| Approximate battery life | 5 o’clock |
| Weight | 1.8 kg |
2. Lenovo V17-IIL
An inexpensive 17.3-inch laptop with an Intel Core i3 processor that accelerates to 3.4 GHz at maximum loads and allows you to quickly perform everyday tasks (viewing email, downloading content). The internal storage has 256 GB of memory, and the RAM is only 4 GB, but it can be increased if desired. Good battery life – 7 hours of watching movies.
Among the pleasant things: the presence of a curtain for the video camera and a fingerprint scanner located in the power button. The model has three full-size USBs – two of them USB 3.2 Gen 1 and one USB 2.0, as well as HDMI, a card reader and an analog 3.5 mm audio output. Of the minuses: the lack of an additional slot to increase the internal memory storage and keyboard backlight.
Main characteristics
| CPU | Intel Core i3 1005G1 |
| Display | 17.3 inches |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Video card | Intel UHD Graphics |
| HDD | 256 GB |
| Approximate battery life | 7.4 hours |
| Weight | 2.2 kg |
3. HP 255 G4
A stylish laptop, simple in its functionality and internal contents, suitable for use at home. Thanks to the AMD Athlon 3020e processor, the laptop copes with basic tasks, such as watching movies, searching for information, and monitoring your feed on social networks.
A battery life of 6 hours under light loads (surfing the Internet) will allow you to take it with you when traveling. If the built-in memory (256 GB) is not enough, it can be increased. The 15.6-inch screen has a TN matrix and anti-glare coating. Of the minuses: noisy operation at high loads and the case is easily soiled.
Main characteristics
| CPU | AMD Athlon 3020e |
| Display | 15.6 inches |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Video card | AMD Radeon Graphics |
| HDD | 256 GB |
| Approximate battery life | 6 hours |
| Weight | 1.74 kg |
4. Acer Swift 1
An ultra-thin laptop with a width of only 15 mm and a weight of 1.3 kg will become your reliable friend both when used at home and on long trips. The device is equipped with a 14″ IPS display with Full HD resolution. Additional Acer ExaColor and BlueLightShield technologies reduce eye strain and improve color accuracy, while the Intel Celeron processor ensures quiet operation.
The device is not equipped with a cooling system, which does not cause additional noise when using a PC. But there is a possibility of the device overheating, which entails failure of laptop components and their replacement. Battery life – 15 hours when using text editors. Among the disadvantages: the device is difficult to open with one hand, and the power button is integrated into the keyboard – you can accidentally turn off the laptop.
Main characteristics
| CPU | Intel Celeron N4500 |
| Display | 14 inches |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Video card | Intel UHD Graphics |
| HDD | 256 GB |
| Approximate battery life | 15 hours |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
5. Dell Vostro 3500-5643
Slim, advanced model with a thickness of 20 mm with a pre-installed Linux operating system. Equipped with a matte display with a narrow frame. True, its resolution is slightly lower than that of laptops with similar characteristics from other manufacturers. Not the standard today 1920×1080, but 1366×768. The screen matrix is TN, it is of a lower class than the IPS used almost everywhere today.
At the same time, the model has one free slot for expanding RAM and a lot of space inside for upgrading, and an almost dimensionless hard drive. The Dell Vostro 3500 battery features ExpressCharge technology, which enables fast charging.
Main characteristics
| CPU | Intel Core i3 |
| Monitor | 15.6 inches, TN |
| RAM capacity | 4 GB |
| Video card | Intel UHD Graphics |
| HDD | 1000 GB |
| Approximate battery life | 5 o’clock |
| Weight | 1.98 kg |
6. Prestigio Smartbook 141 C7
The budget version of the home laptop Prestigio Smartbook 141 C7 copes well with basic tasks (surfing the Internet, watching movies). There is not much internal memory (115 GB), but there is additional space for an HDD drive. The SD card slot will increase the memory capacity by 128 GB, which is not so bad.
The laptop itself is made of dense plastic, does not creak or play. The device has a standard set of ports: USB Type-C, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, HDMI-mini, SD card output and a combined audio jack. A nice bonus when purchasing is the felt case that comes with the laptop. Disadvantages of the model: lack of backlight (inconvenience of working without lighting) and low quality webcam (0.3 MP).
