The most essential item for any college student is a laptop, whether it be for taking notes, working on your most recent research paper, or binge-watching Netflix. Also, there are many best budget laptops for college students.
Additionally, you’ll need a portable one so you can carry it from class to class, has a long battery life, and has a potent enough processor to handle your workload even when you’re having trouble keeping up.
Your ideal low-budget laptop probably meets a long list of requirements, and we want to make sure you get one that does. It would take some time to choose which models are appropriate for you because there are several high-quality, durable machines with a low budget for college students to help you through the upcoming years.
So, we’ve already completed your homework as this article provides you with the best low-budget laptops for college students and their features.
What are the Benefits of Budget Laptops for College Students?
For people with limited funds, such as high school and college students, laptops can be tremendously expensive. You could simply wish to refrain from draining your financial account to get a laptop, even if you’re not in the academic sector.
Thankfully, there are several low-budget laptop options available on the market right now that are capable of performing basic computing tasks, whether you want to stream your favorite shows, do your assignments, or browse the internet.
These five factors make low-budget laptops an excellent buy. It turns out that you don’t have to give up all of your desired features to purchase a low-budget laptop as a college student.
1. Improvements in memory and storage technologies
Many low-budget laptops come with 4GB of memory (RAM). An average of 500GB of hard drive space is usual for local storage (SSD or HDD).
However, other models, like HP Chromebooks, provide free cloud storage to make up for their smaller internal storage capacities of 16GB or 32GB of eMMC.
For most college students who want enough storage to store important data close at hand and enough memory to get through the day without waiting for pages to load, this is more than enough space.
2. Aesthetics that anyone can enjoy
A laptop need not be unrefined just because it is a cost-effective option. Both HP desktops and laptops include high-end features that are suitable for the home, office, or school.
These low-budget laptops will ideally fit into your lifestyle thanks to their brushed silver accents, calibrated keyboards, and minimal operating noise.
Put an end to having to decide between form and function. These low-budget laptops combine strength, effectiveness, and beauty.
3. You’ll have enough battery life to last the day.
Low-budget laptops typically give college students at least 5 hours of run time before you need to plug them in, even though the battery life on many low-budget laptops won’t be as long as on more expensive ones.
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How to Choose the Best Budget Laptops for College Students | Buying Guide
Calculating what to anticipate from a low-budget laptop as a college student might be challenging. You won’t receive cutting-edge performance or an extremely expensive design.
Additionally, you might need to give up a few display features, such as how well it manages colors and how bright it gets.
Since the average college student spends close to 75% of their time engaging with technology, it’s important that you feel comfortable while working on your laptop.
College students should consider the following factors while buying a low-budget laptop.
Screen
As a college student, the first thing to consider when buying a low-budget laptop is the size of the screen.
Most laptops will be 13- or 15-inches, but if you want something even more portable or if it just needs to move sometimes, you can go smaller or larger.
Also, keep in mind that the size of the screen will affect a variety of factors, including the weight of the laptop, the keyboard, and even the number of ports and connections it can support.
Low-budget laptops often have an unimpressive resolution of 1366 x 768 (HD), but if you can get one with a higher resolution—likely 1920 x 1080 (or Full HD)—you’ll be considerably better off. Instead of a glossy screen that reflects like a mirror in bright, sunny weather, look for one with a matt texture.
You should also keep an eye out for the sort of display since this is sometimes an area where costs are reduced, which can lead to poor viewing angles, brightness, and color. If you can, choose an IPS screen over a TN one.
Storage and Memory
Storage and memory are not the same. When you open an app or file, the latter—often referred to as RAM—is used to temporarily store information; storage, on the other hand, is where you keep your files and programs.
It’s preferable to have a lot in both situations. Many low-cost laptops will only have 4GB of RAM and a 500GB or 1TB hard drive.
Even if an SSD (solid state drive) is more prevalent today and keeps things moving quickly, don’t anticipate more than 8GB of RAM at these low costs. Keep in mind that if you require more space, you may also use cloud storage.
Processor
The heart of the computer is its processor, which greatly affects how quickly it operates. Many of these may have Intel Celeron, Pentium, or similar processors, which you should try to avoid unless you want to keep to simple activities.
If possible, try to get an Intel Core processor or an AMD Ryzen one; you can find these in some of the laptops listed below.
If you can, look for a Core i5/Ryzen 5 processor, but if everything else about the laptop is to your taste, a Core i3/Ryzen 3 is a decent compromise.
Windows versus Chrome
Even the cheapest MacBook Air 2020 will be much outside your pricing range as a college student unless you have a budget of $1,000 or more.
As a result, you’ll likely need to choose between a Chromebook and a Windows laptop based on which better suits your needs.
