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10 Best Affordable Laptops Computers for 2026: Top Picks Under $100
Finding the best affordable laptops and computers in 2026 can be a daunting task, especially with myriad options available on Amazon. If you’re in the market for a reliable yet cost-effective device, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we delve into ten of the most affordable laptops you can find on Amazon, ensuring you get the best performance for your budget.
HP Chromebook 14
Best for: Students and casual users
The HP Chromebook 14 is a stylish, sleek laptop that marries functionality with affordability. With a 14-inch display, it provides ample screen real estate for web browsing, streaming, and productivity tasks. Equipped with an Intel Celeron processor, 4GB RAM, and 32GB of eMMC storage, this Chromebook offers a smooth performance for everyday use.
The standout feature is its impressive battery life, lasting up to 12 hours on a single charge, making it ideal for students who need a reliable device that can get them through the school day. The Chrome OS integrates seamlessly with Google services, allowing easy access to Google Drive, Docs, and other cloud-based applications.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- Excellent battery life
- Affordable pricing
Cons:
- Limited storage capacity
- Not suitable for heavy gaming or intensive tasks
- FOR HOME, WORK, & SCHOOL – With an Intel processor, 14-inch display, custom-tuned stereo speakers, and long battery life, this Chromebook laptop lets you knock out any assignment or binge-watch your favorite shows..Voltage:5.0 volts
- HD DISPLAY, PORTABLE DESIGN – See every bit of detail on this micro-edge, anti-glare, 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) display (1); easily take this thin and lightweight laptop PC from room to room, on trips, or in a backpack.
- ALL-DAY PERFORMANCE – Reliably tackle all your assignments at once with the quad-core, Intel Celeron N4120—the perfect processor for performance, power consumption, and value (2).
- 4K READY – Smoothly stream 4K content and play your favorite next-gen games with Intel UHD Graphics 600 (3) (4).
- MEMORY AND STORAGE – Enjoy a boost to your system’s performance with 4 GB of RAM while saving more of your favorite memories with 64 GB of reliable flash-based eMMC storage (5).
Lenovo IdeaPad 3
Best for: General computing needs
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is an exceptional budget laptop that doesn’t compromise on features. Featuring a 15.6-inch Full HD display, this laptop is powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, providing ample power for multitasking and media consumption. With 8GB RAM and a spacious 256GB SSD, users can expect smooth performance whether they’re browsing the web or streaming videos.
One of the greatest advantages of the IdeaPad 3 is its keyboard, which is designed for comfort and has a numeric keypad—a boon for those who frequently work with numbers. It also includes a decent webcam and microphone, making it suitable for online meetings and classes.
Pros:
- Solid build quality
- Good battery life
- Comprehensive connectivity options
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than its competitors
- Speakers could be better
- 【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
Dell Inspiron 15 3000
Best for: Everyday use and light gaming
The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is another commendable option for those looking for the best affordable laptops and computers. This laptop features a generous 15.6-inch HD display and is powered by the reliable Intel Core i3 processor. Paired with 8GB RAM and 128GB SSD, it provides good performance for standard applications, web browsing, and light gaming.
The laptop’s design is sleek, with a modern finish that appeals to both students and professionals. The battery life, lasting up to 7 hours, allows for extended use without needing a recharge, making it efficient for day-long tasks.
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Good performance for basic tasks
- Solid build quality
Cons:
- Average battery life
- Limited storage may require external solutions
−$70.13
- 【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.
Acer Aspire 5
Best for: Versatility and performance
The Acer Aspire 5 stands out as one of the best affordable laptops for those who need a bit more power without breaking the bank. It features a 15.6-inch Full HD display and is equipped with an Intel Core i5 processor, making it capable of handling more demanding applications. With 8GB RAM and a 512GB SSD, it offers sufficient storage for files and software.
A unique aspect of the Acer Aspire 5 is its backlit keyboard, which facilitates use in low-light environments. Battery life is commendable, lasting up to 8 hours, which is a significant benefit for students and professionals alike.
Pros:
- Excellent performance for the price range
- Good range of ports
- Impressive display quality
Cons:
- Heavier than some competitors
- The touchpad could be more responsive
- 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
ASUS VivoBook 15
Best for: Creative professionals
The ASUS VivoBook 15 is a fantastic option for users who require a stylish laptop that can handle creative tasks like graphic design and video editing. With a 15.6-inch Full HD display, the laptop is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 processor and features 8GB RAM along with 512GB SSD storage.
The VivoBook 15 is not just powerful; it’s also lightweight, making it easy to carry around. Its modern design and range of color options make it visually appealing, which is a plus for college students and professionals.
