People tend to equate concepts like “budget” or “low-cost” with poor quality, but that’s not true. You can find plenty of high-quality laptops that cost less than $1,000. I’m talking about well-crafted, powerful computers that can compete with the best laptops on the market when tackling productivity and entertainment workloads.
It certainly helps that many budget laptops were former high-end devices. Apple, for example, frequently drops the price of older MacBooks whenever a new one comes out. It also helps that sometimes newer computers only provide an incremental upgrade, allowing the previous generations to continue performing years after launch. MacBooks are one of these series, and it’s why we often highlight MacBook discounts on ZDNET.
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What is the best laptop under $1,000 right now?
ZDNET’s experts carefully test many different laptops at release, putting them through their paces in order to provide our readers with the best advice on what you should buy. Our pick for the best laptop under $1,000 is none other than the M2 MacBook Air, due to its solid performance, portability, and HD display. As great as it may be, the MacBook Air isn’t perfect for every use case. The HP OmniBook X Flip, for instance, has a nicer 3K touchscreen, perfect for creative work, while the Dell 14 Plus is a nice, everyday laptop.
Check out our other top picks for the best laptops under $1,000.
Also: The best Lenovo laptops
The best laptops under $1,000 of 2025
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Why we like it: The M2 MacBook Air is our favorite laptop under $1,000 for several reasons. A big part of my adoration is thanks to the performance coming from Apple’s M2 chip. It is notably fast and responsive, especially when multitasking or running creative apps. The 10-core GPU can tackle graphics-heavy tasks with ease. It’s also well-optimized for longevity, lasting two full workdays on a single charge. The praise doesn’t stop there. It packs a stunning 13.6-inch Retina display, a sharp 1080p webcam, and a booming quad-speaker system.
Review: Apple M2 MacBook Air
Who it’s for: The M2 MacBook Air is a smart pick for any budget-conscious shoppers who want to be a part of the Apple ecosystem and want that strong day-to-day performance. I cannot stress enough just how good the M2 chipset is, even in 2025. Students, office professionals, writers, and anyone who works primarily in browsers will enjoy this machine. The best part is that all this hardware is packed in a lightweight, travel-friendly package.
Who should look elsewhere: The M2 MacBook is also one of the more expensive options on this list, so if you’re on a really tight budget, I would suggest checking out another laptop — namely, the M1 MacBook, which has a longer battery and is cheaper. Similarly, people looking for more horsepower should probably consider a MacBook Pro.
Apple M2 MacBook Air tech specs: CPU Model: Apple M2 | RAM Memory: 8GB | Hard Disk Drive: 256GB SSD | Screen Size: 13.6 inches
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Why we like it: Finding a budget gaming laptop can be difficult. Enjoying modern games in high resolution without performance issues requires powerful components. Many of the best models cost over $1,000, but Lenovo’s LOQ 15 is an outlier.
There are several variations available on Best Buy. The one I recommend has an AMD Ryzen 7 7435H processor, 16GB of memory, 512GB of storage, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card. That alone makes the laptop well worth the purchase, as you’ll be able to play the latest AAA titles in superb quality. Additionally, the display runs at a refresh rate of 144Hz, ensuring smooth on-screen animations.
Also: Lenovo’s new Legion Go 2 could be the ergonomic handheld I’ve been waiting for
Who it’s for: I recommend this laptop to anyone who wants an affordable gaming laptop for themselves or someone else in their life. The RTX 4060 GPU is from the previous generation of Nvidia GPUs and is still a solid component today. In fact, I own a gaming laptop with this graphics card, and I get a lot of enjoyment out of it.
Who should look elsewhere: The biggest downside to this laptop is its battery life. Best Buy’s product listing states the Lenovo LOQ 15 lasts only four hours before tapping out. That is a poor battery life, but not super surprising. Gaming laptops aren’t exactly known for their long-lasting batteries. It comes with the territory. Also, customer reviews complain about the laptop’s fan noise; it gets pretty loud.
Lenovo LQ 15 tech specs: CPU Model: AMD Ryzen 7 7435H | RAM Memory: 16GB | Hard Disk Drive: 512GB SSD | Screen Size: 15.6 inches
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Why we like it: The flexibility of 2-in-1 laptops offers unique utility. One minute, you can be using a traditional laptop, typing away on the keyboard, and the next, after flipping the display around, you can draw on a tablet. The Lenovo Yoga 7i is the best among the low-cost options because it punches well above its price.
