I've tested multiple laptops that cost less than $1,000: Here are the best
Why you can trust ZDNET
'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?
ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.
When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.
ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.
People tend to equate concepts like "budget" or "low-cost" with poor quality, but that isn't the case. 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 well years after launch. MacBooks are one of these series, and it's why we often highlight MacBook discounts on ZDNET.
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. With the release of the M4 MacBook Air, the older model continues to drop in price, which is because because this is still a highly regarded device. The M2 MacBook Air isn't the only option -- 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
Why we like it: The M2 MacBook Air is easily my 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, capable of lasting two full workdays on a single charge. The praise doesn't stop there. Its packs a gorgeous 13.6-inch Retina display, a sharp 1080p webcam, and a solid 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, any anyone who works primarily in browsers will enjoy this machine. The best part is all this hardware is packed in a lightweight, travel-friendly package.
Who should look elsewhere: A two-day is really good on its own. However, if battery life is your top priority, the older M1 MacBook actually lasts longer. It's also significantly cheaper. The M2 MacBook is also one of the more expensive options on this list, so if you're on a real tight budget, then I would suggest checking out another laptop. Similar, people looking for more housepower 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
Why we like it: Finding a budget gaming laptop can be difficult. Enjoying modern games in high resolution without performance drops requires powerful components. Many of the best models frequently cost over $1,000, but the Acer Nitro V 15 bucks this trend.
The version that I recommend has an AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS processor with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card. That alone makes the laptop well worth the purchase since you'll be able to play the latest titles in a picturesque quality. Things don't stop there. The dispay runs at a refresh rate of 144Hz ensuring smooth animations. I firmly believe that having a fast refresh rate is more important on a gaming laptop than a 4K screen. Faster rates make a massive difference.
Also: The best budget gaming laptops you can buy
Outside of gaming, the Acer Nitro V is an effective work machine. Its possesses the company's PurifiedView features, which automatically adjusts the webcam during video calls so you look your best. There's also PurifiedVoice reducing the amount of outisde noise from leaking into the mic.
Who it's for: ZDNET's Staff Writer Taylor Clemons recommends the entry-level model to kids and teenagers. Don't only does it provide a good performance, but also a budget friendly price. Parents and guardians won't twinge when they see the current tag for the Acer Nitro V. Adults can enjoy the laptop as well, if they want a cheap gaming rig.
Who should look elsewhere: One of the most common complaints that current owners levy at the Nitro V is its battery life. Go read the user reviews on Best Buy and you'll find a lot of comments from people complaining about this one issue. Other common critcisms involve its low storage capacity and noisy fans. If any of this bothers, steer clear.
Acer Nitro V 15 tech specs: CPU Model: AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS | RAM Memory: 8GB | Hard Disk Drive: 512GB SSD | Screen Size: 15.6 inches
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 be drawing on a tablet. Among the low-cost options, the Lenovo Yoga 7i is the best 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. Plus, it plainly feels like a well-optimized machine that gets all the fundamentals right.
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, and you won't have to pay flagship prices.
Review: Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1
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
Why we like it: Samsung's Galaxy Book4 Edge is the perfect travel companion, weighing just a little over three pounds. There are multiple (and more expensive) versions of this laptop, so the model that I recommend runs on the Snapdragon X Plus. This is one of Qualcomm's premier laptop chipsets and can handle everything you throw at it. Performance feels snappy, fluid, and efficient. It's also energy efficient, allowing the Galaxy Book4 Edge to have a long-lasting battery life of 13 hours.
ZDNET Editor Kyle Kucharski enjoyed how premium the laptop feels. It's solid and thin without any screen wobble. Samsung also didn't skimp on the ports, providing a wide range to users. It's refreshing to see so many options present, as slim machines tend to only have a few inputs.
Who it's for: This laptop is perfect for people who value portability, quiet operation, and a long battery life. It's also a great fit for those who want native access to AI features in Windows Copilot+. If you spend most of your time browsing, writing, streaming, or working in Google apps, you'll love this laptop too.
At the time of this writing, the Galaxy Book4 Edge is on sale for $100 on Samsung's website. Now is the best opportunity to take advantage of the deal while supplies last.
Review: Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge
Who should look elsewhere: The Snapdragon X Plus chipset is an ARM-based SoC (system on a chip). This type of architecture allows the laptop to deliver efficient performance. But because it's ARM-based, certain legacy apps may not work or run poorly on the Galaxy Book4 Edge. It's important to mention that the storage drive is embedded to the machine as is, so you won't be able to upgrade it. You can buy the 1TB laptop, although it is very expensive.
Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge specs: CPU Model: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus | RAM Memory: 16GB | Hard Disk Drive: 512GB | Screen Size: 15.6 inches
Why we like it: The Acer Aspire Go 15 has earned its spot as the best laptop for value. It's the cheapest option on our list, serving as a solid work machine. The device has an Intel Core i3-N305 processor, an integrated Intel UHD graphics card, and 8GB of RAM. It's a lightweight laptop capable of handling various workloads, from internet browsing to creating documents and streaming movies. Due to its mid-range hardware, the Aspire 3's battery can last quite a while -- about 10 hours on a single charge, according to ZDNET Editor Kyle Kucharsaki.
