Advancing technology has led to the development of high-performance computers and laptops. Periodically, most companies launch newer laptops with enhanced specs and capabilities. These devices cost thousands of dollars, making them unaffordable to many people. However, that doesn’t mean you cannot find the best budget-friendly laptop. You can easily get an under $700 laptop suitable for daily office tasks and PC gaming.
Most people are using budget laptops, and their performance doesn’t disappoint. So any dollar spent on these devices will guarantee returns. However, ensure they have the capability of performing your tasks, whether it be for work, school, or entertainment. Now let’s review some of the best laptops under $700 in 2023.
Just take a look at our roundup of 6 best laptops under $700:
- Best Overall: Acer Aspire 5
- Best for Travel: Dell Inspiron 15.6-inch
- Best for Performance: 2023 Acer Aspire 5 Slim
- Best for Multitasking: Lenovo Ideapad 3
- Best for Entertainment: Dell Inspiron FHD
- Best Budget Option: Lenovo FHD Laptop Computer
Best Overall: Acer Aspire 5
- Includes Windows 10 (Home edition) preinstalled
- RAM: 8GB DDR4, Storage: 256GB SSD
- AMD's Ryzen 5 Hexacore CPU with AMD's integrated Radeon graphics
- Battery: approximately 11 hours
Acer is a popular brand that guarantees value for money on laptop models. Acer Aspire 5 A515-45-R1YC ranks at the top of the best under $700 laptops. It comes with an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U Hexa-core mobile processor that produces 8 threads and 4 cores clocked at a speed of 2.1GHz and a 4.1GHz boost clock speed. With this speed, it has the computing power to run daily heavy-duty tasks. Moreover, the Acer Aspire 5 A515-45-R1YC has a replaceable 256GB SSD and 8GB RAM to cater to your additional storage needs. Its AMD Radeon graphics card is also great for highly demanding applications.
Despite its entry-level price tag, it has a 15.6-inch widescreen LED-backlit IPS display with 1920 x 1080 FHD resolution. It also has the Acer Bluelightshield technology and Acer color intelligence for an improved visual appearance that shields the eyes. In addition, this laptop features true harmony technology, Bluetooth 5.0, 2 in-built stereo speakers, Wireless Wi-Fi 6 AX200 802.11 ax (2.4GHz and 5GHz), an HD webcam, and a 1000GB LAN RJ-45 port. Further, it has a 1-year warranty.
Check out the Acer Aspire 5 on Amazon.
Best for Travel: Dell Inspiron 15.6-inch Laptop
- Windows 10 Home edition pre-installed
- Intel's 11th gen Core i7 CPU with a speed of 2.8GHz (4.7GHz boosted)
- RAM: 8GB DDR4, Storage: 256GB SSD
- GPU: Intel's integrated Iris XE Graphics
Dell Inspiron 15.6-inch Laptop features on this list due to its premium construction and excellent performance. The laptop runs on an Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor featuring 4 cores and 8 threads coupled with the new Intel Iris Xe GPU. Its average clock speed is 2.4GHz, and an excellent 4.2GHz boost clock speed. Dell also provides a 256GB SSD with 8GB RAM for a smooth performance every time.
Besides its exceptional 15.6 inch 1920 x 1080 display, Dell’s Inspiron 15 5502 is quite compact due to its thinner bezels. Despite being light and thin, this laptop still provides a 53Whr in-built battery that lasts very long. Additionally, buyers will get a 1-year warranty when they purchase this laptop. In terms of connectivity, this laptop has several options, such as a second gen USB Type C 3.1 port, two first gen USB type A3 ports, an HDMI 2.0 port, a set of Combo Audio Ports, and a micro SD card slot.
Check out the Dell Inspiron 15.6-inch Laptop on Amazon.
Best for Performance: 2023 Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop
- Backlit LED Keyboard
- Battery: approximately 16 hours
- AMD's Ryzen 5 5500U CPU with a speed of 2.1GHz (boost to 4GHz)
- Storage: 1TB SSD, RAM: 24GB
The 2023 Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop ranks high on our list of laptops under $700 in 2023 due to its exemplary performance and accessories that come in handy for its users. This laptop is powered by an AMD Ryzen 3 3350U CPU that provides 4 threads and 4 cores, making it a worthy investment. This processor has an average speed of 2.1GHz and a 4GHz boost clock speed. Although its AMD RX Vega 3 GPU isn’t very powerful, the laptop still offers a 512GB SSD and 24GB RAM, which surpasses any other laptop in its class.
This laptop has a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1820 impeccable display, perfect for entertainment and productivity. It also comes with a 48Whr battery, better connectivity options, and a 1-year warranty. Its connectivity options include: one first gen USB Type C 3.2 port, one USB type A 2.0 port, one combo audio port, one first gen USB type A 3.2 port, one HDMI 2.0 port, and one Ethernet port.
