We’ve tested and reviewed well over 500 laptops over the years, searching for the best of the best. But to earn the crown for best laptop in 2022, it needs to have it all: gorgeous design, killer performance, a productive keyboard, long-lasting battery…
The thinnest laptops of today are paper-thin compared to their predecessors, and though they aren’t literally that trim, they’re getting pretty close. In recent several years, one of the biggest advances made to the modern laptop is that the chassis co…
The Asus ZenBook Flip 15 is the best laptop under $1,000. It’s a budget PC with great performance, thanks to a fast CPU, a near-premium build quality, and a low-power and high-quality display that’s hard to find at such a low price.
We’re not just picking our favorite sub-$1,000 laptops out of thin air, though. We’ve reviewed hundreds of laptops of all kinds and at all prices, spending thousands of hours doing so. It’s a Herculean task for sure (and a lot of fun, frankly), and it has given us great insight into what makes for a good laptop and what holds a laptop back.
Why you should buy this: It’s the best overall laptop you can buy for less than $1,000.
Who’s it for: Anyone who wants the latest performance on a large laptop, but doesn’t have a huge budget.
Why we chose the ASUS ZenBook Flip 15 Q528EH:
This Asus Zenbook Flip not only packs an extra-large 1080p 15-inch screen, but it includes a broad range of impressive specs that make it truly impressive just how affordable the laptop remains. We’re talking about an 11th-gen Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM to keep up with whatever you have planned, and a 512GB SSD for storage. Those are specs worthy of a desktop replacement, but you don’t have to break the bank to get them.
This model also includes a dedicated GeForce GTX 1650 GPU (not the best GTX, but suitable for more casual gaming), plus Amazon Alexa built in. Ports include Thunderbolt 4/USB-C and HDMI.
The “Flip” design means you can switch to a tablet mode whenever you want, with touchscreen capabilities ensuring a smooth experience. That’s a little more cumbersome with such a large laptop, but it’s useful to have the option, and it underlines that this model really is ready for anything.
Why you should buy this: It’s a powerful gaming laptop that doesn’t break the bank.
Who’s it for: Gamers who don’t have a lot of money to spend on a portable gaming machine.
Why we chose the HP Victus 16:
Just a few years ago, it would’ve been unthinkable that you could find a laptop under $1,000 with a graphics card powerful enough to run the latest games without turning the detail settings way, way down. The HP Victus 16 is something of a novelty in that regard. Starting at around $800, it features a fast AMD Ryzen 5 5600H processor, 8GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and an AMD Radeon RX 5500M graphics card. You can also configure Intel 12th-gen CPUs and up to the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU, which is a great 1080p option for today’s most popular titles.
In addition, you can upgrade the 16.1-inch Full HD display to 144Hz, helping to avoid tearing during heated gaming moments and providing a much smoother experience at high frame rates. That’s not the highest resolution for a large display, but it will match up well with the GPU and enable top performance. In our review, we found the Victus 16 to punch above its class in terms of both productivity and gaming performance.
At this price range, you simply won’t find a better gaming laptop. The HP Victus 16 is without competition when it comes to gaming performance on a budget. If you have more money to spend, then you should head over to our best gaming laptops list.
Why you should buy this: It offers everything a business user needs without a business-class price.
Who’s it for: Business users who need a fast and functional laptop without needing to take out a loan.
Why we chose the Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop:
These days, an excellent business laptop isn’t so different from any other laptop. That’s why the updated Inspiron 15 Laptop is such a perfect fit — it’s simply a great 15.6-inch laptop with ideal specs for all kinds of business purposes.
You’ll find everything you need for your work, including a fast 11th-generation Intel Core i5-11300H processor, HDMI for plugging into televisions and projectors, and a Thunderbolt 4/USB-C port for charging and extra-fast data transfer. Models start at 8GB of RAM and a speedy 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD. Graphics are handled by the Intel Iris Xe, although if you’re doing more than basic gaming, you’ll want a laptop with a more powerful GPU.
