When it comes to finding the best laptops that won’t break the bank, a budget of $1,000 can stretch surprisingly far. (In reality, there are even viable options for under $500 these days.) Nevertheless, opting for a more affordable model usually entails making some trade-offs.
That being said, you shouldn’t have to compromise on quality or performance. Instead, a strategic approach to shopping is essential, along with clearly identifying which features are most important to you. This is where we come into play. At Mashable, we continuously evaluate the newest laptops across diverse operating systems and user scenarios. From our evaluations, we’ve pinpointed several cost-effective alternatives that provide excellent performance and durability without exceeding your budget.
### Our Top Selections
As of December 2024, we have found that the **top budget MacBook** is the 13-inch [Apple MacBook Air](https://mashable.com/review/apple-macbook-air-m2-2022-review) featuring the M2 chip. This device is adequately fast for the majority of users, has an impressive battery life lasting all day, offers an outstanding keyboard, and retails starting at $999 (though it is frequently [discounted](https://mashable.com/article/best-apple-deals) below $900). Moreover, it now includes 16GB of RAM as standard, enhancing its value significantly.
For **Windows fans**, our best choice under $1,000 is the [Lenovo Yoga 7i 14 (Gen 9)](https://mashable.com/review/lenovo-yoga-7i-2-in-1-14-gen-9), which is priced at $899.99. It features a fast processor, dependable battery life, and a flexible 2-in-1 form factor that can be used as a tablet.
If you prefer Microsoft products, you might want to consider the [Surface Laptop Go 3](https://mashable.com/review/microsoft-surface-laptop-go-3). With a starting price of $799.99, this lightweight and attractive laptop has a responsive keyboard. However, because of its older CPU, we suggest waiting for a sale to get the best deal.
For those who love Chromebooks, the **top budget Chromebook** is the $499 [HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch](https://mashable.com/review/hp-chromebook-plus-15-6-inch). It features a spacious, bright display, consistent performance for daily tasks, and even supports AI functionalities along with multimedia editing software.
In the realm of **affordable gaming laptops**, the [Acer Nitro V 15](https://mashable.com/review/acer-nitro-5) is a standout choice. Priced from $749 (with a tested configuration at $999), it offers remarkable performance for AAA gaming and showcases a sophisticated design. If you’re looking for an even cheaper gaming option, the [Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE](https://mashable.com/review/acer-chromebook-plus-516-ge) is an excellent alternative at $649, effectively streaming high-end games, featuring a 120Hz display, and providing significant value for its cost.
### Other Budget Laptops to Keep an Eye On
We are currently in the process of testing the [Asus Chromebook Plus CX34](https://zdcs.link/aNDwm3?pageview_type=RSS&template=roundup&module=content_body&element=offer&item=text-link&element_label=Asus%20Chromebook%20Plus%20CX34&object_type=roundup&object_uuid=07wz4q8lPZxZWucNlnVSyG4&short_url=aNDwm3&u=https%3A%2F%2Fmashable.com%2Ffeeds%2Frss%2Fall), specifically the 2023 variant equipped with a 12th-generation Intel processor, available for $399.99. If it surpasses the HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch, it could become our preferred Chromebook selection.
We also plan to review the [Asus Vivobook S 14](https://zdcs.link/Qp6qgl?pageview_type=RSS&template=roundup&module=content_body&element=offer&item=text-link&element_label=Asus%20Vivobook%20S%2014&object_type=roundup&object_uuid=07wz4q8lPZxZWucNlnVSyG4&short_url=Qp6qgl&u=https%3A%2F%2Fmashable.com%2Ffeeds%2Frss%2Fall), a new device with a Lunar Lake CPU, OLED screen, and Copilot+ capabilities. Additionally, we are enthusiastic about evaluating the latest [Framework Laptop 13](https://zdcs.link/z6byPq?pageview_type=RSS&template=roundup&module=content_body&element