Best Budget Laptops for Students in 2025: When Performance Meets Affordable Price

If you believe that you must pay an expensive price to acquire a good laptop, then think twice. The best budget laptops in 2025 show that top performance, mobility, and luxury features can be achieved at low prices.

For students, every penny counts. These laptop options are under $1,000 so saving up a few bucks everyday could help you buy a budget laptop someday.

In this article, we take a look at three of the best-rated budget laptops that give you the most bang for your buck, without sacrificing quality.

Why Budget Laptops Are Better Than Ever

Best Budget Laptops for Students in 2025

Thanks to advances in hardware efficiency and design, budget laptops now rival mid-tier models from just a few years ago. With capable processors, long-lasting batteries, and improved displays, it's easier than ever to find a powerful device that fits your wallet and your workflow.

Whether you're looking for an ultraportable for travel, a reliable business laptop, or a dependable everyday machine, you've got options.

Apple MacBook Air (M1, Late 2020): Top Budget MacBook

Price Range: Under $700 (on offer)

Best For: Mac enthusiasts, students, hobbyist creatives

The MacBook Air M1 remains a top pick in 2025 for users who want top-notch performance at an affordable price. Driven by Apple's revolutionary M1 chip, this fanless laptop delivers scorching speed, all-day battery life, and a stunning Retina display—all in a sleek and sexy aluminum design.

Pros:

• Blistering performance with Apple M1 chip
• Excellent battery life (up to 18 hours)
• Sophisticated, lightweight design in several colors
• Seamless user experience with macOS
• Excellent keyboard and trackpad

Cons:

• Only two USB-C ports
• No touch-screen compatibility

If budget is your top priority, this is your best option. Even four years on the market, the MacBook Air M1 continues to outclass many newer Windows laptops in performance and efficiency.

Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1: Best Budget Business Laptop

Price Range: Starts under $600

Best For: Business professionals, remote workers, office multitaskers

The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 introduces the legendary ThinkPad heritage to the budget segment. With a 16-inch screen, robust performance choices (Intel or AMD), and a legendary keyboard, it's ideal for productivity and multitasking.

Pros:

• Durable ThinkPad build quality
• Industry-leading keyboard for typing ease
• Ample connectivity with USB, HDMI, and Ethernet ports
• Low entry price for a high-end business machine

Cons:

• The screen could be brighter and more vibrant
• Does not have an SD card slot
• Limited to Wi-Fi 6 (not 6E)

For those who require a capable workhorse without the hefty price tag, the E16 Gen 1 finds the middle ground between price and performance.

Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P): Best Value for Day-to-Day

Price Range: Under $500

Best For: Students, casual users, home office applications

Acer's Aspire 3 shows that you don't have to pay extra for stylish looks to find reliable performance. Driven by AMD processors and featuring Wi-Fi 6, this laptop provides the basics of browsing, word processing, and streaming—all under $500.

Pros:

• Robust performance for everyday use
• Battery life of up to 17 hours
• Contemporary wireless connectivity
• Affordable price

Cons:

• Design is plasticky and looks outdated
• The quality of the display is only average at best
• Upgrades are not easily available

If you're buying on a tight budget and require a reliable day-to-day machine, the Aspire 3 is the best pick in 2025.

Which Budget Laptop Is Right for You?

Choosing the best budget laptop in 2025 comes down to your needs and priorities as a student. For the Apple faithful, the MacBook Air M1 remains a stellar choice. If you're all about business and productivity, the ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 stands out. And for those looking to stretch every dollar, the Acer Aspire 3 delivers unbeatable everyday value.