Even the most basic hardware can run Chrome OS, which delivers a lightweight operating system with a full set of tools and web-based applications to complete many of your daily computer chores. Additionally, it now accommodates Android apps.
On the other hand, Windows needs a little more power to function properly. However, it supports a much wider variety of apps than Chrome OS can currently hope for.
Additionally, Windows is constantly being upgraded, so even years after you purchase your laptop, you will be able to access the latest applications Microsoft has to offer.
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15 Best Budget Laptops for College Students in 2023
Finally, technology has advanced to the point that even a low-budget laptop can provide an adequate competitor budget.
This implies that college students don’t need to spend a fortune on expensive laptops to obtain a good one for use at school and in their daily lives.
There are several decent and affordable laptops available that offer everything a college student needs to learn, from high-end mid-range models to functional 2-in-1s and Chromebooks. Additionally, these choices are fantastic for just about everyone on a budget.
Here are the 15 best low-budget laptops for college students in 2023.
1. Asus E410M
Features
- Brand: ASUS
- Series: ASUS E410M
- CPU Model: 1.2GHz Cortex A9 Processor
- RAM: 4 GB
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Screen Size: 14 inches
The Asus E410 is a low-budget laptop made for the essentials, including productivity, streaming, light work, projects, and email.
If you’re searching for a laptop that can get you through the day-to-day college activities without breaking the bank, this sub-£250 option is competitively priced and a smart choice.
Excellent battery life, a lightweight design, and adequate performance are all features of the E410. It’s a fantastic value laptop because it checks all the criteria at this pricing.
Pros
- Long-lasting battery
- It is lightweight
Cons
- Drab display screen
2. Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2
Features
- Brand: SAMSUNG
- Series: XE530QDA-KA1US
- CPU Model: Core i3
- RAM: 8 GB
- Operating System: Chrome OS
- Screen Size: 13.3 Inches
With a sleek ultraportable design, a sharp-looking QLED display, and a reliable 8-hour battery life, the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 is a low-budget laptop for college students that doesn’t feel like one.
It will sound fantastic as well, and Chrome OS will run quite quickly thanks to the Core i3 setup.
Pros
- Good battery life
- A brilliant QLED display,
- Beautiful design,
- Amazing audio quality,
- Strong performance
Cons
- Lack of an S-Pen
- Inconsistent touchscreen input
- Key travel that could be improved.
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3. Honor MagicBook 14 2021
Features
- Brand: Honor
- Series: MagicBook 14 2021
- RAM: 8 GB
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Screen Size: 14 inches
For the past couple of years, the Honor MagicBook 14 has been among the best low-budget laptops available for college students, providing a fantastic all-around mix of design, specifications, performance, and features.
Its new model for 2021 switches from AMD to Intel CPUs, which results in a significant price increase. Models vary by area, however, some come with Core i5 and Core i7 processors.
Pros
- Effective components
- Excellent keyboard
- Good speakers
Cons
- Low-performance improvement
- Poor battery life
- New display limited to top model only
- Fewer ports
4. Lenovo IdeaPad 3i
Features
- Brand: Lenovo
- Series: Lenovo Ideapad 3
- CPU Model: Pentium D
- RAM: 8 GB
- Operating System: Windows 10 S
- Screen Size: 14 inches
Lenovo has always produced attractive laptops, irrespective of price, and the new IdeaPad 3 is no exception.
With a brushed aluminum lid and keyboard surround, it doesn’t appear to be a low-budget laptop.
The 14-inch display has a Full HD resolution and an effective anti-glare coating. Although Lenovo offers an IPS panel as an option, the majority of machines are likely to use a TN screen, which is of poorer quality.
Pros
- Excellent regular performance
- Nice trackpad and keyboard
Cons
- Viewing angles constrained by a dim screen
- Webcam with a 0.3 MP
- Poor battery life
- Absence of USB-C
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5. Acer Swift 3 SF314-43-R2YY
Features
- Brand: Acer
- Series: SF314-43-R2YY
- CPU Model: AMD Ryzen 7
- RAM: 8 GB
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
- Screen Size: 14 Inches
The Acer Swift 3 has been the standard low-budget college student laptop for what feels like forever because it provides the ideal balance of cost, dependability, battery life, and keyboard. it is the Best Budget Laptops for College Students.
With an AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor and 8GB of RAM, this model (SF314-43-R2YY) has more than enough power to accomplish whatever coursework you need to complete and even some light gaming without any problems.
You can complete your college assignments from any place thanks to an illuminated keyboard. The 1080p screen is sufficiently clear and bright. You can use it without straining your eyes outside or in well-lit spaces.
