Key Points
- Our choice for the #1 Best Overall Laptop under $600 is the Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R14K Slim Laptop.
- Under $600 laptops are the ideal combination of affordability and performance, providing devices to meet a range of different needs.
- Budget laptops allow users to perform everyday tasks, manage light gaming sessions and complete remote work or education without breaking the bank.
- Consider factors like intended usage, screen size preference, battery life expectancy, processing power and storage capacity when choosing a laptop under $600.
Today’s fast-paced world makes the need for a laptop an absolute necessity, but only some have an unlimited budget to purchase an expensive model. Luckily, multiple budget-friendly models on the market provide the optimal balance of performance, portability, and affordability. With a budget of $600, one can easily find an excellent laptop that ticks all the boxes. From sleek designs to powerful processors, there’s sure to be something suitable for every student, professional, or casual user — no matter their needs or budget. The best laptops under $600 in 2023 offer impressive features at an economical price point, including long battery life, fast performance, and excellent graphics. These notebooks can handle daily tasks such as web browsing, video conferencing and word processing effortlessly.
There’s something suitable for every taste and preference when it comes to laptops, from slim and lightweight, to sturdy and durable. There’s one out there to meet them all. However, be sure to maintain performance for affordability. Modern features make budget laptops better than ever. So, let’s dive into the world of budget laptops and find the perfect device that fits your needs and budget. Here is a list of our top picks.
- Best Overall: Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop
- Best Budget: HP 15 Laptop
- Best for Performance: Lenovo Ideapad 3 Laptop
- Best for Gaming: 2020 ASUS VivoBook 15 Laptop
- Best for Business: HP 14 Laptop
- Best for Students: ASUS VivoBook 15 F515 Laptop
Best Overall: Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop
- Screen: 15-inch
- Includes a fingerprint reader and backlit keyboard
- Storage: 4GB DDR4 RAM, 128GB SSD
- Window Home Operating System in S Mode
The Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R14K Slim Laptop stands out as the ideal overall laptop under $600 in 2023. Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 3 3350U processor and 4GB DDR4 memory, this machine provides smooth performance for everyday tasks, such as browsing the web and streaming videos. It runs productivity applications and its 128GB SSD offers fast boot-up times and quick file access times.
This laptop features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display for clear and vibrant visuals from any angle. Further, its backlit keyboard enables comfortable typing in low light conditions, and its precision touchpad offers responsive navigation. Again, its long battery life of up to 7.5 hours ensures extended use without fear of running out of juice.
With its slim and lightweight design, the Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R14K laptop is lightweight and easy to transport around for on-the-go use. Additionally, its multiple connectivity ports, such as USB-C, HDMI, and USB 3.1 ports, make connecting external devices and peripherals simple. Finally, its built-in webcam and microphone make for seamless video conferencing and online collaboration.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R14K boasts a lightweight and portable design, making it the perfect companion. | This laptop does not contain an independent graphics card, which may impede its ability to support high-end graphic-intensive tasks. |
| AMD Ryzen 3 3350U processor enables smooth and efficient performance. | Built-in speakers produce low-quality sound and optimal audio output may require external speakers or headphones. |
| This PC can easily meet basic computing needs with 4GB DDR4 memory and 128GB SSD storage space. | |
| This 15.6-inch Full HD display with Acer ComfyView technology ensures crisp and vivid visuals. |
Check out Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop on Amazon.
Best Budget: HP 15 Laptop
- Screen: 15-inch IPS
- Includes Intel's Iris XE integrated graphics
- RAM: 8GB, Storage: 256GB SSD
- Warranty: 1 year (HP's limited warranty)
The HP 15 Laptop is one of the top contenders for being the best laptop under $600 in 2023. Equipped with an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, it delivers outstanding performance at its price range. Plus, its 8GB RAM can easily handle multiple applications or browser tabs without slowing down. In addition, its 256GB SSD storage provides plenty of room to keep everything safe and running smoothly on your device.
