The 10 Best Basic Laptops Of 2024, Tested By Our Experts

Nicolas Ward By, Nicolas Ward
Updated
Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop, 15.6 inches Full HD IPS Display
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Of The Best: Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop, 15.6 inches Full HD IPS Display

The Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop is packed with features. From up to 7.5 hours of battery life, to a 15.6 inch Full HD IPS Display, this laptop has everything you need in a portable device. The Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop also comes with an upgraded NVIDIA GeForce MX150 graphics card that provides up to 60% better gaming performance than the previous generation. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Lenovo Chromebook C330 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop

Get the performance and features you need, when you need them. From speed and security to battery life, the Lenovo Chromebook C330 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop is the ultimate laptop for anyone on the go. The Lenovo Chromebook C330 is a fast, powerful laptop that comes with a variety of software essential to any student, professional or parent. Read Review

3. Best Safety: 2020 HP 14 inch HD Laptop, Intel Celeron N4020 up to 2.8 GHz

A laptop with a bright, high-resolution display that’s easy on the eyes is what you need. The HP 14 inch HD Laptop delivers big screen action with a vibrant HD display, plus an Intel Celeron processor for quick computing performance. Upgrade your experience and enjoy the convenience of Windows 10 Home in S Mode. Read Review

4. Best Economical: Acer Chromebook Spin 311 Convertible Laptop, Intel Celeron N4020

The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 Convertible laptop is a powerful machine that can handle your work, school and other activities. With an Intel Celeron N4020 processor and 10.1-inch full HD display, this laptop has the power to handle all of your daily tasks. You'll be able to access more than 2 million Android apps from Google Play to learn and do more. Read Review

If you’re looking for the best basic laptops, then look no further than our list of the very best. These budget laptops aren’t designed to compete with more expensive machines. Instead, they’re perfect for those who want a and efficient machine that won’t break the bank.

Browsing the web, watching videos, or writing documents? These laptops have you covered. In this article, we give you the lowdown on everything you need to know about finding your perfect basic laptop. So whether you’re a student who needs something simple to write essays on and take notes with, or a photographer who wants a budget camera so that their snaps don’t look blurry - read on for all the details...

With Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop, 15.6 inches Full HD IPS Display, you will have no difficulty finding anything to meet your needs! To help you find the best fit for your needs, we've put up a purchasing guide and also show other great options for you to consider.

Before finalizing your selection, our staff advises that you look into these additional important resources. They may help narrow down your selection and clarify things to locate the right fit. Look no further than Lenovo Chromebook C330 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop since you're seeking the budget-friendly option. Our top models are equipped with features to meet every requirement. 

