Hey guys! Finding the best cheap laptop in 2022 doesn't have to feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. With so many options out there, it can be a real headache. But don't worry, I've done the legwork for you! I've rounded up some of the top budget laptops that offer a fantastic balance of performance, features, and, of course, price. Whether you're a student, a remote worker, or just someone looking for a reliable everyday machine, there's something on this list for everyone. We'll dive into what makes a laptop "cheap" in 2022, the key specs you should be looking out for, and then, the main course – the laptops themselves! I'll cover their pros, cons, and who they're best suited for. Let's get started and find you the perfect cheap laptop!

What Makes a Laptop "Cheap" in 2022?

Alright, so what exactly defines a cheap laptop in today's market? It's all about finding that sweet spot where you get the most bang for your buck. In 2022, a budget laptop typically falls in the price range of $200 to $700. Now, that doesn't mean you're sacrificing quality completely. It just means you'll need to make some smart choices about what features are most important to you. The key is to prioritize the components that matter most for your needs. For instance, if you primarily use your laptop for web browsing, document editing, and streaming videos, you can probably get away with a lower-end processor and less RAM. But if you're planning on doing some photo or video editing, or if you're a gamer, you'll need to allocate more of your budget to those components.

One of the biggest factors affecting the price of a laptop is the type of processor. Intel's Celeron and Pentium processors are often found in the most affordable laptops. They're fine for basic tasks, but they might struggle with more demanding applications. Then, there are the Intel Core i3 and AMD Ryzen 3 processors. These offer a significant performance boost and are suitable for a wider range of activities. You'll generally find these in the mid-range of budget laptops. If your budget allows, stepping up to an Intel Core i5 or an AMD Ryzen 5 processor will give you even more power and responsiveness. Another important consideration is the amount of RAM (Random Access Memory). 4GB of RAM is the bare minimum these days, and it will likely feel sluggish if you're running multiple applications simultaneously. 8GB is the sweet spot for most users, providing a smooth and responsive experience. When it comes to storage, you'll mostly encounter two types: Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) and Solid State Drives (SSDs). SSDs are much faster than HDDs, leading to quicker boot times and faster application loading. While they might be slightly more expensive, an SSD is definitely worth the investment. Finally, don't forget the display! Look for a laptop with a decent resolution (at least 1366 x 768) and good color accuracy. A brighter screen is also a plus, especially if you plan to use your laptop outdoors. Considering these elements, let us dive into the best choices!

Key Specs to Consider When Buying a Cheap Laptop

Before we jump into the specific laptops, let's break down the key specs you should pay attention to. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure you're getting the best value for your money. First up, the processor. This is the brain of your laptop and determines how quickly it can handle tasks. As I mentioned earlier, Intel Celeron and Pentium processors are found in the most basic budget laptops. While they can handle simple tasks, they might struggle with more demanding applications. Intel Core i3 and AMD Ryzen 3 processors offer a significant performance boost and are well-suited for everyday use, including web browsing, document editing, and light multimedia consumption. If your budget permits, opting for an Intel Core i5 or an AMD Ryzen 5 processor will give you even more power and responsiveness, making it ideal for more intensive tasks like photo editing or light gaming.

Next, the RAM (Random Access Memory). RAM is essentially the short-term memory of your laptop. It allows your computer to store and access data quickly, which affects how smoothly you can run multiple applications simultaneously. I recommend at least 8GB of RAM for the best experience. The next is storage. There are two main types of storage: HDD and SSD. SSDs (Solid State Drives) are much faster than HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), leading to quicker boot times, faster application loading, and a more responsive overall experience. Although they might cost a bit more, an SSD is a worthwhile investment. Now, the display, you must consider the resolution and the display technology. For a good viewing experience, make sure the laptop has a decent resolution. A screen with a resolution of 1920x1080 (Full HD) will provide sharp images. Then, the screen technology, most laptops come with LED panels. While OLED screens offer the best image quality, they're generally not available on cheap laptops. However, LED screens can still provide excellent visual quality.

Let’s not forget about battery life. Consider how long you need the battery to last between charges. If you're frequently on the go, a laptop with a longer battery life will be essential. Also, the port selection. Make sure the laptop has the ports you need. For example, a USB-C port is essential for charging and transferring data. A webcam and microphone for video calls and online meetings. If you do a lot of video calls, make sure the webcam quality is decent, and the microphone picks up your voice clearly. Finally, the keyboard and touchpad are essential for usability. A comfortable keyboard and a responsive touchpad will make using your laptop much more enjoyable. Considering these points will help you find the best cheap laptop.

Top Budget Laptops of 2022: Our Recommendations

Alright, guys! Now for the main event: the actual laptops! Here are some of the best cheap laptops you can buy in 2022, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. I've tried to include a variety of options to suit different needs and budgets. Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate, so I'll also try to give you some idea of what kind of deals to look out for. Let's get started!

