Budget-friendly Laptops for Students: Best 20 You Should Consider Now

Laptops that are budget-friendly and suitable for students should be able to withstand the demands of a busy campus life and last through a full day of classes without the need for a charge. High-quality laptops provide a lightweight, portable, and durable solution that is ideal for moving between classes.

The best student laptop should also be able to check all the boxes for solid performance, durability, dependable battery life, and, most importantly, good value for money.

Budgeting is another significant consideration for students. With financial constraints often in play, it’s important to find a laptop that delivers great value. For those on a tighter budget, exploring the best cheap laptops is a wise choice. They provide a balance between cost and functionality without compromising on essential features

This work is a selection of the best laptop options for students in different subjects to help with this important decision-making process.

Best 20 Budget-friendly Laptops for Students

We have a thorough guide to help you choose the right device for your academic journey, whether you’re looking for the best Chromebook, the thinnest and lightest laptop, or something more powerful. Here is a list of the best 20 budget-friendly laptops that are perfect for students:

• Acer Aspire 5

• Lenovo IdeaPad 3

• HP Pavilion Plus 14

• Dell Inspiron 15

• ASUS VivoBook 15

• Microsoft Surface Go

• Acer Swift 3

• Lenovo Chromebook Duet

• HP Chromebook 14

• Dell XPS 13

• ASUS Chromebook Flip C434

• Lenovo Flex 5

• HP Envy x360

• Acer Spin 3

• Dell G3 Gaming Laptop

• ASUS TUF Gaming Laptop

• Lenovo Legion 5

• HP Omen 15

• Acer Predator Helios 300

• MSI GF65 Thin

1. Acer Aspire 5: Budget-friendly Laptops for Students

Some of the specifications and features of the Acer Aspire 5 are explained below:

Processor: Intel Core i5-1135G7

Graphics: Integrated Intel Iris Xe

RAM: 8GB DDR4 RAM

Storage: 256GB SSD

Display: 14-inch 1920 x 1080 LCD display

Ports: 3 x USB-A, 1 x USB-C, 1 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x Ethernet, 1 x headphone jack

Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1

Webcam: 720p webcam

Battery: 54 Watt-hours

Weight: 3.75 pounds

Size: 12.9 x 8.8 x 0.7 inches

For many years, the Acer Aspire 5 has been a highly favored low-cost laptop. Its slim, light body, numerous connectors (including Ethernet and HDMI), and excellent specs make it a superb value for the money. The Aspire 5 will seem like money well spent, though, provided you uninstall the bloatware and treat it with care.

The Aspire 5 is an affordable laptop with central processors from AMD and Intel that comes in a variety of configurations. With an 11th-generation Intel Core i3 CPU, 15.6-inch screen, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB of SSD storage, the least expensive configuration is equipped with an 11th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, 17.3-inch screen, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage.

2. Lenovo IdeaPad 3

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 comes in various configurations, but here are some common specifications you can expect:

Processor: Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor.

Memory: 8GB of RAM.

Storage: The IdeaPad 3 commonly offers a 256GB or 512GB solid-state drive (SSD).

Display: 15.6-inch Full HD display.

Graphics: The integrated graphics on the IdeaPad 3 are suitable for basic tasks but may not handle intensive gaming or graphic design.

Connectivity: It includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, along with various USB ports for connecting peripherals.

Operating System: Windows 10 pre-installed.

Keep in mind that these characteristics may change based on the particular model and configuration you select. For the most recent information, it’s wise to visit Lenovo’s official website or the reseller.

For use in schools, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is suitable, and its battery comfortably lasts through a full school day. It is a fantastic option for academic demands due to its dependability and price. You may easily manage duties like taking notes, conducting research, and completing assignments with its strong processor and sufficient RAM.

Its 15.6-inch Full HD display also provides clear images for your multimedia and work requirements. All things considered, the IdeaPad 3 offers a reasonable combination of price and functionality, making it a useful option for students.

