Top 5 Best Budget-Friendly Laptops in 2025
Finding a great laptop without spending a fortune can be challenging. Whether you need a laptop for school, work, or light gaming, there are solid options that fit your budget. Here’s what to look for when buying a budget laptop in 2025, plus our top 5 picks.
What to Look for in a Budget Laptop
1. Processor (CPU)
The CPU is the brain of your laptop and affects speed, multitasking, and performance in all applications.
Check CPU performance scores on PassMark – CPU Benchmarks.
For a budget laptop around $500, aim for a CPU score of 10,000 or higher. This ensures smooth performance for tasks like browsing, streaming, and productivity apps.
2. Memory (RAM)
RAM is more than just capacity; speed also matters.
Avoid being misled by laptops with high RAM numbers. A laptop with 64 GB of slow RAM might perform worse than one with 16 GB of fast RAM.
For general use, 8 to 16 GB of fast RAM is ideal.
3. Storage (SSD vs HDD)
Always choose SSD (Solid State Drive) over HDD. SSDs boot faster and load apps more quickly.
A 256 GB SSD is usually enough for most users, but upgradeable storage is a bonus.
4. Refurbished or Renewed Laptops
Buying refurbished electronics from reputable sellers can save money without sacrificing quality.
Many refurbished laptops are in near-new condition and come with warranties.
For example, I use a refurbished Lenovo laptop from Newegg, and it works great for everyday tasks.
5. Battery Life and Build Quality
A good budget laptop should last 5 to 8 hours on a single charge.
Consider weight, keyboard comfort, and screen quality. A slightly heavier but durable laptop can be worth it.
Top 5 Budget Laptops in 2025
1. Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i 15.6"
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB SSD
Battery: Up to 7 hours
Price: $265.00
Rating: 4.5/5 (6,801 reviews)
CPU: AMD Ryzen 3 7320U
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB SSD
Battery: Up to 8 hours
Price: $399.99
Rating: 4.4/5 (1,278 reviews)
3. HP 15.6" Touch Screen Laptop
CPU: Intel Core i3-1215U
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128GB SSD
Battery: Up to 6 hours
Price: $349.99
Rating: 4.4/5 (249 reviews)
4. Buy ASUS Vivobook 15 Laptop (My top Pick!)
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 1TBSSD
Battery: Up to 6.5 hours
Price: $699.99
Rating: 4.2/5 (59 reviews)
5. Dell 15 Laptop with AMD Ryzen 5 | Dell USA
CPU: Intel Core i5-1335U
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 512GB SSD
Battery: Up to 7 hours
Price: $379.99
Rating: 4.2/5 (26,933 reviews)
Final Thoughts
Budget laptops in 2025 can deliver solid performance if you know what to look for. Focus on CPU, RAM, storage, and battery life, and consider refurbished options when appropriate. By following these tips, you can find a laptop that meets your needs without overspending.