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The best laptops under $1,000 you can buy: Expert tested
Why you can trust ZDNET
ZDNET's reviewers spend weeks to months testing each laptop on this list, using it for both everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and gaming, to more performance-intensive work like photo and video editing. We aim to give you a view into how each laptop could actually fit into your life and workflow, and the pros and cons of their various features like performance, display, and battery life.
What to Consider
Design
Performance
Storage and RAM
Purpose
Value
Gone are the days of huge PC towers taking up your desk space to achieve powerful performance. We live in a time where power can be condensed into a slim laptop with a lower price tag than the high-end models. Many of the best laptops under $1,000 are lightweight and offer lightning-fast speeds, highly detailed graphics, and 1TB of storage space to meet all of your creative or professional needs.
Also: The best laptops under $500
What is the best laptop under $1,000 right now?
My pick for the best laptop under $1,000 overall is the M2 MacBook Air, thanks to its solid performance, portability, and HD display. With the March release of the M3 MacBook Air, the previous M2 model received a price cut. This is great news because the device is well known for its portability and awesome performance, but not for its affordability. Of course, the M2 MacBook Air isn't the only option out there. It's a fantastic computer, but it may not meet all of your needs. With this in mind, check out ZDNET's guide for the best laptops under $1,000.
Best laptops under $1,000 of 2024
Apple M2 MacBook Air
Best laptop under $1,000 overall
The best laptop under $1,000 overall is the M2 MacBook Air, a laptop that was also named ZDNET's Product of the Year for 2022. It's a fantastic machine for a variety of reasons. The M2 SoC (system on a chip) gives the device a much-needed performance boost. It'll let you transfer enormous files, render video files, compress them, and create multimedia-intense PowerPoints with ease. The M2 MacBook Air can do all of this without blinking.
Professional and casual users alike will appreciate the Liquid Retina display, which is capable of showing 1.07 billion shades of color at once. Granted, it may not be as stunning as the screen on the MacBook Pro, but you still get a roughly 2K resolution image (2,560 x 1,664 pixels). Having a screen this nice does come at a cost. The M2 MacBook Air has a slightly worse battery life than the 2020 model, lasting about 16 hours instead of 17 hours.
Review: Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022)
Despite the slightly short battery life, the device is a premiere laptop no matter how you look at it. As ZDNET's editor-in-chief Jason Hiner wrote in his hands-on review, "the M2 MacBook Air is... the first redesign of the... product line in over a decade and Apple has delivered a hardware design that impresses" on both form and function.
Apple M2 MacBook Air tech specs: CPU Model: Apple M2 | RAM Memory: 8GB | Hard Disk Drive: 256GB SSD | Screen Size: 13.6 inches
Gigabyte G5 KF
Best laptop under $1,000 for gaming
Gaming laptops tend to be rather expensive, and for good reason. They often house some of the industry's best hardware configurations. They're so good, in fact, these machines can be found among the best video editing laptops too. Finding a good inexpensive gaming laptop can be tricky, although it is possible. Case in point: the Gigabyte G5 KF. It may be cheap, but don't let the low price tag fool you, because it's quite a beast. It houses a 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor with a Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card, ensuring powerful performance.
What's more, the G5 KF comes with a 15.6-inch Full HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) display sporting a uniquely high refresh rate of 144Hz. The refresh rate, if you're not familiar with it, is the frequency of how often a screen updates itself. The higher the rate, the smoother the output will be. This is important to have because video games benefit greatly from high refresh rates. They ensure you never miss the action and can see everything coming at you.
As good as the G5 HF is, it has some downsides. Multiple user reviews on Amazon complain about how loud the fan can get (gaming laptops require robust cooling systems to keep operating at an optimal temperature). Despite the noise, the device can still get really hot, making typing more difficult.
GIGABYTE G5 KF tech specs: CPU Model: 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12500H | RAM Memory: 8GB | Hard Disk Drive: 512 GB SSD | Screen Size: 15.6 inches
Dell Inspiron 16
Best laptop under $1,000 for the value
Dell's Inspiron series is known for having some of the best work laptops in its lineup and for good reason. They deliver solid performance, plenty of storage space, and a great, high-resolution display all at a reasonable price. This tradition of reliability continues with the company's latest refresh for the Inspiron 16.
