When searching for affordable laptops, you can discover excellent selections for less than $1,000, and even for under $500. Nevertheless, adhering to this budget might necessitate some trade-offs. This doesn’t imply accepting an inferior device; it simply demands more strategic shopping.

The Mashable team examines a variety of laptops and suggests budget-conscious choices that satisfy performance, battery longevity, and build quality criteria.

**Our recommended selections**

As of July 2025, the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air featuring the M4 chip is the most economical MacBook, retailing at $999. For Windows alternatives, the Lenovo Yoga 7i 14 (Gen 9) stands out as our leading budget option, beginning at $899.99.

**Where to discover affordable laptops this Prime Day**

Amazon’s Prime Day runs from July 8 to 11, presenting discounts on MacBooks, Microsoft Surface gadgets, and gaming laptops. Best Buy’s Black Friday in July event, happening from July 7 to 13, will likewise feature competitive offers. Explore both retailers for the lowest prices.

**An update on tariffs**

Tariffs on goods from China have influenced laptop pricing, yet no laptops in our guide have been affected. However, the Asus ZenBook A14 has risen in price by $100 due to these tariffs.

**Additional budget laptops on our radar**

We’re evaluating the Framework Laptop 13, which is upgradable and repairable, offering great long-term value. We’re also assessing two Asus models: the ZenBook A14 with an OLED screen and the ZenBook S 15 equipped with a Snapdragon X Plus chip.

**What has been excluded**

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 has been taken off our list as it seems outdated. A new 13-inch Surface Laptop, starting at $899.99, is now on the market.