Whether you’re multitasking with dozens of tabs, doing creative work, or playing an indie game, its performance is quick and reliable. The build quality is top-notch, complete with sturdy hinges, an aluminum chassis that fits comfortably in your arms, and a responsive touchscreen. All these features working together make switching between laptop, tablet, and tent modes effortless. It’s a well-optimized machine that gets all the fundamentals right.
Review: Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1
Who it’s for: I recommend the laptop to people on a budget who want a versatile machine for school or office work. Students, in particular, will appreciate the flexibility that the Yoga 7i brings to the table. It can tackle a wide range of tasks across its different modes. Lenovo’s machine is highly versatile, and the best part is you won’t have to pay flagship prices.
Who should look elsewhere: Lenovo’s Yoga 7i is not recommended for people looking for a bright screen or planning to work outdoors often. The display tops out at 300 nits. Similarly, creators who rely on color accuracy or users who want an ultra-lightweight laptop might also want to pass. It weighs nearly five pounds.
Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 tech specs: CPU Model: Intel Core Ultra 5 Series 1 | RAM Memory: 16GB | Hard Disk Drive: 512GB SSD | Screen Size: 16 inches
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Why we like it: The Dell Inspiron 3530 proves you don’t need to spend $300 on a dependable everyday laptop. Its Intel Core i3-1305U processor and 8GB of RAM make the device perfectly capable of handling web browsing, document editing, and movie streaming. The 15.6-inch Full HD anti-glare display outputs crisp visuals, and as a writer, I can appreciate its unique lift hinge design.
A lift hinge design means the display raises the rest of the laptop when fully open, improving ergonomics. Other notable features include ComfortView, which reduces harmful blue light, a full-size keyboard, plus a 512G SSD.
Also: I tested the top 7 Dell laptops of 2025
Who it’s for: Dell’s laptop is made for anyone who wants a reliable machine but is on a tight budget. At $299, this is the cheapest computer on this list. It’s great for taking notes, writing papers, joining online classes, or video meetings. Moreover, it has a slim 0.7-inch profile and only weighs four pounds, so it’s easy to carry.
Who should look elsewhere: I’m going to be blunt here: This is not a powerful laptop; far from it. It can tackle light workloads, but the Inspiron 3530 will struggle running resource-demanding programs. Additionally, you can’t charge this laptop through its USB-C port. You’ll have to use its own proprietary power adapter.
Dell Inspiron 3530 specs: CPU Model: Intel Core i3-1305U | RAM Memory: 8GB | Hard Disk Drive: 512GB | Screen Size: 15.6 inches
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Why we like it: HP’s 2025 OmniBook 5 is the closest you can get to a MacBook experience on Windows. It has a similar design pattern to Apple’s machine, from the rubber keyboard on a pale white laptop to the vibrant screen.
This device is notably lightweight at just 2.84 pounds. It has a sharp 2K OLED screen and delivers excellent performance, partly thanks to its 32GB RAM. The HP laptop also has an absurdly long battery. During testing, the computer lasted 25 hours on a single charge. No other notebook that I’ve reviewed in 2025 has lasted that long.
Review: HP OmniBook 5
Who it’s for: The HP OmniBook 5 is perfect for students, professionals working on a budget, and Apple users who would like to continue having a MacBook-like experience on Windows. Its solid hardware allows the machine to tackle light creative workloads and multitasking with relative ease. Because of its long-lasting battery, the laptop is highly recommended for those who want a new everyday computer.
Who should look elsewhere: HP’s model runs on an AMD Ryzen AI 5 340 processor, a Windows-on-ARM chipset. This component allows the computer to run for 25 hours, but comes at the cost of software inoperability. Some apps might not work on this machine. Another issue is its glossy screen. It reflects so much light that it can be hard to see in brightly lit conditions.
HP OmniBook 5 tech specs: CPU Model: AMD Ryzen AI 5 340 | RAM Memory: 16GB LPDDR5 | Hard Disk Drive: 512GB | Screen Size: 16 inches
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Why we like it: High-resolution displays are typically a privilege reserved for pricier laptops. The HP OmniBook X Flip 16 bucks this trend, as every configuration has a great screen. This model provides two types of panels. The cheaper OmniBook X has a 16-inch 2K IPS edge-to-edge touchscreen with a maximum brightness of 400 nits. “Edge-to-edge” refers to the display’s thin bezels, giving users expansive viewing.