If you’re looking for a laptop that will fit your business needs, though, the Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop is an option that will leave some cash left over for additional accessories.
Why you should buy this: It’s fast and power-efficient, and will fit in well in the college environment.
Who’s it for: Students who want a fast and long-lasting laptop with an awesome keyboard and display, without taking out a student loan.
Why we chose the Apple MacBook Air M1:
When the M1 MacBooks arrived, they completely changed the landscape of the computer industry. Apple’s M1 chip is incredibly powerful and power-efficient. While you could get more performance from the M1 MacBook Pro, theM1 MacBook Air offers a very similar experience at exactly $1,000. Users also get 8GB of unified memory and a 256GB SSD.
The M1 MacBook Air looks a lot like the last few iterations of the lineup, but the M1 comes without any fans. That means you get a powerful and completely silent experience. If you want to upgrade your Mac for a reasonable price, the M1 MacBook Air is an absolute bargain at its price point. There’s a newer MacBook Air M2 that’s faster with a new ultra-thin design, but you won’t find it for anywhere close to under $1,000.
Why you should buy this: It looks great and is incredibly thin while keeping within our $1,000 budget.
Who’s it for: Anyone who wants an inexpensive thin and light laptop that looks great and provides good performance.
Why we chose the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4:
Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 3 left a lot to be desired, so the turnaround in just a generation has been fantastic. The Surface Laptop 4 upgrades to 4000 series Ryzen chips, which significantly improve performance. As we note in our review, Ryzen 4000 chips are the most significant jump in performance for AMD’s laptop processors ever, making them a compelling alternative to Intel.
Buyers also get 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, aiding snappy operation and fast boot times. Combine that with the soft and aesthetically pleasing Alcantara fabric and the laptop’s thin profile, and you have one of the most functional and appealing laptops under $1,000. Battery life and built quality are excellent too. It’s a perfect option for students who want something decently powerful that is a MacBook alternative.
Why you should buy this: It provides great CPU-intensive performance at a budget price.
Who’s it for: Anyone who needs to edit videos and photos but doesn’t have the funds for a more powerful workstation.
Why we chose the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5:
Whether it’s photo editing or video editing, finding a laptop right around $1,000 that can handle your needs will be tough. At least, it used to be that way before AMD released its fantastic Ryzen 5500 line of CPUs. Now, you benefit from a seriously fast processor that one of the latest laptop chips Ryzen has released, with a machine that’s ready to keep up.
The Ryzen 5 5500U is complemented by the Radeon graphics card that designers will appreciate. Add in the 16 GB of RAM, and this little laptop can fit in any professional niche. It also holds an impressive 1TB of NVMe SSD storage. Ports include USB-C, USB-A 3.2, and HDMI.
This 2-in-1 also comes with a Lenovo stylus and an extra USB stick for more storage. Business users will also appreciate the built-in fingerprint scanner and the impressive battery life from the 52Wh battery.
Why you should buy this: It’s a large-screen laptop that doesn’t require a large investment.
Who’s it for: Anyone who needs a larger display for multitasking.
Why we chose the Acer Aspire 5 A517:
Acer has turned its Aspire series into a compelling budget option for many users. The Aspire lineup consistently strikes a balance between price and performance, and the Aspire 5 A517 is an excellent option for those looking for an affordable 17-inch laptop.
The Acer Aspire A517 comes with a powerful Intel Core i7-1165G7 and 16GB of RAM, making the Aspire a competent machine for photo and video editing. It also has robust ports including an Ethernet jack, HDMI, three USB-A (two USB 3.2 and one USB 2.0), and a USB-C port.
Combine that with its roomy 17.3-inch 1920×1080 display, and you’re getting a lot for an affordable price.
Why you should buy this: It’s the best Chromebook you can buy at any price.
Who’s it for: Anyone who wants a Chromebook with a great display, keyboard, and performance.
