Looking for a budget-friendly laptop doesn’t mean you have to settle for poor performance. Today’s market offers several reliable options under $400 that can handle everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video streaming.
The key is finding the right balance between price and functionality without compromising on what matters most.
When shopping for budget laptops, pay attention to three critical factors: processor speed, RAM, and storage type.
We recommend at least 4GB of RAM and an Intel Pentium or AMD Ryzen 3 processor for smooth performance. SSD storage, even in smaller capacities, will make your laptop feel much faster than traditional hard drives.
Build quality is another important consideration in this price range. Look for laptops with sturdy hinges and keyboards that can withstand daily use.
After testing dozens of budget models, we found the Acer Aspire 5 offers the best overall value with its reliable performance and surprisingly solid construction.
We spent weeks researching and testing the most promising affordable laptops to identify which ones deliver the best experience without breaking the bank.
Budget laptops have improved dramatically in recent years. Many sub-$400 models now offer performance that would have cost twice as much just a few years ago!
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Best Laptops Under $400
We’ve searched the market to find reliable laptops that won’t break the bank. Our selection below features the best budget-friendly options under $400 that still deliver solid performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video streaming.
Each model offers a good balance of features, build quality, and value for money.
Acer Aspire 3
This budget-friendly Acer laptop delivers impressive performance and a high-quality display for under $400, making it perfect for students and casual users.
Pros
- Fast Ryzen 3 processor handles everyday tasks smoothly
- Crisp, colorful 15.6″ Full HD IPS display
- Lightweight design with good battery life
Cons
- Limited 128GB storage fills up quickly
- Ships in Windows 11 S mode (restrictive)
- No backlit keyboard for night use
We’ve been testing the Acer Aspire 3 for the past few weeks, and it’s honestly surprised us with its capabilities at this price point.
The AMD Ryzen 3 7320U processor paired with 8GB of RAM makes multitasking smooth—we had no issues running several Chrome tabs, Word documents, and streaming music simultaneously.
The display quality stands out immediately. Many budget laptops sacrifice screen quality, but this 15.6-inch Full HD IPS panel offers vibrant colors and good viewing angles. We could comfortably watch videos and work on spreadsheets without straining our eyes.
Build quality feels solid despite the plastic construction. At just under 4 pounds, it’s light enough to carry around campus or to coffee shops. The silver finish gives it a clean, professional look that doesn’t scream “budget laptop.”
Battery life impressed us too. We consistently got 8-10 hours of real-world use before needing to plug in. The laptop stays relatively cool during extended use, thanks to its improved thermal system with larger fan surface area.
The port selection is generous with USB-C, two USB-A ports, and HDMI—we had no issues connecting our peripherals.
The webcam quality is decent for video calls in good lighting, though it struggles in dimmer conditions despite the advertised noise reduction.
Our biggest complaint is the 128GB SSD, which filled up faster than we expected. You’ll likely need an external drive or cloud storage for files and photos.
The preinstalled Windows 11 S mode is also limiting, though you can switch out of it for free.
For students, remote workers, or anyone needing an affordable laptop for everyday tasks, we think the Acer Aspire 3 delivers exceptional value under $400.
HP 14 Laptop
This lightweight HP laptop offers solid everyday performance and good battery life at a budget-friendly price point under $400.
Pros
- Impressive 11.5-hour battery life
- Thin, lightweight design perfect for travel
- Comes with one year of Microsoft 365
Cons
- Limited 64GB storage fills up quickly
- Basic processor struggles with demanding tasks
- Screen resolution is only HD, not Full HD
We recently spent time with the HP 14 laptop, and it hits a sweet spot for budget shoppers.
The sleek white design feels more premium than its price tag suggests. Weighing just over 3 pounds, we easily carried it around all day without shoulder strain.