The other OmniBook X takes things up a notch by having a 3K OLED touchscreen that delivers vibrant colors. Such a display allows the HP laptop to be fantastic for video editing and other forms of creative work. Outside of the screen, the device has a lot going for it. It is surprisingly lightweight for a 16-inch laptop, and the speakers pump out crystal-clear audio with punchy bass.
Review: HP OmniBook X Flip 16
Who it’s for: HP’s OmniBook X Flip 16 is perfect for creative professionals, students, and everyone who wants a large-screen Windows machine without breaking the bank. As mentioned, it’s well-suited for content creation because of its vibrant display and stylus support. Even if you’re not a creative professional, I recommend the device for its multitasking capabilities.
Who should look elsewhere: Although I just praised the HP OmniBook X Flip 16’s performance, the device has limits. When I tested it, the laptop sometimes struggled to handle heavy workloads. Also, while it is nice, the glossy screen can be tough to see under bright lighting.
HP OmniBook X Flip 16 specs: CPU Model: Intel Core Ultra 7 258V | RAM Memory: 32GB | Hard Disk Drive: 512GB SSD | Screen Size: 16 inches
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Why we like it: Thanks to its long-lasting battery life and highly capable hardware, the Acer Aspire 14 AI is the best work laptop that you can buy.
Its Intel Core Ultra 7 Series 2 processor allows the laptop to seamlessly hop between browser tabs, video meetings, and light creative workloads. The chipset is also energy efficient. ZDNET Editor Kyle Kucharski tested the Aspire 14 earlier this year and managed to get the device to last for several days on a single charge. He really had to put the laptop through the wringer just to make a dent in the battery. Even after a full day of holding multiple video calls, running the display at maximum brightness, and “sustained multitasking”, the Aspire 14 only fell to a 30% charge.
Outside of its battery, the laptop has a generous selection of ports plus a practical yet lightweight design.
Review: Acer Aspire 14 AI
Who it’s for: Acer’s Aspire 14 AI is perfect for students and hybrid workers who want an affordable, reliable everyday computer. Casual users who mostly browse the internet, stream, or work on Microsoft Office will find the laptop a dependable machine. Frequent travelers will also appreciate the marathon battery life and lightweight design — the model weighs just a little over three pounds.
Who should look elsewhere: The Acer Aspire 14 AI is not a flashy laptop. It leans more toward being a practical computer than a super-powerful machine that can handle advanced 3D rendering. It’s just not that type of device. The mushy keyboard and plastic frame don’t feel as premium as those of more expensive options.
Acer Aspire 14 AI tech specs: CPU Model: Intel Core Ultra 5 226V | RAM Memory: 16GB | Hard Disk Drive: 1TB | Screen Size: 14 inches
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Why we like it: Rounding out the list is the Dell 14 Plus, a laptop that perfectly balances performance and practicality. Its aluminum chassis gives Dell’s model a nice level of sturdiness that you don’t always see in this price range. What’s great is that the anti-fingerprint finish keeps the computer looking clean even after hours of use.
Performance is where the Dell 14 Plus really shines. Its Intel Core Ultra processor and integrated Intel Arc graphics card easily handled heavy workloads, and benchmark tests put it ahead of some more expensive laptops. Combined with the nearly 12-hour battery life, this reliable laptop will help you get through long days.
Review: Dell 14 Plus
Who it’s for: The Dell 14 Plus is a smart pick for people who want power and energy efficiency at a low price. It is a reliable machine that excels at office work, document writing, and light creative projects. At the time of this writing, Dell has three versions on sale on its official website. Two configurations are under $1,000, but the third, which has an Intel Core Ultra 9 288V CPU and 32GB of RAM, is currently $1,230.
Who should look elsewhere: If you want a top-tier display, consider another laptop like the HP OmniBook Flip. While the Dell 14 Plus has a 2.5K screen, the output is not particularly vibrant. I also had an issue with the speakers because they’re on the bottom of the laptop. The down-firing drivers sound fine thanks to software boosts, but their placement dampens audio quality.
Dell 14 Plus tech specs: CPU Model: Intel Core Ultra 7 256V | RAM Memory: 16GB | Hard Disk Drive: 1TB | Screen Size: 14 inches
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The best laptop under $1,000 is Apple’s M2 MacBook Air. It delivers on multiple fronts like great performance, a nice screen, and a lightweight design. Don’t discount the other options because they’re all solid picks. Below is a table comparing the best laptops by price, CPU, storage size, and screen size to make your decision process easier.