Our Top Picks

  • 802.11ac Wi-Fi; Backlit Keyboard; Up to 7.5 hours battery life
  • 15.6 inches full HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen LED backlit IPS display; AMD Radeon Vega 3 Mobile Graphics
  • AMD Ryzen 3 3200U Dual Core Processor (Up to 3.5GHz); 4GB DDR4 Memory; 128GB PCIe NVMe SSD
  • 1 USB 3.1 Gen 1 port, 2 USB 2.0 ports & 1 HDMI port with HDCP support
  • Windows 10 in S mode. Maximum power supply wattage: 65 Watts
TOP Choice #2 Lenovo Chromebook C330 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop
Our Score:
9.6
Lenovo
  • Get high performance when you need it – The Chromebook C330 boots up in seconds and features easy-to-use Chrome OS, plenty of memory and storage, and so much more
  • The Lenovo Chromebook C330 is easy to use, offers built-in virus protection and keeps going with long battery life. No setup needed – Just login with a Google account so emails, maps, documents, and photos stay with you via cloud storage
  • Sleek, stylish, and secure, this 360⁰ convertible laptop is less than 1-inch thin and about the weight of a hardback book, with an 11-inch touchscreen display that's perfect for day-to-day computing and multimedia, on or offline
  • Users love it; "High end features for a low price," says one happy reviewer. Another adds, "This Chromebook has far exceeded my expectations. The speed is snappy and the device responds quickly to gestures and commands."
  • Built to connect, this notebook computer includes a variety of USB ports for effortless connectivity. Plus, stay in touch with the built-in camera. Bluetooth 4.2
  • OPERATING SYSTEM: Windows 10 Home in S Mode. Accessories: Legendary Computer Travel Laptop Backpack with USB Charging Port Fitting up to 15.6 Inch Laptop
  • MEMORY: 4 GB DDR4-2400 SDRAM (1 x 4 GB) Transfer rates up to 2400 MT/s. 1 x 4 GB; STORAGE: 64 GB eMMC
  • DISPLAY: 14" diagonal, HD (1366 x 768), micro-edge, BrightView, 220 nits, 45% NTSC
  • PROCESSOR:Intel Celeron N4020 (1.1 GHz base frequency, up to 2.8 GHz burst frequency, 4 MB L2 cache, 2 cores)
  • Ports: 1 X USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C; 2 X USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A; 1 X AC smart pin; 1 X HDMI; 1 X headphone/microphone combo; 1 X multi-format SD media card reader; 1 X HP True Vision 720p HD camera with integrated dual array digital microphones
  • Chromebook runs on Chrome OS - An operating system by Google that is built for the way we live today. It comes with built-in virus protection, updates automatically, boots up in seconds and continues to stay fast over time. (Internet connection is required).
  • Chromebooks come with built-in storage for offline access to your most important files and an additional 100GB of Google Drive space to ensure that all of your files are backed up automatically.
  • Acer CP311-2H-C679 convertible Chromebook comes with 11.6” HD Touch IPS Display, Intel Celeron N4020, 4GB LPDDR4 Memory, 32GB eMMC, Google Chrome and up to 10-hours battery life.
  • Get access to more than 2 million Android apps from Google Play to learn and do more.
  • All the Google apps you know and love come standard on every Chromebook, which means you can edit, download, and convert Microsoft Office files in Google Docs, Sheets and Slides.
  • Slim and Portable: 0.7” thin and weighs only 2.2 lbs (battery included)
  • Efficient Intel Celeron N4020 Processor (4M Cache, up to 2.8 GHz)
  • Windows 10 in S Mode with One Year of Microsoft 365 Personal
  • 11.6” HD (1366 x 768) Slim Display
  • 64GB eMMC Flash Storage and 4GB DDR4 RAM
  • Memory: 4 GB DDR4-2400 SDRAM (not upgradable)
  • Thin and light (unpackaged): 13.27 inches (W) x 8.90 inches (D) x 0.70 inch (H); 3.17 pounds
  • Storage: 64 GB eMMC
  • Battery life: Up to 14 hours and 15 minutes (video playback), up to 11 hours and 30 minutes (wireless streaming)
  • Display: 14-inch diagonal HD SVA BrightView WLED-backlit display (1366 x 768)
  • Essential productivity: This nimble laptop delivers the essential productivity and entertainment you want for school or home, without slowing you down
  • Operating system and warranty: Windows 10 Home in S Mode and 1-year limited hardware warranty
  • Office 365 for one year: Get full access to Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, Access, and 1 TB of OneDrive Storage for one year
  • Laptop for work, school and play: With Office 365 and 1 TB of cloud storage, this device combines functionality, connectivity, style, and value
  • Processor: Intel(R) Celeron(R) N4000 Processor, Dual-Core, 1.1 GHz base frequency, up to 2.6 GHz burst frequency
  • Designed to keep your ideas flowing, anywhere, anytime with the ability to multi-mode, this Windows laptop has a 360⁰ hinge so you can use it in laptop mode for everyday computing, tent mode for sharing, stand mode for binge-watching your favorite streaming shows, or tablet mode for easy interaction
  • Stay connected with integrated 2x2 WiFi 6 (802.11AX), Bluetooth 5, 2 USB-A ports, 1 USB-C with PD to support power charging, HDMI, a 4-in-1 card reader, and an audio jack
  • Powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U mobile processor with Radeon graphics, this portable notebook computer has 16GB DDR4 RAM and 256GB NVMe SSD Storage
  • A physical shutter on the webcam improves your privacy, allowing you to keep out unwanted attention
  • Includes free 3-month trial of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate - Play over 100 high-quality PC games on Windows PC; includes iconic Bethesda games, new day one titles, and the EA Play on PC catalog
  • Reduce the clutter - The Flex 5 14 touchscreen laptop has a narrow bezel on 4 sides for more viewing area and less clutter on the IPS FHD (1920 x 1080) display
  • HP Webcam with Integrated Digital Microphone / Integrated Stereo speakers / HP Imagepad with multi-touch gesture support / Full-size keyboard / 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 combo
  • AMD Athlon Silver 3050U Dual Core Processor 2.3 GHz / 4GB DDR4-2400 SDRAM / 128GB SATA 3 TLC M.2 SSD
  • 45W AC power adapter / 3-cell, 41 Wh. Li-ion Battery / Color: Black / Windows 10 Home in S mode
  • SD media card reader / 1 SuperSpeed USB Type-C, 2 SuperSpeed USB Type-A, 1 AC smart pin, 1 HDMI / 1 Headphone/microphone combo
  • 14-inch HD Micro-edge Bezel BrightView, 220 nits, 45% NTSC Display (1366 x 768) / AMD Radeon Graphics
  • Ergonomic Typing: Ergonomically-designed hinge lifts the keyboard for comfortable typing, improved cooling, and a better sound experience
  • Visibly Stunning: Experience sharp details and crisp colors on the 15.6" Full HD display with 82.58% screen-to-body, 16:9 aspect ratio and narrow bezels
  • Powerful Productivity: 11th Generation Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor delivers unmatched speed and intelligence, enabling impressive creating, productivity, and gaming experiences. With Turbo Boost Technology, get up to 4.1GHz for your high-demand applications
  • Internal Specifications: 4GB DDR4 on-board memory (1 slot available); 128GB NVMe solid-state drive storage (1 hard drive bay available) to store your files and media
  • What's In the Box: Acer Aspire Laptop, AC Adapter, Power Cord
  • Acer's Purified.Voice technology, features enhanced digital signal processing to cancel out background noise, improve speech accuracy and far-field pickup, which not only makes calls clearer, but makes talking to Alexa easier than before.
  • Secure Operating System: Windows 11 Home (S Mode) comes with advanced security features built right in, like protections against phishing and malicious software so you don't have to think twice when navigating to a new webpage or downloading an app
  • Ports For All Your Accessories: USB 3.2 Type-C, 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (1 Power-off Charging), USB 2.0, HDMI 2.0 with HDCP support, headphone, speaker, line-out jack, Ethernet (RJ-45), DC-in for AC adapter
  • Using Alexa on your PC is as easy as asking a question. Just ask and Alexa can check your calendar, create lists, play music, answer questions, read the news and more.
  • REMOTE WORK READY – Enjoy unparalleled work from home efficiency with a fully integrated keyboard, plus MU-MIMO support for multi-device homes. Plus, video chat with vibrant clarity thanks to the HP True Vision 720p HD camera with integrated dual array digital microphones (13).
  • WORK ON THE GO – Get work done on the go with a long battery life of up to 7 hours and 15 minutes (6), while HP Fast Charge lets you go from 0 to 50% charge in approximately 45 minutes (7).
  • OS AND WARRANTY – Do more with greater peace of mind thanks to the familiar feel of the Windows 11 Home operating system and the HP 1-year limited hardware warranty (8).
  • MEMORY AND STORAGE – Get up to 15x faster performance than a traditional hard drive with 256 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage and experience improved multitasking with higher bandwidth thanks to 8 GB of RAM (5).
  • TAKE IT ANYWHERE – With its thin and light design, 6.5 millimeter micro-edge bezel display, and 82% screen to body ratio, you can take this PC anywhere and see more of what you love (1).
  • ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY – Stay energy-efficient and sustainable with a laptop that is Energy Star certified (14), EPEAT Silver registered (15), and built with a low halogen display (16).
  • IMPESSIVE GRAPHICS – The Intel Iris Xe Graphics gives you a new level of performance with crisp, stunning visuals, plus the convenience of a thin and light laptop (3).
  • REVOLUTIONARY ENTERTAINMENT – Enjoy ultra-wide viewing angles and seamlessly perform multi-monitor set-ups with a 15.6-inch, Full HD, IPS, micro-edge, and anti-glare display (2).
  • UNSTOPPABLE PERFORMANCE – Get things done fast with the 11th Generation Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, which delivers instant responsiveness and best-in-class connectivity (4).
  • EFFORTLESSLY CONNECTED – Enjoy a smoother wireless experience with Wi-Fi 6 (2x2) (9) and Bluetooth 5.2 combo (10). All your connections are solid and up to 3x faster file transfer speeds than Wi-Fi 5, now supporting gigabit file transfer speeds (11) (12).
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best basic laptops?

