The ultimate laptop buying guide to fit your budget: 11 top picks compared

Buying a laptop can be a time-consuming and overwhelming process, especially when you're trying to balance your budget with your computing needs. Whether you're a student, professional, or just someone who needs a reliable machine for personal use, it's important to find the right laptop that can fit your budget. With so many different models, specifications, and configurations on the market, it can be challenging to know where to start. In this comprehensive laptop buying guide, we've done the hard work for you. We've researched and compared 11 of the best laptops available on the market today, taking into account their performance, specifications, design, and, of course, price. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly option or a high-end machine, you'll find something in this guide to suit your needs. So, sit back, relax, and let us help you find the perfect laptop within your budget.

1. Introduction to buying a laptop

Buying a laptop can be a daunting experience, especially if you're not tech-savvy. With so many options available on the market, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin. That's why we've put together this ultimate laptop buying guide to help you make an informed decision that fits your budget.
When buying a laptop, there are several factors to consider, such as performance, portability, battery life, and overall design. You'll want to think about what you'll be using your laptop for; will it be for work, entertainment, or both? Will you be using it on the go or primarily at home? These are all important questions to ask yourself before making a purchase.
Another key consideration is your budget. Laptops can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, so it's important to determine how much you're willing to spend before you start shopping. Keep in mind that while a higher price tag often means better performance and features, there are also plenty of affordable options that can still meet your needs.
Ultimately, the key to buying a laptop is to do your research and take your time. By considering your needs, budget, and comparing options, you can find a laptop that fits your lifestyle and enhances your computing experience.

2. Factors to consider when buying a laptop

Buying a laptop is a big decision as it is an investment that you will use for years to come. There are several factors to consider when making this purchase. The first and foremost factor is your budget. The price range of laptops is vast, and it is important to determine how much you are willing to spend. Once you have established your budget, the next factor to consider is the purpose of your laptop. Are you using it for gaming, work, or casual browsing? The purpose will determine the specifications you require in your laptop, such as the processor, RAM, and graphics card.
Another important factor to consider is the size and weight of the laptop. If you are constantly on the go, a lightweight and compact laptop may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you are using your laptop for work, a larger screen size may be more suitable for productivity.
The battery life is another important factor to consider. If you are constantly on the move, you will need a laptop with a long battery life to avoid being tethered to a power outlet. Additionally, the keyboard and touchpad are essential factors to consider, as they will determine the ease with which you can type and navigate your laptop.
Lastly, it is important to consider the brand and customer support. Choosing a reputable brand with good customer support will ensure that you have access to assistance and repairs if needed. Keeping these factors in mind will help you make an informed decision when buying a laptop that fits your budget and needs.

3. Best laptops under $500

When looking for a laptop under $500, you need to be realistic about what you can expect from the device. While it may not be the most powerful or feature-packed laptop on the market, there are still some great options available to you.

One option to consider is the Acer Aspire 5 Slim. This laptop offers a 15.6-inch display, an AMD Ryzen 3 processor, and 4GB of RAM, making it a great choice for basic tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and email.

If you're looking for something with a bit more power, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a great choice. With an Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 15.6-inch display, this laptop can handle more demanding tasks such as video streaming and light gaming.

Another great option is the HP Stream 11. This laptop is incredibly lightweight and portable, making it a great choice for students or people on the go. It comes with an Intel Celeron N4000 processor, 4GB of RAM, and a 11.6-inch display, making it a great choice for basic tasks.

Ultimately, when looking for a laptop under $500, it's important to manage your expectations and focus on what you really need from a device. With a little bit of research and some careful consideration, you can find a great laptop that fits both your budget and your needs.

4. Best laptops under $700

When it comes to finding a laptop under $700, there are plenty of options available on the market. These laptops are perfect for students, freelancers, and professionals who need a reliable machine for everyday use without breaking the bank. 
One of the best options in this price range is the Acer Aspire 5. This laptop is equipped with an Intel Core i5-1035G1 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD, making it a great choice for multitasking and basic computing tasks. 
Another great option is the HP 15-dy1731ms. This laptop boasts an Intel Core i5-1035G1 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, making it ideal for those who need a little extra storage space. 
If you're in the market for a 2-in-1 laptop, the Lenovo Flex 14 is a great choice. It comes with an AMD Ryzen 5 3500U processor, 12GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD, making it a versatile machine for both work and play. 
Ultimately, the best laptop under $700 will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Take the time to consider what features are most important to you, whether it's processing power, storage capacity, or portability, and choose a laptop that fits your budget and lifestyle.