Main characteristics
| CPU | Intel Celeron N3350 |
| Display | 14.1 inches |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Video card | Intel HD Graphics 500 |
| HDD | 115 GB |
| Approximate battery life | 6 hours |
| Weight | 1.4 kg |
Rating of the top 6 best inexpensive laptops for gaming
1. Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 15IMH05
The laptop, modest in appearance, has a fairly dense body, a blue-backlit keyboard, a responsive touchpad and decent internal content. The Intel Core i5-10300H 2.5 GHz processor and GTX 1650 Ti graphics card allow you to play games such as The Witcher 3 and GTA V.
The battery life of the model when watching videos is about 7-8 hours, and when playing games – 4-5 hours. Among the disadvantages, we can highlight the easily soiled case and the glare of the screen when exposed to sunlight.
Main characteristics
| CPU | Intel Core i5-10300H 2.5 GHz |
| Display | 15.6 inches |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Video card | GTX 1650 Ti |
| HDD | 256 GB |
| Approximate battery life | 5 o’clock |
| Weight | 2.2 kg |
2. DELL G5
The model has an elegant, no-frills design and gives the impression of an ordinary work laptop. The Intel Core i5-10300H processor, 8GB RAM and 512GB internal storage enable the user to enjoy an enjoyable and smooth gaming experience. The keyboard has a blue backlight, the touchpad responds well to touch, and the model has a fingerprint sensor under the power button.
One of the features that stands out is the presence of the Alienware control center, thanks to which you can customize the laptop for yourself (adjusting the cooling system, switching from normal mode to Turbo, adjusting the keyboard backlight). The obvious disadvantages of the model are the plastic case and the noisy cooling system.
Main characteristics
| CPU | Intel Core i5-10300H |
| Display | 15.6 inches |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Video card | GTX 1660 Ti |
| HDD | 512 GB |
| Approximate battery life | 4 hours |
| Weight | 2.34 kg |
3. ASUS TUF Gaming F15 FX506HCB-HN0144T
The laptop has a gaming design with clear lines running across the entire surface. This model has a quiet and powerful NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card and an Intel Core i5 processor. In a game like DOTA 2, the frame rate will be around 120 at high graphics settings (Full HD), and in resource-intensive games (Cyberpunk 2077, Metro: Exodus), you need to lower the picture quality to medium to get rid of stuttering.
4.MSI GF63
The keyboard keys have good travel and a bright red backlight. Thanks to the Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics card, the laptop runs most games (The Witcher 3, GTA V) at high quality settings in a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. One of the advantages is the light weight of the device (1.9 kg).
5. Xiaomi G Gaming Laptop
Lightweight model (1.9 kg) designed for games. Battery life when surfing the web is about 8 hours, and in gaming mode – 4 hours. The internal filling in the form of a 5th generation Intel processor and a gaming video card from NVIDIA allow you to play at an average frame rate (30-40 fps). The RAM capacity is 16 GB, and the hard drive is 512 GB.
The comfortable full-fledged keyboard is equipped with RGB backlighting, which automatically turns off after 1 minute of inactivity. The cute design with straight lines immediately tells you that this is a gaming laptop. Based on consumer reviews, the disadvantages were the noisy fan in game mode and the easily soiled surface of the lid.
Main characteristics
| CPU | Intel Core i5 10200H |
| Display | 16.1 inches |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| Video card | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 |
| HDD | 512 GB |
| Approximate battery life | 4 hours |
| Weight | 1.9 kg |
6. ASUS M515DA-BQ058
The model can handle not only traditional “work” tasks, for which, as a rule, laptops are purchased, but also plays undemanding games quite well. Although the ASUS M515DA laptop is far from a gaming laptop. True, the operating system needs to be installed here, and this is a plus to the price. But the same Windows is installed without problems and quickly. According to user reviews, programs fly: all thanks to a powerful processor with 4 cores.
Rating of the top 6 best inexpensive laptops for the Internet
1. HP Pavilion 14-ec0046ur
The model boasts a pleasant design, compactness, a high-quality IPS display and a fast Intel Core i3 processor. The device has a comfortable keyboard with good travel, several backlight modes and a responsive touchpad.
Surfing the Internet with such a device will become as comfortable as possible. The laptop has room for an upgrade if there is not enough memory to store information and cache (RAM – 4 GB, storage – 256 GB). The power supply is small (only 45 W), which is why the battery life is about 4-5 hours even in power saving mode. As for Wi-Fi, it operates in the 5 GHz frequency range (standard). From consumer reviews, the disadvantage of the gadget is the weak screen backlight (characters are hard to read during the day).