The internet is a platform in which you can get almost everything you want. Finding the best basic laptops on whatever you need to know about how something works is an incredible guide for all of your needs.

Unfortunately, because of so many various websites out there which are either fraudulent or untrustworthy, finding what you're searching for on a single website might be difficult. Many consumers are hesitant to purchase the best basic laptops because they are unclear if they are making the right selection.

The following post will explain four things to consider when purchasing a best basic laptops for your needs.

Graphics Card

Although all laptops have graphics cards, some are integrated into the motherboard along with the processor. This is called "integrated graphics", and it's fine for most people. It will be possible to view HD movies, as well as play casual games with no problem.

Form Factor

The term "form factor" refers to the physical size and configuration of a computer in computing. A laptop's form factor is obviously different from a desktop computer. What form factor suits your requirements best? The clamshell design factor is the most common for laptops. They are rectangular in shape and open to 90 degrees.

Ports

The CPU, RAM and hard drives will all have the greatest impact on the performance of your computer. However, it is important to consider the number and type of ports available on your machine. The various methods of connecting things to your laptop's computer, such as USB devices and charging them, are called ports.
At least one USB-C and at most one USB-A are required, as well as a microphone/headset connector. You should also consider USB-C charging and an SD reader.

Understanding Processor Names (CPUs)

After you have an idea of what operating system you prefer and the software that you will be using, it is possible to determine the hardware requirements you need. We recommend starting with the processor. Also known as the chip, or simply the CPU.
Two companies make laptop processors, Intel and AMD.

Battery Life

People buy a laptop because they want to be mobile. The battery is an essential component of a laptop. It is not a good idea to have your laptop plugged into a wall or to worry about the battery dying and preventing you from being able to continue working. It doesn't matter what battery quality you have, there are many factors that can cause your battery to drain quicker, such as the size of the RAM and how frequently the processor is used.

Operating System

You must first determine which OS (operating system) is best for your needs before you start looking at laptops. You can determine what hardware you require by thinking about the software that you use and which operating system it runs.

RAM

More is better! Your laptop's random-access memory (or RAM) is used to store data, while your processor processes it. Consider RAM your desk. Your desk should have enough space for all the items you are working on. Things will fall from your desk and it won't be possible to work on them. The same goes for RAM. If you don't have enough, you will not be able open more tabs in your browser or complete compiling your video. Your laptop may freeze and require a restart.
For the most part, 8 gigabytes should suffice for Windows users. However upgrading to 16GB will increase your computer's performance and be a requirement for gamers. Before you purchase RAM, make sure it is properly soldered to your motherboard. It is impossible to replace the RAM if it has been soldered.

