When you’re a student or engaged in online learning, having a reliable laptop that fits your budget is essential. Choosing the right laptop can make your study sessions smoother, help you stay organized, and keep you connected without breaking the bank. In this guide, you’ll discover five affordable laptops that balance performance, portability, and price, so you can focus on your education without worrying about your device.
Top Picks
| Category | Product | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Best Overall | HP Chromebook 14 Laptop | 88/100 | |
| đź’° Best Value | Acer Gateway Chromebook 311 | 85/100 | |
| 🎯 Best for Beginners | HP 14 Laptop (14-dq0040nr) | 80/100 | |
| đź’ˇ Best Innovation | 15.6 Inch Laptop with Office 365 (Jumper EZbook S7-Hi) | 82/100 | |
| ⚡ Best Performance | Apple MacBook Air 2017 (Renewed) | 83/100 |
How We Chose These Laptops
We focused on laptops that offer a solid balance of affordability, performance, and portability, which are key for students and online learners. Each device needed to support everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, video conferencing, and streaming.
Battery life, build quality, and user-friendly operating systems were also important to ensure you can study comfortably anywhere. We considered customer reviews and ratings to highlight devices that deliver reliable performance without overspending.
HP 14 Laptop
If you’re looking for a laptop that’s easy to carry around and handles everyday tasks without fuss, this HP 14 fits the bill. Its 14-inch HD micro-edge screen gives you more viewing space without making the laptop bulky, so it’s great for classes, streaming, or just browsing. The Intel Celeron processor and 4 GB of RAM keep things running smoothly for emails, writing papers, and video calls, though it’s not built for heavy multitasking or gaming.
Storage is on the smaller side, so you’ll want to lean on cloud services or an external drive for bigger files. It comes with Windows 11 Home and a year of Microsoft 365, which is handy if you use Word or Excel regularly.
Overall, it’s a solid pick if you want something simple, portable, and reliable for schoolwork and everyday use.
What People Say
People appreciate how easy this laptop is to use and carry, especially for basic tasks like writing, emailing, and video chatting. The inclusion of Microsoft 365 for a year is a nice bonus for students.
🗣️ Robert G. Leroe
This laptop does pretty much everything I need. I’ve found that you can trust HP for quality and ease of use. You don’t have to be a tech nerd to utilize its capabilities. If you’re going from one HP to this one, a lot of your settings and apps and documents will transfer over, even your background picture. I use my laptop for writing, email, video-conferencing and surfing the internet, and it does all those things very well.
🗣️ Shannon Wilkins (Visual Media Focus)
HP 14 Laptop (14-dq0040nr) – Affordable and Portable, but with Some Trade-offs. Portable & Lightweight – The thin and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, ideal for on-the-go use. Decent Display – The 14-inch HD micro-edge display offers clear visuals, though it’s not full HD. Windows 11 Home – Comes with the latest OS, which is optimized for modern applications. 1-Year Microsoft 365 Subscription – A great addition for users who rely on Word, Excel, and other Office tools.
How It Fits Your Day
| Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Taking notes and writing papers | The lightweight design means you can bring it to class or the library without feeling weighed down. |
| Video conferencing for online classes | Windows 11 Home supports popular video apps smoothly, so you can stay connected without hassle. |
| Streaming lectures or videos | The HD micro-edge display offers a clear picture that’s easy on the eyes during long study sessions. |
| Managing documents and spreadsheets | With Microsoft 365 included, you have access to Word, Excel, and more right out of the box. |
School Ready
This laptop supports all the essential tools you need for school, including Microsoft Office apps and web browsers, making it a practical choice for students who want to focus on learning without extra complications.
User Friendly Features
| Feature | Ease Level |
|---|---|
| Setup and installation | Easy |
| Running everyday apps | Easy |
| Portability | Easy |
| Multitasking with multiple tabs | Moderate |
What You Can Do
While it’s not designed for heavy-duty tasks like gaming or video editing, this HP laptop covers all the basics well. Whether you’re writing essays, attending online classes, or streaming videos, it adapts to your daily student needs without fuss.