Main characteristics
| CPU | Intel Core i3 1115G4 |
| Display | 14 inches |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Video card | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| HDD | 256 GB |
| Approximate battery life | 4-5 hours |
| Weight | 1.41 kg |
2.Lenovo IdeaPad 317ITL6
A good option for surfing the Internet and watching movies. The laptop has a diagonal of 17.3 inches and anti-glare coating. An Intel Celeron 6305 processor will be enough to work in the browser and parallel correspondence in instant messengers. The model also has an intelligent cooling system to increase battery life and reduce noise levels.
The laptop has a full keyboard without backlight. When watching videos, the battery life will be 6 hours. The screen resolution is only 1600×900 pixels – the picture is not very clear and bright. Features include a curtain for the video camera and the presence of a fingerprint scanner.
Main characteristics
| CPU | Intel Celeron 6305 |
| Display | 17.3 inches |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Video card | Intel UHD Graphics |
| HDD | 256 GB |
| Approximate battery life | 6.5 hours |
| Weight | 2.1 kg |
3. ASUS X415EA-EK608T
A stylish and lightweight (1.5 kg) entry-level laptop is just right for surfing the Internet. Thanks to the Intel Core i3 processor and 256 GB storage, the device quickly opens web pages and generally allows you to spend time comfortably while surfing the Internet and communicating on social networks.
4. Acer Extensa 15 EX215-52-34U4
An affordable and compact laptop from Acer based on an Intel Core i3 processor is perfect for surfing the Internet. 4 GB of RAM may not be enough if, in addition to browsing the web, you are going to perform office tasks on it (for example, working in a word processor). For this purpose, it is possible to expand the memory up to 8 GB.
You can also install an additional 2.5″ drive for an additional 128 GB to double the internal storage (up to 256 GB). As for the display, there is a TN matrix with small viewing angles (90° to 150°), but this will be enough for viewing pages on social networks. The laptop is made of plastic and is susceptible to fingerprints. Due to the lack of keyboard backlight, using the gadget at night will be uncomfortable.
Main characteristics
| CPU | Intel Core i3 1005G1 |
| Display | 15.6 inches |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Video card | Intel UHD Graphics |
| HDD | 128 GB |
| Approximate battery life | 6 hours |
| Weight | 1.9 kg |
5. DELL Vostro 3500
The model is equipped with an Intel Core i3 processor and a mid-range video card from Intel UHD Graphics, which makes this device a good option for searching on the Internet, watching videos and working with text programs. If you use the device for the Internet, it will last 6 hours without recharging.
6. DIGMA EVE 10A201
The cheapest model in our rating is a plastic, small laptop with the Windows operating system. Suitable for schoolchildren, students and other users to perform standard office tasks. The machine is reliable and even pulls “light toys”, delivering good performance at a low price.
The processor is fast, the hardware has no brakes – this is what those who have tried it say about the DIGMA EVE 10 A201. The model weighs less than a kilogram, and therefore it is convenient to carry with you: it fits in any medium-sized bag. Among the additional “amenities” are slots for expanding RAM.
Main characteristics
| CPU | Intel Atom x5 |
| Monitor | 10.1, IPS |
| RAM capacity | 2 GB |
| Video card | Intel HD Graphics 500 |
| HDD | 64 GB |
| Weight | 0.94 kg |
Rating of the top 5 best inexpensive laptops for graphics programs and video editing
1. ASUS VivoBook 15 OLED
With a 15.6-inch OLED display, this laptop is a great companion for people working in graphic design. The screen produces a brighter and more saturated picture than IPS, conveys perfect blacks and prevents glare. The internal filling in the form of an Intel Core i5 processor and an Intel Iris Xe Graphics video card allows you to cope with video editing, graphic drawings and photo processing.
2. Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro 16IHU6
An excellent stylish laptop suitable for graphics work. Thanks to the discrete NVIDIA GeForce MX450 graphics card with 2 GB of video memory and the fast Intel Core i5 processor, you can work efficiently on graphic projects. The model is equipped with a 16-inch screen with a resolution of 2560×1600 pixels and a non-standard aspect ratio of 16:10; the display refresh rate is quite high – 120 Hz. Brightness and contrast will be at a good level. In addition, the display has an anti-glare coating.
IdeaPad 5 Pro is made of a metal body and is quite lightweight (1.9 kg). The laptop also has many different ports: Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Type-A x 2, USB 3.2 Type-C, HDMI and a headphone output. Among the minuses, we can highlight the touchpad, which, judging by the reviews, sometimes does not respond to touches.
