People tend to equate concepts like "budget" or "low-cost" with poor quality, but that's not true. You can find plenty of high-quality laptops that cost less than $1,000. I'm talking about well-crafted, powerful computers that can compete with the best laptops on the market when tackling productivity and entertainment workloads.
It certainly helps that many budget laptops were former high-end devices. Apple, for example, frequently drops the price of older MacBooks whenever a new one comes out. It also helps that sometimes newer computers only provide an incremental upgrade, allowing the previous generations to continue performing years after launch. MacBooks are one of these series, and it's why we often highlight MacBook discounts on ZDNET.
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What is the best laptop under $1,000 right now?
ZDNET's experts carefully test many different laptops at release, putting them through their paces in order to provide our readers with the best advice on what you should buy. Our pick for the best laptop under $1,000 is none other than the M2 MacBook Air, due to its solid performance, portability, and HD display. As great as it may be, the MacBook Air isn't perfect for every use case. The HP OmniBook X Flip, for instance, has a nicer 3K touchscreen, perfect for creative work, while the Dell 14 Plus is a nice, everyday laptop.
Check out our other top picks for the best laptops under $1,000.
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The best laptops under $1,000 of 2025
Show less View now at Amazon View now at Walmart Why we like it: The M2 MacBook Air is easily my favorite laptop under $1,000 for several reasons. A big part of my adoration is thanks to the performance coming from Apple's M2 chip. It is notably fast and responsive, especially when multitasking or running creative apps. The 10-core GPU can tackle graphics-heavy tasks with ease. It's also well-optimized for longevity, capable of lasting two full workdays on a single charge. The praise doesn't stop there. It packs a stunning 13.6-inch Retina display, a sharp 1080p webcam, and a booming quad-speaker system. Review: Apple M2 MacBook Air Who it's for: The M2 MacBook Air is a smart pick for any budget-conscious shoppers who want to be a part of the Apple ecosystem and want that strong day-to-day performance. I cannot stress enough just how good the M2 chipset is, even in 2025. Students, office professionals, writers, and anyone who works primarily in browsers will enjoy this machine. The best part is that all this hardware is packed in a lightweight, travel-friendly package. Who should look elsewhere: The M2 MacBook is also one of the more expensive options on this list, so if you're on a really tight budget, then I would suggest checking out another laptop -- namely, the M1 MacBook, which has a longer battery and is cheaper. Similarly, people looking for more horsepower should probably consider a MacBook Pro. Apple M2 MacBook Air tech specs: CPU Model: Apple M2 | RAM Memory: 8GB | Hard Disk Drive: 256GB SSD | Screen Size: 13.6 inches Pros Solid performance from M2 chip
Compact and lightweight
Full HD display Cons Short battery life Apple M2 MacBook Air Best laptop under $1,000 overall Why we like it: The M2 MacBook Air is easily my favorite laptop under $1,000 for several reasons. A big part of my adoration is thanks to the performance coming from Apple's M2 chip. It is notably fast and responsive, especially when multitasking or running creative apps. The 10-core GPU can tackle graphics-heavy tasks with ease. It's also well-optimized for longevity, capable of lasting two full workdays on a single charge. The praise doesn't stop there. It packs a stunning 13.6-inch Retina display, a sharp 1080p webcam, and a booming quad-speaker system. Review: Apple M2 MacBook Air Who it's for: The M2 MacBook Air is a smart pick for any budget-conscious shoppers who want to be a part of the Apple ecosystem and want that strong day-to-day performance. I cannot stress enough just how good the M2 chipset is, even in 2025. Students, office professionals, writers, and anyone who works primarily in browsers will enjoy this machine. The best part is that all this hardware is packed in a lightweight, travel-friendly package. Who should look elsewhere: The M2 MacBook is also one of the more expensive options on this list, so if you're on a really tight budget, then I would suggest checking out another laptop -- namely, the M1 MacBook, which has a longer battery and is cheaper. Similarly, people looking for more horsepower should probably consider a MacBook Pro. Apple M2 MacBook Air tech specs: CPU Model: Apple M2 | RAM Memory: 8GB | Hard Disk Drive: 256GB SSD | Screen Size: 13.6 inches Read More Show Expert Take Show less