Review: Acer Aspire Go 15
If you check out the Amazon reviews for the laptop, you'll notice many people enjoy the display. Many reviews praise it how delivering "crisp visuals [alongside] vibrant colors." I personally praise its support Acer BlueLightShield, lowering the amount of harmful blue light it expels. Professional users will appreciate the good port selection, which include USB-C, HDMI, and two USB-A inputs.
Who it's for: Acer's Aspire Go 15 is ideal for budget-consicious users. It is the cheapest option of this list. The laptop is a reliable partner for day-to-day tasks. I've been thinking of buying one myself as a secondary laptop for travel and personal writing.
Who should look elsewhere: The Aspire Go 15 is not a computer with a premium build quality, high performance, or QOL (quality of life) features like a backlit keyboard. It's not that kind of laptop. It's a cheap option for bargin hunters. For more intensive needs, investing in something like the M3 MacBook Air would be a better choice.
Acer Aspire Go 15 tech specs: CPU Model: Intel Core i3-N305 | RAM Memory: 8GB LPDDR5 | Hard Disk Drive: 128GB | Screen Size: 15.6 inches
Why we like it: Asus' Vivobook S 15 primarily stands out for one big reason: a stunning 3K OLED display. It's bright, colorful, sharp, and thanks to a refresh rate of 120Hz, fas, too. The screen alone it makes a great value, worthy of a recommendation - but there's more to like. The laptop has a sleek lightweight design weighing a little over three pounds yet doesn't feel cheap. Its all-metal chassis gives the machine a premium feel.
It runs on the speedy Snapdragon X Elite chipset delivering smooth day-to-day performance while being easy on the battery. Normally, the Vivobook S 15 lasts roughly 10 and a half hours. although with a few tweaks to the settings, you can make it last a bit longer. All this combined with generious selection of ports and comfortable keyboard make the laptop a good pick for remote work.
Who it's for: I would strongly suggest the Vivobook S to hybrid or remote workers, as alluded to earlier. The output and portablity it offers is unmatched. And its high-quality OLED display also make it a solid multimedia device. Crisp audio comes out of a pair of DTS'X UItra bar-shaped speakers. By all accounts, this laptop should cost sigficantly more. It's almost too good to be true.
Review: Asus Vivobook S 15
Who should look elsewhere: Many of the same criticism levied at the Galaxy Book4 Edge can appy to the Vivobook S 15. The Snapdragon X Elite performs well across most use cases, however certain apps, like DaVinci Resolve, run into a few problems. Content creator or video editors looking for a stable machine should seek out other options. And while the 16:9 display looks great, those used to taller 16:10 screens might find it a bit cramped for multitasking.
Asus Vivobook S15 specs: CPU Model: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite | RAM Memory: 16GB | Hard Disk Drive: 1TB SSD | Screen Size: 15.6 inches
Why we like it: Lenovo's IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 is a realiable, practical device that nails all the basics of a work laptop. It sports a strudy with a keyboard that is genuinely comfortable to type on for hours on end. The IdeaPad runs cool and quiet thanks to the Snapdragon X Plus chipset. You even get a great mix of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and a microSD card slot for photographs. What allows it to stand out from a sea of similar laptops is its sharp 14-inch OLED touchscreen outputting vibrant colors.
Who it's for: The IdeaPad 5x is the ideal laptop for students or remote workers who need a dependable device for productibity. It doesn't break the bank, and it is perfect for web browsing, documenting work, media streaming, and video calls. As its name suggests, the IdeaPad is a hybrid model. Its flexible hinges Lenovo's computer the ability to turn into a tablet for creative tasks.
Review: Lenovo IdeaPad 5x
Who should look elsewhere: Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Plus SoC is solid hardware for a jack-of-all trades laptop, but it isn't a master at anything. Power users might find its performance output too limiting for their tasks. Additionally, while the port selection is solid, the lack of Thunderbolt 4 could be dealbreaker if you rely on fast external fast or need to hook up to multiple high-resolution displays.
Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 tech specs: CPU Model: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus | RAM Memory: 16GB | Hard Disk Drive: 512GB | Screen Size: 14 inches
Why we like it: Something that you have no doubt have noticed looking through this list is how many entries run on a Qualcomm chipset. This is not by accident. The Snapdragon series has proven itself to be the one of the best hardware releases in recent years. It allows low-cost laptops to compete at a similar level to flagship devices without jacking up the price to ridiculous degrees. And Dell's Inspiron 14 is no different.