Why we chose the Acer Chromebook Spin 513:
Chromebooks are excellent budget options, particularly for students. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t some fantastic options in the midrange for Chromebooks. Acer’s Chromebook Spin 513 is not only great by Chromebook standards, but it’s also an excellent laptop in its own right. The 3:2 2K (2256 x 1504) IPS display is great, and its build quality and design are top-notch.
ChromeOS has also developed significantly in the past few years, primarily since it now supports Android apps. That makes the Chromebook Spin 513 a functioning Android-like laptop instead of a glorified Chrome browser.
If you’re looking for a Chromebook — either as a student or for travel — the Acer Chromebook Spin 513 is the best you can get right now that’s well under $1,000.
Of course! As we said in the introduction, you’ll want to be careful when buying a budget laptop to be sure that the manufacturer hasn’t cut a corner that you care about. But frankly, the same is true for premium laptops — you can spend over $2,000 and get a laptop that won’t meet your needs if you don’t carefully identify what’s important to you.
In the world of cars, the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla have been two of the best-selling cars for some time now, and for good reason. They’re affordable, safe, provide decent performance, and won’t break the bank when it comes to maintenance. If you’re looking for basic transportation, then you can’t go wrong with either of these options.
The same principle applies to budget laptops. You won’t get a new Ferrari at a new Honda Civic price, but if what you need is good performance and reliability at an affordable price, then our list proves that you can get quite a bit of computer for well under $1,000.
The choice depends on what kinds of tasks are important to you. We suggest that you check out our Windows, MacOS, and Chrome OS buyer’s guide, which goes over the differences between each operating system and some of the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Chances are, if you’re looking for a laptop that’s less than $1,000, then you won’t be looking at a Mac unless you’re willing to buy the base MacBook Air model. That leaves a choice between Windows and Chrome OS, which is primarily a question of what software you need to run.
If you want the widest selection of software across most categories, then Windows will be your best bet. If you just need to browse the web, run simple productivity apps, and can get away with Android equivalents, then Chrome OS could work.
There are more choices now than ever. You can stick with Intel and get Tiger Lake 11th-generation Core i7 CPUs in laptops that are under our $1,000 threshold. On the flip side, AMD now has a very competitive platform in its Ryzen 5000 series CPUs.
If you want to go well under $1,000, you can get a very fast Ryzen chip or an Intel Core i5, both of which are highly capable processors that will churn through most productivity tasks without hesitation — but the AMD Ryzen will be much faster overall. You can also enjoy good battery life with any of these CPUs.
If you buy a Chromebook, then you can get away with a slower processor, such as an Intel Core i3 or Pentium processor. And, chances are, you won’t find many laptops with Core i7 processors in this price range. That leaves the Core i5 and AMD Ryzen 5 as the most logical — and available — processor choices for budget laptops.
The sweet spot for memory — for any laptop, really, not just budget machines — is 8GB. We answer the question of “how much RAM do I need” in more detail in our buyer’s guide, but whether you’re running Windows, MacOS, or even the more lightweight Chrome OS, 8GB will provide you with plenty of headroom for multitasking and more complex applications. If you want to do some gaming or video editing in your off-hours, though, 16GB wouldn’t hurt.
Many budget laptops include integrated graphics, traditionally some variation of Intel’s UHD Graphics technology built into its Core CPU. This means that even the most basic laptop can run older games, though they’ll be low res, while still managing your other daily tasks. However, if you’re willing to consider AMD, you’ll get improved performance over Intel’s integrated options.
We’ve included budget laptops with acceptable graphics on our list. These will provide a much better gaming and content-creation experience than Intel’s integrated graphics can manage. If you’re willing to settle for 1080p and lower graphical details, you can get some real gaming done with a few of them.
If your budget is less than $1,000, you probably won’t be able to buy a laptop with a 4K display. It’s worth noting that it was challenging to locate Full HD displays under this price until recently. Your average laptop on a budget won’t have the battery strength it needs to support a 4K display. The display would drain your battery immediately, so you’d have to be always charging it, which defeats the purpose of having a laptop.
