In today’s tech- world, owning a laptop is essential for various tasks, whether it’s for work, school, or entertainment. However, not everyone can afford the hefty price tags that often accompany top-tier laptops. Fortunately, the market is filled with budget-friendly options that offer impressive performance without breaking the bank. In this article, we’ll explore the five best budget laptops of 2024, ranging from versatile convertibles to reliable clamshell Chromebooks.
Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P)
The Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P) is a testament to affordability without compromising on performance. Priced at less than $500, this laptop is ideal for budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable everyday companion. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 3 7320U processor and equipped with 8GB of RAM, the Aspire 3 delivers smooth operation for web browsing and office tasks. Its 15.6-inch IPS display offers a decent viewing experience, although it may lack the vibrancy of higher-end screens. With a battery life of nearly 17 hours, Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, and a sleek design, the Aspire 3 excels in delivering value for its price.
Pros:
Smooth everyday performance
Long battery life
Affordable price point
Current Wi-Fi connectivity
Decent build quality
Cons:
Limited performance for intensive tasks
Dated design
Lackluster display quality
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14 (2023)
For those in search of versatility, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14 (2023) stands out as an excellent choice. Priced at under $600, this convertible 2-in-1 laptop offers the flexibility of a touchscreen display and 360-degree hinge, allowing users to switch between laptop and tablet modes effortlessly. Powered by an Intel Core i5-1335U processor and 16GB of RAM, the Flex 5i delivers strong application performance suitable for productivity tasks and multimedia consumption. Its 14-inch IPS display provides crisp visuals, complemented by a high-quality 1080p webcam for video calls. With a generous selection of ports and a battery life of 13 hours, the Flex 5i strikes a balance between portability and functionality.
Pros:
Versatile 2-in-1 design
Strong application performance
Crisp 1080p webcam
Varied port selection
Long battery life
Cons:
Limited display color coverage
Average build quality
Somewhat bulky design
Gigabyte Aorus 15 BMF
Gaming enthusiasts on a budget will appreciate the Gigabyte Aorus 15 BMF, priced at under $1,000. This budget gaming laptop packs a punch with its Intel Core i5-13500H processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, offering steady 1080p performance for gaming and multimedia tasks. Despite its affordable price tag, the Aorus 15 BMF boasts premium construction and features such as a Thunderbolt 4 port and a 1080p webcam. While its display may not be the most impressive, and the touchpad can be hit-or-miss, the Aorus 15 BMF remains a compelling option for budget-conscious gamers seeking a premium gaming experience.
Pros:
Sturdy construction
Solid gaming performance
Premium features
1080p webcam
Sufficient battery life
Cons:
Average display quality
Limited touchpad performance
GPU may be outmatched by competitors
Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 (2023)
In the realm of budget business laptops, the Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 shines as a reliable and affordable option. Priced at less than $600, this ThinkPad delivers on performance and build quality, making it suitable for professionals on a budget. With options for both Intel and AMD processors, the ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 offers flexibility to cater to different user preferences. Its 16-inch IPS display provides ample screen real estate for productivity tasks, although it may lack the brightness and color accuracy of higher-end displays. Despite minor drawbacks such as the absence of an SD card slot and Wi-Fi 6E support, the ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 remains a solid choice for budget-conscious professionals seeking a dependable workhorse.
Pros:
Affordable price point for a ThinkPad
Reliable performance
Comfortable keyboard
Decent array of ports
Solid build quality
Cons:
Average display quality
Lack of SD card slot
Limited Wi-Fi connectivity
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34
For users seeking an affordable yet capable Chromebook, the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 offers an enticing option. Priced at $399 MSRP, this standard clamshell Chromebook delivers impressive performance thanks to its Intel Core i3-1215U processor and 8GB of RAM. With a durable MIL-SPEC-certified design and antimicrobial coating, the CX34 is suitable for students, home-office workers, and casual users alike. While its battery life may be average, and it lacks touchscreen capability at this price point, the CX34 provides excellent value for its price, boasting a high-quality Full HD display and a decent selection of ports.
Pros:
Affordable price point
Leading performance for a Chromebook
High-quality Full HD display
Durable design with antimicrobial coating
Decent port selection
Cons:
Average battery life
Lack of touchscreen capability
Limited storage capacity
