The best cheap laptops for 2024, tested and reviewed

UPDATE: Jan. 23, 2024, 5:00 a.m. EST We're currently overhauling this guide to the best cheap laptops and will update it with additional picks in the coming months. (Mashable staff is in the process of hands-on testing the HP Chromebook 14 Plus x360, the HP Chromebook Plus 15, and the Acer Chromebook 516GE.) Check back soon for new reviews and to find out what makes our list.

So, you fancy buying one of the best laptops around, but don’t want to empty your wallet in the process? Take some crucial advice: Don't let big brands with multi-million-dollar marketing campaigns fool you into thinking you have to pay upwards of $1,000 to get a quality device. The average user who needs a machine for everyday tasks probably won't notice a difference between one of the best budget laptops and a fancy ultrabook. We're talking about the best budget laptop options that are both high-tech and responsive, helping you write, browse the internet, store files, and more.

There’s a whole world of laptops to be had for cheap. Elsewhere, we've rounded up the best laptops for students and the top gaming laptops for any budget, but we wanted to gather all of our favorite budget laptops into one place.

Keep reading for our guide to the best budget laptops that are worth buying.

Note: All listed specs and prices apply to each model's base configuration unless noted otherwise.