Pros
- It is a slender and portable laptop
- Good battery life
- Outstanding performance for regular use
Cons
- No specialized GPU
6. Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Gen 6
Features
- Brand: Lenovo
- Series: 2021
- CPU Model: AMD Ryzen 5 5500U
- RAM: 8 GB
- Operating System: Windows 11
- Screen Size: 14 Inches
For the great majority of students, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Gen 6 is one of the best low-budget laptops.
Although it lacks the Acer Swift 3’s metal construction, it performs everything else well. The most potent laptop available in this price range, it offers sufficient power for document type, web browsing, 1080p gaming, and coding.
Also, you can use it in class or the library without upsetting your fellow students because it runs cool and quiet.
You don’t need to carry a bulky power brick because the battery can last a whole school day. A fingerprint scanner, Eye Care to lessen eye strain from prolonged screen staring, a privacy webcam shutter for improved security, and a brand-new version of Windows 11 are all included with this laptop.
Pros
- swift and powerful performance
- Long-lasting battery life
- High-quality 1080p gaming performance
- A 14-inch display that is clear and bright
Cons
- It has a plastic build
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7. Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R3UB
Features
- Brand: Acer
- Series: A515-46-R3UB
- CPU Model: Ryzen 3
- RAM: 4 GB
- Operating System: Windows
- Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
The Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R3UB strikes the perfect balance between price and performance, making it the ideal low-budget laptop for college students.
It is powerful enough for college and school work thanks to its Ryzen 3 3350U CPU. When purchasing a laptop, most buyers choose a high-end processor, but if all you want to do is browse the internet, take online classes, work on documents, or watch movies, you don’t need all that power.
Also, this laptop is responsive and quick. It boots up quickly, and opens and runs the majority of applications, including Microsoft Word, more quickly than comparable laptops in the same price range.
Pros
- Amazing value
- Strong enough for daily use
- A great variety of ports
- Excellent build and finish quality
Cons
- Has a trimmed-down version of Windows 11 been installed?
8. ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 (TP470EA-AS34T)
Features
- Brand: ASUS
- Series: TP470EA-AS34T
- CPU Model: Core i3
- RAM: 4 GB
- Operating System: Windows 10 S
- Screen Size: 14 Inches
A good option for students seeking a cheap 2-in-1 low-budget laptop for college is the ASUS VivoBook Flip 14. It is one of the Best Budget Laptops for College Students.
With a 14-inch touchscreen display and a 360-degree hinge, it can quickly switch between tablet and tent modes for watching videos and taking notes, as well as standard laptop mode for everyday work.
The laptop is light enough to carry anywhere and has a school day’s worth of battery life. A Thunderbolt 4 port lets you quickly connect external monitors and storage devices, and Wi-Fi 6 is supported for lag-free video calling and streaming.
You can also use a USB-C power bank to recharge the laptop. Although the RAM cannot be upgraded, it should be adequate for operating a few Chrome tabs and productivity programs.
Pros
- A quick and efficient performance
- Excellent connectivity, including SD card and Thunderbolt 4
- Beautiful touch screen
Cons
- RAM cannot be upgraded
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9. Dell Inspiron 15 3525
Features
- Brand: Dell
- Series: Inspiron 15 3525
- CPU Model: AMD R Series
- RAM: 8 GB
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home
- Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 is the greatest affordable gaming laptop you can purchase right now if you’re a college student looking to dabble in gaming.
Its AMD Ryzen 5 5625U processor outperforms the AMD Ryzen 5 5500U found in the majority of low-budget laptops. Even some recent games at lower settings can be played without any problems on most lower-spec games.
With its high refresh rate 120Hz display, which gives it a competitive edge when playing competitive games like first-person shooters, this laptop distinguishes itself from the other entry-level laptops.
Pros
- High refresh rate responsive display
- Rapid processing
- a comfortable keyboard
- A variety of ports
Cons
- No backlighting on the keyboard
10. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook
Features
- Brand: Lenovo
- Series: Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook
- CPU Model: Core I3 1115G4
- RAM: 8 GB
- Operating System: Chrome OS
- Screen Size: 13.3 Inches
Since they are affordable and simple to use, Chromebooks are quite common among students.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook is reasonably priced while providing a high-end Chrome OS experience and adequate battery life.
The Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor and 8GB RAM on this Chromebook can handle whatever you throw at it since Chrome OS functions seamlessly on low-end hardware.
Pros
- 2-in-1 flexible design
- Excellent performance considering the cost
- Exceptional battery life
Cons
- The display is too faint to use outside
11. ASUS VivoBook 15 (F515EA-AH34)
Features
- Brand: ASUS
- Series: ASUS VivoBook 15 Laptop
- CPU Model: Core i3
- RAM: 4 GB
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home in A Mode
- Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
The ASUS VivoBook 15 (F515EA-AH34) is a nice, low-budget laptop that runs the newest version of Windows 11 and has a backlit keyboard.
