Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
10 Best and Cheap Laptops for 2026: Affordable Picks Under $100!
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, finding the best and cheap laptops has become easier, especially with the excellent options available on Amazon. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just looking for a reliable machine to surf the web, there is something for everyone. This article will explore the top 10 laptops that combine performance with affordability in 2026.
1. Acer Aspire 5 (2026)
The Acer Aspire 5 has made a name for itself with a perfect blend of performance and affordability. Featuring a 15.6-inch Full HD display, AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor, and 8GB of RAM, this laptop is perfect for multitasking. The storage capacity includes a 256GB NVMe SSD, which ensures that you have rapid access to your files.
- Do What You Do With Exceptional Performance: The Intel Core i7-1355U processor goes beyond performance to let your PC do even more at once. And with 16GB onboard LPDDR5 memory and 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage—the Aspire 5 is made to do it all.
- Clear and Comfortable Viewing: Experience crisp, lifelike colors and sharp details on the 15.6” FHD IPS touch display. You have more space to work thanks to narrow bezels. Equipped with Acer’s suite of visual technologies for dynamic color optimization and viewing comfort.
- The Design: The slim 0.70" body and aluminum top cover give the Aspire 5 a premium feel and appearance. An ergonomic hinge design lifts the body of Aspire 5 and tilts the backlit keyboard for comfortable typing, improved cooling and a better sound experience.
- Smooth Operator: Make light work of your daily tasks, with a full line-up of features to elevate your day-to-day—like a 1080p webcam, an air inlet keyboard, and Steel Gray aluminum cover.
- Internal Specifications: 16GB LPDDR5 memory; 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD to store your files and media; Windows 11 Home
Best For
Students and casual users looking for a budget-friendly yet efficient laptop.
Product Review
Equipped with Windows 11, the Acer Aspire 5 excels in delivering a fast and smooth user experience. Its backlit keyboard is a great addition for those who work in low-light settings. Battery life extends up to 8 hours, making it suitable for long study sessions or office hours.
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Solid performance capabilities
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- Limited gaming performance
- Average webcam quality
2. Lenovo IdeaPad 3 (2026)
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 offers an impressive set of features for its price point. It comes with a 14-inch Full HD display and an AMD Ryzen 3 5300U processor. With 8GB RAM and a 512GB SSD, it provides ample space and performance for everyday tasks.
- 【Memory & Storage】Memory is 12GB high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once. Hard Drive is 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive which allows to fast bootup and data transfer
- 【Processor】 Intel Core i3-1115G4 3.00 GHz 2 Cores Processor (6MB Cache, up to 4.10 GHz), Intel UHD Graphics
- 【Screen】15.6" HD TouchScreen (1366 x 768) Display
- 【Ports】2 x SuperSpeed USB Type-A 3.2, 1 x SuperSpeed USB Type-A, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Headphone/Microphone Combo, 1 x SD Card Reader, Wireless-AC (Wi-Fi 5) and Bluetooth Combo
- 【Operating System】Windows 11 Home, 64 bit
Best For
Home users and students looking for a lightweight laptop.
Product Review
The IdeaPad 3 is designed for easy portability without redundancy in performance. The high-quality keyboard allows for comfortable typing, while the Dolby Audio speakers enhance media consumption. Its battery can last up to 7.5 hours on a single charge.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Strong audio performance
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Mediocre graphics performance
- Limited upgrade options
3. HP 14-dq2020nr (2026)
For those who prioritize a compact design without sacrificing performance, the HP 14-dq2020nr is an option worth considering. It boasts a 14-inch display powered by an Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB RAM, and a 128GB SSD.
- READY FOR ANYWHERE – With its thin and light design, 6.5 mm micro-edge bezel display, and 79% screen to body ratio (1) – take this PC anywhere while you see and do more.
- ULTRA HD GRAPHICS – Smoothly stream 4K content and play your favorite games on a Full HD 14-inch display (2), powered by Intel UHD Graphics (3)
- UNSTOPPABLE PROCESSOR – Get things done fast with high performance, instant responsiveness, and best-in-class connectivity thanks to the 11th Generation Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor (4).
- MEMORY AND STORAGE – Boost your efficiency as you browse, create, and multitask faster than ever with 4 GB DDR4-2666 SDRAM of memory. Plus, with 128 GB of Solid-State Drive storage, your laptop will boot up in seconds, transfer files without waiting hours, and give you a snappier experience every time you use your PC (5).