Show less View now at Best Buy View now at Lenovo Why we like it: Finding a budget gaming laptop can be difficult. Enjoying modern games in high resolution without performance issues requires powerful components. Many of the best models cost over $1,000, but Lenovo's LOQ 15 is an outlier. There are several variations available on Best Buy. The one I recommend has an AMD Ryzen 7 7435H processor, 16GB of memory, 512GB of storage, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card. That alone makes the laptop well worth the purchase, as you'll be able to play the latest AAA titles in superb quality. Additionally, the display runs at a refresh rate of 144Hz, ensuring smooth on-screen animations. Also: Lenovo's new Legion Go 2 could be the ergonomic handheld I've been waiting for Who it's for: I recommend this laptop to anyone who wants an affordable gaming laptop for themselves or someone else in their life. The RTX 4060 GPU is from the previous generation of Nvidia GPUs, and it is still a solid component today. In fact, I own a gaming laptop with this graphics card, and I get a lot of enjoyment out of it. Who should look elsewhere: The biggest downside to this laptop is its battery life. Best Buy's product listing states the Lenovo LOQ 15 only lasts about four hours before tapping out. That is a poor battery life, but not super surprising. Gaming laptops aren't exactly known for their long-lasting batteries. It comes with the territory. Also, customer reviews complain about the laptop's fan noise; it gets pretty loud. Lenovo LQ 15 tech specs: CPU Model: AMD Ryzen 7 7435H | RAM Memory: 16GB | Hard Disk Drive: 512GB SSD | Screen Size: 15.6 inches Pros Great hardware
144Hz 1080p screen
Plenty of space Cons Noisy fans Lenovo LOQ 15 Best laptop under $1,000 for gaming Why we like it: Finding a budget gaming laptop can be difficult. Enjoying modern games in high resolution without performance issues requires powerful components. Many of the best models cost over $1,000, but Lenovo's LOQ 15 is an outlier. There are several variations available on Best Buy. The one I recommend has an AMD Ryzen 7 7435H processor, 16GB of memory, 512GB of storage, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card. That alone makes the laptop well worth the purchase, as you'll be able to play the latest AAA titles in superb quality. Additionally, the display runs at a refresh rate of 144Hz, ensuring smooth on-screen animations. Also: Lenovo's new Legion Go 2 could be the ergonomic handheld I've been waiting for Who it's for: I recommend this laptop to anyone who wants an affordable gaming laptop for themselves or someone else in their life. The RTX 4060 GPU is from the previous generation of Nvidia GPUs, and it is still a solid component today. In fact, I own a gaming laptop with this graphics card, and I get a lot of enjoyment out of it. Who should look elsewhere: The biggest downside to this laptop is its battery life. Best Buy's product listing states the Lenovo LOQ 15 only lasts about four hours before tapping out. That is a poor battery life, but not super surprising. Gaming laptops aren't exactly known for their long-lasting batteries. It comes with the territory. Also, customer reviews complain about the laptop's fan noise; it gets pretty loud. Lenovo LQ 15 tech specs: CPU Model: AMD Ryzen 7 7435H | RAM Memory: 16GB | Hard Disk Drive: 512GB SSD | Screen Size: 15.6 inches Read More Show Expert Take Show less
Show less View now at Best Buy View now at Amazon View now at Lenovo Why we like it: The flexibility of 2-in-1 laptops offers unique utility. One minute, you can be using a traditional laptop, typing away on the keyboard, and the next, after flipping the display around, you can be drawing on a tablet. Among the low-cost options, the Lenovo Yoga 7i is the best because it punches well above its price. Whether you're multitasking with dozens of tabs, doing creative work, or playing an indie game, its performance is quick and reliable. The build quality is top-notch, complete with sturdy hinges, an aluminum chassis that fits comfortably in your arms, and a responsive touchscreen. All these features working together make switching between laptop, tablet, and tent modes effortless. It's a well-optimized machine that gets all the fundamentals right. Review: Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 Who it's for: I recommend the laptop to people on a budget who want a versatile machine for school or office work. Students, in particular, will appreciate the flexibility that the Yoga 7i brings to the table. It can tackle a wide range of tasks across its different modes. Lenovo's machine is highly versatile, and the best part is you won't have to pay flagship prices. Who should look elsewhere: Lenovo's Yoga 7i is not recommended for people looking for a bright screen or planning to work outdoors often. The display tops out at 300 nits. Similarly, creators who rely on color accuracy or users who want an ultra-lightweight laptop might also want to pass. It weighs nearly five pounds. Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 tech specs: CPU Model: Intel Core Ultra 5 Series 1 | RAM Memory: 16GB | Hard Disk Drive: 512GB SSD | Screen Size: 16 inches Pros Slim design
Solid performance