With an 11th Gen Intel Core i3 processor and 8GB of RAM, this model is excellent for usage at home and in the classroom. It’s ideal for routine activities like reading emails, working with documents, using the internet, and making Zoom calls. This is one of the Best Budget Laptops for College Students.
Pros
- Good performance rate
- It is lightweight
- Fantastic keyboard
Cons
- A very restrictive 64 GB storage
- Poor battery life
12. Lenovo Chromebook 3 11
Features
- Brand: Lenovo
- Series: Chromebook 3 11″
- CPU Model: Celeron N3450
- RAM: 4 GB
- Operating System: Chrome OS
- Screen Size: 11.6 Inches
One of the best low-budget laptops (Chromebooks) on the market is the Lenovo Chromebook 3 11.
It is an excellent choice for students because of its slim and light design. You can easily tuck it into a bag and carry it about campus because it weighs only 2.46 pounds and is 0.71 inches thick. Additionally, the battery lasts the entire day, so you can save bringing a power brick to class.
Although it’s not the most powerful Chromebook, it can easily manage simple activities and academic work. It has a ton of ports, including a microSD card reader to expand storage, and is very quick for a low-budget Chromebook.
Pros
- Unbelievably light
- Numerous ports, including USB-C and microSD
- Long-lasting battery life
Cons
- Absence of touchscreen
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13. HP 14
Features
- Brand: HP
- Series: 14-fq0020nr
- CPU Model: AMD E Series
- RAM: 4 GB
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
- Screen Size: 14 Inches
The HP 14 is a fantastic low-budget laptop that you can use for both business and study. A 14-inch HD display, 4GB of RAM, and an AMD 3020e processor with integrated graphics round out its feature set.
Additionally, 64GB of storage is sufficient to keep your files for quick access during a moment of need.
Also, the HP 14 comes with a reliable 10-hour battery and a quick charge option that can increase the battery from 0% to 50% in 45 minutes. In addition, the laptop has a good keyboard, a great assortment of ports, and a powerful 720p webcam for all those Zoom meetings and online classes you like attending.
Pros
- A dependable battery that charges quickly
- It comes with many ports
- It has adequate storage
Cons
- It cannot be upgraded
- The display is not 1080p
14. Dell Chromebook 3100
Features
- Brand: Dell
- Series: 2019 New Dell Inspiron 11 Chromebook, 11.6″ HD Non-Touchscreen Display, In
- CPU Model: Celeron
- RAM: 4 GB
- Operating System: Chrome OS
- Screen Size: 11.6 Inches
The Dell Chromebook 3100 has a long lifespan in mind. This low-budget laptop has undergone thorough testing to ensure that it can withstand small drops, and rubberized edges guard against impact damage.
Additionally, the keyboard can endure up to 12 ounces of liquid while remaining tamper- and spill-resistant. This dependable, lightweight laptop will hold up in your student’s backpack.
Pros
- Military-grade toughness
- Resistant to spills and tampering
- Ideal for students
Cons
- Limited ports and storage
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15. Lenovo IdeaPad 1 (14-inch, AMD)
Features
- Brand: Lenovo
- Series: Lenovo Ideapad
- CPU Model: AMD A6
- RAM: 4 GB
- Operating System: Windows 10 pro
- Screen Size: 14 Inches
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is a slim, light low-budget laptop with a respectable processor and a strong battery life.
In general, this product is a portable laptop with a respectable selection of connectors and sufficient processing speed and battery life for daily duties at home, school, or business.
Dolby Audio is another feature of the Lenovo IdeaPad 1, which, given its modest price, provides amazing sound quality. This is one of the Best Budget Laptops for College Students.
Pros
- It has an adequate storage
- good battery life
Cons
- The display is not 1080p
- It cannot be upgraded
FAQs on Best Budget Laptops for College Students
Can you Fix Low Budget Laptops?
Which Low-budget Laptop is Ideal for College Students?
Can you play games on your Chromebook?
Conclusion
You need to get the best value for your money when choosing a laptop as a college student.
Even if the price is a crucial consideration for financially strapped students, you must also be sure that the laptop you choose is capable of handling the most demanding portions of your task as a student.
If not, your laptop won’t be able to manage your demands, or worse, you’ll have to pay extra money to replace it.
We hope the list of the best low-budget laptops for college students helps you make the right choice.
References
- makeuseof.com – The 8 Best Cheap Laptops for Students
- zdnet.com – Snag some of the best cheap laptops for under $350
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