Main characteristics
| CPU | Intel Core i5 11300H |
| Display | 16 inches |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| Video card | NVIDIA GeForce MX450 |
| HDD | 512 GB |
| Approximate battery life | 5 o’clock |
| Weight | 1.9 kg |
3.HONOR MagicBook Pro
The device has an anti-glare IPS display with Full HD 1080p resolution, an Intel Core i5 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce MX350 video card, which together makes it an excellent assistant in using graphics programs. The average battery life will be about 8 hours when surfing the Internet and about 4 hours when working in Photoshop.
The keyboard is backlit for comfortable use in low or no light conditions. Ultra-thin (16.9 mm thick), compact and lightweight (1.7 kg) the laptop is made of polished aluminum. Thanks to very thin 4.9 mm frames, the screen diagonal is 16.1 inches. Consumers consider the small viewing angle of the built-in camera, the lack of a full-size keyboard and the loud clicks of the touchpad as disadvantages.
Main characteristics
| CPU | Intel Core i5 |
| Display | 16.1 inches |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| Video card | NVIDIA GeForce MX350 |
| HDD | 512 GB |
| Approximate battery life | 8 ocloc’k |
| Weight | 1.7 kg |
4. Acer Aspire 3 A315-55KG
The laptop looks modest, but the main thing is its internal content. The model allows you to work with video editors, processing and viewing material in Full HD resolution at high speed thanks to the discrete NVIDIA GeForce MX130 graphics card and 2 Intel Core i3 processor cores.
5. HP 17-ca2041ur
The laptop model can cope with the conversion, processing and editing of videos thanks to the AMD Radeon Graphics graphics card and the AMD Ryzen 3 processor. The wide-format matte screen (17.3 inches) will allow you to see even small details and work both indoors and outdoors.
Battery life will average 4 hours when working with graphics programs. The laptop can hardly be called mobile due to its size (415x272x25 mm) and weight (2.38 kg). The device has a full-fledged keyboard, albeit without backlight, and a responsive touchpad.
Main characteristics
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 3 3250U |
| Display | 17.3 inches |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Video card | AMD Radeon Graphics |
| HDD | 256 GB |
| Approximate battery life | 4 hours |
| Weight | 2.38 kg |
Leaders of past years
1. ACER Aspire 5 A515-55-396T
This model combines everything a modern user needs who wants to get excellent quality at an “increasing price.” Reliability, performance, convenient controls and stylish design. The “chips” of the model are a high-tech IPS screen matrix (with wide viewing angles and high-quality color reproduction), a 1 TB hard drive and built-in modules for wireless data transfer.
Main characteristics
| CPU | Intel Core i3 |
| Monitor | 15.6 inches, IPS |
| RAM capacity | 4 GB |
| Video card | Intel UHD Graphics |
| HDD | 1 TB |
| Approximate battery life | 9.5 hours |
| Weight | 1.9 kg |
2. Irbis NB260
This budget model is suitable for those who need a laptop to access the Internet and social networks – its processor is unlikely to cope with more complex tasks. In fact, the manufacturer honestly says that he conceived the gadget exclusively for these purposes, equipping it with a screen with a high-quality and high-contrast IPS matrix and a resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels.
Demanding users often criticize the Irbis NB260 for its simplicity – some lack speed, others lack sound quality, but everyone unanimously praises the model for its display. In addition, unlike most more expensive models from other manufacturers, this laptop runs the Windows operating system.
Main characteristics
| CPU | Intel Celeron |
| Monitor | 15.6 inches, IPS |
| RAM capacity | 4 GB |
| Video card | Intel HD Graphics 500 |
| HDD | 64 GB |
| Approximate battery life | 6 hours |
| Weight | 1.7 kg |
3. Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14ITL6
A big plus of this versatile medium-format laptop is its display with wide viewing angles and anti-glare coating. Suitable for home and work. The device, according to user reviews, is fast and powerful. Plays even high quality videos – UltraHD/4K – without any problems.
The model is also equipped with an HD webcam with a mechanical shutter. The manufacturer also took care of the security of user data and equipped the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 with a TPM 2.0 hardware module, which is used for data encryption and reliable network authentication in a corporate environment.