Why You’ll Like It
- Lightweight and easy to carry around
- Clear 14-inch HD micro-edge display
- Comes with Windows 11 Home and Microsoft 365
- Good for everyday tasks like browsing, writing, and video calls
Rating: 4.1 (total: 2283+)
HP Chromebook 14 Laptop
If you want a laptop that’s light enough to toss in your backpack but still powerful enough to handle your daily schoolwork and streaming, this HP Chromebook 14 is a solid choice. The 14-inch anti-glare HD screen makes it easy to work in different lighting, even outside. It’s got enough power with the Intel Celeron processor and 4 GB RAM to keep up with your assignments, video calls, and multitasking without slowing down too much.
Storage is on the modest side, so cloud storage will be your best friend for bigger files. The Chrome OS keeps things simple and secure, plus you get access to tons of apps from the Google Play Store.
Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 14 hours, so you can go through a full day without hunting for an outlet. It’s a great fit if you want something straightforward, portable, and reliable for school and everyday use.
What People Say
Users love how durable and reliable this Chromebook is, especially for everyday tasks like writing papers, browsing, and video calls. The battery life and comfortable keyboard get a lot of praise too.
🗣️ Kindle Customer
I purchased a full set of these for my classroom, and absolutely love them. They are super durable (yes, unfortunately some of my students have dropped them, but the textured covering on the outside definitely minimizes that risk). They work amazingly well, have a crisp screen picture, and the battery life is impressive (I only have to charge them once every few days). I definitely recommend these!
🗣️ Mom Approved by Mik
I just needed something to do simple online tasks with and it’s been great. The keyboard is comfortable to type on, and the trackpad is responsive. The Chrome OS interface is user-friendly, and the integration with Google services is seamless. The 14-inch HD display offers vibrant colors and sharp clarity. One standout feature is the long battery life. I can go through a full day of use without worrying about plugging in, which has been amazing!
How It Fits Your Day
| Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Studying outdoors or in bright rooms | The anti-glare screen reduces reflections, making it easier to see your work without straining your eyes. |
| Long days of classes or study sessions | With up to 14 hours of battery life, you won’t have to worry about finding a charger during your busiest days. |
| Using multiple apps or browser tabs | The Intel Celeron processor and 4 GB RAM handle multitasking smoothly for typical student workloads. |
| Streaming lectures or entertainment | Custom-tuned dual speakers deliver clear audio to keep you engaged during videos or online classes. |
School Ready
This Chromebook supports all the basics you need for school, from Google Docs and Sheets to educational apps in the Play Store, making it a practical tool for learning without extra hassle.
User Friendly Features
| Feature | Ease Level |
|---|---|
| Setup and sign-in | Easy |
| Navigating Chrome OS | Easy |
| Typing and touchpad use | Easy |
| Managing multiple tabs | Moderate |
What You Can Do
While it’s not meant for heavy video editing or gaming, this Chromebook handles everyday student tasks like writing, browsing, video calls, and streaming with ease. It’s a versatile companion for school and downtime.
Why You’ll Like It
- Lightweight and portable for easy carrying
- 14-inch anti-glare HD display for clear viewing
- Long battery life keeps you going all day
- Chrome OS with access to Google Play apps
- Durable design that stands up to daily use
Rating: 4.4 (total: 1945+)
Apple MacBook Air 2017
If you’re looking for a lightweight laptop that’s easy to carry around campus or your favorite study spot, this 2017 MacBook Air fits the bill. It’s got enough power with its Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM to handle your everyday school tasks like writing papers, browsing, and video calls without feeling sluggish. The 13.3-inch screen is bright and clear, perfect for streaming lectures or catching up on shows during breaks.
Since it’s refurbished, you get a device that looks and feels almost new, with solid battery health to keep you going through your day. Plus, if you’re already in the Apple ecosystem, syncing with your iPhone or iPad is a breeze.
It’s a great pick if you want that classic MacBook experience without the usual price tag.
What People Say
People appreciate how this MacBook Air handles daily tasks without slowing down, plus the solid battery life and the familiar, user-friendly macOS. The refurbished condition means you get a great device that looks almost new.