- STAY CONNECTED – With a battery life of 9 hours and 45 minutes, plus fast recharge speeds with HP Fast Charge technology, you’ll stay connected all through your workday and into your evening streaming (6) (7).
Best For
Students and professionals on the go requiring a lightweight laptop.
Product Review
This HP model excels in delivering a solid performance for office applications and streaming media. The battery life of up to 9 hours is an added benefit for users who travel frequently. Windows 11 runs smoothly at this price point, catering to everyday computing needs.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Good battery life
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Limited storage space
- Average performance for intensive applications
4. Dell Inspiron 15 3000 (2026)
The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is another fantastic budget option. With a larger 15.6-inch display, it features an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, making it perfect for users who require more storage.
- 【15.6" Full HD Touchscreen】The 1920 x 1080 resolution boasts impressive color and clarity. IPS technology for wide viewing angles. Energy-efficient LED backlight. Designed with tiny rubber feet and bumpers on the hinge that keep it from skidding and provide additional stability.
- 【11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor】Ultra-low-voltage platform. Quad-core, eight-way processing provides maximum high-efficiency power to go. Your always-ready experience starts as soon as you open your device. Turn on, boot-up, and log-in quickly.
- 【16GB DDR4 RAM + 1TB PCIe SSD】16GB RAM can smoothly run your games and photo- and video-editing applications, as well as multiple programs and browser tabs all at once. A 1TB NVMe PCIe solid slate drive that leaves the power at your fingertips with the fastest data transfers currently available.
- 【Easy-to-use Technology】Long-lasting battery and express charge capability, to keep going for longer. Comes with Express Charge capabilities that minimize the time you spend tethered to an outlet and will recharge your battery 80% in 60 minutes. Built-in media reader for simple photo transfer.
- 【Windows 11 Professional】Experience the most secure Windows ever built with fast boot times, increased responsiveness, and added protection against phishing and malware. Plus, you can switch out of S mode.
Best For
Multitaskers and users needing ample storage space.
Product Review
This laptop brings together a robust build with decent performance. Its spacious touchpad provides an intuitive experience, and the Dell Cinema suite enhances viewing capabilities. The battery life reaches up to 6 hours, making it adequate for moderate usage.
Pros
- Ample storage for the price
- Good build quality
- Decent performance for daily use
Cons
- Heavier than competitors
- Battery life could be better
5. ASUS VivoBook 15 (2026)
If you’re looking for style and functionality, the ASUS VivoBook 15 is a sleek choice. It comes equipped with a 15.6-inch Full HD display, an Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB RAM, and a 256GB SSD.
- Microsoft Copilot Make complex tasks simple. Get answers, generate images, summarize texts, and more! Unleash your creativity with the power of intelligent assistance
- Stunning 15.6-inch FHD Touch Display Indulge in stunning visuals in breathtaking 1920 x 1080 resolution (16:9) and a 250-nit sustained brightness with vivid colors and a smooth 60Hz refresh rate
- Fast Intel Core i5-1334U Processor With the latest platform technologies for everyday applications, fast connectivity and performance optimization, the Intel Core i5-1334U processor enables casual gaming, creation and productivity
- Intel Iris Xᵉ Graphics Powerful integrated graphics for all your everyday needs from day to night
- Multitask Effortlessly with 16GB Of Memory And 512GB Of Storage Experience lightning-fast performance and speedy multitasking, whether you're gaming, editing, or browsing. Save files quickly and store vast amounts of data. With extensive storage and advanced communication power, PCIe 3.0 SSDs perform well for everyday applications, multiple servers, daily backups, and more
Best For
Students who prefer a modern design with performance.
Product Review
The VivoBook 15’s design is eye-catching, with its ultra-slim bezels and a metal finish. Performance-wise, it’s perfect for internet browsing and light productivity work, with a battery life reaching up to 8 hours, ideal for day-to-day tasks.
Pros
- Sleek, modern design
- Good performance for daily tasks
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- Limited gaming capability
- Some bloatware pre-installed
6. Microsoft Surface Laptop Go (2026)
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go stands out with its premium design in a compact form factor. Featuring a 12.4-inch touchscreen, an Intel Core i5 processor, and 4GB RAM, along with a 64GB SSD, it’s perfect for those who prioritize portability.
- Microsoft Surface Laptop Go | Certified Refurbished, Amazon Renewed | 12.4-inch (1536 x 1024) LCD Touchscreen Display | Windows 10 Professional
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box.