If you don’t want to fork over the money now, wait for a little while. 4K and batteries adequately supporting this resolution will become the baseline specs seen with today’s Full HD-based laptops.
There are, although they may be more difficult to find. Our Lenovo Yoga pick is currently a good example, as is the Surface Laptop 4 and other popular choices.
This, fortunately, is one of the most flexible laptop specs. You could choose a Chromebook, generally very affordable laptops, that focus on cloud storage, and add an SD card later if you need more space. Or you could choose a laptop with powerful specs and choose one of the lowest storage models to help you save more money. Storage can always be augmented by cloud storage or an external hard drive, so you have room to work here.
A few years ago, a 4K laptop was unheard of. But today, top manufacturers like Dell, HP, and Lenovo offer a 4K display option across their flagship devices. These upgrades carry a hefty premium, though, so knowing what the best 4K laptops are is import…
Picking the best Lenovo laptop is difficult because whichever one you choose, it won’t be perfect for everyone. With brands as unique and beloved as ThinkPad and Yoga, you’ve got a lot of choices on your hands. Do you go with the one that has the best internal hardware, the nicest display, or the greatest portability? What about the best bang for your buck?
While it’s always a good idea to check out our list of the best laptops you can buy in general, these are the best options that Lenovo has for sale.
Why you should buy this: It offers the best combination of build quality, performance, and size.
Who’s it for Anyone who wants a durable 14-inch laptop that gets the job done.
Why we chose the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9:
Lenovo continues to keep the Carbon line updated with the newest components, and this latest model is an excellent example of why. It’s a powerful 14-inch laptop that can keep up with your busy life while still saving on space with its thin, focused design. It’s incredibly well built and maintains the ThinkPad black-on-black aesthetic through and through.
The current version of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 offers a four-core, 11th-gen Intel processor, starting with an i5 model but upgradeable to an i7, plus 8GB to 16GB of RAM and 256GB to 1TB of PCIe SSD storage. You can also upgrade the screen to a UHD model if you prefer better visuals. Wi-Fi 6 is supported, and this laptop includes the latest connections like Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports for the best wired speeds you can get.
Why you should buy this: It’s Lenovo’s best convertible 2-in-1 with exotic materials and a striking design.
Who’s it for: Anyone who wants a thin and light convertible 2-in-1 with style.
Why we chose the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga:
One of the best ThinkPads we’ve seen in years, this X1 Titanium Yoga model combines many of the best aspects of Lenovo computers in one highly portable, 13.5-inch, 2-in-1 QHD (2256 x 1504 resolution) laptop. But despite the compact size, this Yoga also has plenty of power for productivity tasks, with the base model offering a low-power 11th-gen, four-core Intel i5-1130G7 processor that can be upgraded to more powerful options if necessary. The base 8GB of RAM and 256GB PCIe solid-state drive can be upgraded as well.
Since Yoga models are designed to be used on the move, it’s good to see that this model includes a Lenovo Precision Pen while also offering more traditional business laptop features like a fingerprint reader for security. Wi-Fi 6 is also supported on this new model, so you don’t have to worry about keeping up with wireless speeds.
Finally, the [ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga also offers a more affordable price than many of the models on our list, a good option for buyers who want a Lenovo laptop but don’t like the idea of spending thousands of dollars this time around.
Why you should buy this: It offers a standout design in a comfortable convertible 2-in-1.
Who’s it for: Anyone who wants a gorgeous 2-in-1 that feels good in hand.
Why we chose the Lenovo Yoga 9i 14:
The Yoga 9i 14 Gen 7 rivals the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga in Lenovo’s convertible 2-in-1 lineup. The Yoga 9i 14 received a complete makeover in its seventh generation, gaining rounded chrome edges that not only look great but feel great in tablet mode. The build quality is excellent, and the laptop exudes an elegance that no other Lenovo laptop we’ve tested can match.