🗣️ Yessi
I recently bought this refurbished 2017 Apple laptop, and so far, it’s been fantastic! The laptop works perfectly – it’s fast, reliable, and handles everything I throw at it with ease. No performance issues whatsoever. The battery life is solid too. The only thing to note is that it has a small dent and a few minor scratches on the exterior. These imperfections are hardly noticeable unless you’re looking closely, and they don’t impact the laptop’s functionality in any way. For the price, it’s an amazing deal, and I’m very happy with my purchase! Highly recommend this if you’re looking for an affordable Apple laptop without sacrificing performance.
🗣️ Dannielle Phillips
I had a problem with it at first. It was locked and owned by a school but I bypassed that and updated it to the newest version! macOS Sequoia! It’s not laggy; the fan does come on once in a while, no big deal. It’s actually really great. All the keys work, volume is great, camera works, and it has some scratches on the exterior but that’s normal. Literally amazed for a cheap price just until I save enough to get the one I actually want!
How It Fits Your Day
| Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Taking notes and writing papers | The responsive keyboard and smooth macOS environment make typing and multitasking comfortable and efficient. |
| Streaming lectures or video calls | The 13.3-inch display with decent resolution and built-in FaceTime HD camera keep your video clear and your focus sharp. |
| Studying on the go | Lightweight and slim, it fits easily in your backpack without adding bulk or weight. |
| Using multiple apps at once | 8GB RAM and the Core i5 processor handle multitasking smoothly for typical student workloads. |
School Ready
This MacBook supports all the apps and tools you need for school, from note-taking and research to video conferencing and creative projects, making it a solid choice for students.
User Friendly Features
| Feature | Ease Level |
|---|---|
| Setup and sign-in | Easy |
| Navigating macOS | Easy |
| Typing and trackpad use | Easy |
| Managing multiple apps | Moderate |
What You Can Do
While it’s not designed for heavy gaming or intensive video editing, this MacBook Air handles everyday student tasks like writing, browsing, video calls, and light creative work with ease. It’s a versatile companion for both school and casual use.
Why You’ll Like It
- Light and slim design makes it easy to carry
- Reliable Intel Core i5 processor with 8GB RAM for smooth multitasking
- 128GB SSD storage boots up apps quickly
- Good battery health keeps you unplugged for hours
- macOS offers seamless integration with other Apple devices
Rating: 4.0 (total: 1437+)
Jumper EZbook S7-Hi
If you want a laptop that’s easy to carry around campus or your favorite study spot without weighing you down, this Jumper EZbook S7-Hi is a solid pick. It’s lightweight and slim, with a 15.6-inch HD screen that’s just right for streaming lectures or binge-watching your favorite shows during breaks.
The Intel Celeron processor and 4GB of RAM handle everyday tasks like browsing, writing papers, and video calls without much fuss. Plus, it comes with Windows 11 and a one-year Office 365 subscription, so you’re ready to dive into assignments right away.
The storage is decent at 128GB, and you can expand it if you need more space for your projects and files. It’s not a powerhouse for gaming or heavy multitasking, but for schoolwork and online learning, it gets the job done without any drama.
What People Say
Users love how this laptop balances portability with enough power for schoolwork and online learning. The clean Windows setup and included Office 365 make it ready to go right out of the box, and the keyboard and screen get positive mentions for comfort and clarity.
🗣️ Scott
I bought this for my niece starting middle school and it’s been perfect for her homework and staying connected with friends. The clean Windows setup without bloatware was a big plus, and the keyboard is responsive. It’s not for gaming, but for everyday school tasks, it’s reliable and easy to use.
🗣️ yongtai
This laptop is thin and portable, great for study and travel. The screen is clear, keyboard sensitive, and it supports all the software I need. 128GB storage is enough for my photos and files. Overall, a very pleasant experience.