3.  HP Pavilion Plus 14

The specifications of the HP Pavilion Plus 14 are stated below:

Display size/resolution: 14-inch 1,920 x 1,080 display

CPU: 1.3GHz Intel Core i5-1235U

Memory: 16GB DDR4 3,200MHz RAM

Graphics: 128MB Intel Iris Xe Graphics

Storage: 256GB PCIe M.2 SSD

Ports: USB-C (10Gbps), USB-A (x2, 5Gbps), HDMI 2.1, combo audio jack

Networking Media: Tek Wi-Fi 6 MT7921 (2×2) and Bluetooth 5.2 combo

Operating system: Windows 11 Home

The HP Pavilion Plus 14 is a low-cost laptop that looks and functions better than it costs. The laptop is light enough to tote around for work or school every day at 3.2 pounds (1.4 kg). It can be readily linked to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse at a desk. It’s simply a well-made, all-purpose laptop with a simple appearance.

HP provides a wide range of choices, such as discrete graphics, AMD and Intel processors, and even four different body colors. You have plenty of leeway to strike a balance between your performance requirements and budget.

4. Dell Inspiron 15 | Budget-friendly Laptops for Students

The specialization of the Dell Inspiron 15 is explained here:

Display: 15.6-inch Full HD display

Processor: Intel Core i5 or i7

RAM: Up to 16GB

Storage: Options for HDD or SSD

Graphics: Integrated or dedicated graphics card

Operating System: Windows 10

For students, the Inspiron 15 is a fantastic option. It’s ideal for things like taking notes, conducting research, and working on multimedia projects because it strikes a decent compromise between performance and budget. Working on assignments is made easier by the large display, cozy keyboard, and lengthy battery life. This means you can use it all day without worrying about running out of power.

The Dell Inspiron 15 has 8GB of RAM and is powered by a Core i5 processor. 1TB of HDD storage is included with the Dell Inspiron 15. AMD Radeon 530 Graphics powers the graphics. It is also sufficiently portable to bring to study sessions or classes. All things considered, it’s a sturdy and adaptable laptop for students.

5. ASUS VivoBook 15 | Budget-friendly Laptops for Students

The ASUS VivoBook 15 is another great laptop option. Here are some of its specs:

Display: 15.6-inch Full HD display

Processor: Intel Core i5 or i7

RAM: Up to 16GB

Storage: Options for HDD or SSD

Graphics: Integrated or dedicated graphics card

Operating System: Windows 10

The VivoBook 15 is a reasonably priced laptop with good performance that is lightweight and fashionable. It has an eye-catching display and a quick processor. For students, the ASUS VivoBook 15 is an excellent option. It provides a decent ratio of price, portability, and performance. Its 15.6-inch Full HD display offers a roomy and colorful screen for homework, watching videos, and studying.

Also, running educational software, conducting research, and taking notes all benefit from the seamless multitasking and effective performance provided by an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor and up to 16GB of RAM. You can select the ideal storage capacity for your requirements from the HDD or SSD storage options.

6. Microsoft Surface Go

The Surface Go, a 2-in-1 tablet and laptop that’s ideal for taking notes and studying on the go, is a worthy contender if you’re searching for a small and flexible solution. Here are some of its specs:

Display: 10-inch PixelSense display

Processor: Intel Pentium Gold

RAM: Up to 8GB

Storage: Options for eMMC or SSD

Operating System: Windows 10

Because of its portability, the Surface Go is a fantastic choice for students. It’s simple to carry around campus or take with you when you’re on the go because of its compact size and lightweight design. It can be used for note-taking, web browsing, e-book reading, and productivity software like Microsoft Office. It might not be as powerful as larger computers, but it’s still a fantastic choice for students who value portability and flexibility.

