Unlike Apple, plenty of Windows laptops on the market can be bought on a budget. Sure, one can equip themselves with one of themany amazing Chromebooksout there, but certain apps and games, only run on Windows. Whether the goal is togame, work, or enjoy entertainmentat home, selecting a budget-friendly laptop without sacrificing quality is crucial.
Samsung Galaxy Book4
Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024)
Just because these laptops are cheaper and more affordable doesn’t mean that the user has to compromise a lot. From fast processors to excellent OLED panels, budget laptops are equipped with all the latest technologies. Plus, thanks to technologies like DLSS and FSR, budget laptops can even run the most demanding games at a high frame rate.
However, with so many options available, it’s easy for any user to feel overwhelmed. That’s why Game Rant has compiled a list of the best budget Windows laptops to buy in 2024 across various categories so that one can find the ideal match for their needs. Each laptop in this guide has been carefully selected based on its performance, design, and value for money.
Acer Swift Go 14 Intel EVO
The Acer Swift Go 14 is like that reliable friend one can always count on. This thin and light laptop packs a powerful punch, thanks to the latest Intel processors. Need to juggle between browsing the web, editing documents, and video chatting? No sweat, the Swift Go 14 handles it all with ease. Plus, that OLED panel is a visual treat.
The Acer Swift Go 14 is a fantastic all-rounder that combines sleek design, robust performance, and affordability, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of users. It’s ideal for students, professionals, and casual users who need a reliable laptop without spending a fortune. The laptop is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor 155H coupled with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of SSD storage. Combined, it offers excellent performance, and plenty of storage to cater to a wide variety of users.
The laptop comes with a 14-inch OLED panel with a resolution of 2880 x 1800 and an impressive 90Hz refresh rate. Not only is this panel vibrant and easy to use even under direct sunlight, but the 90Hz panel makes everything look super smooth too. It also offers a good battery backup, which should suffice for most users.
ASUS TUF Gaming A15 (2023)
For gamers shopping on a budget, the ASUS TUF Gaming A15 is a solid choice. Combining an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060, this laptop can handle AA titles with ease. There’s also a 15.6-inch 144Hz display to complement the gaming needs. And 1TB of PCIe SSD, one will have enough space for their games library.
The ASUS TUF Gaming A15 (2023) is a powerhouse designed for gamers who want high performance without breaking the bank. This laptop is built to handle the latest games with ease, thanks to its robust hardware and advanced cooling system. The AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS processor is built on the older Zen 3+ architecture, but still offers great power for gaming.
Speaking of which, it’s the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 under the hood that does most of the heavy lifting for games. With a max TGP of 140W coupled with ASUS’ Arc Flow Fans, the laptop can run the latest and greatest games with ease. If things get too demanding, one can always make use of DLSS to get better frames. The 15.6-inch panel on this laptop is a Full HD display, with a nice 144Hz refresh rate. From story-mode campaigns to competitive multiplayer, the TUF Gaming A15’s display works very well.
As is the case with most gaming laptops, battery life on the A15 isn’t its strongest suit. For users who want to enjoy gaming on the go,a portable gaming PCmight be a better pick. Alternatively, gamers who prefer opting for the latest processor from AMD should keep an eye out on theLenovo Legion Slim 5 Gen 8, which is on sale now and then.
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5
The Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 is a productivity powerhouse built for the serious professional. This laptop features a comfortable keyboard that will have one flying through emails and reports. Plus, its durable construction ensures it can handle the daily grind of office life. The ThinkPad E14 might not be the flashiest option, but it gets the job done efficiently and reliably.
The ThinkPad lineup has always been regarded as one of the best for business users, and the ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 is no different. Renowned for its reliability and robust performance, this ThinkPad model is perfect for handling demanding work tasks. This makes it an excellent choice for business users, students, and anyone needing a dependable workhorse.
The laptop is powered by the 13th Generation Intel Core i7-1355U processor coupled with 16GB of DDR4 RAM, ensuring swift and efficient performance for multitasking, data analysis, and more. One of its most notable features is the legendary ThinkPad keyboard, which is highly praised for its comfort and precision, making typing a breeze even during long work sessions.
Additionally, the laptop also features excellent connectivity options, including multiple USB ports, HDMI, and a fingerprint reader for added security. Alternatively, users can use the optional FHD hybrid IR camera for Windows Hello face unlock. In addition to that, the 14-inch panel ensures that the laptop is super portable too.
It’s worth noting that Lenovo also offers theThinkPad E16 Gen 1 laptopfor a similar price tag. Not only does it feature a bigger 16-inch panel, but it also ups the RAM to 24GB, and storage to 1TB. That being said, a 16-inch chassis isn’t the most portable option, especially for professionals who are always on the move.
HP Envy x360 2-in-1 14-es1013dx
The HP Envy x360 14 is the one-stop shop for entertainment and productivity at home. This 2-in-1 laptop seamlessly transforms from a traditional laptop to a tablet, letting one browse the web, stream movies, or even create art with the touchscreen. With a sleek design and long battery life, it’s the perfect companion for relaxing on the couch or catching up on work from the kitchen table.
The HP Envy 14-es1013dx is perfect for home users who need a versatile and powerful laptop. Whether it’s for browsing the web, watching movies, or light work, this laptop offers the flexibility and performance needed for various tasks. Its 2-in-1 design with a touchscreen display means it can be used as a laptop or a tablet, adding to its versatility.
The laptop is powered by the Intel Core 5 120U processor and comes with 8GB of DDR4-3200MHz RAM. While the RAM might seem like a bottleneck for certain applications, it should suffice for most home users. On top of that, one can upgrade the RAM if need be. The same goes for the storage, which, at 512GB, should be enough for most folks, but can be easily upgraded as well.
Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1 Laptop
The Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1 is the perfect partner for on-the-go productivity and entertainment. This 2-in-1 folds conveniently into a tablet, making it ideal for taking notes in class, sketching ideas, or catching up on emails during commute. Plus, its vibrant display and comfortable keyboard make it a joy to use for all daily tasks. The laptop doesn’t compromise in terms of performance either.
The Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1 Laptop is an excellent choice for users who need a versatile and capable device. This laptop can switch between a traditional laptop and a tablet, offering flexibility for various tasks. It’s ideal for students, professionals, and anyone who needs a device that can adapt to different needs.
At 4.80 lbs, the laptop isn’t the most lightweight convertible out there. However, that is to be expected, considering it does pack in a huge 16-inch display. The good news is that the laptop doesn’t compromise in terms of hardware, and can easily serve different use cases.
Packing the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor coupled with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and Intel ARC Graphics, the laptop can easily power through everyday tasks and can multitask too. One can even use the touchscreen display for basic photo editing and creative tasks. The laptop includes a good collection of ports, complete with USB-A and Thunderbolt 4 ports, and even a microSD card slot.
The Samsung Galaxy Book4 lives up to its reputation – it’s incredibly thin and light, making it the ideal companion for minimalists and travelers. This laptop won’t weigh one down, but it packs a punch with a long-lasting battery and a comfortable keyboard. It also works great for users already invested in the Samsung ecosystem, offering an Apple-like system, but with Windows.
The Samsung Galaxy Book4 is ideal for users who prioritize portability without compromising performance. At 3.46 lbs, this lightweight laptop is easy to carry, making it perfect for students, travelers, and professionals on the go. Despite its slim design, it offers impressive performance thanks to the Intel Core 7 150U processor coupled with 16GB of RAM.
The laptop’s 15.6-inch display is a delight to use, and Samsung adds to the entertainment package with support for Dolby Atmos on the laptop’s stereo speakers. The Galaxy Book4 also comes with plenty of software tricks up its sleeve. There’s a Studio Mode, which brings AI Noise Canceling, Auto Framing, and background effects to video calls. Users can also link their Galaxy phone with Windows Copilot for personalized AI assistance.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024) is the ultimate companion for those who prioritize staying unplugged. This sleek and stylish laptop boasts a next-generation processor from Qualcomm that delivers impressive performance while sipping on battery power. Imagine working a full day on a single charge. The Surface Laptop lets one do just that, keeping the user productive and mobile without constantly searching for an outlet.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024) is perfect for users who need a laptop with exceptional battery life. Whether working, studying, or enjoying entertainment, this laptop ensures the user stays powered throughout the day. It’s powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus and Microsoft claims that it can suffice for up to 20 hours of local video playback. That’s slightly behind what the Snapdragon X Elite offers, but more than enough for most users, especially in this price range.
Compared to the Elite, the Snapdragon X Plus does offer two fewer cores, but that shouldn’t be a barrier in terms of performance. The laptop’s 13.8-inch touchscreen display comes with a whopping 2304 x 1536 and even supports a higher refresh rate of 120Hz. However, the base storage of 256GB is definitely on the lower side. As such, Game Rant highly recommends getting one ofthese external SSDsto amp up the storage space.
How to Choose the Best Budget Windows Laptop
Finding the perfect cheap windows laptop can get quite tedious, especially with so many options on the market. It’s important to keep a few key factors in mind, so that one can make a well-informed decision. Here are certain considerations to take into account when choosing the best budget Windows laptop.
Performance
When shopping for a budget laptop, performance is crucial. Look for laptops with at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor. These processors offer a good balance between speed and efficiency, allowing for smooth multitasking and handling everyday tasks with ease. On top of that, don’t forget to check the RAM. 8GB is the bare minimum in 2024, but Game Rant highly recommends opting for at least 16GB to future-proof the laptop.
Display Quality
A Full HD display is standard across all budget laptops, which should offer clear and sharp visuals. However, one can look for higher resolution displays with better color accuracy if they require the laptop for creative tasks. Alternatively, panels with higher refresh rates work best for gamers, but also make everyday usage seem smoother.
Apart from the display quality, the display’s size also matters. For users who prioritize portability, a smaller 13-inch to 14-inch screen might be ideal. On the other hand, for creative work or watching movies, a larger 15-inch or 16-inch display could be more suitable. Do keep in mind that the bigger the display, the heavier the laptop will be, and the less portable it will be.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical factor, especially if one is frequently on the move. It’s recommended to check for laptops that offer at least 8 hours of battery life on a single charge. This ensures one can work, study, or enjoy entertainment without constantly worrying about finding a power outlet.
Storage
Storage is another essential factor to consider. This is where all the files, photos, and programs are stored. While SSDs have become the standard, even for budget laptops, some models might offer limited storage capacity. Look for at least 256GB of storage for a good balance of space and performance. However, for users who have creative needs or prefer watching offline media, there are cheap windows laptops with 512GB or 1TB of SSD storage too.
FAQ
Q: Are budget Windows laptops good for everyday use?
Yes, budget Windows laptops are designed to handle everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media consumption efficiently.
Q: Are budget Windows laptops better than the MacBook Air?
Budget Windows laptops offer a wider variety of specs and features for the price, making them ideal for specific needs like gaming or extended battery life. However, the MacBook Air excels in build quality, performance, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. The choice depends on individual needs and preferences. Do keep in mind that certain apps and software run only on select operating systems, which also dictates the buying choice.