How It Fits Your Day
| Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Taking notes and writing papers | The responsive keyboard and smooth Windows 11 environment make typing and multitasking comfortable and straightforward. |
| Streaming lectures or video calls | The 15.6-inch HD display offers clear visuals, while the built-in webcam and mic keep you connected during online classes. |
| Studying on the go | Weighing just under 5 pounds, it’s light enough to slip into your backpack without adding bulk. |
| Storing school projects and media | 128GB of storage with an expansion slot means you won’t run out of space for documents, photos, and videos anytime soon. |
School Ready
This laptop supports all the essential apps and tools for school, from note-taking and research to video conferencing and document editing, making it a dependable choice for students.
User Friendly Features
| Feature | Ease Level |
|---|---|
| Setup and sign-in | Easy |
| Navigating Windows 11 | Easy |
| Typing and trackpad use | Easy |
| Installing and running apps | Moderate |
What You Can Do
While it’s not built for heavy gaming or video editing, this laptop handles everyday student tasks like writing, browsing, video calls, and streaming with ease. It’s a versatile companion for school, work, and casual use.
Why You’ll Like It
- Lightweight and portable design makes it easy to carry around
- Intel Celeron 5205U processor handles everyday tasks smoothly
- 128GB storage with option to expand up to 1TB for extra space
- Comes with Windows 11 and a one-year Office 365 subscription
- Multiple ports including Type-C, HDMI, and SD card reader for flexible connectivity
Rating: 4.1 (total: 201+)
Acer Gateway Chromebook 311
If you’re looking for a laptop that’s super easy to carry around and won’t slow you down during your online classes or study sessions, the Acer Gateway Chromebook 311 is worth checking out. It’s compact with an 11.6-inch HD screen that’s bright enough for long hours of reading or video calls.
The Intel Celeron processor and 4GB of RAM handle your everyday tasks like browsing, streaming lectures, and typing up assignments without any fuss. Plus, Chrome OS keeps things simple and secure, and the battery life means you can get through most of your day without hunting for an outlet.
Whether you’re working from your dorm, the library, or your favorite coffee spot, this Chromebook is a handy, no-nonsense companion.
What People Say
People appreciate how this Chromebook makes online learning hassle-free with quick setup, solid battery life, and a lightweight design that fits easily in a backpack. It’s straightforward and reliable for schoolwork and video calls.
🗣️ Jessica
This is similar to what my daughter was using in school, so it’s made the transition to online homeschooling very easy. It’s compact and easy to take anywhere. It doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles, which is what we wanted, and the battery lasts a LONG time once charged. It isn’t used for much else besides online school and additional web browsing for research or school related activities, but it works great so far. It is fast, responsive, and easy to set up. We have had no technical hiccups whatsoever and it has worked well every day so far without a hitch, so we are very pleased. I think it’s a perfect Chromebook for homeschooling.
🗣️ Alessandra
Bought this for my cousin since she went back to school. Super easy set up and ease of use. Loves how she can do her classes without having to wait for the kids to get home to borrow their Chromebook from school.
How It Fits Your Day
| Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Attending online classes | The HD webcam and clear display make video calls easy to follow, while Wi-Fi 5 ensures a stable connection. |
| Taking notes and writing papers | The responsive keyboard and quick startup mean you can jump into your work without delays. |
| Studying on the go | Weighing just 2.65 pounds, it’s light enough to carry around campus or your favorite study spot. |
| Streaming lectures or educational videos | The 11.6-inch HD anti-glare screen offers comfortable viewing for long study sessions. |
School Ready
With built-in Google apps and easy access to educational tools, this Chromebook supports everything from research and writing to video conferencing, making it a solid choice for students.
User Friendly Features
| Feature | Ease Level |
|---|---|
| Setup and sign-in | Easy |
| Navigating Chrome OS | Easy |
| Using Google apps like Docs and Drive | Easy |
| Installing apps from Google Play Store | Moderate |
What You Can Do
While it’s designed mainly for school and online learning, this Chromebook also handles casual browsing, streaming, and light gaming, making it a versatile device for both study and downtime.
