From Windows laptops to Chromebooks to MacBooks, our experts have tested and identified the top low-cost machines that make short work of everyday computing. The best part? Many ring up for less than $600.

We've tested almost 20 laptops over the past six months. Here are the standouts.

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Buying a laptop can be a pricey endeavor. Fortunately, there are several cheap options for replacing an old laptop or even buying your first one on a budget. Of those options, one of the cheapest ...

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Walmart has long been known as a place where you can find good deals, and the same continues to be true for the various electronics it offers. While the store does have its share of Walmart ...

Acer announced a new cheap laptop called the Swift Air 14 at Computex 2026, a tech trade show in Taiwan. It has an all-metal build and starts at just $699 with Intel's new Core Series 3 processors, 8GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and a 120Hz display, making it a very strong MacBook Neo competitor. It's set for release this August.

Move over, MacBook Neo. Intel has quietly launched a "Project Firefly" initiative to develop cheaper mainstream laptops that don't feel cheap, using its new Wildcat Lake chip as a centerpiece.

As a general rule, the best times of the year to buy a computer are during back-to-school season and three-day holiday weekends.

We've seen the lion's share of the latest GeForce- and Radeon-equipped gaming laptops—and our experts have tested all of the top options in PC Labs. Here's how to get the best machine on a budget.