Main characteristics
| CPU | Intel Core i3 |
| Monitor | 14 inches, IPS |
| RAM capacity | 8 GB |
| Video card | Intel UHD Graphics |
| HDD | 256 GB |
| Approximate battery life | 7.5 hours |
| Weight | 1.41 kg |
4. Xiaomi RedmiBook 14
The price of the 18mm Xiaomi ultrabook is a little higher than we would like, however, this model, which is similar in characteristics even to some gaming laptops from other manufacturers, is 20-30 thousand cheaper than them. According to user reviews, Xiaomi RedmiBook 14 can handle many games, even at high settings.
Among the advantages are a 4-core AMD Ryzen 3000 processor, a durable aluminum case and fast charging via USB-C: in half an hour the ultrabook’s battery is “filled” by half. The laptop is easy to carry with you – to work, to school, or on trips.
Main characteristics
| CPU | Ryzen 5 |
| Monitor | 14 inches, IPS |
| RAM capacity | 8 GB |
| Video card | AMD Radeon Vega 6 |
| HDD | 512 GB |
| Approximate battery life | 12 hours |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
5. Acer Extensa 15 EX215-53G-3212
A model without an operating system, but with a powerful processor and an impressive amount of RAM. Most users highly rate the Acer Extensa 15 and call its speed the main advantage of this laptop. A nice detail is the well-thought-out placement of the Wi-Fi antenna. Thanks to this, a reliable wireless connection signal is established with the gadget. Convenient for both work and watching movies, as well as video conferencing.
Main characteristics
| CPU | Intel Core i3 |
| Monitor | 15.6 inches, (TN+film) |
| RAM capacity | 8 GB |
| Video card | Intel UHD Graphics |
| HDD | 512 GB |
| Approximate battery life | 7.5 hours |
| Weight | 1.9 kg |
6. Lenovo V14 IIL
Compact, lightweight model, made of crack-resistant matte plastic. It is attractive not only because it does not leave untidy fingerprints on the lid, but also because it has a built-in TPM version 2.0 module, which encrypts personal data, including passwords. And this is very important for the security of personal information.
Other advantages include stereo speakers, a free slot for RAM and an anti-glare display coating: Lenovo V14 IIL is convenient to use even in bright lighting.
Main characteristics
| CPU | Intel Core i3 |
| Monitor | 14 inches, TN (LED) |
| RAM capacity | 8 GB |
| Video card | Intel UHD Graphics |
| HDD | 256 GB |
| Approximate battery life | 6 hours |
| Weight | 1.6 kg |
How to choose an inexpensive laptop
Few people can afford an expensive premium device. Moreover, if you need to perform basic tasks using a laptop, such as viewing mail, searching for information on the Internet, or working with regular office applications, then this does not require a powerful device. And to make it easier for you to choose a budget laptop for your needs, we’ll tell you about its main components that you should pay attention to when purchasing:
CPU
The speed of your laptop directly depends on the processor. For basic and simple tasks such as opening web pages and running office applications, Intel Atom, Celeron and Pentium processors (found in most budget laptops) are suitable. Models with more powerful Intel core i3 (and sometimes i5) or AMD Ryzen 3 and 5 have also become quite affordable. You can already play undemanding games (GTA IV) or do video editing on them.
RAM and internal storage
The amount of RAM also plays an important role in choosing a laptop. It’s worth choosing from 8 GB, otherwise the device will simply “slow down” during operation. As for internal storage, you need to choose devices with an SSD drive with a capacity of at least 256 GB, which provides high speed reading and writing data. An additional advantage will be the presence of a slot for installing another drive to increase memory.
Video card
There are two types of video cards: integrated and discrete. The first is in the processor. It does not take up space, does not make noise and does not require cooling. But it has low performance and is not suitable for demanding games or heavy applications. The discrete card is an independent element that requires additional cooling and consumes a large amount of energy. At the same time, it has the power to cope with any level of tasks.
Integrated graphics cards are found in the following models from Intel:
- HD Graphics 610;
- HD Graphics 615;
- HD Graphics 620;
- HD Graphics 630.
Discrete video cards are installed by NVIDIA or AMD. These may be models:
- NVIDIA GeForce MX;
- GeForce GTX;
- GeForce RTX.
The most budget-friendly options are those with the MX prefix.