Check out the 2023 Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop on Amazon.
Best for Multitasking: Lenovo Ideapad 3 Laptop
- 15.6-inch HD (1366 x 768px) Touchscreen
- RAM: 20GB DDR4, Storage: 1TB SSD
- Intel's 11th generation Core i3 CPU
- SD Card reader (multi-format) included
Lenovo Ideapad 3 Laptop is a suitable option for multitasking. It comprises 20GB RAM paired with a 1TB SSD, making it ideal for running several programs simultaneously. Its computing power is also very high, given that its AMD Ryzen 3 3250U comprises 2 cores and 4 threads that run at an average speed of 2.6GHz and a 3.5GHz boost clock speed. Its GPU is the average AMD RX Vega 3 graphics card.
The major downside with the Lenovo Ideapad 3 laptop is its 1366 x 768 HD resolution, despite its 15.6-inch display. Thankfully, other parts of this device, like its collection of ports, can cover this limitation. This laptop has a 1-year warranty and a decent battery life lasting up to 6 hours. That is quite impressive for its price tag. Its connectivity options include an card slot, two USB type A 2.0 ports, a set of combo audio ports, two USB type A 3.0 ports , and an HDMI 1.4 port.
Check out the Lenovo Ideapad 3 Laptop on Amazon.
Best for Entertainment: Dell Inspiron FHD Laptop
- Intel's Celeron Dual-core CPU (N4020) with a speed of 2.8GHz
- RAM: 16GB DDR4, Storage: 512GB SSD
- Pre-installed Windows 10 Home
- Optical drive not included
- Battery: 42WHr
The Dell Inspiron FHD comprises an entry-level Intel Dual-Core N4020 with an average speed of 1.1GHz and a 2.8GHz boost clock speed. This processor is joined with the Intel UHD G1 Graphics. Although this device provides 2TB storage and 1 GB RAM, instead of an SSD, it uses a slow HDD, which likely lowers its performance.
The Dell Inspiron FHD has several features you don’t expect a budget-friendly laptop to have. For instance, its 15.6-inch display can deliver a 1920 x 1080 resolution. This guarantees an excellent display for entertainment and productivity. It also has a battery size of 42Whr, which is common for most laptops, and a 1-year warranty backing. Its connectivity options include a combo audio port, a USB type A 2.0 port, an HDMI 2.0 port, an SD card reader, and two first gen USB type A 3.1 ports.
Check out the Dell Inspiron FHD on Amazon.
Best Budget Option: Lenovo FHD Laptop Computer
- Intel's 10th generation Core i3 CPU
- Warranty: 1 year
- RAM: 12GB DDR4, Storage: 512GB SSD
- Windows 10 Home (S mode) pre-installed
The Lenovo FHD Laptop Computer is another budget-friendly option for a $700 budget. This device uses an Intel Core i3 1005g1 CPU with 2 cores and 4 threads that runs at a clock speed of 1.2GHz and 3.4GHz boost clock speed. It has a decent multitasking performance due to its 512GB SSD and 12GB RAM.
Additionally, this laptop has an amazing display comprising a 15.6-inch screen with a 1920 x 1080 resolution. Moreover, its battery lasts 6 hours and it has a 1-year warranty. Its connectivity options include an SD card slot, two USB type A 2.0 ports, an HDMI 1.4 port, a set of combo audio ports, and two USB type A 3.0 ports.
Check out the Lenovo FHD Laptop Computer on Amazon.
How to Pick the Best Under $700 Laptop:
Buying computing devices and laptops is the most confusing exercise. Even if you have clear objectives, finding the perfect laptop is very challenging. Navigating several manufacturers’ websites in your search is also quite frustrating. The issue becomes even more tedious if you are on a budget because it limits your options. This detailed guide highlights factors to consider when picking the best under $700 laptop.
CPU
In your search for an affordable laptop, consider its CPU power, as this will determine whether you will be able to use your preferred applications. Laptops that fall under the $700 mark typically have one of the following processors; AMD Ryzen 7 3700U, AMD Ryzen 3 3250u, AMD Ryzen 5 3450U, Intel Core i3 1005G1, Intel Core i5 1035G1, and Intel Core i5 1135G7. The most powerful processors among these options are the AMD Ryzen 7 3700U and Intel Core i5 1135G7.
Further, consider the CPU’s number of cores and threads. You will discover 4-core and 8-thread processors are better than 2-core and 4-thread options, especially for multitasking and heavy-duty tasks. The clock speed also affects a CPU’s performance. 4GHz CPUs will always outperform the 2GHz CPUs in every application and task.
RAM and Storage
The laptop’s storage and RAM can affect its general performance and responsiveness. First, having a high-capacity RAM for multitasking and heavy-duty workloads is advantageous. Remember, the RAM stores every program operating on your device simultaneously. So, a 16GB RAM laptop can store multiple programs and bigger applications than an 8GB RAM laptop. Some laptop models allow users to upgrade the RAM.