Good selection of ports Cons Dim display Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in1 Best 2-in-1 laptop under $1,000 Why we like it: The flexibility of 2-in-1 laptops offers unique utility. One minute, you can be using a traditional laptop, typing away on the keyboard, and the next, after flipping the display around, you can be drawing on a tablet. Among the low-cost options, the Lenovo Yoga 7i is the best because it punches well above its price. Whether you're multitasking with dozens of tabs, doing creative work, or playing an indie game, its performance is quick and reliable. The build quality is top-notch, complete with sturdy hinges, an aluminum chassis that fits comfortably in your arms, and a responsive touchscreen. All these features working together make switching between laptop, tablet, and tent modes effortless. It's a well-optimized machine that gets all the fundamentals right. Review: Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 Who it's for: I recommend the laptop to people on a budget who want a versatile machine for school or office work. Students, in particular, will appreciate the flexibility that the Yoga 7i brings to the table. It can tackle a wide range of tasks across its different modes. Lenovo's machine is highly versatile, and the best part is you won't have to pay flagship prices. Who should look elsewhere: Lenovo's Yoga 7i is not recommended for people looking for a bright screen or planning to work outdoors often. The display tops out at 300 nits. Similarly, creators who rely on color accuracy or users who want an ultra-lightweight laptop might also want to pass. It weighs nearly five pounds. Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 tech specs: CPU Model: Intel Core Ultra 5 Series 1 | RAM Memory: 16GB | Hard Disk Drive: 512GB SSD | Screen Size: 16 inches Read More Show Expert Take Show less
Show less View now at Samsung View now at Best Buy Why we like it: Samsung's Galaxy Book4 Edge is the perfect travel companion, weighing just a little over three pounds. There are multiple and more expensive versions of this laptop, but the model that I recommend runs on the Snapdragon X Plus. This is one of Qualcomm's premier laptop chipsets and can handle everything you throw at it. Performance feels snappy, fluid, and efficient. It's also energy efficient, allowing the Galaxy Book4 Edge to have a long-lasting battery life of up to 13 hours. ZDNET Editor Kyle Kucharski enjoyed how premium the laptop felt. It's solid and thin without any screen wobble. Samsung also didn't skimp on the ports, providing a wide range to users. It's refreshing to see so many options present, as slim machines tend to only have a few inputs. Review: Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge Who it's for: This laptop is perfect for people who value portability, quiet operation, and a long battery life. It's also a great fit for those who want native access to AI features in Windows Copilot+. If you spend most of your time browsing, writing, streaming, or working in Google apps, you'll love this laptop too. Who should look elsewhere: The Snapdragon X Plus chipset is an ARM-based SoC (system on a chip). This type of architecture enables an energy-efficient laptop that performs well. But because it's ARM-based, certain legacy apps may not work or run poorly on the Galaxy Book4 Edge. Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge specs: CPU Model: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus | RAM Memory: 16GB | Hard Disk Drive: 512GB | Screen Size: 15.6 inches Pros Lightweight design
Impressive hardware
Full HD display Cons Some features need Galaxy phone Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge Best lightweight laptop under $1,000 Why we like it: Samsung's Galaxy Book4 Edge is the perfect travel companion, weighing just a little over three pounds. There are multiple and more expensive versions of this laptop, but the model that I recommend runs on the Snapdragon X Plus. This is one of Qualcomm's premier laptop chipsets and can handle everything you throw at it. Performance feels snappy, fluid, and efficient. It's also energy efficient, allowing the Galaxy Book4 Edge to have a long-lasting battery life of up to 13 hours. ZDNET Editor Kyle Kucharski enjoyed how premium the laptop felt. It's solid and thin without any screen wobble. Samsung also didn't skimp on the ports, providing a wide range to users. It's refreshing to see so many options present, as slim machines tend to only have a few inputs. Review: Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge Who it's for: This laptop is perfect for people who value portability, quiet operation, and a long battery life. It's also a great fit for those who want native access to AI features in Windows Copilot+. If you spend most of your time browsing, writing, streaming, or working in Google apps, you'll love this laptop too. Who should look elsewhere: The Snapdragon X Plus chipset is an ARM-based SoC (system on a chip). This type of architecture enables an energy-efficient laptop that performs well. But because it's ARM-based, certain legacy apps may not work or run poorly on the Galaxy Book4 Edge. Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge specs: CPU Model: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus | RAM Memory: 16GB | Hard Disk Drive: 512GB | Screen Size: 15.6 inches Read More Show Expert Take Show less