Hard Drive

Your data will be stored on your hard drive. This is the file cabinet that you keep next to your desk. Although solid-state drives (SSD) are the most popular choice, some laptops with lower budgets use spinning drives.
If you have the funds, consider an SSD drive. It should be at least 256 gigabytes. SSDs perform faster than older standards like SATA, particularly if you use NVMe. This allows data to be transferred from the drive quickly.

FAQs

What's The Best Laptop For Home, Travel, Or Both?

Many people's work habits were affected by the pandemic. People who used laptops to travel frequently may find that these ultra-portable devices are no longer suitable for home work. You might prefer a larger display and more power to play games than a long-lasting battery.
Consider a 15.6 inch laptop or bigger if you plan to use your laptop for work and do not need to move it around much.
Travel with a 13- or 14 inch laptop or two in one is the best option. These laptops are the most lightweight and compact, but they still provide excellent battery life.

How Much RAM Do I Need?

For most users, we recommend at least 8GB. This should suffice for most web browsing tasks, spreadsheet editing, occasional photo and video editing, as well as basic web browsing. If you use Adobe Photoshop and Premiere regularly, play 3D drafting or work in app or web development, you might consider upgrading to 16GB. You can not add more memory to laptops after they are purchased. This usually costs $100 to $200.

Which Is Better, MacOS Or Windows?

Personal preference and financial budget will determine which laptop is best for you.
There are many software options between them, so you shouldn't have to choose one. A Windows laptop has the advantage of gaming.
MacOS can also be used more easily and safely than Windows. This is especially true for those who need their computer to do the work.

Which Laptops Last The Longest?

A good laptop should last between three and five years depending on the type of notebook you purchase. An ultrabook or business notebook, as well as a MacBook, will last longer and feel better than an inexpensive laptop under $500 with only a plastic body and basic processing. A laptop you use primarily around your home will last longer than one you take with you on trips. It is easier to add more storage and memory to business laptops and photo editing laptops to prolong their life expectancy. Gaming laptops will be more worn than any other types of laptops, as new 3D gaming apps are becoming increasingly demanding.

Which Laptop Is Best For Gaming Or Creating?

Any laptop can be used to create and play games. However, the component of the laptop will determine the content and speed with which it is played and created.
You don't require a gaming laptop to play casual web-based games.
You will need more money to buy discrete graphics such as Nvidia's RTX 30 series GPUs.
Gaming screens should have a 120Hz refresh rate or higher to make games run smoothly. Displays that can display 100% of the sRGB colour space are ideal for content creation.

Are Chromebooks Worth It?

They are indeed, but not suitable for all users. Google Chrome OS, which Google launched 10 years ago, has made a lot of progress. Chromebooks are laptops running on Chrome OS that can be used for web browsing or mobile applications. These laptops are simple to use, secure and affordable. They can only run Windows and Mac software natively.

Do I Need A GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)?

To create images on your computer's screen, graphics cards are used in conjunction with the CPU. Many desktops have integrated graphics units (IGU) These units are very simple and will handle basic tasks. They are not sufficient to handle games and other complex computing. Many gamers opt for IGUs with dedicated gaming hardware. It improves performance as well as portability.

Conclusion

The most appealing aspect of this post is that it contains the top models of best basic laptops that clients require. It also sells reliable items and has a lot of positive feedback from customers. 

Then, you may buy items from well-known companies with confidence through this page since you know they are the greatest on the market. You will also have the opportunity to look at a variety of alternatives for your favorite, particularly the 2022 HP Stream 14in laptop, Intel Celeron N4020 Dual-Core Processor.

What is your favorite item? Please let us know! We're continuously on the lookout for new products and services to give our loyal consumers so that we may continue to provide them with high-quality goods at reasonable pricing.


1 ratings

About Nicolas Ward

Nicolas Ward

Nicolas Ward is an elite author with many years of experience in the music field and the owner of many engaging articles at TheAudioInsights. He studies music production and has many years of passionate research into sound systems. Appearing in many popular newspapers, Nicolas Ward provides useful knowledge and the latest information on music and sound.