Like other entries, it runs on an Snapdragon X Plus chipset, striking a good balance between power and longevity. Del claims its model can last up to 28 hours on a single charge. That may sound too farfetched to be true, but speaking from experience, 28 hours is achievable with the right adjustments and use cases. You can work on this machine for an extended period of time without needing to worrying about it suddently dying.
Other notable features include a Full HD Plus display, and up to a 1TB SSD.
Who it's for: People who are constantly on the move for work or what have you will get a lot of mileage from the Inspiron 14's long-lasting battery. It is, by far, the laptop with the best battery on this list. Its lightweight build allows the machine to be so travel-friendly. And anyone who's been searching for an ARM-based Windows computer will especially appreciate this device.
Who should look elsewhere: The Inspiron 14 has a storage problem. Dell often installs bloatware to their machines that isn't easily to get rid of. As a result, gigabytes worth of storage is taken up by these apps, leaving with less to work with. If having plenty of space is important to you, then I suggest another option. You can opt for the 1TB, which costs $850.
Dell Inspiron 14 5441 specs: CPU Model: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus | RAM Memory: 16GB | Hard Disk Drive: 256GB | Screen Size: 14 inches
What are the tariffs in the U.S.?
The recent US tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.
Also: Tariff war has tech buyers wondering what's next. Here's what we know
Laptops and PCs are also hit hard by the new U.S. tariffs, with import duties potentially increasing prices by up to 35%. Many major brands still rely on Chinese and Vietnamese factories for assembly, meaning consumers could soon pay significantly more for everything from budget Chromebooks to high-end gaming rigs.
These tariffs may accelerate efforts to move production to regions like Mexico or India, but shoppers can expect higher costs and fewer discounts in the short term.
Right now, it looks like some tech may be exempt from the issued tariffs, but since it's always changing and developing, we are keeping an eye on it and will update you on the latest.
Also: Tariff exemptions for electronics offer a break for tech - but not for long
What is the best laptop under $1,000?
The best laptop under $1,000 is Apple's M2 MacBook Air. It delivers on multiple fronts: great performance, a nice screen, a lightweight design, and so on. Don't discount the other options, though -- 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 | $749 | M2 | 13.6 inches | 256GB |
| Acer Nitro V 15 | $725 | AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS | 15.6 inches | 512GB |
| Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 | $900 | Intel Core Ultra 5 125U | 16 inches | 512GB |
| Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge | $800 | Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus 3.2GHz | 15.6 inches | 512GB |
| Acer Aspire Go 15 | $300 | Intel Core i3-N305 | 15.6 inches | 128GB |
| Asus Vivobook S 15 | $707 | Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite | 15.6 inches | 1TB |
| Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 | $550 | Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus | 14 inches | 512GB |
| Dell Inspiron 14 | $738 | Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus | 14 inches | 256GB |
Which is the right laptop under $1,000 for you?
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. |
| Acer Nitro V 15 | The best cheap gaming laptop. Thanks to this device's Nvidia RTX 40-series GPU and Full HD display, you can enjoy an immersive gaming experience. |
| 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. |
| Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge | The best lightweight laptop under $1,000. It's a premium device with snapp hardware that weighs just over three pounds |
| Acer Aspire Go 15 | a laptop with the best display. This device is sure to turn heads with its stunning 3K OLED screen. |
| Asus Vivobook S 15 | The laptop with the best screen. Asus' model boasts a 14-inch OLED capable of displaying videos in vibrant color. |
| Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 | The best work laptop under $1,000. Lenovo's IdeaPad boasts a sturdy design with a sharp OLED display. |
| Dell Inspiron 14 | A long-lasting laptop. Thanks to its energy-efficient Snapdragon X chipset, this computer can last all day and have enough gas in the tank to stream movies. |
Factors to consider when choosing a laptop under $1,000:
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.
How did we test these laptops?
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.
What changes can people to see for laptops under $1,000 in 2025?
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 discounted across various online retailers. I expect these discounts to eventually become the new price later in the year when Apple refreshes its line.
My other prediction is that Qualcomm's Snapdragon X series will continue to dominate in this space. These laptops are perfect for casual use, thanks to their decent performance and long-lasting batteries. About half of the entries on this list run a Qualcomm chip. Expect to see more of them in the near future, especially when the new hardware comes out.
Also: Qualcomm set to bring fast Snapdragon X performance to mid-range laptops with new chipset
In January, Qualcomm announced it was developing a third chipset, simply named the Snapdragon X. It is reportedly meant to be hardware for "budget-conscious consumers who need a reliable and powerful laptop." Mobile computers housing this chip will apparently cost around $600, cheaper than most entries on this list.
It's unknown when the Snapdragon X will be released, but I look forward to it.
FAQs on laptops under $1,000
Which laptop brand is the best and cheapest?
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.
Which laptop company has the least problems?
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 US 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.
How do you know when you need a new laptop?
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.
Can a Chromebook do everything a laptop can?
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 our latest April 2025 update, we tested the Galaxy Book4 Edge as well as several Snapdragon X laptops and added them to the list.