Show less View now at HP View now at Best Buy Why we like it: HP's 2025 OmniBook 5 is the closest you can get to a MacBook experience on Windows. It has a similar design pattern to Apple's machine, from the rubber keyboard on a pale white laptop to the vibrant screen. This device is notably lightweight at just 2.84 pounds. It has a sharp 2K OLED screen and delivers great performance, thanks in part to its 32GB of RAM. The HP laptop also has an absurdly long battery. During testing, the computer lasted a full 25 hours on a single charge. No other laptop that I've reviewed in 2025 has lasted that long. Review: HP OmniBook 5 Who it's for: The HP OmniBook 5 is perfect for students, professionals working on a budget, as well as Apple users who would like to continue having a MacBook-like experience on Windows. Its solid hardware allows the machine to tackle light creative workloads and multitasking with relative ease. Because of its long-lasting battery, the laptop is highly recommended for those who want a new everyday computer. Who should look elsewhere: HP's model runs on an AMD Ryzen AI 5 340 processor, which is a Windows-on-ARM chipset. This component allows the computer to run for 25 hours but comes at the cost of software inoperability. Some apps might not work on this machine. Another issue is its glossy screen. It reflects so much light that it can be hard to see when in brightly lit conditions. HP OmniBook 5 tech specs: CPU Model: AMD Ryzen AI 5 340 | RAM Memory: 16GB LPDDR5 | Hard Disk Drive: 512GB | Screen Size: 16 inches Pros Super long battery life
Lightweight
Decent performance Cons Limited ports
Glossy display HP OmniBook 5 Best MacBook alternative under $1,000 Why we like it: HP's 2025 OmniBook 5 is the closest you can get to a MacBook experience on Windows. It has a similar design pattern to Apple's machine, from the rubber keyboard on a pale white laptop to the vibrant screen. This device is notably lightweight at just 2.84 pounds. It has a sharp 2K OLED screen and delivers great performance, thanks in part to its 32GB of RAM. The HP laptop also has an absurdly long battery. During testing, the computer lasted a full 25 hours on a single charge. No other laptop that I've reviewed in 2025 has lasted that long. Review: HP OmniBook 5 Who it's for: The HP OmniBook 5 is perfect for students, professionals working on a budget, as well as Apple users who would like to continue having a MacBook-like experience on Windows. Its solid hardware allows the machine to tackle light creative workloads and multitasking with relative ease. Because of its long-lasting battery, the laptop is highly recommended for those who want a new everyday computer. Who should look elsewhere: HP's model runs on an AMD Ryzen AI 5 340 processor, which is a Windows-on-ARM chipset. This component allows the computer to run for 25 hours but comes at the cost of software inoperability. Some apps might not work on this machine. Another issue is its glossy screen. It reflects so much light that it can be hard to see when in brightly lit conditions. HP OmniBook 5 tech specs: CPU Model: AMD Ryzen AI 5 340 | RAM Memory: 16GB LPDDR5 | Hard Disk Drive: 512GB | Screen Size: 16 inches Read More Show Expert Take Show less
Show less View now at HP View now at Best Buy Why we like it: High-resolution displays are typically a privilege reserved for pricier laptops. The HP OmniBook X Flip 16 bucks this trend as every single configuration comes with a great screen. This model provides two types of panels. The cheaper OmniBook X has a 16-inch 2K IPS edge-to-edge touchscreen with a maximum brightness of 400 nits. "Edge-to-edge" in this instance refers to the display's thin bezels, giving users expansive viewing. The other OmniBook X takes things up a notch by having a 3K OLED touchscreen that delivers vibrant colors. Such a display allows the HP laptop to be fantastic for video editing and other forms of creative work. Outside of the screen, the device has a lot going for it. It is surprisingly lightweight for a 16-inch laptop, and the speakers pump out crystal-clear audio with punchy bass. Review: HP OmniBook X Flip 16 Who it's for: HP's OmniBook X Flip 16 is perfect for creative professionals, students, and just about everyone who wants a large-screen Windows machine without breaking the bank. As mentioned, it's well-suited for content creation because of its vibrant display and stylus support. Even if you're not a creative professional, I still recommend the device for its multitasking capabilities. Who should look elsewhere: Although I just praised the HP OmniBook X Flip 16 for its performance, the device has its limits. When I tested it, the laptop would sometimes struggle to handle heavy workloads. Also, while it is nice, the glossy screen can be tough to see under bright lighting. HP OmniBook X Flip 16 specs: CPU Model: Intel Core Ultra 7 258V | RAM Memory: 32GB | Hard Disk Drive: 512GB SSD | Screen Size: 16 inches Pros OLED display
