12 best cheap laptops (2025), tested and reviewed

To take full about what we are looking for in a laptop, see our guide When choosing the right laptop. Your budget is the most important factor, as you determine what you can expect from the device you buy. But you should consider the size of the width, the structure of the structure, the central treatment unit, the memory, the storage and the selection of the port. Although the appropriate specifications can vary greatly when you think about laptops ranging from $ 200 to $ 800, there are some solid lines that are not recommended across.

For example, do not buy a laptop if it has no at least 1920 x 1080. In 2025, there is no excuse for anything less than that. A laptop without a random access memory should also be purchased at least 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. Even in Chromebook books, these specifications have become the new standard. You sell yourself briefly by getting anything less. Another base is to avoid a Windows laptop with an Intel Celeron processor – skip the Chromebook only.

The specifications are only half of the battle though. Based on the test years, laptop manufacturers tend to make concessions in the quality of the display and the quality of the touch plate. You cannot know the pictures or specifications listed online, but once you get a laptop in your hands, you may notice that the screen colors look a little or that the touch board looks volatile. It is almost impossible to find laptops that are less than $ 500 who do not waive these areas, but this is where auditors and laboratories can help.