Pros:
- Good performance with demanding tasks
- Excellent display quality
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:
- Battery life could be better
- Speakers lack depth
−$95.82
- 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
Microsoft Surface Go 2
Best for: Portability and tablet functionality
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 redefines the concept of a portable computer. While it’s primarily a tablet, it functions like a laptop with the addition of a detachable keyboard. It boasts a 10.5-inch touchscreen display and comes with either an Intel Pentium or an Intel Core m3 processor, making it versatile for various applications.
Its compact design and light weight make it perfect for those who travel frequently. The Surface Go 2 also supports the Surface Pen, allowing for note-taking and sketching directly on the screen, adding a layer of functionality for students and artists.
Pros:
- Extremely portable
- Versatile with touchscreen functionality
- Good build quality
Cons:
- Limited processing power for heavy tasks
- Keyboard sold separately
−$26.01
- 10.5" PixelSense 10-Point Touch Display | Intel Pentium 4425Y (1.70Ghz) Processor | Amazon Renewed | Microsoft Refurbished
- 1920 x 1280 Screen Resolution (216 ppi) | 4GB RAM | 64GB SSD Storage | Type Cover and all other Accessories SOLD SEPARATELY
- Integrated Intel HD Graphics 615 | MicroSD Media Card Reader | Lightest Surface yet, starting at just 1.15 lbs.
- 1 x USB-C 3.5 mm headphone jack 1 x Surface Connect port Surface Type Cover Port MicroSDXC Card Reader (UHS-I) Compatible with Surface Dial
- USB Type-C | 3.5 mm Headphone Jack, All-day battery life, with up to 9 hours of unplugged power, Windows 11 Professional
HP Pavilion x360
Best for: 2-in-1 versatility
The HP Pavilion x360 is a versatile 2-in-1 laptop that provides the best of both worlds, typing and touchscreen interaction. It features a 14-inch HD display and is available with various configurations, including Intel Core i3 and i5 processors, along with up to 16GB RAM.
The Pavilion x360 is designed for users who seek flexibility; it can be used in multiple modes—laptop, tent, stand, or tablet. With a battery life lasting around 8 hours, it’s a reliable choice for students and professionals who need a device that adapts to their needs.
Pros:
- Flexible 2-in-1 design
- Good performance across configurations
- HD touchscreen display
Cons:
- Heavier than standard tablets
- Battery drain could occur with heavy use
- This 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, and may arrive in a generic box
Acer Chromebook 15
Best for: Media consumption
The Acer Chromebook 15 is an ideal choice for those who primarily engage in streaming and online media consumption. With its 15.6-inch Full HD display, it provides an immersive viewing experience that’s perfect for watching movies and videos. Paired with an Intel Celeron processor and 4GB RAM, the Chromebook manages web browsing and streaming comfortably.
One of its standout features is its audio quality, offering richer sound than most other Chromebooks in the same price range. The battery can last up to 10 hours, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite content throughout the day without needing to recharge.
Pros:
- Great for media consumption
- High-quality speakers
- Excellent battery life
Cons:
- Performance can lag with many tabs open
- Limited offline capabilities
- Chromebook laptops run on Chrome OS - An operating system by Google that is built for the way we live today. It updates automatically, boots up in seconds and continues to stay fast over time. (Internet connection is required).
- All the Google apps you know and love come standard on every Chromebook, which means you can edit, download, and convert Microsoft Office files in Google Docs, Sheets and Slides.
- Get access to more than 2 million Android apps from Google Play to learn and do more.
- Chromebooks come with built-in storage for offline access to your most important files and an additional 100GB of Google Drive space to ensure that all of your files are backed up automatically.
- Intel Celeron N4500 Dual-Core Processor (Up to 2.8GHz) | Intel UHD Graphics
Lenovo Flex 5
Best for: Note-taking and sketching
The Lenovo Flex 5 is a powerful 2-in-1 laptop that caters to a range of user needs, from students to professionals. With a 14-inch Full HD touchscreen and an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, it provides solid performance across various applications. The device supports Lenovo’s Active Pen for note-taking and drawing, making it a fantastic option for students.
The Flex 5’s hinge allows for 360-degree flexibility, enabling it to function as a laptop or tablet. The design is sleek, yet it offers durable build quality. Battery life is competitive, usually lasting around 10 hours, which is impressive given its capabilities.
Pros:
- Versatile 2-in-1 usage
- Excellent performance
- Support for stylus input
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than traditional laptops
- The trackpad could be improved
- 【Upgraded】Seal is opened for upgrade only, 1-Year warranty on Upgraded RAM/SSD from SnowBell, and original 1-Year Manufacture warranty on remaining components. 【x360 16" 2.5K IPS 400nits Touch Display】Utilizing its 360° hinge, easily switch between laptop, tent, stand, and tablet modes for different activities like work, entertainment, presentations, and reading. A 2.5K(2560x1600) 400-nit display offers crystal-clear color and ultra-sharp visuals.