Lightweight design
Comes with a stylus Cons Performance issues HP OmniBook X Flip 16 Best screen for a laptop under $1,000 Why we like it: High-resolution displays are typically a privilege reserved for pricier laptops. The HP OmniBook X Flip 16 bucks this trend as every single configuration comes with a great screen. This model provides two types of panels. The cheaper OmniBook X has a 16-inch 2K IPS edge-to-edge touchscreen with a maximum brightness of 400 nits. "Edge-to-edge" in this instance refers to the display's thin bezels, giving users expansive viewing. The other OmniBook X takes things up a notch by having a 3K OLED touchscreen that delivers vibrant colors. Such a display allows the HP laptop to be fantastic for video editing and other forms of creative work. Outside of the screen, the device has a lot going for it. It is surprisingly lightweight for a 16-inch laptop, and the speakers pump out crystal-clear audio with punchy bass. Review: HP OmniBook X Flip 16 Who it's for: HP's OmniBook X Flip 16 is perfect for creative professionals, students, and just about everyone who wants a large-screen Windows machine without breaking the bank. As mentioned, it's well-suited for content creation because of its vibrant display and stylus support. Even if you're not a creative professional, I still recommend the device for its multitasking capabilities. Who should look elsewhere: Although I just praised the HP OmniBook X Flip 16 for its performance, the device has its limits. When I tested it, the laptop would sometimes struggle to handle heavy workloads. Also, while it is nice, the glossy screen can be tough to see under bright lighting. HP OmniBook X Flip 16 specs: CPU Model: Intel Core Ultra 7 258V | RAM Memory: 32GB | Hard Disk Drive: 512GB SSD | Screen Size: 16 inches Read More Show Expert Take Show less
Show less View now at Lenovo View now at Amazon Why we like it: For professionals who want a low-cost work laptop, check out Lenovo's second-generation ThinkPad E16. The version I recommend is powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 7535U and 8GB of RAM. It's not the most impressive configuration, I'll admit, but it is good enough to get you through your day. This Lenovo laptop is also highly customizable, and the customization options aren't expensive. For example, you could pay an extra $80 to equip the computer with an AMD Ryzen 7 7735U processor plus 16GB of RAM, and you'd still be well under $1,000. IT teams will appreciate the laptop's ample selection of ports, which includes a pair of USB-C inputs, two USB-A ports, and an RJ-45 Ethernet port for a wired internet connection. Also: Best Lenovo laptops of 2025 Who it's for: The hardware, combined with the 1080p webcam and WUXGA (1920 x 1200) display, makes the ThinkPad E16 a dependable everyday machine. Its many customization options let users create a laptop that is perfect for their needs. At the time of this writing, several prebuilt configurations are available for hundreds of dollars off over at Lenovo's website. I don't know when the discounts will end, so I highly recommend taking advantage of these deals while they last. Who should look elsewhere: Lenovo's ThinkPad E16 performs decently well; however, because it's a midrange device, it does have its limits. I suggest using this laptop for lightweight tasks like casual browsing or writing code. Don't purchase it expecting to render CAD files or 3D models. Additionally, the low-end model only has a 256GB SSD, which is pretty small. You're not going to get a whole lot of mileage out of that. Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 tech specs: CPU Model: AMD Ryzen 5 7535U | RAM Memory: 8GB | Hard Disk Drive: 256GB | Screen Size: 16 inches Pros Highly customizable
Lightweight
Lots of ports Cons Limited storage Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 Best work laptop under $1,000 Why we like it: For professionals who want a low-cost work laptop, check out Lenovo's second-generation ThinkPad E16. The version I recommend is powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 7535U and 8GB of RAM. It's not the most impressive configuration, I'll admit, but it is good enough to get you through your day. This Lenovo laptop is also highly customizable, and the customization options aren't expensive. For example, you could pay an extra $80 to equip the computer with an AMD Ryzen 7 7735U processor plus 16GB of RAM, and you'd still be well under $1,000. IT teams will appreciate the laptop's ample selection of ports, which includes a pair of USB-C inputs, two USB-A ports, and an RJ-45 Ethernet port for a wired internet connection. Also: Best Lenovo laptops of 2025 Who it's for: The hardware, combined with the 1080p webcam and WUXGA (1920 x 1200) display, makes