Skip to content

10 Best Laptops Under $700: High Performance at an Affordable Price

In today‘s digital age, having a reliable laptop is essential for work, school, and entertainment. However, not everyone can afford to spend thousands of dollars on a high-end machine. Fortunately, advancements in technology have made it possible to find excellent laptops at more budget-friendly prices. In this article, we‘ll explore the 10 best laptops under $700, offering a perfect balance of performance, features, and value.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Laptop Under $700

Before diving into our top picks, let‘s discuss the crucial factors to keep in mind when selecting a laptop in this price range:

  1. Processor: Look for laptops with at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor for smooth multitasking and performance.

  2. RAM: Aim for a minimum of 8GB RAM, with 16GB being ideal for more demanding tasks and future-proofing.

  3. Storage: Prioritize laptops with solid-state drives (SSDs) for faster boot times and overall performance. A minimum of 256GB is recommended.

  4. Display: Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution is the sweet spot for laptops in this price range, providing sharp visuals without sacrificing performance.

  5. Battery Life: Look for laptops that offer at least 6-8 hours of battery life to ensure productivity on the go.

  6. Portability: Consider the laptop‘s weight and dimensions, especially if you plan to carry it around frequently.

  7. Brand Reputation: Stick with reputable brands known for producing quality laptops, such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, and Acer.

Top 10 Laptops Under $700

1. Acer Aspire 5

The Acer Aspire 5 is a well-rounded laptop that offers excellent value for its price. It features a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD, making it a solid performer for everyday tasks and light gaming. The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display provides crisp visuals, while the backlit keyboard ensures comfortable typing in low-light conditions. With up to 8 hours of battery life and a sleek, lightweight design, the Acer Aspire 5 is a great choice for students and professionals alike.

Pros:

  • Strong performance for the price
  • Large, high-quality display
  • Long battery life
  • Backlit keyboard

Cons:

  • Plastic build may feel less premium
  • No dedicated graphics card for more demanding games

2. Lenovo IdeaPad 3

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is another excellent option in the sub-$700 category. This laptop is powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 4500U processor, which offers impressive performance and efficiency. It comes with 8GB RAM and a 256GB SSD, providing ample storage and memory for most users. The 14-inch Full HD display is bright and vivid, and the laptop‘s compact size makes it highly portable. With up to 9 hours of battery life and a comfortable keyboard, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is perfect for on-the-go productivity.

Pros:

  • Powerful AMD Ryzen processor
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Impressive battery life
  • Affordable price point

Cons:

  • Smaller storage capacity compared to some other options
  • No USB-C charging

3. HP Pavilion 15

The HP Pavilion 15 is a stylish and capable laptop that offers a great balance of performance and features. It comes with an 11th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks and even some light gaming. The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display is bright and vibrant, and the laptop‘s sleek design is sure to turn heads. With up to 8 hours of battery life and a comfortable, full-size keyboard, the HP Pavilion 15 is an excellent choice for both work and play.

Pros:

  • Stylish, modern design
  • Powerful 11th Gen Intel processor
  • Large, high-quality display
  • Comfortable keyboard

Cons:

  • Slightly heavier than some other options
  • Speakers could be better

4. ASUS VivoBook 15

The ASUS VivoBook 15 is a feature-packed laptop that offers excellent value for its price. It comes with a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD, providing ample power and storage for most users. The 15.6-inch Full HD display is bright and clear, and the laptop‘s NanoEdge bezels create an immersive viewing experience. With up to 7 hours of battery life, a backlit keyboard, and a fingerprint sensor for added security, the ASUS VivoBook 15 is a well-rounded choice for both work and entertainment.

Pros:

  • Slim NanoEdge bezels for an immersive display
  • Fingerprint sensor for secure login
  • Backlit keyboard for low-light typing
  • Good performance for the price

Cons:

  • Battery life could be better
  • No dedicated graphics card

5. Dell Inspiron 15 3000

The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is a reliable and affordable laptop that offers solid performance for everyday tasks. It features an 11th Gen Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB RAM, and a 256GB SSD, providing sufficient power and storage for most users. The 15.6-inch HD display is clear and bright, and the laptop‘s sturdy build quality ensures durability. With up to 7 hours of battery life and a comfortable keyboard, the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is an excellent choice for students and budget-conscious users.

Pros:

  • Affordable price point
  • Sturdy build quality
  • Comfortable keyboard
  • Reliable performance for everyday tasks

Cons:

  • Lower resolution display compared to other options
  • Processor may struggle with more demanding tasks

6. Lenovo ThinkPad E15

The Lenovo ThinkPad E15 is a business-oriented laptop that offers excellent performance and durability. It comes with an 11th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and a 256GB SSD, providing ample power and storage for productivity tasks. The 15.6-inch Full HD display is crisp and clear, and the laptop‘s signature ThinkPad keyboard offers an unparalleled typing experience. With up to 10 hours of battery life, MIL-STD 810G durability, and a range of security features, the Lenovo ThinkPad E15 is perfect for professionals who demand reliability and performance.

