Choosing an affordable laptop in 2024 can be challenging, but there are great options that provide excellent value. Whether you need a laptop for gaming, work, school, or daily tasks, this guide categorizes the best choices and highlights key features and drawbacks.
Acer Nitro 5
The Acer Nitro 5 offers Intel Core i5/Ryzen 5 processors and NVIDIA GTX 1650 graphics, with newer models featuring RTX 3050 or RTX 4050 for enhanced performance. The 144Hz display is a bonus for gamers. However, the cooling fans can get noisy during heavy use.
- Pros: Wide range of GPU options, reliable cooling system.
- Cons: Bulky design, loud fans.
- Battery Life: 5-6 hours (light use).
- Ports: USB-A, USB-C, HDMI.
- Price Range: €700 – €900
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 remains an affordable gaming powerhouse with configurations up to RTX 3050. It’s great for 1080p gaming, although its dim display might be an issue in bright environments.
- Pros: Good build quality, great value.
- Cons: Dim screen, noisy fans.
- Battery Life: 6 hours (light use).
- Ports: USB-A, USB-C, HDMI.
- Price Range: €650 – €750
GTX vs. RTX Performance
For gamers, upgrading to RTX 3050/4050 offers notable improvements in ray tracing and frame rates for demanding games compared to the older GTX 1650.
Best Overall Cheap Laptops
HP Pavilion 15
The HP Pavilion 15 is versatile and features Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen CPUs with an FHD display. While it’s a solid pick for daily tasks, heavier applications may be a challenge.
- Pros: Sleek design, reliable performance.
- Cons: Limited upgradability, struggles with heavy tasks.
- Battery Life: 8 hours (light use).
- Ports: USB-A, USB-C, HDMI.
- Price Range: €600 – €700
Dell Inspiron 15 3000
The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is a cost-effective option, ideal for casual users. However, the low webcam quality may be a downside for frequent online meetings.
- Pros: Durable build, budget-friendly.
- Cons: Poor webcam quality.
- Battery Life: 6 hours (light use).
- Ports: USB-A, USB-C, HDMI.
- Price Range: €450 – €550
Best Cheap Laptops for Students
ASUS VivoBook 15
Lightweight and budget-friendly, the ASUS VivoBook 15 is excellent for students. However, it might not be the best choice for running demanding software.
- Pros: Lightweight, portable.
- Cons: Limited storage, not suited for heavy applications.
- Battery Life: 8 hours (light use).
- Ports: USB-A, USB-C, HDMI.
- Price Range: €450 – €500
Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5
This convertible Chromebook offers good value for students who don’t need Windows-based software. However, Chrome OS has its own limitations in app compatibility.
- Pros: Versatile design, portable.
- Cons: Limited software support, low storage.
- Battery Life: 10 hours (light use).
- Ports: USB-A, USB-C.
- Price Range: €400 – €450
Best Cheap Laptops for Work
Microsoft Surface Go 3
The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is highly portable and versatile, with a detachable keyboard. However, it may not handle demanding tasks efficiently.
- Pros: Lightweight, portable.
- Cons: Limited multitasking ability.
- Battery Life: 7 hours (light use).
- Ports: USB-C, MicroSD.
- Price Range: €500 – €600
Acer Aspire 5
The Acer Aspire 5 is a reliable work laptop featuring a full-HD display and Ryzen 5 CPU. It’s a bit heavy but offers solid performance for general tasks.
- Pros: Sharp display, good performance.
- Cons: Not very portable, average speakers.
- Battery Life: 8 hours (light use).
- Ports: USB-A, USB-C, HDMI.
- Price Range: €550 – €600
Additional Considerations
- Battery Life: Gaming laptops like the Acer Nitro 5 and Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 have shorter battery life under heavy usage, while student-oriented models like the ASUS VivoBook 15 offer longer endurance.
- Display Quality: Laptops like the Acer Aspire 5 and HP Pavilion 15 offer full-HD displays, which are ideal for most users. However, cheaper models may compromise on brightness and color accuracy.
Comparison Table
Category
Laptop Name
Pros
Cons
Battery Life
Price Range
Best Cheap Gaming
Acer Nitro 5
Good performance, cooling system
Bulky design, loud fans
5-6 hours
€700 – €900
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3
Affordable, solid build quality
Dim display, loud fans
6 hours
€650 – €750
Best Overall
HP Pavilion 15
Sleek design, reliable for everyday use
Limited upgradability
8 hours
€600 – €700
Dell Inspiron 15 3000
Durable, affordable
Poor webcam quality
6 hours
€450 – €550
Best for Students
ASUS VivoBook 15
Lightweight, budget-friendly
Low storage capacity
8 hours
€450 – €500
Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5
Affordable, versatile design
Limited storage, Chrome OS limitations
10 hours
€400 – €450
Best for Work
Microsoft Surface Go 3
Lightweight, detachable keyboard
Limited performance for heavy tasks
7 hours
€500 – €600
Acer Aspire 5
Good performance, sharp display
Heavier, mediocre speakers
8 hours
€550 – €600
Final Thoughts
Selecting the best cheap laptop in 2024 depends on matching your needs with the right model. From gaming to work or study, there’s a budget-friendly option that fits every user. Just consider battery life, display quality, and the type of tasks you need to handle. Happy hunting for the perfect laptop!