the ThinkPad E16 a dependable everyday machine. Its many customization options let users create a laptop that is perfect for their needs. At the time of this writing, several prebuilt configurations are available for hundreds of dollars off over at Lenovo's website. I don't know when the discounts will end, so I highly recommend taking advantage of these deals while they last. Who should look elsewhere: Lenovo's ThinkPad E16 performs decently well; however, because it's a midrange device, it does have its limits. I suggest using this laptop for lightweight tasks like casual browsing or writing code. Don't purchase it expecting to render CAD files or 3D models. Additionally, the low-end model only has a 256GB SSD, which is pretty small. You're not going to get a whole lot of mileage out of that. Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 tech specs: CPU Model: AMD Ryzen 5 7535U | RAM Memory: 8GB | Hard Disk Drive: 256GB | Screen Size: 16 inches Read More Show Expert Take Show less
Show less View now at Dell View now at Amazon Why we like it: Rounding out the list is the Dell 14 Plus, a laptop that perfectly balances performance and practicality. Its aluminum chassis gives Dell's model a nice level of sturdiness that you don't always see in this price range. What's great is that the anti-fingerprint finish keeps the computer looking clean even after hours of use. Performance is where the Dell 14 Plus really shines. Its Intel Core Ultra processor and integrated Intel Arc graphics card handled heavy workloads with ease. Benchmark tests put it ahead of some more expensive laptops. Combined with the nearly 12-hour battery life, this reliable laptop will help get you through long days. Review: Dell 14 Plus Who it's for: The Dell 14 Plus is a smart pick for people who want power and energy efficiency at a low price. It is a reliable machine that excels at office work, document writing, as well as light creative projects. At the time of this writing, Dell has three versions of this on sale at its official website. Two of the configurations are under $1,000, but the third, which has an Intel Core Ultra 9 288V CPU and 32GB of RAM, is currently $1,230. Who should look elsewhere: If you want a top-tier display, consider another laptop like the HP OmniBook Flip. While the Dell 14 Plus has a 2.5K screen, the output is not particularly vibrant. I also had an issue with the speakers because they're on the bottom of the laptop. The down-firing drivers sound fine thanks to software boosts, but their placement dampens audio quality. Dell 14 Plus tech specs: CPU Model: Intel Core Ultra 7 256V | RAM Memory: 16GB | Hard Disk Drive: 1TB | Screen Size: 14 inches Pros Solid hardware
Good battery life
Comfortable keyboard Cons Substandard display Dell 14 Plus Best mid-range laptop for under $1,000 Why we like it: Rounding out the list is the Dell 14 Plus, a laptop that perfectly balances performance and practicality. Its aluminum chassis gives Dell's model a nice level of sturdiness that you don't always see in this price range. What's great is that the anti-fingerprint finish keeps the computer looking clean even after hours of use. Performance is where the Dell 14 Plus really shines. Its Intel Core Ultra processor and integrated Intel Arc graphics card handled heavy workloads with ease. Benchmark tests put it ahead of some more expensive laptops. Combined with the nearly 12-hour battery life, this reliable laptop will help get you through long days. Review: Dell 14 Plus Who it's for: The Dell 14 Plus is a smart pick for people who want power and energy efficiency at a low price. It is a reliable machine that excels at office work, document writing, as well as light creative projects. At the time of this writing, Dell has three versions of this on sale at its official website. Two of the configurations are under $1,000, but the third, which has an Intel Core Ultra 9 288V CPU and 32GB of RAM, is currently $1,230. Who should look elsewhere: If you want a top-tier display, consider another laptop like the HP OmniBook Flip. While the Dell 14 Plus has a 2.5K screen, the output is not particularly vibrant. I also had an issue with the speakers because they're on the bottom of the laptop. The down-firing drivers sound fine thanks to software boosts, but their placement dampens audio quality. Dell 14 Plus tech specs: CPU Model: Intel Core Ultra 7 256V | RAM Memory: 16GB | Hard Disk Drive: 1TB | Screen Size: 14 inches Read More Show Expert Take Show less