Pros:

  • Excellent keyboard for typing comfort
  • Durable build with MIL-STD 810G certification
  • Long battery life
  • Robust security features

Cons:

  • Design may be too understated for some users
  • Slightly heavier than other options

7. HP 14 Laptop

The HP 14 Laptop is a compact and affordable option that offers good performance for everyday tasks. It features an AMD Ryzen 3 processor, 8GB RAM, and a 256GB SSD, providing sufficient power and storage for most users. The 14-inch HD display is clear and bright, and the laptop‘s lightweight design makes it highly portable. With up to 8 hours of battery life and a comfortable keyboard, the HP 14 Laptop is an excellent choice for students and users on a tight budget.

Pros:

  • Affordable price point
  • Lightweight and portable design
  • Good battery life
  • Reliable performance for everyday tasks

Cons:

  • Lower resolution display compared to other options
  • Processor may struggle with more demanding tasks

8. Acer Swift 3

The Acer Swift 3 is a slim and lightweight laptop that offers excellent performance and portability. It comes with an 11th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD, providing ample power and storage for most users. The 14-inch Full HD IPS display is bright and vibrant, and the laptop‘s thin bezels create an immersive viewing experience. With up to 16 hours of battery life, a backlit keyboard, and a fingerprint reader for added security, the Acer Swift 3 is perfect for users who need a portable and powerful laptop for work and travel.

Pros:

  • Slim and lightweight design for ultimate portability
  • Impressive battery life
  • Fingerprint reader for secure login
  • Powerful performance for the price

Cons:

  • Speakers could be better
  • No dedicated graphics card

9. ASUS TUF Gaming F15

For users who want a laptop that can handle both work and play, the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 is an excellent choice. It features a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD, providing ample power and storage for gaming and productivity tasks. The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display offers a 144Hz refresh rate for smooth gaming visuals, and the laptop‘s durable MIL-STD 810H construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of daily use. With up to 8 hours of battery life, a backlit keyboard, and a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 is a versatile laptop that offers great value for its price.

Pros:

  • Powerful performance for gaming and productivity
  • High refresh rate display for smooth visuals
  • Durable MIL-STD 810H construction
  • Dedicated NVIDIA graphics card

Cons:

  • Design may be too aggressive for some users
  • Battery life could be better

10. Lenovo Yoga C740

The Lenovo Yoga C740 is a versatile 2-in-1 laptop that offers excellent performance and flexibility. It comes with a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and a 256GB SSD, providing ample power and storage for most users. The 14-inch Full HD touchscreen display is bright and responsive, and the laptop‘s 360-degree hinge allows for multiple usage modes, including tablet, tent, and stand. With up to 10 hours of battery life, a backlit keyboard, and a fingerprint reader for added security, the Lenovo Yoga C740 is perfect for users who need a laptop that can adapt to their needs.

Pros:

  • Versatile 2-in-1 design with 360-degree hinge
  • Responsive touchscreen display
  • Long battery life
  • Fingerprint reader for secure login

Cons:

  • Smaller storage capacity compared to some other options
  • No dedicated graphics card

Getting the Most Value Out of Your Budget Laptop

While the laptops on this list offer excellent performance and features for their price, there are a few things you can do to get even more value out of your purchase:

  1. Upgrade Components: Many laptops in this price range allow for user upgrades, such as adding more RAM or swapping the storage drive. These upgrades can significantly improve performance and extend the lifespan of your laptop.

  2. Optimize Settings: Tweaking your laptop‘s power settings, disabling unnecessary startup programs, and keeping your operating system and drivers up to date can help ensure your laptop runs at its best.

  3. Look for Deals: Keep an eye out for sales, promotions, and discounts from retailers and manufacturers. You may be able to snag an even better deal on your chosen laptop or upgrade to a higher-spec model for the same price.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What are the trade-offs of choosing a laptop under $700?
    While laptops in this price range offer excellent value, they may have some limitations compared to more expensive models. These can include lower-resolution displays, less powerful processors, and smaller storage capacities. However, for most users, these trade-offs are minimal and won‘t significantly impact their experience.

  2. How long can I expect a budget laptop to last?
    With proper care and maintenance, a laptop under $700 can easily last 3-5 years or more. Factors that can impact lifespan include usage habits, environmental conditions, and the quality of components used by the manufacturer.

  3. What kind of customer support and warranty options are available for budget laptops?
    Most laptops in this price range come with a standard 1-year manufacturer‘s warranty, which covers defects in materials and workmanship. Some brands, such as Dell and Lenovo, also offer additional warranty and support packages for an extra cost. It‘s essential to research the specific support and warranty options available for your chosen laptop before making a purchase.

Conclusion

Choosing the best laptop under $700 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize performance, portability, or versatility, there is a laptop on this list that will meet your requirements. By considering the key factors outlined in this article and taking advantage of our tips for getting the most value out of your purchase, you can find the perfect laptop to fit your budget and lifestyle.

Remember, while laptops in this price range may have some limitations compared to more expensive models, they still offer excellent performance and features for most users. With the rapid advancements in technology, it‘s now possible to find a high-quality laptop that won‘t break the bank. Happy shopping!