For this model, Dell decided to ditch AMD hardware and equip the laptop only with Intel chips. Because of this change, the new Inspiron 16 is a bit more expensive but is still worth the cost. Inside is a 13th-generation Intel Core i5-1334U alongside an integrated Iris Xe GPU. It's no Meteor Lake chipset, but you can still expect great performance coming out of this engine. It'll be able to handle a whole day's work with ease. Plus, it has more RAM too at 16GB instead of 8GB.
Just like before, buyers get a full terabyte of storage and a large, 16-inch Full-HD Plus (1,920 x 1,200 pixels) display. The glass is covered with an anti-glare coating, ensuring images come through crystal clear under direct sunlight. Of course, we can't forget the tough aluminum body lets it survive being tossed and turned in your bag while traveling.
The Inspiron 16 offers multiple configuration options to boost its performance, however doing so will increase the price tag a considerable amount with some going past $1,000.
Dell Inspiron 16 tech specs: CPU Model: 13th Gen Intel Core i5-1334U | RAM Memory: 16 GB | Hard Disk Drive: 512 GB SSD | Screen Size: 16 inches
HP Chromebook Plus x360
Best Chromebook under $1,000
Last year, Google launched a new wave of laptops known as the Chromebook Plus series. This line is meant to be a direction evolution of older models, introducing better hardware and multiple AI-powered features. They're all fairly cheap, with one of the better options being the Chromebook Plus x360 from HP. As you can probably guess by the name, this is a 2-in-1 laptop, so you can directly interact with its touch screen.
Review: This $380 HP Chromebook will change your mind about cheap laptops
Compared to the older x360 model, this one has a larger screen at 15.6 inches, although there is a smaller 14-inch version if you want something more compact. Under the hood, you have a well-performing 12th Gen Intel Core i3 processor. Having this configuration allows the laptop to handle tough workloads with relative ease. As mentioned earlier, it has multiple AI features such as Magic Eraser to clean up photographs.
Its keyboard is pretty nice as well. The soft matte material is easy on the hands and keys are responsive to the touch. The Chromebook Plus x360's battery lasts a good eight hours of continuous use which blew past our original prediction of six hours. Sadly, the webcam isn't great. In my testing experience, it was grainy and lacks color.
HP Chromebook Plus x360 tech specs: CPU Model: 12th Gen Intel Core i3 | RAM Memory: 8 GB | Hard Disk Drive: 256 GB SSD | Screen Size: 14 inches
ASUS Vivobook S 15 OLED
Best screen for a laptop under $1,000
If you're looking for an inexpensive laptop with a gorgeous screen, look no further than the ASUS Vivobook S 15 OLED. It sports a 15.6 Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixel) OLED screen on a 16:9 aspect ratio. This type of display allows you to enjoy stunning colors and deep blacks. Additionally, it covers the entirety of the DCI-P3 color gamut plus support for Display HDR True Black 600. Together, these two software features offer color saturation and unmatched on-screen detail.
Of course, there is more to the Vivobook S 15 besides its screen because it does have some powerful hardware. The low-end model sports an Intel Core i5-12500H CPU and 8GB of RAM, ideal for multitasking. You won't experience any significant performance drops even if you have a ton of tabs open on Google Chrome (and we know you do that).
As for its overall design, the laptop weighs less than four pounds, so you can travel anywhere without hindrance. Typing on its keyboard is a pleasant experience as well. For one, it's spacious, giving your hands all the freedom they need. Plus, each key has a low actuation point for fast typing. The touchpad at the bottom is relatively small. Using it for scrolling web pages may be a little uncomfortable for some.
ASUS VivoBook S 15 OLED tech specs: CPU Model: Intel Core i5-12500H/Intel Core i7-12700H | RAM Memory: 8 GB | Hard Disk Drive: 512 GB SSD | Screen Size: 15.6 inches
Acer Aspire 5
Best laptop under $1,000 for durability
The Acer Aspire 5 is an excellent Windows laptop priced under $1,000. It has a comfortable 15.6-inch widescreen display that isn't too small or too big, with an LED-backlit IPS and full HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels). This translates to impressive graphics on a screen large enough to enjoy detail. The backlit keyboard is a bonus for greater visibility, especially for work or school projects.
Processing speeds are incredible, too. The Aspire 5 utilizes an 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8265U processor with 256 gigabytes on the hard disk and 8GB of RAM. This combination of hardware allows the laptop to handle all sorts of workloads, be it streaming a movie from Netflix or browsing the internet. Speaking of movies, Acer Aspire 5 boasts Acer TrueHarmony tech to boost volume and deliver deep bass.