With its slim and lightweight design, the HP 15 Laptop is ideal for anyone on the go. Easy to carry around and lightweight enough not to weigh you down. This laptop also comes equipped with various ports, such as USB-C and HDMI. Thus, making connecting other devices, such as monitors or projectors simple.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The HP 15 Laptop features an 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor that ensures fast and efficient performance. | With a dedicated graphics card, this laptop may be able to handle graphically intensive tasks like gaming or video editing. |
| With 8GB RAM and 256 GB SSD storage, this laptop provides plenty of room to store files and run multiple applications smoothly. | Battery life may be different from that of some comparable laptops in its class, requiring frequent recharging throughout the day. |
| The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display produces crystal-clear and vibrant images, perfect for entertainment and work purposes alike. | Some users may find their keyboard to be slightly cramped, which could adversely impact their typing experience. |
| HP Fast Charge offers you a way to quickly recharge your laptop’s battery, saving time and increasing productivity. |
Check out HP 15 Laptop on Amazon.
Best for Performance: Lenovo Ideapad 3 Laptop
- Screen: 15-inch, resolution: 1920*1080
- RAM: 8GB DDR4, Storage: 256GB SSD
- Includes dual speakers with Dolby Audio
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (5.0)
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15-inch Laptop, equipped with an Intel Core i3-1005G1 processor and 8GB of memory, is an outstanding value under $600, thanks to its reliable hardware, which enables a smooth multitasking experience without lag. Likewise, its 256GB SSD provides enough storage space for files and documents. Plus, its fast boot-up time provides quick access to them all.
This laptop’s 15-inch screen provides a crisp and bright display, ideal for streaming videos and working on documents for extended periods. Also, with integrated Intel UHD graphics, you can even play some lighter games or perform light video editing tasks.
Lenovo’s IdeaPad 3 15-inch Laptops are known for their lightweight designs, making them convenient to carry around. Weighing only 4.07lbs and measuring 0.78 inches thick, you can carry it comfortably from place to place without strain or difficulty. Featuring up to 7.5 hours of battery life capacity for maximum convenience when on the move. In short, they make ideal choices for students, professionals, or anyone on the go.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 features an Intel Core i3-1005G1 processor for maximum daily computing performance. | Due to its basic graphics card, this laptop may not be ideal for intensive gaming or video editing tasks. |
| With 8GB of memory, this laptop can manage multiple applications and browser tabs without slowing down. | Battery life may only be sufficient to support long periods of use with access to external power sources. |
| This 256GB SSD provides fast storage and boot-up times, making it perfect for on-the-go use. | The laptop may be heavier than some models, making it less portable for frequent travellers. |
| Its 15-inch screen offers a clear and vivid display for multimedia and work tasks alike. |
Check out Lenovo Ideapad 3 Laptop on Amazon.
Best for Gaming: 2020 ASUS VivoBook 15 Laptop
- Screen: 15.6 inches, resolution: 1920*1080
- RAM: 16GB DDR4, Storage: 256GB SSD
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
- Includes AMD's Radeon integrated graphics (Vega 3 version)
The ASUS VivoBook 15 laptop stands out as an exceptional gaming performance laptop for less than $600. Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 3 3200U processor that clocks up to 3.5GHz for lightning-fast processing speeds and 16GB DDR4 RAM for smooth multitasking and playing demanding games without any lag or stutter. Asus further coupled this with AMD’s Radeon Vega 3 graphics card to guarantee stunning visuals, making this an excellent budget solution.
The VivoBook 15’s 15.6-inch Full HD 1080P display is another standout feature. Its high resolution ensures that every game looks vibrant and crisp, while its anti-glare coating reduces eye strain during long gaming sessions. Further, this laptop comes equipped with a backlit keyboard for playing in low-light environments. Additionally, its fingerprint reader adds extra security as only you can access your machine.
The VivoBook 15 comes equipped with multiple connectivity options. Further, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth make for fast file transfers and internet browsing, while HDMI allows easy connection to external displays such as larger gaming monitors. Plus, its lightweight design makes it simple to take with you wherever life may lead, whether heading out for a LAN party with friends or traveling for work.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The AMD Ryzen 3 3200U processor offers fast processing speeds up to 3.5GHz for superior performance. | The AMD Ryzen 3 3200U processor may need to be more powerful for intensive tasks. |
| Customers using 16GB DDR4 RAM can expect a smooth and seamless multitasking experience. | A 256GB SSD may need to provide more space for some users. |
| A 256GB SSD ensures quick boot-up times and rapid file transfers. | Battery life may not compare favorably with that of similar laptops in its price range. |
| The AMD Radeon Vega 3 graphics card provides clear and vibrant visuals. |
Check out 2020 ASUS VivoBook 15 Laptop on Amazon.