What we liked most about the Yoga 9i was its excellent productivity performance thanks to 12th-gen Intel Core CPUs, with the Core i5-1240P, Core i7-1260P, and Core i7-1280P on offer. Up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of SSD storage can be configured, and there are three excellent 14-inch 16:10 display options including an optional 4K UHD+ (3840 x 2400) display.
Multimedia is also a strength thanks to the Rotating Sound Bar that surrounds the hinge and provides rich audio in every mode – clamshell, tent, media, or tablet. Our only complaint here was some distortion at maximum volume, but turning it down just a bit alleviated that concern.
Why you should buy this: Excellent performance, solid design, and a lovely 90Hz display make for a great clamshell.
Who’s it for: Anyone who wants a 14-inch laptop with impressive performance and a standout display.
Why we chose the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 Carbon:
AMD’s Ryzen 7 5800U CPU is a great performer for both productivity and low-end creative workflows, and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 Carbon makes great use of it. Its performance is near the top of the pack of thin-and-light 14-inch laptops, and while that’s going to change with the introduction of Intel’s 12th-gen processors and AMD’s Ryzen 6000, for now, it’s an accomplishment.
The IdeaPad Slim 7 is also an attractive laptop with a minimalist design, and it’s very light at 2.43 pounds and thin at 0.59 inches. It’s constructed of a magnesium-aluminum alloy, with carbon fiber in the lid, and the result is a bit of flexibility. It’s nothing egregious, however, and it’s the price you pay for using such lightweight materials.
You can configure the machine with a lovely 16:10 2.8K (2880 x 1800) OLED display running at 90Hz, which is unusual for OLED and makes Windows 11 buttery smooth. And you get all of this for a price that’s at the low end of premium, making it a great value along the way.
Why you should buy this: It offers a large, 120Hz display and plenty of power at a near-budget price.
Who’s it for: Anybody who wants a larger and more powerful laptop for not a lot of money.
Why we chose the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 Pro:
It’s not often that $1,000 will net you a 16-inch laptop with a lovely display and plenty of power, but that’s exactly what you get with the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 Pro. It all starts with the AMD Ryzen 7 5800H CPU, which as mentioned above will be challenged by Intel’s 12th-gen CPUs and AMD’s Ryzen 6000 but for now, it provides superior performance for both productivity and creative tasks.
The IdeaPad Slim 7 Pro’s value is further enhanced by the 16-inch 16:10 WQXGA (2560 x 1600) IPS display running at a blistering 120Hz. That enhances Windows 11’s animations and makes everything on-screen so much smoother. But that’s not all that’s great about the display. It’s also bright, offers above-average colors (although not quite what demanding creative types are looking for) and excellent contrast.
There’s not much to complain about with the IdeaPad Slim 7 Pro. It’s a well-built and speedy laptop with a great display for not a lot of money.
Why you should buy this: It’s a Chromebook with good performance and an OLED display at a true budget price.
Who’s it for: Any Chrome OS user who wants a superior display and solid performance.
Why we chose the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook:
You can get a lot of computer for not a lot of money by opting for a Chromebook, and for most people, Chrome OS will let them get their work done with little muss and fuss. The IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook comes in at a bargain-basement price of $500, yet offers satisfactory performance and a groundbreaking OLED display.
We’ll start with the display, which was one of the first Chromebooks to utilize an OLED panel and the first detachable tablet with OLED, period. It’s a 16:9 display, unfortunately, which has been giving way to taller 16:10 and 3:2 options, but it’s still bright and colorful with OLED’s usual inky blacks. It makes for a great tablet display even with the old-school aspect ratio.
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 ARM CPU isn’t the fastest around, but it can handle Chrome OS without any hiccups. And it offers up excellent battery life in the bargain. The IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook’s kickstand add-on is a bit inconvenient and it’s limited to Wi-Fi 5, but otherwise, this Chromebook offers an incredible bargain with only a few compromises.