For higher security, there is a fingerprint reader for unlocking your computer. You have ports aplenty, with several USB ports, including a USB-C input. Expect a battery life of about nine-and-a-half hours, more than enough power to get you through long work days.
And the cherry on top of the Acer Aspire 5 sundae is the lightweight. It weighs less than four pounds, so you can take it with you everywhere you go.
Acer Aspire 5 tech specs: CPU Model: Intel Core i5-8265U | RAM Memory: 8 GB | Hard Disk Drive: 256 GB | Screen Size: 15.6 inches
Acer Swift X
Best laptop under $1,000 for power
Acer Swift X tech specs: CPU Model: AMD Ryzen 5 5600U/Ryzen 7 5800U | RAM Memory: 8 GB/16 GB | Hard Disk Drive: 512 GB | Screen Size: 14 inches
Keeping with Acer, we have the Swift X -- a low-cost laptop that has a surprisingly decent amount of power behind it. You can choose an AMD Ryzen 5 5600U or a Ryzen 7 5825U as your processor. It's slim pickings for the graphics card, but at least it's an Nvidia RTX 3050 GPU. Pretty decent hardware for a laptop costing less than $1,000.
The Swift X is a great pick for many people as it excels in areas where gaming laptops struggle. For one, it's lightweight, coming in at a little over three pounds, making it much easier to carry around. The average battery life is set at a nice 12 hours. With that time, you could do all your day's work and still have juice left over to wind down with your favorite show on Netflix.
Review: Acer Swift X
Of course, I can't forget the great-looking FullHD IPS display sporting an over 85 percent screen-to-body ratio. It also covers the entirety of the sRGB color gamut.
One of my favorite things about the Swift X is that it comes in a head-turning Gold. It's an unusual color for laptops, but it'll definitely look nice on a desk.
Acer Swift X tech specs: CPU Model: AMD Ryzen 5 5600U/Ryzen 7 5800U | RAM Memory: 8 GB/16 GB | Hard Disk Drive: 512 GB | Screen Size: 14 inches
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. But that doesn't mean you should totally discount the other options. They're all solid picks.
Down below is a table where we compare the best laptop by price, their CPU, storage size, and screen size to make the decision process easier.
With all big decisions comes a lot of research. Thankfully, we did a lot of the heavy lifting for you regarding 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 to help make the decision process more manageable.
| Best laptop under $1,000 | Lowest price available | CPU | Screen size | Storage size |
| Apple M2 MacBook Air | $949 | M2 | 13.6 inches | 256 GB |
| GIGABYTE G5 KF | $799 | 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12500H | 15.6 inches | 512 GB |
| Dell Inspiron 16 | $749 | 13th-Gen Intel Core i5 1334U | 16 inches | 1 TB |
| HP Chromebook Plus x360 | $459 | 12th Gen Intel Core i3 | 14 inches | 256 GB |
| ASUS Vivobook S 15 OLED | $729 | Intel Core i7 12700H | 15.6 inches | 512 GB |
| Acer Aspire 5 | $478 | Intel Core i5-8265U | 15.6 inches | 256 GB |
| Acer Swift X | $898 | AMD Ryzen 7 5800U | 14 inches | 512 GB |
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. The MacBook Air, as great as it is, will be a bad pick for people who want a gaming laptop. Mac hardware isn't built for that. Small laptops aren't recommended for those who are looking for a large screen.
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 that's perfect for Apple users. Harnessing its M2 chip and 8GB of memory, this MacBook Air model offers solid performance plus a high-quality screen. |
| Gigabyte G5 KF | The best cheap gaming laptop. Cheap doesn't mean it's a slouch as this model packs in a GeForce RTX GPU and 12 th Gen Intel processor. |
| Dell Inspiron 16 | A great work laptop with a huge display. In addition to its 16-inch screen, the model offers a full terabyte of storage, great hardware, and a durable body. |
| HP Chromebook Plus x360 | The best inexpensive Chromebook. Its battery will last you a full day plus it's great for writing thanks to its comfortable keyboard. |
| ASUS Vivobook S 15 OLED | A laptop with a fantastic screen. As its name states, the VivoBook S 15 OLED delivers a Full HD resolution OLED screen capable of outputting stunning color, deep blacks, and a high level of detail. |
| Acer Aspire 5 | A gaming-worthy budget laptop with superior graphics. This best middle-of-the-road option offers a comfortable 15.6-inch display and plenty of storage and port availability. |
| Acer Swift X | A lightweight yet powerful laptop sporting some of the same hardware as the HP Victus without the drawbacks. Able to last 12 hours on a single charge, The Acer Swift X will surely be your new best friend at work. |
What are some factors to consider when choosing a laptop that costs 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 need to consider.