The 14-inch display has impressively thin bezels that make the screen feel larger than it actually is. While only HD resolution (1366 x 768), it’s bright enough for everyday tasks like email, web browsing, and document work. Colors looked decent when we watched videos, though serious media consumers might want something with higher resolution.
Performance is adequate for basic computing needs. The Intel Celeron N4020 processor handled multiple browser tabs and basic applications without major issues. We wouldn’t recommend it for gaming or video editing, but for everyday productivity, it gets the job done.
The included year of Microsoft 365 adds real value, giving you access to Word, Excel and PowerPoint right out of the box.
Battery life really impressed us. We got nearly a full workday without needing to hunt for an outlet. The fast charging feature came in handy too – we got back to about 50% battery in just 45 minutes.
Storage is definitely tight with only 64GB of eMMC. After installing Windows updates and a few applications, we were looking for extra space. Consider adding an SD card or external storage if you need to store lots of photos or documents.
Windows 11 S mode runs smoothly, though we found the limitation of only installing apps from the Microsoft Store frustrating at times. You can switch out of S mode if needed, but that’s a one-way change.
For students, remote workers, or anyone needing a basic laptop on a tight budget, this HP 14 delivers reliable everyday performance without breaking the bank.
Azeyou 11.6″ Budget Laptop
This compact Azeyou laptop offers decent performance and portability at a budget-friendly price point perfect for basic computing needs.
Pros
- Lightweight (only 2.2 pounds) and highly portable
- Expandable storage options beyond the base 128GB
- Solid 6-8 hour battery life for all-day use
Cons
- Limited 4GB RAM may struggle with multitasking
- Small 11.6-inch screen might feel cramped
- Basic processor not suitable for demanding tasks
We recently got our hands on this little Azeyou laptop, and it’s quite impressive for the price range.
The 11.6-inch display is compact but delivers clear images with its HD resolution. It’s perfect for checking emails, browsing the web, or watching videos while on the go.
The N4020 processor isn’t going to win any speed competitions, but for everyday tasks, it handles things smoothly. We noticed it boots up quickly thanks to the 128GB SSD storage. The laptop felt responsive when working with basic documents and web browsing, though it did show some lag when we tried opening multiple applications at once.
Battery life is a pleasant surprise. We managed to get about 7 hours of mixed use before needing to recharge.
The lightweight design makes it super easy to slip into a bag. At just over 2 pounds, you’ll barely notice you’re carrying it.
The port selection is decent for a small laptop. We appreciate having both USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports, plus the mini HDMI output came in handy when we needed to connect to a larger display.
The ability to expand storage with an SD card or additional SSD is a huge plus for anyone who needs more space.
Windows 11 Pro runs smoothly enough, though we’d recommend keeping your workload light. This laptop is best suited for students, casual users, or as a secondary device for basic productivity on the go.
Lenovo 100E Chromebook
This budget-friendly Chromebook offers decent performance for basic tasks but has limitations that make it suitable primarily for students or casual users.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and portable
- Impressive battery life for all-day use
- Quick startup and responsive for basic tasks
Cons:
- Limited 4GB RAM restricts multitasking
- Small 16GB storage fills up quickly
- Screen resolution is basic at 1366 x 768
We recently got our hands on this renewed Lenovo 100E Chromebook, and it’s a solid option if you’re shopping with a tight budget.
The compact 11.6-inch size makes it incredibly easy to slip into a backpack or carry around campus. At just 2.68 pounds, we barely noticed we were carrying it.
Chrome OS runs surprisingly well on the MediaTek processor. We found everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and streaming videos worked without much lag. The system boots up in seconds and feels responsive when you’re working on one task at a time.
Battery life exceeded our expectations. We got through a full day of intermittent use without needing to hunt for an outlet. This is perfect for students moving between classes or anyone who needs a basic portable computer for daily tasks.
The build quality is decent for the price point. While it’s mostly plastic, the laptop feels sturdy enough to handle daily use. The keyboard is comfortable for typing, though we noticed the unusual placement of the shift key took some getting used to.