Why You’ll Like It
- Lightweight and compact for easy carrying between classes or study spots
- Fast startup and smooth performance for browsing, streaming, and school apps
- Long battery life keeps you going through the day without constant charging
- Chrome OS offers simple, secure access to Google apps and automatic updates
- Built-in HD webcam and Wi-Fi 5 for reliable video calls and online learning
Rating: 4.4 (total: 10421+)
FAQ
What Should I Consider When Choosing an Affordable Laptop for Online Learning?
When picking an affordable laptop for your studies and online classes, you want to focus on a few key things. Battery life is crucial since you might be attending long virtual sessions or working away from a power outlet. Portability matters too, so look for something lightweight and easy to carry around campus or your home. Performance-wise, a processor like an Intel Celeron paired with at least 4 GB of RAM will handle everyday tasks like browsing, video calls, and document editing.
Storage can be limited on budget models, so consider if you’re comfortable using cloud storage or external drives. Also, check the operating system—Windows, Chrome OS, or macOS—based on the apps and software you need for your courses.
Can These Affordable Laptops Handle Multitasking and Heavy Software?
These budget-friendly laptops are designed primarily for light to moderate use. You can comfortably run multiple browser tabs, word processors, and video conferencing apps, but don’t expect them to handle heavy multitasking or demanding software like video editing or gaming smoothly.
If your coursework involves specialized or resource-heavy programs, you might find the performance a bit sluggish. To get the best experience, try to limit background apps and keep your system updated.
For most students focusing on online learning, research, and assignments, these laptops will do the job well.
How Can I Maximize the Use and Longevity of a Budget Laptop for School?
To get the most out of your affordable laptop, start by managing your storage wisely—use cloud services like Google Drive or OneDrive to save space. Keep your software and operating system up to date for security and performance improvements.
Since many budget laptops have limited RAM, avoid opening too many apps or browser tabs at once. Using lightweight apps and disabling unnecessary startup programs can help speed things up.
Also, invest in a protective case or sleeve to keep your laptop safe while on the go. Lastly, regular maintenance like cleaning the keyboard and screen, and backing up your files, will keep your device running smoothly throughout your studies.
Wrapping Up
In summary, finding an affordable laptop that meets your learning needs is possible without sacrificing quality or essential features. Whether you prefer the simplicity and security of Chrome OS with the HP Chromebook 14 or Acer Gateway Chromebook 311, or you want the familiarity of Windows with the HP 14 Laptop or Jumper EZbook, there’s an option here for you.
If you’re looking for a bit more power and are comfortable with a refurbished device, the Apple MacBook Air 2017 offers a strong performance boost. By choosing one of these laptops, you can stay productive, connected, and focused on your studies while keeping your budget intact.
| Product | Image | Rating | Highlights | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP 14 Laptop | | 4.1/5 (1000+ reviews) | Intel Celeron N4020, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB Storage, 14-inch Micro-edge HD Display, Windows 11 Home. | Affordable, Portable, Decent Display, Comes with Microsoft 365. | Limited Performance, Low RAM, Minimal Storage, Not Ideal for Heavy Use. |
| HP Chromebook 14 Laptop | | 4.4/5 (1,945 ratings) | Intel Celeron N4120, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB eMMC, 14″ HD Display, Chrome OS. | Lightweight, Long Battery Life, Great Display, Good for Productivity. | Limited Storage, May Struggle with Heavy Applications. |
| Apple Macbook Air 2017 | | 4.0/5 (1,437 ratings) | 1.8GHz Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD Storage, 13.3-inch Display. | Excellent Build Quality, Good Performance, Reliable Battery Life. | Refurbished Condition, Limited Storage Space. |
| 15.6 Inch Laptop with Office 365 |  | 4.1/5 (201 ratings) | Celeron 5205U, 4GB RAM, 128GB Storage, 15.6-inch HD Display, Windows 11. | Affordable, Good for Basic Tasks, Includes Office 365. | Limited Performance for Heavy Tasks. |
| Acer Gateway Chromebook 311 | | 4.4/5 (10,421 ratings) | Intel Celeron N4500, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC, 11.6″ HD Display, Chrome OS. | Compact, Lightweight, Good Battery Life. | Limited Performance for Intensive Tasks. |
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