1. Acer Chromebook Spin 713

The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is, in my opinion, one of the best overall choices if you're looking for a cheap laptop that offers a premium experience. While it's technically a Chromebook, and therefore runs on Google's Chrome OS, it's packed with features that make it stand out. The Spin 713 boasts a sleek design, a vibrant 13.5-inch touchscreen display, and a comfortable keyboard. It's powered by an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM, providing plenty of power for everyday tasks, including web browsing, streaming, and even some light photo editing. One of the best things about the Chromebook Spin 713 is the performance; Chrome OS is incredibly lightweight and optimized. This means the laptop boots up quickly and runs smoothly, even with multiple tabs open. Another big advantage is the battery life. You can easily get a full day's work on a single charge. The touchscreen display and the 360-degree hinge add extra versatility, allowing you to use it in tablet mode or tent mode. For students, the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is a great option. If you are looking for a cheap laptop for students, it has a robust build quality and easy-to-use software. However, since it runs on Chrome OS, which is based on the cloud, you'll need an internet connection to use most of its features. It also isn't the best option if you need to run Windows-specific applications.

2. ASUS L210MA

If you are looking for the absolute cheapest laptop that still delivers a decent experience, the ASUS L210MA is worth considering. This compact 11.6-inch laptop is incredibly lightweight and portable, making it ideal for students or anyone who is always on the move. While the specifications aren't impressive (typically an Intel Celeron processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB or 128GB of storage), it still manages to handle basic tasks reasonably well. The low price point is a huge draw, and it's a great option if you need a secondary laptop for travel or if you're on a tight budget. The battery life is also pretty good, allowing you to work for several hours on a single charge. Of course, the ASUS L210MA isn't perfect. The performance can be a bit sluggish, especially when multitasking, and the storage capacity is limited, so you will need to rely on cloud storage. The screen resolution is also on the lower side. The ASUS L210MA, however, makes a great cheap laptop for people who prioritize portability and affordability, which makes it perfect for students and casual users who mostly browse the internet or edit documents.

3. HP Chromebook 14

The HP Chromebook 14 is another excellent Chromebook option that hits a sweet spot between price and features. This laptop offers a larger 14-inch display compared to the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 and ASUS L210MA. It offers a more immersive viewing experience, making it great for streaming videos and working on documents. Powered by an Intel Celeron processor, it provides adequate performance for everyday tasks, such as browsing the web and working with documents. The HP Chromebook 14 also benefits from the lightweight Chrome OS, ensuring a smooth and responsive experience. The large screen makes it a good option if you often work from home. However, like other Chromebooks, it also relies heavily on an internet connection. The performance may be affected if your internet connection is not very stable. Despite that, the HP Chromebook 14 has a decent battery life and a comfortable keyboard, and it's another great choice for students and casual users.

4. Dell Inspiron 15 3000

If you're after a cheap laptop that runs Windows, the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is often a solid choice. This laptop offers a good balance of features and performance for the price. You'll typically find configurations with Intel Core i3 or i5 processors, 8GB of RAM, and a 1TB HDD or a 256GB SSD, giving you enough power for everyday tasks, including some moderate multitasking. The 15.6-inch display is a decent size for work and entertainment, and the build quality is generally quite good for a budget laptop. Battery life is acceptable, but not outstanding. The main downside is that the display quality isn't the best, and the performance can be a bit sluggish if you opt for a model with an HDD. The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is a great cheap laptop for users who want a Windows-based experience. The main advantage is the software compatibility and versatility, especially if you have a lot of Windows applications. While the performance might not match some of the pricier options, it is still more than enough for everyday use. If you need a Windows laptop for basic tasks and some work at a low cost, it is a great choice!

5. Lenovo IdeaPad 3

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is another excellent Windows-based cheap laptop that consistently receives great reviews. Lenovo is known for offering a lot of value for money, and the IdeaPad 3 is no exception. It usually comes with an AMD Ryzen 3 or Ryzen 5 processor, offering excellent performance for the price. You'll also typically find configurations with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, which delivers a smooth and responsive experience. The build quality feels solid, and the keyboard is comfortable. Battery life is also generally good. This is a very versatile laptop that's suitable for various users, including students, remote workers, and anyone needing a reliable everyday machine. It’s also often available at competitive prices, making it a great value. The main downsides might include the display quality, which is decent but not exceptional. The IdeaPad 3 is a great cheap laptop that combines performance, features, and value, making it a solid all-around choice. If you want a Windows-based laptop that offers a great mix of performance and affordability, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 should be on your list.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Cheap Laptop for You

So, there you have it, guys! A rundown of some of the best cheap laptops you can buy in 2022. Remember, the