- 256GB Solid State Drive, 16GB RAM, Intel Core i5-1035G1 CPU, Convenient security with Windows Hello sign-in, plus Fingerprint Power Button with Windows Hello and One Touch sign-in on select models., Integrated Intel UHD Graphics
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi: 802.11ac Wireless LAN, Run your favorite apps and keep up on social media with a 10th Gen Intel Core Processor.
Best For
Professionals and students in need of a portable device with a good screen.
Product Review
The Surface Laptop Go delivers a superior display experience thanks to its touchscreen capabilities. The build quality is remarkable, with a solid yet lightweight design. However, the storage could feel limiting for some users if you plan on saving large files.
Pros
- Premium build quality
- Touchscreen display
- Lightweight and highly portable
Cons
- Limited storage space
- RAM is not upgradeable
7. Lenovo Chromebook Duet (2026)
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet is a unique 2-in-1 device that offers versatility for a very low cost. It combines a 10.1-inch touchscreen display with an ARM processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB eMMC storage.
- LIFE TRANSFORMING – The Lenovo Chromebook Duet is where power meets portability. Amazingly durable, the 2-in-1 convertible laptop is your perfect companion for life on-the-go.
- ALWAYS READY TO GO – With its perfectly portable size, folio keyboard, and all-day battery life, the lightweight Lenovo Chromebook Duet is ready for anything you throw at it.
- ADAPTS TO YOUR EVERY MOVE – Impressively versatile, crafted to impress. The durable design is encased in a full-metal chassis, fortified with tough Corning glass, and supported by a soft folio stand.
- SMILE, SNAP, SHARE - Get ready to take phenomenal photos, even in low light thanks to cutting-edge image processing technology. The front camera comes with a physical shutter to ensure your video calls capture every detail, while keeping your privacy at your fingertips.
- NOT SHORT ON PORTS - Plug into unlimited functionality with two USB Type-C connections. They ensure you can transfer large pictures and videos quickly, enjoy smooth video chats, and connect to external displays.
Best For
Users looking for an affordable Chromebook for browsing and light computing.
Product Review
The Duet works well for basic tasks such as web browsing and document editing, thanks to its lightweight Chrome OS. Its detachable keyboard provides an added layer of flexibility, and it can last up to 10 hours on a single charge.
Pros
- Excellent battery life
- Affordable price
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- Limited processing power
- Storage is insufficient for heavy users
8. HP Pavilion 15 (2026)
The HP Pavilion 15 combines solid performance with elegant aesthetics. Featuring a 15.6-inch Full HD display, an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD, this model is designed for everyday tasks with a touch of sophistication.
- 【Processor】 Intel Core i3-1115G4 (up to 4.1 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, 6 MB L3 cache, 2 cores, 4 threads)
- 【Display】 15.6" diagonal, HD (1366 x 768), touch, micro-edge, BrightView, 220 nits, 45% NTSC, Touch Screen, enjoy your photos, movies, and games with the crisp quality.
- 【RAM and Storage】RAM is upgraded to 16GB high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once; Hard Drive is upgraded to 1TB PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive allows to fast bootup and data transfer.
- 【Ports】1 SuperSpeed USB Type-C 5Gbps signaling rate; 2 SuperSpeed USB Type-A 5Gbps signaling rate; 1 HDMI 1.4b; 1 AC smart pin; 1 headphone/microphone combo
- 【Operating System】Windows 11 Home Operation System
Best For
General users who want a stylish laptop without breaking the bank.
Product Review
HP’s Pavilion series is known for reliability, and this model continues that tradition. The performance is commendable for its price range, capable of handling basic gaming, office apps, and multimedia needs seamlessly. Battery life stands at around 7 hours.
Pros
- Stylish design
- Acceptable performance
- Good value for money
Cons
- Could get slightly warm during heavy loads
- Average battery life
9. Samsung Galaxy Book Go (2026)
The Samsung Galaxy Book Go is a pocket-friendly option that delivers impressive performance in a lightweight body. It features a 14-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 7c processor, 4GB RAM, and 128GB of storage.