7. Acer Swift 3 | Budget-friendly Laptops for Students

The Acer Swift 3 is another fantastic laptop option that can incredibly support students. Here are some of its specs:

Display: 14-inch or 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display

Processor: Intel Core i5 or i7

RAM: Up to 16GB

Storage: Options for SSD or HDD

Graphics: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics or dedicated NVIDIA GeForce MX150

Operating System: Windows 10

The Swift 3 is renowned for its strong performance, lightweight construction, and elegant appearance. It works well for multitasking, surfing the web, creating content, and even light gaming. It can keep up with your hectic schedule because of its extended battery life. This laptop is quite helpful for students.

You may simply carry it to classes, the library, or wherever else you need to study because it is lightweight and portable. With up to 16GB of RAM and a potent Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, it can manage all of your multitasking requirements. All things considered, the Acer Swift 3 is a dependable and adaptable laptop that will help you during your academic career.

8. Lenovo Chromebook Duet

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet is a pretty cool device for learners and their school demands. Here are some of its features:

Display: 10.1-inch Full HD touchscreen

Processor: MediaTek Helio P60T

RAM: 4GB

Storage: 64GB or 128GB eMMC

Operating System: Chrome OS

Students can benefit greatly from the Lenovo Chromebook Duet. You can effortlessly carry this lightweight and tiny device around campus. Its touchscreen display and detachable keyboard allow you to use it as a tablet for reading textbooks or taking notes and to type assignments when the keyboard is attached.

Because Chrome OS is what it runs on, you can use the Google Play Store to get a lot of educational apps and resources. You can conveniently access your files from any location using the cloud storage option. For your academic purposes, it’s a reasonably priced solution with excellent features.

9. HP Chromebook 14

The HP Chromebook 14 is a pretty awesome device for students. Below are some of its mind-blowing specs:

Display: 14-inch Full HD touchscreen

Processor: Intel Celeron or Intel Core i3

RAM: 4GB or 8GB

Storage: 32GB or 64GB eMMC

Operating System: Chrome OS

The HP Chromebook 14 can be a very useful tool for students as they pursue their academic goals. Its 14-inch Full HD touchscreen display will provide you with a sharp, colorful view of your study guide. Numerous educational application tools are available on the Chrome OS operating system. This will assist you with tasks like note-taking, research, and document editing.

Moreover, its portability and lightweight features make the device simple to use for on-campus study sessions or excursions. Because of its lengthy battery life, you won’t have to worry about running out of power while using it all day. The HP Chromebook 14 is made to meet your needs as a student, whether you’re working with classmates, writing papers, or taking online courses.

10. Dell XPS 13 | Budget-friendly Laptops for Students

The Dell XPS 13 is a great option if you’re searching for a high-end model that’s affordable. It has a lightweight design, strong performance, and an amazing display. Here are some of its specs:

Display: 13.3-inch InfinityEdge display with options for Full HD or 4K resolution

Processor: 10th Gen Intel Core i3, i5, or i7

RAM: 8GB or 16GB

Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD

Operating System: Windows 10

For all of your academic demands, the Dell XPS 13 is a fantastic option. It’s ideal for studying on the go or bringing around campus due to its lightweight construction and compact size. Whether you’re working on coursework or streaming instructional video, the high-resolution display guarantees a clear and colorful viewing experience.

You won’t have any trouble efficiently multitasking and running many applications thanks to its strong processor and lots of RAM. Your files can be accessed quickly thanks to the fast SSD storage, and the Windows 10 operating system has a recognizable and intuitive interface. The Dell XPS 13 is a dependable and powerful laptop that may help you succeed academically, whether you’re taking notes, writing papers, or working with classmates.

>>>> Read more about Intel vs AMD vs NVIDIA and the roles they play in computers.<<<<

11. ASUS Chromebook Flip C434

The ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 is a fantastic choice. Some of its specifications are described below:

Display: 14-inch Full HD touchscreen display with a 360-degree hinge

Processor: Intel Core m3, i5, or i7

RAM: 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB

Storage: 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB eMMC

Operating System: Chrome OS

For students, the ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 is an excellent option. Because it’s a 2-in-1, you can use it as a tablet or a laptop, depending on what you need. Watching instructional videos, reading textbooks, and taking notes are all made possible with the 14-inch Full HD touchscreen display. Its Intel Core CPUs and lots of RAM will make it easy for you to run several apps at once and complete your assignments quickly.