All big decisions require a lot of research. We did a lot of the heavy lifting for you, searching up the key specs of the best laptops under $1,000. Below is a table comparing the best laptops in this list by price, CPU model, and screen size.
| Best laptop under $1,000 | Lowest price available | CPU | Screen size | Storage size |
| Apple M2 MacBook Air | $699 | M2 | 13.6 inches | 256GB |
| Lenovo LOQ 15 | $900 | AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS | 15.6 inches | 512GB |
| Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 | $780 | Intel Core Ultra 7 155U | 16 inches | 1TB |
| Dell Inspiron 3530 | $299 | Intel Core i3-1305U | 15.6 inches | 512GB |
| HP OmniBook 5 | $620 | AMD Ryzen AI 5 340 | 16 inches | 512GB |
| HP OmniBook X Flip 16 | $550 | Intel Core Ultra 7 256V | 16 inches | 512GB |
| Acer Aspire 14 AI | $575 | Intel Core 5 120U | 14 inches | 512GB |
| Dell 14 Plus | $750 | Intel Core Ultra 7 256V | 14 inches | 1TB |
*MSRP at the time of writing
The best laptop is the one that meets your needs. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all computer. As great as it is, the MacBook Air is a bad pick for people who want a gaming laptop. Mac hardware just isn’t built for that. Similarly, we don’t recommend small laptops if you want a machine with a lot of ports.
Read the chart below to find out which device works best for you.
| Choose this best laptop under $1,000…. | If you want…. |
| Apple M2 MacBook Air | A laptop for Apple users. Harnessing its M2 chip and 8GB of memory, this MacBook Air model offers solid performance plus a high-quality screen. |
| Lenovo LOQ 15 | The best cheap gaming laptop. Thanks to the RTX 4060 GPU and FullHD display, you can enjoy an immersive gaming experience at a low price. |
| Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 | The best 2-in-1 laptop. Lenovo’s machine delivers great performance and a high-resolution display inside a slim, portable form factor. |
| Dell Inspiron 3530 | The best value laptop under $1,000. It’s the cheapest entry on the list, boasting a sleek design and a 512GB SSD. |
| HP OmniBook 5 | The best MacBook alternative. MacBooks, even cheap ones, are pricey. Luckily, this Windows PC delivers a similar experience. |
| HP OmniBook X Flip 16 | The laptop with the best screen. HP’s model boasts a 16-inch 3K OLED touchscreen that displays images in vibrant colors. |
| Acer Aspire 14 AI | The best work laptop under $1,000. Acer’s model has the battery life out of every entry, capable of lasting several days on a single charge. |
| Dell 14 Plus | The best midrange laptop for under $1,000. It is a sturdy laptop that boasts above-average performance and a long-lasting battery. |
A great laptop doesn’t have to cost a fortune. To determine the best laptops under $1,000, there are several factors you should consider.
- CPU Model: A good processor allows your computer to quickly complete workloads and tackle the tasks at hand. Look for a newer processor boasting faster speeds to guarantee a high-performing machine.
- RAM: Consider how much memory your computer will need. If you deal with many files, you’ll need more RAM than the average user.
- Screen size: Picking out the best screen size is usually a matter of preference. Laptops under $1,000 tend to have small display screens, ranging from 12.3 inches to 15.6 inches. It is, however, possible to find laptops that are both bigger and smaller than this specific range.
- Price: The pric is, of course, the most important factor here, so pay attention. We find that the best devices range between $500 and $800, depending on the make and model you choose.
Here at ZDNET, we receive many laptops to review. Many could’ve made the list, so to separate the best from the rest, we followed the guidelines in the previous question. We tested the device’s processor, memory, and screen size as well as considered its cost. From there, we tested the laptops even further by running labor-intensive apps to see how well they perform.
Also: How we test laptops
Once all the testing was done, we came to a consensus on the best ones that suit a wide variety of customers and use cases. We then rounded up the best devices in the above list.
Latest news on laptops
Several things come to mind when thinking about what I expect to see with budget laptops. The most obvious to me would be a permanent price drop to the M3 MacBook Air. At the time of this writing, you can find the M3 MacBook Air hovering around $1,000. I expect these discounts to eventually become even lower during Black Day.
