There are a ton of models under $1,000 on the market at any given moment, and a large fraction of those are under $500. You can find a more detailed description of our test methodology on our How We Test Computers page. The list of benchmarking software and comparison criteria we use changes over time as the devices we test evolve. With budget laptops, especially, we concentrate on how well they work given their cost and where the manufacturer has made tradeoffs to reach the price. If a laptop is intended for gaming, we'll also run benchmarks from Guardians of the Galaxy, The Rift Breaker (CPU and GPU) and Shadow of the Tomb Raider.īudget laptops tend to have components that don't lend themselves to more advanced content creation - such as a discrete GPU with sufficient memory - so we don't typically run graphics-intensive performance tests on this class of laptops.įor the hands-on, the reviewer uses it for their work during the review period, evaluating how well the design, features (such as the screen, camera and speakers) and manufacturer-supplied software operate as a cohesive whole. We test all laptops with a core set of benchmarks, including Primate Labs Geekbench 5 and 6, Cinebench R23, PCMark 10, a variety of 3DMark benchmarks (whichever can run on the laptop), UL Procyon Photo and Video (where supported), and our own battery life test. A final review verdict is a combination of both objective and subjective judgments. This includes evaluating a device's aesthetics, ergonomics and features with respect to price. The review process for laptops consists of two parts: performance testing under controlled conditions in the CNET Labs and extensive hands-on use by our reviewers. So, what should you be looking for in a good, budget laptop? Using CNET editors' decades of experience testing and reviewing laptops, we've compiled a roundup of the best budget laptops below. You won't find any current MacBook models at these prices: A current entry-level MacBook Air is $1,000, and you'll have to pick up a refurbished one or have to hit a good sale to get a MacBook at a lower price. Apart from a sale, though, you may need to shell out closer to $700 to find a durable laptop that'll handle more than simple email correspondence and web browsing. And with pre-holiday sales and early Black Friday bargains already available, this is the best time to get a reliable $500 laptop. While you can feasibly find a decent laptop for under $500, you may need to do some comparison shopping and exercise some patience as you wait for a holiday sale or discount. That said, prices can go up to about $1,000, but the quality of the product always surpasses the laptop brand's price tag. Available in 14-, 15.6- and 16-inch sizes, the line can be configured to fit your budget and match performance requirements, from everyday basics to gaming and content creation. We love the Aspire 5 line for its performance, battery life and wonderful array of features - all with a base price of under $500. Acer knows how to make affordable laptops that don't make you feel like you're missing out. The Acer Aspire 5 is our pick for the best budget laptop.
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