Display
There are several types of matrix: TN, VA and IPS.
| Matrix type | pros | Minuses |
| TN | Fast response time (1 ms), low cost; | Small viewing angles (from 90° to 150°), color distortion when changing the viewing angle, insufficiently deep black color; |
| IPS | Deep blacks, best color reproduction (10 bits per channel), wide viewing angles, no distortion; | Response time 5-6 ms, uneven display illumination, possible glare; |
| V.A. | Deep blacks, high contrast. | Color rendering is 8 bits per channel (this figure is average between the three matrices). |
If you are choosing a laptop for gaming, then you can choose a model with a TN matrix. Thanks to the fast response time, the picture will instantly change without blurring. And if you are going to work in graphic applications on a laptop, edit photos, or color depth and contrast are important to you, then an IPS matrix is suitable. It has a wide viewing angle and conveys the picture colorfully.
Also, depending on your needs, you should select the size of the display. If you need a compact and lightweight model, then a 14 or 15.6-inch diagonal is suitable. And watching movies, playing games or editing photos will be more enjoyable on a large 17-inch screen.
Interfaces
The standard set of connectors for budget laptops are: 2 USB 2.0 ports, 1xUSB 3.0, HDMI and a headphone output. The presence of an SD card slot and a USB-C port will be additional bonuses in some inexpensive devices.
Expert review of inexpensive laptops
Anton Mikhailov, director of the sales department of the Vecus Computer Technology Center, shares his feedback on the use of inexpensive laptops and gives recommendations on choosing such gadgets .
“Unlike a personal computer, choosing a laptop is more difficult, since there are quite a lot of them on the market, both in technical performance and in the price range.
When choosing a new laptop for myself, I often think about how to get maximum performance at a reasonable cost, for what period of time I buy it and how I will use it. These are very important questions that every buyer should ask themselves. There will be a budget laptop for everyone and with its own unique characteristics.
For example, if you often travel on business, then you need to take a closer look at compact and lightweight laptops with a battery of sufficient capacity (from 4000 mAh) and a long battery life (from 6 hours). Are you planning to use your laptop at home to watch movies? Choose a laptop with a large screen (from 15.6”) and a good audio system (large speakers, support for Dolby Atmos technology). In terms of content, models with a fast Intel Core i3 processor and an M.2 SATA solid-state drive from 512 GB are suitable, which provide good loading speed and operation of the operating system.
Laptops with discrete gaming graphics cards and a powerful processor are suitable for gaming. Prices in this category are steep and do not look quite budget-friendly. The cost of an inexpensive model in the gaming segment starts from 60,000 rubles. For example, a good choice would be models with a powerful AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card. This hardware is powerful enough to play most modern games, as it has quite impressive characteristics for its price.”
Popular questions and answers
The director of the sales department of the Vekus Computer Technology Center , Anton Mikhailov, answers popular questions from readers about gaming laptops.
What can and cannot be saved on when buying an inexpensive laptop?
Therefore, you need to understand your preferences, why do you need it? If for gaming, then you should pay attention to laptops with budget gaming video cards. If you want to watch movies, surf the Internet or work in undemanding office applications, then a device with a built-in video card is suitable.
I would advise you to pay attention to the processor and video card – these are the elements of the system that will be extremely difficult to replace, and it is not advisable to save on them.
If you still want to save money, you can purchase a model without an installed operating system or with a small storage capacity (up to 256 GB). All this can be purchased separately and installed yourself.
Does the number of cores affect the actual performance of a processor?
Therefore, when choosing a processor and the number of cores in it, pay attention to the system requirements of the program. Most often, developers post them on their website or list them in an online store. If you are going to buy a budget laptop, then pay attention to the minimum system requirements; most often, the processor models that will suit you are indicated there.
What is the minimum amount of RAM for office laptops?
You can save money and get 4 GB of RAM, but then get ready for freezes and mediocre performance of your operating system. Subsequently, it will be possible to increase the amount of RAM by adding another stick or completely changing the module. True, this is not possible in every laptop model; before purchasing, it is better to make sure that there is an additional slot and the ability to replace the RAM.
Are inexpensive laptops good for gaming?
Recently, cloud gaming has become very popular. The game opens on a remote server, not on your computer. This way you can play The Witcher 3 or Cyberpunk without freezes and freezes, as if you had a powerful desktop gaming PC.
How do manufacturers reduce the cost of laptops?
Additionally, manufacturers save on things that are not obvious to users:
• Cheap coolers and small radiators in the cooling system;
• Poor quality plastic in the case material;
• Small batteries;
• Weak power supply;
• DVD drive;
• Interface connectors.
These nuances are not noticeable when buying a laptop, we do not pay attention to them, but they significantly affect the use of the device and its service life.
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