Fast, safe, and user-friendly is how the Chrome OS operating system is meant to be. Additionally, you may concentrate on your tasks without worrying about running out of power thanks to the lengthy battery life. It’s ideal for taking around campus because it’s small and lightweight. When studying in a classroom, at a library, or at a shop, the ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 has got you covered.

12. Lenovo Flex 5 | Budget-friendly Laptops for Students

Here are the specs for the Lenovo Flex 5 you should know:

Display: 14-inch Full HD touchscreen display

Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5

RAM: 8GB or 16GB

Storage: 256GB or 512GB SSD

Graphics: Integrated AMD Radeon or Intel UHD Graphics

Operating System: Windows 10

An excellent laptop for students is the Lenovo Flex 5. Because it is portable and lightweight, it is ideal for taking to study sessions, libraries, and classrooms. Whether you want to use a stylus or your finger, the touchscreen capability makes taking notes right on the screen very convenient. Additionally, you can use it as a tablet for a more engaging experience, thanks to its 2-in-1 design.

The Flex 5 is excellent in terms of teamwork. It’s simple to collaborate on group projects, exchange ideas, and share your screen with others. It’s an excellent tool for maintaining peer connections and working on papers in real time. The Flex 5 has a respectable battery life, so you can depend on it for extended study sessions or when you’re on the go without having to worry about running out of juice.

13.  HP Envy x360

The HP Envy x360 is another great option for students. Here are some of its key specs:

Processor: Intel Core i5 or i7 processor.

RAM: 8GB or 16GB of RAM.

Storage: It offers different storage options, including solid-state drives (SSD) with capacities ranging from 256GB to 1TB.

Display: 13.3-inch or 15.6-inch touchscreen display with Full HD resolution.

Graphics: AMD Radeon graphics.

For students, the HP Envy x360 is immensely helpful. Because of its dual functionality as a laptop and tablet, you can easily take notes, read textbooks, and work together on projects. It’s easy to highlight and annotate documents with the touchscreen display.

Its strong processor and lots of RAM allow you to run demanding apps and multitask with ease. Because of the extended battery life of the Envy x360, you can work on assignments all day long without having to worry about running out of power. Its lightweight construction also makes it simple to transport across campus. It’s unquestionably a fantastic option for pupils in search of a dependable and adaptable study tool.

14. Acer Spin 3 | Budget-friendly Laptops for Students

This multipurpose 2-in-1 laptop is one such device that has grown in favor among students. Here are some of its key specs:

Processor: Intel Core i5 or i7 processor.

RAM: 8GB or 16GB of RAM

Storage: offers different storage options, including solid-state drives (SSD) with capacities ranging from 256GB to 1TB.

Display: 13.3-inch or 15.6-inch touchscreen display with Full HD resolution.

Graphics: integrated Intel graphics

The Acer Spin 3’s ability to transform from a laptop to a tablet provides students with unparalleled versatility. With a simple flip of the screen, students can effortlessly switch between typing up lecture notes and using the touchscreen to draw diagrams or annotate textbooks. This flexibility allows for a seamless transition between different study modes, catering to the unique needs of each student.

Whether rushing between classes or studying in a crowded library, the portability of the Spin 3 ensures that students can easily carry it with them wherever they need to be. Its slim profile fits snugly into backpacks, minimizing the burden on students’ shoulders. Without lag or slowdown, students may work on complicated projects, edit movies, and operate many applications at once with confidence.

15. Dell G3 Gaming Laptop | Budget-friendly Laptops for Students

You are not wrong to ask why a gaming laptop is an option for students. Did you know computer programmers and developers use these special laptops due to their specifications? The Dell G3 Gaming laptop is a fantastic choice for gamers. Here are some of its specifications:

Processor: Intel Core i5 or i7 processor.

Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or 1660 Ti graphics.

Display: 15.6-inch Full HD display.

Memory: The G3 offers up to 16GB of RAM

Cooling System: an efficient cooling system to prevent overheating during intense gaming sessions.

Connectivity: Provides multiple ports, including USB, HDMI, and Ethernet, for easy connectivity to peripherals and external devices.

For students who need to work on many apps or run resource-intensive programs, the Dell G3’s strong processor and enough RAM make it ideal for multitasking and running demanding software. Students are able to work on their assignments wherever they go because of the laptop’s stylish appearance and manageable weight, which make it convenient to carry around campus or between courses.

With the laptop’s several storage capacities, students may easily store their presentations, documents, and other things. Again, students can use gaming-related applications, like simulation or 3D modeling, for instructional objectives. Overall, performance, mobility, and versatility are all included in the Dell G3 Gaming laptop, making it a helpful tool for students pursuing a variety of academic goals.

16. ASUS TUF Gaming Laptop | Budget-friendly Laptops for Students

Get the specifications of the amazing ASUS TUF Gaming laptop below:

Processor: AMD Ryzen processor.

Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX or RTX graphics.

Display: 15.6-inch Full HD display with vibrant colors and sharp details.

Storage: Options for SSD and HDD to suit your needs

Memory: Up to 16GB of RAM for smooth multitasking.

Cooling System: an efficient cooling system to prevent overheating.

Connectivity: Multiple ports for easy connection to peripherals

Battery Life: Decent battery life for gaming on the go.

The laptop can perform various jobs like graphic design, video editing, and programming, even if its primary purpose is gaming. Therefore, the ASUS TUF can easily handle resource-intensive programs if your field of study calls for them. Students who need to bring their laptops to class or study groups will find it useful as the device is lightweight and portable.

It has a number of storage choices, including SSDs, which enable quicker file access and boot times. Students who need to access and keep a lot of data can benefit from this. You can connect peripherals like external monitors, keyboards, and mouse to it thanks to its numerous connections. This adaptability can help you study more comfortably and more productively. In general, the ASUS TUF Gaming laptop is a dependable and adaptable instrument for learners.

17. Lenovo Legion 5 | Budget-friendly Laptops for Students

The Lenovo Legion 5 is a powerful gaming laptop with impressive specs. Here’s a rundown of its key features:

Processor: AMD Ryzen or Intel Core processors.

Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX or RTX graphics.

Display: 15.6-inch Full HD display with options for high refresh rates and narrow bezels.

Storage: provides a combination of SSD and HDD storage options.

Memory: With up to 32GB of RAM.

The Legion 5 can manage taxing operations like video editing, scripting, and running resource-intensive software because of its strong processor and specialized graphics. It guarantees seamless performance to meet your scholastic demands. It has plenty of RAM and storage capacity, so you can run several apps at once without experiencing any slowdown. You don’t have to slow down to transition between your research, study materials, and other chores.

The Legion 5 is a rather light and portable laptop, even if it is designed for gaming. You won’t feel stressed carrying it to college or bringing it to study sessions. Its multiple connections (USB, HDMI, and Ethernet) make it easy to connect external equipment for group projects or presentations, such as printers, monitors, and projectors. You may use the Legion 5 for lengthy periods of time without having to worry about running out of power during study sessions or courses, thanks to its respectable battery life.

All things considered, the Lenovo Legion 5 provides students with a strong and adaptable computing experience. It offers the performance and capabilities to help your academic journey, whether you need it for research, coursework, or multimedia tasks.

18. HP Omen 15 | Budget-friendly Laptops for Students

The HP Omen 15 is another awesome gaming laptop with some impressive specializations. Check these out:

Professors: Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen.

Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX or AMD Radeon.

Display: It features a 15.6-inch Full HD display with options for high refresh rates and NVIDIA G-Sync technology.