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 like great performance, a nice screen, and a lightweight design. Don't discount the other options because they're all solid picks. Below is a table comparing the best laptops by price, CPU, storage size, and screen size to make your decision process easier. All big decisions require a lot of research. We did a lot of the heavy lifting for you, 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. Best laptop under $1,000 Lowest price available CPU Screen size Storage size Apple M2 MacBook Air $889 M2 13.6 inches 256GB Lenovo LOQ 15 $880 AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS 15.6 inches 512GB Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 $650 Intel Core Ultra 7 155U 16 inches 1TB Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge $500 Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus 3.2GHz 15.6 inches 512GB HP OmniBook 5 $520 AMD Ryzen AI 5 340 16 inches 512GB HP OmniBook X Flip 16 $730 AMD Ryzen AI 7 16 inches 1TB Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 $635 AMD Ryzen 5 7535U 16 inches 512GB Dell 14 Plus $750 Intel Core Ultra 7 256V 14 inches 1TB
*MSRP at the time of writing Show more
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. As great as it is, the MacBook Air is a bad pick for people who want a gaming laptop. Mac hardware just isn't built for that. Similarly, we don't recommend small laptops if you want a machine with a lot of ports. 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 for Apple users. Harnessing its M2 chip and 8GB of memory, this MacBook Air model offers solid performance plus a high-quality screen. Lenovo LOQ 15 The best cheap gaming laptop. Thanks to the RTX 4060 GPU and FullHD display, you can enjoy an immersive gaming experience at a low price. Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 The best 2-in-1 laptop. Lenovo's machine delivers great performance and a high-resolution display inside a slim, portable form factor. Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge The best lightweight laptop under $1,000. It's a premium device with snappy hardware that weighs just over three pounds HP OmniBook 5
The best MacBook alternative. MacBooks, even cheap ones, are pricey. Luckily, this Windows PC delivers a similar experience. HP OmniBook X Flip 16 The laptop with the best screen. HP's model boasts a 16-inch 3K OLED touchscreen that displays images in vibrant colors. Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 The best work laptop under $1,000. Lenovo's ThinkPad is highly customizable, allowing users to create a laptop perfect for them. Dell 14 Plus The best midrange laptop for under $1,000. It is a sturdy laptop that boasts above-average performance and a long-lasting battery. Show more
Factors to consider when choosing a laptop 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 should consider. CPU Model : A good processor allows your computer to quickly complete workloads and tackle the tasks at hand. Look for a newer processor boasting faster speeds to guarantee a high-performing machine.
: A good processor allows your computer to quickly complete workloads and tackle the tasks at hand. Look for a newer processor boasting faster speeds to guarantee a high-performing machine. RAM: Consider how much memory your computer will need. If you deal with many files, you'll need more RAM than the average user.
Consider how much memory your computer will need. If you deal with many files, you'll need more RAM than the average user. Screen size: Picking out the best screen size is usually a matter of preference. Laptops under $1,000 tend to have small display screens, ranging from 12.3 inches to 15.6 inches. It is, however, possible to find laptops that are both bigger and smaller than this specific range.
Picking out the best screen size is usually a matter of preference. Laptops under $1,000 tend to have small display screens, ranging from 12.3 inches to 15.6 inches. It is, however, possible to find laptops that are both bigger and smaller than this specific range. Price: The pric is, of course, the most important factor here, so pay attention. We find that the best devices range between $500 and $800, depending on the make and model you choose. Show more
How did we test these laptops? Here at ZDNET, we receive many laptops to review. Many could've made the list, so to separate the best from the rest, we followed the guidelines in the previous question. We tested the device's processor, memory, and screen size as well as considered its cost. From there, we tested the laptops even further by running labor-intensive apps to see how well they perform. Also: How we test laptops Once all the testing was done, we came to a consensus on the best ones that suit a wide variety of customers and use cases. We then rounded up the best devices in the above list. Show more
Latest news on laptops
Several things come to mind when thinking about what I expect to see with budget laptops. The most obvious to me would be a permanent price drop to the M3 MacBook Air. At the time of this writing, you can find the M3 MacBook Air hovering around $1,000. I expect these discounts to eventually become the new price later during Black Friday.
A few months ago, I predicted that Qualcomm's Snapdragon X series of chipsets would continue to dominate the space. As it turns out, I was wrong because AMD is dominating this space. More than half of the entries on this list run on AMD hardware. It's true that Intel hardware has fallen off in recent times, allowing AMD to take the lead.