Storage is definitely limited at 16GB. We found ourselves relying heavily on cloud storage after installing just a few apps. For anyone planning to store photos or videos locally, this will be a significant drawback.
The display is functional but nothing special. Colors appear a bit washed out, and the 1366 x 768 resolution feels dated compared to modern screens. Still, it’s perfectly adequate for reading articles, writing papers, or watching the occasional YouTube video.
For under $400, this renewed Chromebook represents good value if your computing needs are basic. We wouldn’t recommend it for demanding tasks or heavy multitasking, but for students, casual browsing, or as a secondary device, it gets the job done.
ASUS 15.5″ Full HD Laptop
This ASUS renewed laptop delivers basic computing capabilities at a budget-friendly price for casual users who need everyday functionality without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Lightweight design makes it easy to carry
- Full HD display provides sharp visuals
- Backlit keyboard enhances typing in dim lighting
Cons
- 4GB RAM limits multitasking capabilities
- Celeron processor struggles with demanding tasks
- Storage capacity fills up quickly with modern apps
We spent some time with this ASUS laptop and found it hits a sweet spot for budget-conscious shoppers.
The dark gray chassis looks professional, and at just under 5 pounds, it won’t weigh down your backpack.
The 15.5-inch full HD screen displays crisp images and text, making streaming videos or browsing websites a pleasant experience.
Typing on the backlit keyboard feels comfortable, with decent key travel and spacing. This feature proved particularly useful when working in dimly lit environments.
The port selection includes USB-C, two standard USB ports, and an audio jack – enough for most basic peripherals without needing adapters.
Battery life lasted us through about 5-6 hours of light use, which is adequate for casual computing.
Windows 11 runs smoothly for basic tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video streaming. However, we noticed significant slowdowns when attempting to run multiple applications simultaneously or work with more demanding programs.
The 128GB SSD, while faster than traditional hard drives, fills up quickly after installing essential software. For users who mainly work in the cloud or don’t need to store large files locally, this might not be an issue.
The Intel Celeron processor handles basic tasks well enough but lacks power for anything beyond everyday computing.
Overall, we found this refurbished ASUS laptop provides good value for students, casual users, or as a secondary computer. Just don’t expect it to handle resource-intensive applications or heavy multitasking.
Buying Guide
When shopping for a laptop under $400, there are several key features to consider. We’ll help you navigate the budget laptop market with this simple guide.
Processor Power
The processor is like the brain of your laptop.
For budget options, look for Intel Celeron, Pentium, or AMD Ryzen 3 processors. These provide enough power for everyday tasks like web browsing and document editing.
A newer processor will generally perform better than an older one, even in budget models. Try to get something from the last 2-3 years if possible.
Memory Matters
RAM is crucial for multitasking. At minimum, we recommend 4GB, but 8GB will give you a much smoother experience when running multiple programs.
RAM Tip: 4GB is the bare minimum, 8GB is ideal for budget laptops.
Storage Options
There are two main types of storage: HDD (hard disk drive) and SSD (solid state drive). SSDs are much faster but typically offer less space at this price point.
We strongly recommend choosing a laptop with an SSD, even if it’s smaller (128GB). The speed difference is worth it, and you can always use cloud storage or external drives for extra space.
Display Quality
For budget laptops, you’ll typically find 11.6″ to 15.6″ screens. Larger screens are nice for watching videos but make the laptop less portable.
Look for at least 1366 x 768 resolution, though 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) is better if you can find it in your price range.
| Feature | Good | Better |
| Processor | Intel Celeron/Pentium | AMD Ryzen 3 |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB SSD | 256GB SSD |
Battery Life
For good portability, look for laptops advertising at least 6 hours of battery life. Real-world usage is typically less than what manufacturers claim.
Connectivity
Make sure your laptop has enough ports for your needs.
USB ports, HDMI for connecting to monitors, and an SD card slot can be very useful.