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The best laptops under $1,000: MacBook Air, Microsoft Surface Pro, HP models, and more compared
You don't need a huge PC under your desk anymore to achieve lightning-fast speeds, amazing graphics, and 1TB SSD capabilities. There are plenty of laptops on the market today with all the tools you need to succeed academically or professionally.
Also: Want to save even more money? Here are the best laptops under $500
Whether you're gaming in your room or working in a coffee shop, the specs that you may desire from a laptop can be drastically different. That being said, every laptop on this list can be used for whatever your daily routine consists of -- and they're all less than $1,000.
- Easy access to all things Apple
- Simplistic design
- Small size makes it easily portable
- Not the best for gaming
- Browsing works best with Google Chrome
- Hard to adapt from Windows to MacOS
Tech specs: CPU Model: Apple M1 | RAM Memory: 8GB | Hard Disk Drive: 256GB SSD | Screen Size: 13.3 inches
Apple has emerged as the frontrunner in the typical laptop market today. While MacBooks, in my opinion, aren't the best in the industry, their features set them apart from competition. As a loyal Apple customer, I own many of their products and use a MacBook every day.
The 2020 version of the MacBook Air is incredibly advanced. I have a 2019 MacBook Pro, and it still has plenty of features brand-new laptops don't. This MacBook Air features the Apple M1 chip and 8GB of RAM, giving users a brilliant experience with fast loading speeds. The 13.3-inch Retina display is unique for laptops and allows everything to show up on your screen sharp, clear, and vibrant.
Additionally, if you have Apple products, you can easily connect your Apple ID to your MacBook to get access to your contacts, photos, iMessage, FaceTime, and so much more all from your laptop.
Review: 2020 MacBook Air
- Battery life is good for a gaming laptop
- Incredible graphic capabilities
- At over 5 pounds its harder to transport
- Only 60Hz refresh rate
Tech specs: CPU Model: Intel Core i5-12500H | RAM Memory: 8GB | Hard Disk Drive: 512 GB SSD | Screen Size: 15.6 inches
When you think of the typical gaming PC, you probably think of plenty of RGB, fancy glass cases, and large fans inside the unit. And while this HP Victus laptop doesn't tote those flashy features, it does provide an epic gaming experience. Plus, with a 16.1 inch screen, you don't necessarily need an extra dedicated gaming monitor.
The visuals are just as important as the performance when it comes to gaming. Luckily, this laptop provides in each of those categories. The graphics are powered by an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPU and a 178-degree wide-view screen, so you can see the screen wherever you decide to sit. Plus, with an enhanced cooling solution in this laptop, hot air is blown out of the laptop to ensure the computer maintains a good temperature while you game.
Finally, since games seem to take up all your storage nowadays, a 512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD provides 30x faster performance than a traditional hard drive.With 2 USB Type-A ports and 1 USB Type-C port, if extra storage is needed, there are more than enough ports for you to use an external SSD.
- Affordable
- Adapted for remote work
- Powerful processor and RAM for low price
- Screen is glare-heavy
Tech specs: CPU Model: Intel Core i5-1135G7 | RAM Memory: 8 GB | Hard Disk Drive: 256 GB SSD | Screen Size: 13.3 inches
At around $570, this laptop is by far the least expensive on this list, but also one of the most powerful. Powered by an Intel Core i5 processor, this laptop helps you stay on task while being efficient and responsive with any input.
With many classes and meetings making the move to online formats via Zoom or Teams, this laptop has adapted with the times. With a built-in camera shutter key and a key to mute your microphone, you can ensure your privacy is protected when you step away from your work station.
Lastly, while the screen measures just 13.3 inches, the picture quality you will get from this unit is incredible. The FHD IPS display is virtually edgeless with an 88% screen to body ratio. Additionally, this laptop features BrightView technology so your colors are vivid and clear when working in the classroom, office, or cubicle.
- Rugged design
- Long battery life
- Generous port selection
- Subpar speakers
- Mediocre webcam
Tech specs: CPU Model: Intel Core i5 | RAM Memory: 8 GB | Hard Disk Drive: 256 GB | Screen Size: 15.6 inches
The Acer Aspire 5 is an excellent Windows laptop priced well under $1,000. It holds a comfortable 15.6-inch widescreen display that isn't too small and isn't too big with an LED-backlit IPS display that is also full HD. That means impressive graphics on a screen large enough to really enjoy detail. The backlit keyboard is an extra bonus for greater visibility.
Processing speeds are great, too. This uses an 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8265U processor with 256 gigabytes on the hard disk and eight gigabytes of RAM memory. For higher security, enjoy a fingerprint reader to unlock your computer. Ports are aplenty, with several USB ports, including a USB-C port. Expect about nine-and-a-half hours of battery life with enough power to get you through your longer work day.
For easier processing, Windows 10 Home comes included.
- Quick processing
- Phenomenal cameras
- Generous battery
- Accessories sold separately
- Pricey
- Limited ports
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 Tech specs: CPU Model: 12th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 or Microsoft SQ3 (based on Qualcomm) | RAM Memory: 8 GB | Hard Disk Drive: 256 GB | Screen Size: 13 inches
The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 comes ready for adventure. At just 13 inches, the screen is large enough for detail but compact enough for travel. That doesn't mean it skimps on quality. It is a great step up from the previous version.