Advanced Cooling: sophisticated cooling system, including multiple heat pipes and strategically placed vents

Customizable RGB Lighting: The laptop offers customizable RGB lighting on the keyboard and other areas.

Storage and Memory: the combination of SSD and HDD storage options

Connectivity and ports: USB, HDMI, Ethernet and more.

The Omen 15’s robust processor and graphics card can manage taxing operations like operating software for data analysis, engineering, or design. It guarantees seamless performance to meet your scholastic demands. You have lots of memory and storage space, so you can run numerous apps at once smoothly. It works well for quickly transitioning between research, study materials, and other duties.

The Omen 15 is a rather light and portable laptop, even if it is designed for gaming. It is light enough for you to tote around campus or bring with you to study sessions. Its numerous ports make it easy to attach external devices for group projects or presentations, such as printers, monitors, and projectors. You may use it for longer periods of time without worrying about running out of power during classes or study sessions, thanks to its respectable battery life.

19. Acer Predator Helios 300 | Budget-friendly Laptops for Students

This laptop offers some impressive features, like:

Processors: Intel Core i7 or i9.

Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX or GTX.

Display: 15.6-inch Full HD display with a high refresh rate of 144Hz or even 240Hz, depending on the model.

CoolBoost Technology: The laptop comes with Acer’s CoolBoost technology, which increases fan speed and enhances cooling performance.

Storage and Memory: The Predator Helios 300 offers a combination of SSD and HDD storage options.

Connectivity and ports: USB, HDMI, and Ethernet.

Running software for design, programming, or multimedia projects is one of the toughest tasks that the Predator Helios 300’s powerful processor and graphics card can manage. For your academic demands, it guarantees seamless performance. It’s excellent for quickly transitioning between research, study materials, and other duties without sacrificing efficiency.

Its numerous ports make it easy to attach external devices for group projects or presentations, such as printers, monitors, and projectors. Because of its respectable battery life, the Predator Helios 300 lets you use it for longer periods of time without having to worry about running out of power during study sessions or courses.

Overall, for students who seek a mix of gaming prowess and academic achievement, the Acer Predator Helios 300 provides a strong computing experience. When making a choice, it’s critical to take your budget and unique demands into account.

20. MSI GF65 Thin | Budget-friendly Laptops for Students

The MSI GF65 Thin is another awesome gaming laptop that you might be interested in. Here are some of its notable features:

Processors: Intel Core i7 or i9.

Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX or GTX.

Display: 15.6-inch Full HD display with a high refresh rate of 120Hz or 144Hz, depending on the model.

Storage and Memory: It offers a combination of SSD and HDD storage options.

Cooler Boost Technology: MSI’s Cooler Boost technology

Nahimic Audio: Nahimic audio technology

RGB Keyboard: It comes with a backlit keyboard that supports RGB lighting.

Tasks requiring the use of software for design, programming, or multimedia applications can be handled using the GF65 Thin. Because of its thin and light design, the laptop is convenient to carry to campus or bring to study sessions. While traveling, you won’t feel burdened.

You may run many apps at once without experiencing any lag if you have enough memory and storage space. It’s excellent for quickly transitioning between research, study materials, and other duties without sacrificing efficiency. Due to the numerous connections on the GF65 Thin, connecting additional devices for group projects or presentations—such as projectors, printers, or monitors—is easy. Because of its respectable battery life, you may use it for longer periods of time without having to worry about running out of power while in class or studying.

The MSI GF65 Thin provides students who want a balance between portability and performance with a strong computing experience. It can manage your homework and still provide you with the opportunity to pass the time when playing games.

Final Thoughts

Students can benefit from these cost-effective laptops since they offer an excellent combination between performance and pricing. They can meet your academic needs with their strong features, sufficient storage, and respectable processors. These inexpensive laptops include all the features you need to take notes, complete homework, and carry out research. To locate the ideal suit for you, don’t forget to read reviews and take into account your unique requirements.

Written By:

Augustus Katakiti Cudjoe

Edited By:

Arthur Kwame Philip