- 【Intel Core i7-1255U Processor】The 10-core Intel Core i7-1255U processor fuels seamless streaming, content creation, and entertainment. Get your things done fast with high performance, instant responsiveness and best-in-class connectivity.
- 【16GB DDR4 RAM】With a generous 16GB of RAM, you can seamlessly switch between tasks without experiencing any lag or delays.【1TB PCIe SSD】This whopping storage ensures that you can store all your important data without having to worry about running out of space anytime soon.
- 【Backlight Keyboard】Comfortable and accurate typing is a sure thing. 【Touch Style Fingerprint Reader】 Known for its high accuracy, speed, and reliability, it presents a convenient, secure, and reliable way to authenticate user identity. 【Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics】It delivers transformational GPU and integrated graphics to support fluid designing for creators and rich gaming experiences.
- 【Windows 11 Pro Included】Pro refers to the professional edition. Pro adds management devices and applications to the Home version, and supports remote and mobile working. 14.09 x 9.99 x 0.74", 4.63 lbs. Ports: 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (One Always On), 1x Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 40Gbps, 1x HDMI 1.4b, 1x Card reader, 1x Headphone/microphone combo jack (3.5mm), 1x Power connector; Wi-Fi 6, 11ax 2x2 + Bluetooth 5.1; Storm Grey. Bonus 32GB SnowBell USB Card.
Buying Guide for the Best Affordable Laptops and Computers
When looking for an affordable laptop or computer, the options can be overwhelming. This guide outlines key factors to consider, key features to look for, and a shortlist of the best affordable models currently available.
Key Factors to Consider
1. Budget
Determine your budget before you start shopping. Affordable laptops typically range from $300 to $800. Knowing your range will help narrow down options.
2. Purpose
Identify what you need the laptop for:
- Basic Tasks: Web browsing, email, and document processing.
- Multimedia: Streaming videos, music, or light gaming.
- Productivity: Tasks requiring heavier software, like programming or graphic design.
3. Operating System
Choose between:
- Windows: Most versatile, ideal for general use and gaming.
- macOS: Excellent for creative tasks and ecosystem integration (usually pricier).
- Chrome OS: Lightweight and secure, perfect for browsing and cloud-based tasks.
4. Specs
- Processor (CPU): Look for at least an Intel i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 for basic tasks; an i5 or Ryzen 5 for more demanding use.
- RAM: Aim for 8GB minimum. More RAM allows better multitasking.
- Storage: SSDs (Solid State Drives) are faster than HDDs (Hard Disk Drives). A 256GB SSD is a good starting point.
- Display: Full HD (1920×1080) is ideal for most users. Consider screen size based on portability needs.
5. Battery Life
Look for a laptop that offers at least 6-8 hours of battery life for daily tasks, especially if you plan to use it on the go.
6. Build Quality
Consider the laptop’s build and durability. Read reviews to test sturdiness, keyboard comfort, and overall design.
7. Brand Reliability and Support
Research brands for customer support and warranty options. Remember, a reputable brand often means better long-term service.
Top Recommendations for Affordable Laptops
1. Acer Aspire 5
- Price: $400-$600
- Specs: AMD Ryzen 5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD
- Pros: Good performance, solid build, excellent battery life.
- Cons: Can be a bit bulky.
2. HP Pavilion x360
- Price: $450-$650
- Specs: Intel Core i3/i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB/256GB SSD
- Pros: 2-in-1 functionality, decent performance.
- Cons: Average battery life.
3. Lenovo IdeaPad 3
- Price: $350-$550
- Specs: AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD
- Pros: Great value for performance, lightweight design.
- Cons: Average display quality.
4. ASUS VivoBook 15
- Price: $400-$700
- Specs: Intel i3/i5, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD
- Pros: Sleek design, good performance, impressive storage options.
- Cons: Mediocre battery life.
5. Dell Inspiron 15
- Price: $400-$750
- Specs: Intel i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD
- Pros: Reliable brand, solid specs for the price.
- Cons: Heavier than some competitors.
6. Microsoft Surface Go 2
- Price: $399 and up
- Specs: Intel Pentium Gold, 4GB RAM, 64GB SSD
- Pros: Portable, great display, excellent for everyday tasks.
- Cons: Performance may lag with more demanding tasks.
Final Tips
- Research and Reviews: Always check user reviews for insights on performance and potential issues.
- Warranty and Return Policies: Ensure there’s a good warranty, and be aware of return policies in case the laptop doesn’t meet your expectations.
- Sales and Discounts: Look out for special sales, especially during back-to-school seasons or major holidays.
By considering these factors and reviewing the recommended models, you can find an affordable laptop that suits your needs without breaking the bank. Happy shopping!