Also: 12+ laptop accessories that I recommend to both students and professionals
So, I'm changing my prediction and saying that AMD Ryzen AI processors will power the next generation of midrange laptops and become the dominant force. What these chipsets will look like is unknown, but I have seen rumors throw out various codenames like Gorgon Point and Hawk Point.
FAQs on laptops under $1,000 Which laptop brand is the best and cheapest? There isn't a specific brand that is best or the cheapest. It varies a lot of the time. One company might have the best low-cost laptop this year, and in the next year, it'll be another. That said, there are several brands you should look out for when purchasing a cheap laptop: Dell, Acer, Asus, and Lenovo. Models from these frequently appear on this list because they're among the best. You'll occasionally see a great low-cost device from other famous brands like Apple or lesser-known companies, but those deals are rarer. If you want a particular MacBook, you may have to wait until the following year, when the company may offer a substantial discount. Show more Which laptop company has the least problems? Longevity is an important factor to consider when purchasing a laptop. You don't need to sacrifice quality for an inexpensive machine. A low-cost computer can last just as long, if not longer, than a more expensive one. Asus ranks high on several reliability lists. The company is lauded for equipping its machines with sturdy designs, "strengthened hinges, and shock-resistant hard drives." Of course, they're also lightweight and powerful. The US Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) even found Asus to be one of the best brands in terms of repairability in 2024. Other notable laptop brands include Dell, Microsoft, and Acer. Show more How do you know when you need a new laptop? Most people would say that you need to replace a laptop when you begin to experience performance degradation. That is certainly one factor you should look for; however, it's possible you're simply behind on your software updates. In this case, we recommend merely installing your computer's latest patches to bring it up to snuff. There are other factors to consider, such as constant crashes and random restarts, which can be signs that the hard drive is failing. Additionally, exceptionally loud cooling fans are another sign that the device is nearing its final days. You can certainly try to fix the laptop yourself, but you'll need a lot of experience in computer repair to get things done right -- or risk damaging the hardware. You're better off buying a new machine. Show more Can a Chromebook do everything a laptop can? Chromebooks are a great series of low-cost laptops created by several third-party manufacturers. Instead of Windows, they run ChromeOS. These devices are generally less expensive than laptops, perform similarly to a Windows machine, and have a long battery life. Chromebooks require very little maintenance as they don't have much on-device software. Also: Best Chromebooks for students 2025 Chromebooks are a great option for people on a budget. The main downside to owning one is the need for constant internet access to work properly. Many of the functions run on Google's cloud servers, so if you're ever away from an internet connection or the service is down, you won't be able to use a Chromebook to its fullest extent. Additionally, Chromebooks have limited storage space and processing power compared to Windows laptops. Show more
Latest updates
In the September 2025 update, we tested and added the HP OmniBook 5, HP OmniBook X Flip 16, and Dell 14 Plus to the list. Also included were the Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 as well as the Lenovo LOQ 15.
In the April 2025 update, we tested the Galaxy Book4 Edge as well as several Snapdragon X laptops and added them to the list.
Other laptops we've tested
Show less View now at Best Buy The M1 MacBook Pro was a monumental release. Its hardware still provides fast and powerful performance with a long battery life, and you can find refurbished units for cheap on Amazon. Review: M1 MacBook Pro The battery life for this laptop is out of this world, with a day's use on a single charge being possible even when pushing the system hard. Apple M1 MacBook Pro (Refurbished) Best Apple alternative The M1 MacBook Pro was a monumental release. Its hardware still provides fast and powerful performance with a long battery life, and you can find refurbished units for cheap on Amazon. Review: M1 MacBook Pro The battery life for this laptop is out of this world, with a day's use on a single charge being possible even when pushing the system hard. Read More Show Expert Take Show less
Show less View now at Walmart The HP Victus 15.6 is a good alternative to Acer's Nitro V, housing an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPU. While it's not a recent graphics card, the RTX 3050 is great at running older games in high resolution. Other notable features include a 15.6-inch Full HD display, a large touchpad, and an "updated thermal design" to keep its internals cool. HP Victus 15.6 Best gaming laptop alternative The HP Victus 15.6 is a good alternative to Acer's Nitro V, housing an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPU. While it's not a recent graphics card, the RTX 3050 is great at running older games in high resolution. Other notable features include a 15.6-inch Full HD display, a large touchpad, and an "updated thermal design" to keep its internals cool. Read More Show Expert Take Show less
For more information on laptops, as well as tips and tricks, check out how to choose a laptop for work or school, and how to fix the touchpad on your Windows laptop.