Budget-friendly laptops: Affordable, efficient and competent

When purchasing a laptop, one crucial factor is the specification sheet
A representational image of Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i laptop. — Lenovo
A representational image of Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i laptop. — Lenovo

If a person is in the market for a laptop but doesn't want a toll to be taken on his pocket, there are plenty of budget-friendly laptops available. 

For choosing the best laptop in your budget, below is the list of top picks with some helpful shopping advice.

Top 3 affordable laptops

  1. MacBook Air M1
  2. HP Pavilion Aero 13
  3. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i

Consider these when buying a budget-friendly laptop

When considering an affordable laptop, one crucial factor is the specification sheet. While you may find models with the latest CPU chipsets, it's also possible to opt for slightly older processors without significant performance impact. Aim for a laptop with up-to-date internals whenever possible.

Another aspect to consider is the laptop's port availability. Higher-end laptops often have fewer ports, so it's essential to evaluate your connectivity requirements. While newer machines typically feature USB-C ports, users may need an additional dongle for SD card connections. Explore three of the best budget laptops available: 

MacBook Air M1

Apple's custom system-on-a-chip powers this machine, delivering impressive performance comparable to an iPad Pro. With its sleek design, Retina display, comfortable keyboard, and extended battery life, it's the best choice for everyday use.  It is not the cheapest laptop but you can find sales on the Apple site now and then.

HP Pavilion Aero 13

If a user desires aesthetics similar to Dell's XPS 13 without the high price tag, the HP Pavilion Aero is a great option. With its lightweight design, anti-glare display, and ample connectivity options, it provides solid performance and customisation possibilities. 

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i

This Chromebook outshines other devices with its impressive specs, including an 11th-generation Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage, comprising a 13.3-inch 1080p display and backlit keyboard.