The Best Cheap Laptops of 2025
Fast forward to 2025 and technology has only stepped up its game, throwing out all of the power, more functionality at less money. Whether you’re a student, a professional on a budget or someone who needs a reliable second machine, finding the best budget laptop can change the game. IT ’S no mean feat to balance affordability and performance, but there is plenty of choice at the budget end of the laptop market, so here’s our guide to the best budget laptops of 2025.
1. Acer Aspire 5 (2025 Edition)
The Acer Aspire 5 is a long-time best-seller in the budget category, and the 2025 is no exception. Costing under $500, the laptop uses the latest Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 5 CPUs, allowing smooth multitasking and productivity for all types of activities. It packs a 15.6-inch Full HD display, up to 16GB RAM, and up to 512GB SSD storage, making it a suitable laptop for students, casual users. That covers long battery life and a nice touch of Windows 11.
Pros:
- Solid build quality
- Bright, vibrant display
- Very cheap for what you get
Cons:
- Mediocre speakers
2. Lenovo IdeaPad 3
Lenovo's contribution to the budget laptop category delivers a great deal, and the IdeaPad 3 is no exception. Equipped with either AMD Ryzen 3 or Intel Core i3 processors, this configuration is designed for simple productivity tasks, including web browsing and video streaming. It’s also highly portable, weighing under 4 pounds.
Pros:
- Cost-effective and offers excellent value for money
- Cozy keyboard for long typing sessions
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:
- Limited screen brightness
- Basic design
3.The HP Pavilion x360 (2-in-1)
The HP Pavilion x360 proves that versatility doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Starts from $600 and gives you a touchscreen display and a tablet mode option. October 2023: Powered by Intel Core i5 chipset, has 8GB RAM and a 256GB SSD great VFM for students, creators and professionals. The x360 even supports stylus input, which is a massive plus for digital artists.
Pros:
- Flexible 2-in-1 design
- Stylus support
- Compact and stylish
Cons:
- Limited battery life
4. Asus Vivobook 15 (2025 Edition)
The Asus Vivobook 15 is one for anyone who likes a sleek design with solid performance. With a base price of $550, this laptop features an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, a Full HD NanoEdge display, and as much as 512GB of SSD storage. A backlit keyboard and a large touchpad make for an immersive user experience, yet it is light enough to travel with.
Pros:
- Stylish and slim design
- It has a good price for what it offers
- Fast boot times with SSD
Cons:
- Average battery life
5. Dell Inspiron 14 (2025)
Dell’s Inspiron line remains an option for dependable laptops, and the Inspiron 14 strikes an even balance of performance and portability for under $600. With AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5 CPU, 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD, it’ll breeze through productivity work. Its 14-inch Full HD screen enables a compact form factor without losing any screen real estate.
Pros:
- Sturdy build quality
- Reliable performance
- Compact size
Cons:
- A Bit Bulkier Compared to Competitors
6. 2025 Microsoft Surface Go Laptop SE
If you're looking for something ultra portable and budget-friendly this Microsoft Surface Go Laptop SE would be a perfect choice. Costing roughly $400, it’s capable of running on Windows 11 SE, which is a more lightweight version of Windows. With its 8GB RAM and 128GB eMMC (not HDD or SSD) storage, and 12.4-inch display, it’s perfect for students and minimalists.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight
- Affordable price
- Optimized for basic tasks
Cons:
- Limited storage space
- No heavy multitasking
Final Thoughts
Budget laptops in 2025 show that you don’t need to spend a ton to get a solid machine. Available in all configurations from fun 2-in-1s to traditional productivity workhorses, these options cover a variety of needs and preferences. When it comes time to select the best budget laptop, most people will consider processing power, battery life, portability and display quality. For any of the options above, you can be guaranteed to find the device that suits your needs without breaking your bank.
Happy laptop hunting!