Best for Business: HP 14 Laptop
- Screen: 14 inches
- All day battery life (9hrs and 45mins)
- Operating system: Windows 10 Home
- Warranty: 1 year (HP limited)
The HP 14 Laptop is unquestionably one of the best laptops under $600 you can purchase today. Boasting an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor, it delivers outstanding performance for students, professionals, and casual users alike. Plus, with 8GB of RAM installed, you’ll be able to run multiple applications at the same time without experiencing lag or slowdowns.
With 256GB of SSD storage, the HP 14 Laptop offers plenty of room for documents, media files and software. Further, its 14-inch Full HD display makes for excellent video streaming or web surfing experiences. Its micro-edge and anti-glare screen protection technology ensures clear views even in bright sunlight. HP also designed the laptop to be lightweight and portable, making it easy to bring along wherever you go. Plus, its long battery life means you will stay supplied with power easily — perfect for on-the-go use.
The HP 14 Laptop offers impressive specifications and features, plus Windows 10 Home pre-installed to provide an intuitive operating system you’ll be familiar with right out of the box. Ideal for work, school, or entertainment use alike, making this an exceptional value-for-money choice.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor delivers fast and energy-efficient performance. | With only 8GB of RAM available, heavy-duty tasks may not be handled smoothly. |
| 8GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking capabilities of light tasks. | Users with large multimedia files beyond the essentials may find the laptop’s 256GB SSD storage needs to be improved. |
| A 256GBSSD provides ample space for essential files and programs. | This laptop does not contain a dedicated graphics card, restricting its ability to handle demanding gaming and video editing tasks. |
| This 14-inch Full HD display with micro-edge and anti-glare technology offers an immersive viewing experience. |
Check out HP 14 Laptop on Amazon.
Best for Students: ASUS VivoBook 15 F515 Laptop
- Screen: 15.6 inches
- Includes a numberpad and backlit keyboard
- Fingerprint reader for added security
- Operating system: Windows 10 Home (S Mode)
The ASUS VivoBook 15 F515 Laptop is an excellent value option for students on a tight budget. Featuring an incredible 15.6-inch Full HD display which makes working documents or streaming videos effortless and provides exceptional color accuracy and brightness levels, making this laptop suitable for extended use. At less than $600, its price makes this incredible value impossible to ignore!
An Intel Core i3-1005G1 processor powers this laptop, providing enough power for most daily tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and light gaming. This is paired with 4GB DDR4 RAM to facilitate smooth multitasking and app loading times, along with quick application installation speeds on its 128GB PCIe SSD for quick storage access of files and apps.
The ASUS VivoBook 15 F515 Laptop is extremely portable, weighing only 3.75 pounds. Its thin and light design makes transporting from class to class or workspace effortless. Plus, its long-lasting battery ensures uninterrupted productivity during extended work sessions without needing to charge it up again.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The ASUS VivoBook 15 F515 is an extremely lightweight laptop that makes it convenient for portability. | This 4GB DDR4 RAM may not be enough space for running multiple applications simultaneously. |
| This laptop features a 15.6-inch Full High Definition (FHD) display, which offers crisp and vivid visuals. | Windows 10 Home in S Mode may restrict users from accessing and installing apps from outside the Microsoft Store. |
| With its Intel Core i3-1005G1 processor, this laptop delivers smooth and speedy performance. | Due to its modest specifications, the laptop may not be suitable for intensive gaming or video editing tasks. |
| This 128GB PCIe SSD offers ample space for documents, media files, and software applications. |
Check out ASUS VivoBook 15 F515 Laptop on Amazon.
How to Pick the Best Laptops Under $600: Step-by-Step
Finding a laptop within your budget can be arduous, but with our help, it doesn’t need to be. Here we provide step-by-step guidance for selecting the best budget laptops under $600, from identifying your needs to finding great deals. Here are our top tips for selecting a budget laptop.
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Check the Processor
When searching for the ideal budget laptops under $600, inspecting their processors is essential. A laptop’s processor acts like a brain responsible for carrying out tasks and running applications. Choosing one with a powerful processor ensures smooth multitasking, faster data processing speeds, and overall superior performance.