A few months ago, I predicted that Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X series of chipsets would continue to dominate the space. As it turns out, I was wrong because Intel is dominating this space. More than half of the entries on this list run on Intel hardware. It seems that Intel make usurp AMD and take back its crown as the premiere supplier of processors for laptop manufacturers.
Also: 50+ Windows keyboard shortcuts you should use ASAP for improved productivity
However, I still think that AMD Ryzen AI will power the next generation of midrange laptops and become the dominant force. AMD and Intel precessors perform at a similar level, but the former does it more efficiently. What these chipsets will look like is unknown, but I have seen rumors throw out various codenames like Gorgon Point and Hawk Point. That said, I could be wrong. Intel’s upcoming Panther Lake series is looking a real contender.
FAQs on laptops under $1,000
There isn’t a specific brand that is best or the cheapest. It varies a lot of the time. One company might have the best low-cost laptop this year, and in the next year, it’ll be another. That said, there are several brands you should look out for when purchasing a cheap laptop: Dell, Acer, Asus, and Lenovo. Models from these frequently appear on this list because they’re among the best.
You’ll occasionally see a great low-cost device from other famous brands like Apple or lesser-known companies, but those deals are rarer. If you want a particular MacBook, you may have to wait until the following year, when the company may offer a substantial discount.
Longevity is an important factor to consider when purchasing a laptop. You don’t need to sacrifice quality for an inexpensive machine. A low-cost computer can last just as long, if not longer, than a more expensive one.
Asus ranks high on several reliability lists. The company is lauded for equipping its machines with sturdy designs, “strengthened hinges, and shock-resistant hard drives.” Of course, they’re also lightweight and powerful. The U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) even found Asus to be one of the best brands in terms of repairability in 2024.
Other notable laptop brands include Dell, Microsoft, and Acer.
Most people would say that you need to replace a laptop when you begin to experience performance degradation. That is certainly one factor you should look for; however, it’s possible you’re simply behind on your software updates. In this case, we recommend merely installing your computer’s latest patches to bring it up to snuff.
There are other factors to consider, such as constant crashes and random restarts, which can be signs that the hard drive is failing. Additionally, exceptionally loud cooling fans are another sign that the device is nearing its final days. You can certainly try to fix the laptop yourself, but you’ll need a lot of experience in computer repair to get things done right — or risk damaging the hardware. You’re better off buying a new machine.
Chromebooks are a great series of low-cost laptops created by several third-party manufacturers. Instead of Windows, they run ChromeOS. These devices are generally less expensive than laptops, perform similarly to a Windows machine, and have a long battery life. Chromebooks require very little maintenance as they don’t have much on-device software.
Also: Best Chromebooks for students 2025
Chromebooks are a great option for people on a budget. The main downside to owning one is the need for constant internet access to work properly. Many of the functions run on Google’s cloud servers, so if you’re ever away from an internet connection or the service is down, you won’t be able to use a Chromebook to its fullest extent.
Additionally, Chromebooks have limited storage space and processing power compared to Windows laptops.
Latest updates
- In the October 2025 update, we added the Dell Inspiron 3530 and the Acer Aspire 14 AI to the mainlist. Below the main list, the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge and the Acer CX15 Chromebook were added as solid alternatives.
- In the September 2025 update, we tested and added the HP OmniBook 5, HP OmniBook X Flip 16, and Dell 14 Plus to the list. Also included were the Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 as well as the Lenovo LOQ 15.
- In the April 2025 update, we tested the Galaxy Book4 Edge as well as several Snapdragon X laptops and added them to the list.
Other laptops we’ve tested
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Weighing little over three pounds, Samsung’s Galaxy Book4 Edge is a sleek laptop that’s ideal for people who value portablilty, efficiency, and a solid battery life.
Review: Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge
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The HP Victus 15.6 is a good alternative to Acer’s Nitro V. It houses an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPU. While it’s not a recent graphics card, the RTX 3050 is great at running older games in high resolution. It also has an “updated thermal design” to keep its internals cool.
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If you’re looking to save even more money, Acer’s CX15 Chromebook is only $139. It’s a solid budget option with a fast-charging battery and 15.6-inch FullHD screen.
Review: Acer CX15 Chromebook
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For more information on laptops, as well as tips and tricks, check out how to choose a laptop for work or school, and how to fix the touchpad on your Windows laptop.
Laptops Reviewed & Compared