After testing, ZDNET's Technology Editor, was impressed with the quality, "I absolutely love the hardware-software combo as much as I did with the Surface Pro 8," he writes.
In addition to a 12th Gen Intel Core processor, there is an outstanding picture with an integrated graphics card and Intel Iris Xe Graphics processor. The anti-glare coating is an extra bonus, especially for long trips or screen-time sessions. The battery life is excellent, too, giving you 15.5 hours of battery life to get your work done.
"Generally speaking," says Wan, "if you liked the Surface Pro 8 design, you'll love the Pro 9."
Read more: Surface Pro 9 review
What is the best laptop under $1,000?
With all big decisions comes a lot of research, Thankfully, we did a lot of the heavy lifting for you when it comes to searching up the key specs of the best laptops under $1,000. Below is a table comparing the five computers in this list by price, CPU model, and screen size to help make the decision process a tad bit easier.
Best laptop under $1,000 | Cost | CPU | Screen size | Hard disk drive |
2020 MacBook Air | $800 | Apple M1 | 13.3 inches | 256 GB |
HP Victus | $728 | Intel Core i5-12500H | 15.6 inches | 512 GB |
HP Envy 13 | $570 | Intel Core i5-1135G7 | 13.3 inches | 256 GB |
Acer Aspire 5 | $580 | 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8265U | 15.6 inches | 256 GB |
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 | $1,000 | 12th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 or Microsoft SQ3 (based on Qualcomm) | 13 inches | 256 GB |
Which is the right laptop under $1,000 for you?
The size and weight of your laptop can really restrict where you can bring your laptop, or more specifically, where you will have enough room to use it. With laptops like the Surface Pro 7+ and the HP Envy 13, you can bring your laptop virtually anywhere. Bigger options like the Dell Inspiron 15 5000 and the HP Victus will require a bit more room. Read the chart below for a quick glance on which model should become your essential or accessory.
Choose this best laptop under $1,000... | If you want... |
2020 MacBook Air | A laptop that's perfect for Apple users. Using the M1 chip and packing in 8GB of RAM, this laptop delivers lightning-fast performance and makes it easy to integrate the rest of your Apple devices. |
HP Victus | A high-quality laptop with incredible specs for gamers. This laptop is packed with power without the high price tag, like a 16.1-inch screen, Nvidia graphics, and plenty of ports. |
HP Envy 13 | A computer that will exceed expectations without breaking the bank. While the screen is only 13-inches, the display is virtually edgeless with an 88% body ratio. Plus, graphics are fantastic quality and there's camera features perfect for remote workers. |
Acer Aspire 5 | A gaming-worthy budget laptop with superior graphics. This is a middle-of-the-road option that offers a comfortable 15.6-inch display as well as plenty of storage and port availability. |
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 | A tablet/laptop combination that's great for travel that promises the same impressive hardware-software combo of the Surface Pro 8. Plus, it employs security features like a fingerprint reader and extra connectivity ports. |
How did we choose these under $1,000 laptops?
A great laptop doesn't have to cost a fortune. To determine the best laptops under $1,000, I recommend that you consider these factors in your search.
- CPU Model: The processor tells you how quickly and how well your computer will be able to understand and complete tasks. Look for a newer processor that boasts faster speeds so you can be guaranteed a high-performing machine.
- RAM Memory: Consider how much memory you will need for your computer. If you deal with a lot of files, you are likely going to need more RAM memory than the average user.
- Screen size: It is typically a matter of preference when it comes to screen size. The best laptops under $1,000 range from 12.3 inches to 15.6 inches, but it is possible to find laptops that are both bigger and smaller than this specific range.
- Price: Cost is, of course, a driving factor here, so pay attention to that price tag. We found that the best laptops under $1,000 range from $570 to $800, depending on the make and model you choose.
Are gaming laptops under $1,000 good?
Like all things, you get what you pay for. But with a budget of $1,000, you can get an above-average laptop. Personally, if I were to buy a computer specifically for gaming, I would purchase a PC -- but those often run over $1,000 for a high-quality system.
Who makes the best laptops under $1,000?
All the laptops included in this list come from either HP, Dell, or Apple. That being said, it's hard to go against the powerhouse manufacturers in the laptop industry.
What is the best touchscreen laptop?
Personally, I love the versatility of the Microsoft Surface Pro tablets/laptops. Like I mentioned above, if I were to purchase a new computer today, it would have to be a Microsoft Surface -- they come in all different sizes and spec combinations, so you can find the perfect one for you.
Are there alternative laptops under $1,000 worth considering?
With a budget of $1,000, the big-name brands typically dominate the laptop industry for this price. Here are a few more laptop choices from reputable brands that are worth considering before making your purchase.
This best laptop under $1,000 packs excellent value at a reasonable price.
This best gaming laptop under $1,000 is brought to you by Asus.
Choose this best laptop under $1,000 for a lightweight carry.
This is a budget gaming laptop under $1,000 that is packed with the power to handle your favorite games.