Ensure your selection includes modern high-performance processors such as Intel’s Core i5 or AMD’s Ryzen 5 processors to meet your needs. These models strike a delicate balance between power and affordability. Outdated models may need help with demanding tasks. Therefore, inspecting the laptop’s processor ensures a snappy and responsive laptop experience within your budget.
Look For Enough Ram
When searching for laptops under $600, one important tip to remember is to have enough RAM. Ample RAM provides smooth multitasking and efficient performance. Running multiple applications at the same time without slowdowns or freezes improves productivity while simultaneously fulfilling different tasks, such as browsing the internet, working with office applications, or editing multimedia content without interruption.
In addition, sufficient RAM also facilitates faster data processing speeds, reducing lag times for improved overall user experiences. Hence, prioritizing laptops with sufficient RAM ensures optimal performance while providing optimal computing experiences, all within budget constraints.
Consider the Storage Space
As part of your search for the ideal laptops under $600, one crucial factor to keep in mind when evaluating is storage capacity. Assessing available storage can help determine if a particular model can meet your requirements. Ample space allows multitasking without interruption from external storage devices and ensures future-proofing as data requirements increase over time. Therefore, look for laptops with sizable hard disk drives (HDDs) or solid-state drives (SSDs) to ensure optimal performance and user experience.
©History-Computer.com
Pay Attention to the Battery Life
Battery life should always take precedence when selecting the ideal laptop under $600. Battery longevity plays an essential part in defining the laptop’s overall usability and convenience. Thus, prioritize laptops that boast long battery lives so that you can work, browse, or stream without constantly needing an outlet nearby.
What to Know Before Buying a Laptop Under $600
Before purchasing a laptop under $600, it’s essential to identify your requirements. Consider what purpose the computer will serve — gaming, work or browsing. Each purpose may require different specifications. Thus, it is wise to research this before purchasing something too costly or inadequately powered.
Be sure to research the processor, RAM, and storage capacities of any laptop you intend to buy. A processor’s speed and core count are vital for multitasking and running demanding programs simultaneously, while RAM capacity determines how many apps the laptop can run concurrently, and storage capacity the amount of data it can store.
Check your display’s size, resolution, and type before purchasing one. A larger screen is best for work or entertainment, while smaller models may be easier to transport. A higher resolution guarantees sharper images, while an IPS panel offers improved color accuracy and viewing angles.
Battery life is essential when selecting a laptop computer. Careful consideration must be given to battery capacity and whether you can replace the laptop’s battery. Further, a longer battery lifespan means increased productivity when on the move.
Focus on the laptop’s weight and portability when choosing one for travel or commute purposes. A lighter laptop is easier to carry, making it ideal for travel and commuting. Build quality is also key, as sturdy construction will extend its longevity.
Using a Laptop Under $600: What It’s Like
Experience with laptops under $600 can be mixed. While more cost-effective, they lack many capabilities found on high-end models. One key difference is in processing power. Lower-end models often feature slower processors, making tasks like video editing or gaming challenging. However, they perform fairly well for basic tasks like web browsing or word processing.
Another difference lies in build quality; less expensive laptops often utilize lower-grade materials that could impede durability. Further, these models feature fewer ports and features that limit functionality. Plus, their keyboard and trackpad may not provide as comfortable an experience as those found on more costly laptops.
Battery life should also be important when shopping for laptops under $600. While certain models may offer extended battery life, most do not, which can become increasingly annoying if you need to use your computer for extended periods without access to an outlet.
Even with their limitations, laptops under $600 offer many advantages. Their low prices make them accessible to more people while being lightweight and portable. They are thus ideal for students or anyone needing to work away from a desk. Further, many models feature sleek designs which combine functionality with style.
Best Laptops Under $600: Summary
Choosing from the best laptops under $600 can feel a bit daunting. The first step is to decide what the computer is for, such as personal use, business, or gaming. In this article, you saw the best laptops under $600 for your budget, performance, gaming, business, and students. You also learned tips for choosing a laptop, which included checking the processor, looking for enough ram, and considering storage space. Taking all of this into consideration will help you choose the best laptop under $600 for you.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Ground Picture/Shutterstock.com.