- Aspect Ratio:16:9
- POWERFUL, YET QUIET: Keep your cool with a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 compute platform that delivers responsive, instant-on performance that runs without a fan — for a lightweight device that’s fast and quiet
- POWER FOR HOURS: Email, hold virtual meetings, stream videos, check social media and more; Samsung Galaxy Book Go helps you stay connected and cordless with up to 18 hours on a fully charged battery*
- SLEEK, SLIM, SHOCKPROOF: Durably designed and shockproof with a convenient 180-degree hinge, this compact and light laptop computer spells sophistication in Silver
- PAIR YOUR GALAXY DEVICES: Easily jump from work to personal life with your paired Galaxy devices; Set it up as a second screen with your phone and tablet, share documents with Quick Share, play mobile games on a larger display, and connect your Galaxy Buds Pro earbuds
Best For
Users looking for a lightweight machine for daily tasks.
Product Review
Designed for portability, this laptop runs on Windows 10 and integrates well with other Samsung devices. The battery life is exceptional, making it suitable for all-day use. It’s great for browsing or working on documents, though it’s not meant for heavy applications.
Pros
- Extremely portable
- Good battery life
- Great integration with other Samsung devices
Cons
- Limited performance for demanding tasks
- RAM is non-upgradable
10. Dell Chromebook 3100 (2026)
Lastly, the Dell Chromebook 3100 offers rugged design and excellent value for students. It includes an 11.6-inch display, Intel Celeron N4020 processor, 4GB RAM, and 32GB eMMC storage.
Best For
Students needing a durable and cost-effective device.
Product Review
This Chromebook is built to withstand the rigors of student life, with a spill-resistant keyboard and durable design. Its Chrome OS is intuitive and runs smoothly for web-based applications. Battery life extends up to 12 hours, ideal for school work.
Pros
- Durable build quality
- Affordable pricing
- Impressive battery life
Cons
- Limited local storage
- Low processing power for intensive tasks
This selection of the best and cheap laptops for 2026 showcases diverse options that cater to different needs, whether for everyday tasks or casual gaming. Each laptop has its unique strengths and weaknesses, but they all offer significant value for your money.
Buying Guide: Best and Cheap Laptops
When searching for an affordable laptop, it’s important to strike a balance between cost and performance. This guide will help you understand key factors to consider when buying a budget laptop.
1. Determine Your Needs
- Usage: Identify what tasks you will primarily use the laptop for (e.g., browsing, streaming, gaming, office tasks).
- Portability: Consider if you need a lightweight model for travel or a larger screen for productivity.
2. Budget
- Set a clear budget. Affordable laptops typically range from $200 to $600. Aim to find the best specifications within your price range.
3. Key Specifications
- Processor (CPU): Look for at least an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 for basic tasks. For more demanding applications, consider i5 or Ryzen 5.
- RAM: A minimum of 8GB is recommended for smooth multitasking. If you can find a model with this RAM at a low price, it’s a great choice.
- Storage: SSDs (Solid State Drives) offer faster performance than HDDs. Aim for at least 256GB SSD; if you find a good deal, a model with 512GB is even better.
- Graphics: Integrated graphics are sufficient for standard tasks. For gaming or graphic design, look for laptops with dedicated GPUs, but they may be pricier.
4. Display Quality
- Screen Size: Common sizes range from 14 to 15.6 inches. Choose based on your preference for portability vs. usability.
- Resolution: A minimum of 1920×1080 (Full HD) is preferable for a clearer image, especially for watching videos or working with graphics.
5. Battery Life
- Look for laptops with at least 6-8 hours of battery life for basic use. Check reviews to get real-world battery performance.
6. Build Quality
- Consider the materials and overall durability. Plastic models are often cheaper but may not last as long. Aluminum chassis can provide a more premium feel.
7. Operating System
- Windows: Most versatile, suitable for various applications.
- Chromebooks: Good for web-based tasks and often cheaper.
- macOS: Generally not found at lower price points but worth considering if you have a larger budget.
8. Brand Reliability
- Research brands known for quality budget laptops. Lenovo, ASUS, HP, and Acer often have good options in this category.
9. Customer Reviews
- Read customer feedback and professional reviews to gauge performance, reliability, and satisfaction. Focus on models that consistently receive positive ratings.
10. Sales and Deals
- Keep an eye on seasonal sales (Black Friday, Back to School, etc.) to snag laptops at discounted prices. Websites like Amazon, Best Buy, and Newegg often have promotions.
11. Warranty and Support
- Check the warranty period and customer support options. A solid warranty can save you money in case of defects.
Conclusion
Finding the best cheap laptop requires research and careful consideration of your needs and budget. Focus on key specifications, brand reliability, and customer reviews to help guide your purchase. Don’t rush; take your time to find the best laptop tailored to your requirements without breaking the bank. Happy shopping!