- CPU Model: A good processor allows your computer to complete workloads quickly and understand the task at hand. Look for a newer processor boasting faster speeds to guarantee a high-performing machine.
- RAM Memory: Consider how much memory you will need for your computer. If you deal with a lot of files, you'll need more RAM than the average user.
- Screen size: It's usually a matter of preference when it comes to picking out the best screen size. Laptops under $1,000 tend to have small display screens, ranging from 12.3 inches to 15.6 inches. It is possible to find laptops that are both bigger and smaller than this specific range.
- Price: Cost is, of course, the most important factor here, so pay attention to that price tag. We find that the best devices range between $500 to $800, depending on the make and model you choose.
How did we test these laptops?
Here at ZDNET, we receive a lot of laptops to check out and review. Taking into account the model from the past, any of them could've made the list. So, it's important we separate the best from the rest. To do this, we follow the guidelines in the previous question. We look at what kind of processor the device has, the amount of memory, the size of the screen, and how much it costs. From there, the laptops are tested for quality. We run labor-intensive apps to how well they perform.
Once all that is done, we come to a consensus on what the best ones are and put them together on a list. It can be tricky at times to pick the winners, although some are a no-brainer.
Are gaming laptops under $1,000 good?
Yes, of course. You can find solid gaming laptops that cost less than $1,000. However, keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Cheap gaming laptops aren't exactly known for their power. They won't have the same level of performance as a more expensive machine. If you're a casual gamer or don't care that much about having the best graphical performance possible, then a mid-ranger computer will provide a great experience.
If you are going to get a computer for gaming, you're better off buying a proper desktop although those can be expensive.
Is it worth buying an old laptop?
Many of the laptops featured on this list came out in the last few years or so. You can save even more money by buying an older model, but there is a limit to how far you can go. At a certain point, it becomes detrimental to own an old machine because it's so out of date. Windows 10, for example, is scheduled to receive its last official update on October 2025. You could keep your own Win 10 laptop past that date, but after a while, you'll begin to experience performance degradation. It won't be as fast plus you'd be less secure against new online threats.
We recommend keeping a laptop for five years before considering an upgrade.
Is it worth repairing a laptop?
It is definitely worth fixing your old laptop if you want to hold onto it. iFixit is an online retailer where you buy spare parts for multiple laptop brands, including Lenovo, Acer, and HP. Apple has its own repair service for MacBooks too.
Making repairs does require you to have a bit of technical knowledge. It's not super difficult as these retailers offer step-by-step guides on how to fix hardware. However, repairs can be expensive, especially when it comes to Apple. Replacing the battery on the M2 MacBook Air costs an estimated $160.
Are inexpensive laptops cheaply built?
No. Cheap laptops can have a build on par with higher-end models, if not better in certain cases. With this in mind, it's important you take frequent care of your machine regardless of how much it costs. Under $1,000 is still pretty expensive and it would be a shame if your laptop stops working.
There are multiple things you can do to ensure a laptop's longevity. For example, make sure it's well-ventilated. Place your device on a desk or hard surface, and not on a pillow or something soft. Heat can get trapped on soft materials. We also recommend installing updates as they come. These patches often introduce new protections against malware or you can always get antivirus software.
Who makes the best laptops under $1,000?
Just about every major laptop manufacturer develops a mid-range laptop: Apple, HP, Acer, Dell, and so on. All of our favorites, and arguably, the best ones are here on this list.
What is the best touchscreen laptop?
The best touchscreen laptop is the HP Spectre x360. We recommend checking out its entry earlier in the list, but to give you a quick rundown on why we like it so much, the device comes with a stunning 2.8K OLED display, which is perfect for working on. What's more, it has an IMAX-boosted sound system, making it ideal for watching movies. And it has a 9MP webcam, ensuring you look good in video calls.
We also recommend laptops from the Microsoft Surface Pro series. They didn't make the list, but they're still great picks. Surface Pro laptops come in a variety of different sizes and specs combinations. So much so, you're bound to find the perfect one for you.
Are there alternative laptops under $1,000 worth considering?
Absolutely. There are a ton of cheap laptops out there. We would've to have included more, but for the sake of brevity, we kept the list short. Down below are a few more choices from the big-name brands and more that are worth your consideration.