5. Best laptops under $1000

If you're on a budget and looking for a laptop under $1000, there are still plenty of great options available. In fact, you can find some very capable machines that offer excellent performance, long battery life, and a good selection of ports and features.
One such option is the Acer Aspire 5. This laptop offers a 15.6-inch Full HD display, an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. It also has a backlit keyboard, fingerprint reader, and a variety of ports including USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and Ethernet.
Another great option is the Lenovo IdeaPad 5. This laptop has a 14-inch Full HD display, an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. It also has a backlit keyboard, fingerprint reader, and a variety of ports including USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and SD card reader. The IdeaPad 5 is also known for its excellent battery life, lasting up to 12 hours on a single charge.
If you're looking for something even more affordable, the HP Pavilion x360 is a good choice. This 2-in-1 laptop has a 14-inch HD touchscreen, an Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD. It also has a variety of ports including USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and a card reader. The Pavilion x360 also has a 360-degree hinge, allowing you to use it in tablet mode.
Overall, there are many great laptops available for under $1000, and it's important to consider your needs and priorities when making a decision. Whether you're looking for a powerful workhorse or a versatile 2-in-1, there's sure to be a laptop out there that fits your budget and your needs.

6. Best gaming laptops under $1500

If you're in the market for a gaming laptop that won't break the bank, there are plenty of options available. With a budget of $1500, you can find a laptop that can handle even the most demanding games, without sacrificing performance or quality. Here are some of the best gaming laptops under $1500 that you should consider:

1. ASUS ROG Strix G15: With a 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics, this laptop is a great option for those looking for a powerful gaming machine. It also has an impressive 144Hz display, which is perfect for fast-paced games.

2. Acer Predator Helios 300: This laptop is a great choice for gamers who want a powerful machine without spending a fortune. It features a 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics, and a 144Hz display.

3. MSI GF65 Thin: This laptop is a great option for gamers who want a powerful machine that's also lightweight and portable. It features a 9th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660Ti graphics, and a 120Hz display.

4. Dell G5 15: This laptop is a great option for gamers who want a powerful machine with a sleek design. It features a 9th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics, and a 144Hz display.

5. HP Omen 15: This laptop is a great option for gamers who want a machine that can handle even the most demanding games. It features a 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti graphics, and a 144Hz display.

When it comes to buying a gaming laptop under $1500, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize performance, portability, or design, there's a laptop out there that's perfect for you.

7. Best business laptops for professionals

When it comes to finding the best business laptop for professionals, it's all about functionality, performance, and reliability. You need a machine that can keep up with your demanding workload and help you stay productive on-the-go. 
One of the top choices for business laptops is the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon. This laptop is lightweight, durable, and boasts a long battery life. It also has a sleek design, making it a great choice for professionals who are always on the move. 
Another great option is the Dell XPS 13. This laptop has a beautiful display and powerful performance, making it perfect for multitasking and running complex applications. It also has a long battery life and a lightweight design. 
For those who need a larger screen, the HP EliteBook 840 G7 is a great choice. It has a 14-inch display, making it ideal for working on presentations and spreadsheets. It also has a durable design and long battery life. 
Other top choices for business laptops include the Apple MacBook Pro, Microsoft Surface Laptop 3, and the ASUS ZenBook UX425. No matter what your specific needs are, there is a business laptop out there that can help you stay productive and efficient.

8. Best laptops for students

Students have unique needs when it comes to laptops. A great laptop for a student should have excellent performance, battery life, and portability, all while still fitting into a student’s tight budget. Here are some of the best laptops for students on the market today:

1. Dell XPS 13 - an excellent all-rounder for students with a great design, long battery life, and strong performance.

2. MacBook Air - incredibly lightweight and portable, with a long battery life and excellent performance.

3. ASUS ZenBook UX425 - a great choice for students who need a larger screen for studying or watching lectures.

4. HP Envy x360 13 - a versatile 2-in-1 laptop that can be used as a tablet or laptop, perfect for students who need to take notes by hand.

5. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon - a durable laptop with a great keyboard and long battery life, perfect for students who need to write essays or do research.

6. Acer Chromebook Spin 311 - a budget-friendly option for students who need a lightweight, portable laptop for taking notes and browsing the web.

