The best value laptops aren’t just cheapest, they also offer solid performance. This means that they should be able to handle any multi-tasking you do, while also running some casual games on a lower setting. We tested these laptops using a mix of real-world tests and synthetic benchmarks. We also aimed to keep the price down as much as possible.
1. Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
The Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020) is a great choice for casual computer users who need a lightweight and powerful laptop that doesn’t cost a fortune. The laptop’s M1 chip is faster than the previous Intel-based model, which means it can run more advanced photo editing and video editing apps.
The display also features P3 wide color gamut support, which is useful for photographers and video editors. It’s not a feature that most users will need, but it is important for people who do precise work in these fields.
The M1 processor breathes new life into the MacBook Air, making it one of the fastest notebooks available. It’s also one of the most durable, with 14 hours of battery life and a fanless design.
2. Acer Chromebook Spin 713
Acer’s Spin 713 is one of the best value laptops around, offering great performance with a high-end screen and convertible form factor. It’s priced well below some of the top premium laptops on the market, making it a great choice for anyone looking to get more from their Chrome OS device.
The Acer Spin 713 is a business casual laptop with a simple, clean design. The dark gray chassis is finished with a polished metal finish and the laptop’s lid features a chromed-out edge.
The Spin 713 is built from a strong aluminum body with Mil-Spec certification for protection against minor drops, vibrations and dust. It also has Corning Gorilla Glass to protect the touchscreen and a smooth touchpad that’s responsive even when navigating complex applications or working with a mouse.
3. Dell Inspiron 15 5000 Series
If you’re looking for a high-end laptop for less money, the Dell Inspiron 15 5000 Series is an excellent choice. It packs a top-notch 12th Gen Intel processor, a large amount of memory and storage, and a solid FHD+ display.
It also comes with a very good graphics card, making it suitable for running the latest PC games.
The Inspiron 15 5000 isn’t the most beautiful laptop in the world, but it’s a decent workhorse that’s suitable for everyday use. It’s also a great budget option that’s worth considering for gamers.
4. Huawei MateBook X Pro
The Huawei MateBook X Pro is a premium Ultrabook that’s built to perform and looks to be unmatched in its class. Featuring a 12th-gen Intel Core processor, this machine delivers excellent performance and a responsive touchscreen that makes it easy to use.
There’s also a large, pressure-sensitive touchpad that supports gesture shortcuts and double-tapping to take a screenshot. It’s a fantastic touchpad and one of the best in Windows, with precise haptics and intuitive gestures like dragging at the edge to change the volume or tapping twice on the pad to close an app.
This year’s MateBook X Pro is a huge improvement over the previous model, with a raft of upgrades including a larger screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, a better trackpad, and speedy 90W charging. It’s the best Huawei laptop we’ve ever used and if you need an Ultrabook for work, it could be worth considering.
5. Asus Chromebook C202U
If you’re looking for a rugged Chromebook that’s built to last and can take a beating, the Asus Chromebook C202U is worth checking out. It’s a great value option, and it has some interesting features that make it stand out from the competition.
Designed for maximum classroom usage, the C202 is tough enough to withstand everyday knocks and bumps that students may encounter. It has all-round rubber bumpers that protect the laptop from knocks and drops, while also reducing the impact of physical shocks to keep critical components safe.
The C202U also comes with a spill-proof keyboard that repels up to 2.23 ounces of liquid. It’s a nice touch that can save your device from damage when you’re drinking coffee or accidentally dropping it over the edge of the table.