Best Budget Laptops to Buy

Looking for a reliable yet affordable laptop? We’ve curated a list of the best budget-friendly laptops that offer excellent performance for students, professionals, and casual users. Each pick includes real-world pros and cons and embedded video reviews so you can make an informed decision.

1. Acer Aspire 5

Acer Aspire 5 (2025 Edition)Under $500

The Aspire 5 remains a strong contender in the budget category with a Ryzen 5 CPU, 16GB RAM, and a full HD display. Ideal for students and casual users.

  • 🟢 Great build quality
  • 🟢 Backlit keyboard
  • 🔴 Basic integrated GPU

2. Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 (2025)Under $450

Great for online classes, browsing, and lightweight work, this 15.6″ laptop comes with Intel Core i3, 8GB RAM, and solid battery life.

  • 🟢 Slim and portable
  • 🟢 Good value for money
  • 🔴 Limited upgradability

3. ASUS VivoBook 15

ASUS VivoBook 15 (2025 Edition)Under $550

This laptop features a sleek design, Ryzen 7 processor, fingerprint reader, and crisp full HD display — perfect for multitasking users.

  • 🟢 Powerful specs for the price
  • 🟢 Great for light editing work
  • 🔴 Slightly bulky for travel