On the other hand, the laptop’s storage can affect its overall responsiveness. If all your programs have been installed in the storage drive, a faster drive will enable you to access them quickly at any time. For this reason, laptops under the $700 budget use SSD drives. Besides speed, consider the storage capacity. Your laptop will store massive amounts of personal data and programs. Finding budget laptops with 1TB or 2TB SSD options is possible. However, regardless of which laptop you choose, ensure the storage is at least 512GB.
GPU
If you need a laptop suitable for all applications and usage, check its GPU. Unfortunately, getting a laptop for under $700 with a dedicated GPU is quite challenging. However, you can still get powerful internal GPU alternatives like the Intel Iris Xe GPU, AMD RX Vega 10, AMD RX Vega 8, AMD RX Vega 3, and Intel UHD G1 GPU.
The most powerful options are the Intel Iris Xe and AMD RX Vega 10. These integrated GPUs support the smooth running of applications, basic video output, and light PC gaming. Integrated GPU shares the memory of the primary system, unlike the dedicated GPU.
Display
Even if you can connect your laptop to an external monitor, ensure its display is great. Remember, you will use it for portable tasks, so the display must be impeccable. There are various display options for laptops retailing under $700. You can find 17.3-inch and 15.6-inch displays that are appropriate for most users.
As for the screen quality and resolution, almost all laptops have 1920 x 1080 FHD options, apart from a few laptops with 1366 x 768 HD displays. Additionally, you can get stylish touchscreen options for simple zooming and scrolling. Always go for laptops with the best displays.
Connectivity
©History-Computer.com
You won’t be using your laptop independently all the time. Sometimes you might have to connect it to an external monitor or other devices. The best laptops have connectivity options for speakers, keyboards, printers, mice, storage devices, and other gadgets.
Before choosing a laptop, check its physical ports like HDMI, USB type A, USB type B, SD Card Reader, Display Port, audio jacks, and Ethernet. The best ones have multiple ports with recent versions.
Touchpad and Keyboard
The touchpad and keyboard are vital controlling features of laptops. If they function effectively, the laptop will be suitable for portable use. In your search for a budget-friendly laptop, ensure its keyboard and touchpad are highly responsive. This will make it easier for you to type and perform other tasks.Further, opt for laptops with a bigger touchpad and additional software features like palm rejection and gestures for a better touching experience.
Battery Life
Battery life is very important, especially for laptops meant for portable use. A good laptop can stay away from the power plug longer without issues. The laptop’s battery life is typically rated in hours; for example, 9 hours on a single charge. The best way to know is by checking the battery’s capacity because a 60Whr battery lasts longer than the smaller 40Whr battery. Go for laptops with bigger-sized batteries because they will enable you to do more work. Small batteries always limit users, especially when working remotely on highly demanding tasks.
Warranty
Although these entry-level computers are very cheap, protecting your investment in them is important. Not every laptop displayed in retail stores is in perfect shape. Some have issues stemming from manufacturing errors or poor handling. Such devices will always develop issues after you’ve acquired them. A warranty will protect you from losses associated with such issues.
Many laptops have a 1-year warranty to give the buyers peace of mind. Moreover, consider the build quality of these devices because it determines their durability. For instance, metallic-built laptops are very strong compared to plastic options.
©History-Computer.com
What to Know Before Buying Laptops Under $700
Laptops vary in specifications, size, and design, making it difficult for anyone to pick the right one. It is also way more challenging to pick the right laptop without adequate knowledge. Whether you intend to type a book, play PC games, or work on graphic designs, you cannot ignore the importance of having the right model. Here are things you must know before buying an under $700 laptop.
- Pick a platform – You need the right platform that suits your needs. Most laptops come with macOS, Windows, or Chrome OS. Therefore, pick a laptop with your preferred operating system.
- Pick the perfect size – It is easy to tell the size of these devices by their display sizes measured in inches. Opt for a laptop that is more portable for you. Most users prefer the lightest and thinnest laptops with 11 to 12-inch screens.
- Mind the brand – The company that manufactured the laptop will determine its build quality and reliability. So, pick a laptop made by a globally reputable company.
Using Under $700 Laptops: What It’s Like
Buying a cheap laptop depends solely on what you intend to do with it. A laptop is an investment. Therefore, don’t buy a device that won’t give you a return for purchasing it. Also, being cheap doesn’t mean the laptop’s performance is poor. There are many cheap laptops with good build quality, and they perform incredibly on heavy-duty tasks. So, laptops costing less than $700 can allow you to do your day-to-day tasks and enjoy some PC games. However, don’t expect them to function as a supercomputer because their specs are still limited.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©GaudiLab/Shutterstock.com.
