A guide to budget-friendly laptops, including top recommendations and essential hardware specifications to look for when shopping.
Key facts
- •The Framework Laptop 12 allows users to swap out nearly every internal component.
- •Windows laptops are generally considered worth buying only in the $500-plus range.
- •The Acer Nitro V 16 gaming laptop may experience battery drain during heavy gaming if used with its included 135-watt power adapter.
- •Chromebooks are recommended for users with a budget under $500.
- •Avoid Windows laptops equipped with Intel Celeron processors.
Wired has released its 2026 recommendations for affordable laptops, highlighting devices that offer the best value for their price. The list includes options ranging from the modular Framework Laptop 12 to various Chromebooks and Windows machines. The guide emphasizes that while budget laptops often require compromises in areas like display and touchpad quality, certain models remain reliable choices for specific use cases.
By the numbers
Top Recommended Models
The Framework Laptop 12 is highlighted for its modular design, which allows users to easily upgrade internal components like the CPU. The DIY Edition starts at $549. For gaming, the Lenovo LOQ 15 is noted for its IPS panel and RTX 5060 graphics, priced at $1,400. The Acer Chromebook Plus 516, priced at $479, is recommended for its high-quality touchpad, while the Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9, priced at $379, is praised for its portability and 10-hour battery life.
Buying Advice and Specifications
Experts advise against purchasing Windows laptops priced under $300, suggesting Chromebooks as a better alternative for that price range. Regardless of the type, laptops should have at least a 1920 x 1080 resolution display, 8 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of storage. While 8 GB of RAM is a minimum requirement, 16 GB is recommended for better performance with heavier applications or multitasking.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Wired.