7. Microsoft Surface Laptop Go - a stylish and affordable laptop that offers great performance and a long battery life.

8. HP Pavilion 14 - a great value laptop for students on a tight budget, with good performance and a long battery life.

9. Google Pixelbook Go - a sleek and lightweight laptop with a long battery life, perfect for students who need to take their laptop on the go.

10. Dell Inspiron 15 5000 - a budget-friendly option for students who need a larger screen for studying or working on projects.

11. Acer Aspire 5 - a powerful laptop with a long battery life and a great keyboard, perfect for students who need to type a lot.

No matter what your needs or budget, there is a laptop out there that is perfect for students. Consider your needs carefully and choose a laptop that will help you succeed in your studies.

9. Best laptops for creatives

When it comes to laptops for creatives, there are a few things to consider. First, you want a laptop with a high-resolution display that can accurately represent colors. This is especially important for photographers, graphic designers, and video editors who need to see their work in detail. Look for laptops with at least a full HD (1920 x 1080) display, but if you can afford it, go for a laptop with a 4K display for even better color accuracy.

Next, you want a laptop with powerful hardware that can handle demanding creative applications. This includes a fast processor (Intel Core i7 or i9 or AMD Ryzen 7 or 9), plenty of RAM (at least 16GB), and a dedicated graphics card (Nvidia or AMD).

For creatives who work on the go, portability is also important. Look for laptops that are lightweight and thin, so you can easily take them with you wherever you go. Consider a 2-in-1 laptop that can be used as a tablet, as this can be useful for artists who like to draw or sketch.

Some of the best laptops for creatives include the Apple MacBook Pro, Dell XPS 15, HP Spectre x360, and Microsoft Surface Book 3. These laptops have powerful hardware, high-resolution displays, and are lightweight and portable. However, they can be expensive, so if you're on a budget, consider the Acer ConceptD 7 or the Lenovo Yoga C940, which are more affordable options without sacrificing too much on features.

10. Best 2-in-1 laptops for versatility

2-in-1 laptops are becoming increasingly popular due to their versatility. These laptops can transform from a traditional laptop into a tablet with just a simple flip or twist of the screen. They are perfect for people who want the convenience of a tablet but also need the functionality of a laptop.
One of the best 2-in-1 laptops on the market is the Microsoft Surface Pro 7. It has a 12.3-inch touch screen display, a detachable keyboard, and a built-in kickstand that allows for easy adjustment of the viewing angle. It also has a long battery life of up to 10.5 hours and runs on an Intel Core i5 processor, making it a powerful device.
Another great option is the Lenovo Yoga C930. It has a 13.9-inch touch screen display, a 360-degree hinge that allows for easy transformation into a tablet, and a built-in stylus for easy note-taking and drawing. It also has a long battery life of up to 12 hours and runs on an Intel Core i7 processor, making it a top-performing device.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, the HP Pavilion x360 is a great choice. It has a 14-inch touch screen display, a 360-degree hinge, and runs on an Intel Core i3 processor. It also has a long battery life of up to 10 hours and is lightweight and easy to carry around.
Overall, 2-in-1 laptops offer a great balance between portability and functionality. With so many options on the market, you're sure to find one that fits your needs and budget.

11. Conclusion and final thoughts on laptop buying.

In conclusion, buying a laptop can be a daunting task, but with the right information, it can be a breeze. Before making a purchase, consider your needs, budget, and preferences. Do you need a laptop for work or personal use? Are you looking for a lightweight device for travel, or a powerful machine for gaming or graphic design?
Once you have a clear idea of what you're looking for, it's important to do your research and compare different models and brands. Look for reviews from reputable sources, and check the specifications to ensure that the laptop meets your requirements.
Keep in mind that there are many factors to consider when buying a laptop, including the processor, RAM, storage, display, and battery life. It's also important to think about the operating system and software you'll need.
Finally, don't forget to consider the warranty and customer service offered by the manufacturer. A good warranty can provide peace of mind and protect your investment.
With these factors in mind, you'll be able to find the perfect laptop to fit your budget and needs. Happy shopping!

We hope that our ultimate laptop buying guide was helpful in your search for the perfect laptop that fits your budget. We understand that purchasing a laptop can be overwhelming, and that's why we have put together this comprehensive guide to make the process easier for you. We hope that our list of top picks and comparison chart provides you with the information you need to make an informed decision. If you have any further questions or suggestions for laptops that should be on this list, please let us know in the comments below. Happy shopping!