Whether you're a professional or a student, laptops are now a must-have gadget. However, they can be quite expensive. The good news is there are affordable laptops from brands like ASUS, Lenovo, Acer, and Infinix. But with so many budget-friendly laptops out there, how can you know which ones are worthwhile?
We at mybest have crafted a comprehensive guide on which factors to consider when purchasing a reasonably-priced laptop—including features, dimensions, and cost. We've also compiled the 10 best affordable laptops that you can purchase on Lazada, Shopee, and other E-commerce sites. Know all these and more by scrolling down below!
Quick List - Top Affordable Laptops
Teclast
A Slim and Portable Laptop for Basic Tasks
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
Table of Contents
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Here are some key points to consider:
Know your operating system.
Choose a laptop size that fits your lifestyle.
Take your workload or study load into account when looking at laptop specifications.
Your laptop’s battery life should sustain your working or studying hours.
Check the available ports of the laptop.
For gamers and movie buffs, consider the laptop’s display quality.
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
When it comes to affordable laptops, there are two operating systems that are leading the race—Windows and Chrome OS. Here are the main differences between the two operating systems.
As one of the oldest operating systems, Windows has been integrated with thousands of software, making it a great choice for people who work with multiple applications like Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and even Google Chrome.
However, this means that it might need a more powerful but pricier laptop to load the apps properly. Nevertheless, Windows OS is still a reliable software that many people still use and opt for to this day.
Chrome OS is a new operating system by Google to keep up with competitors like Microsoft and Apple. Though it has limited access to software like full versions of Microsoft Office, it’s still a great choice, thanks to its simple-to-learn UI, built-in virus protection system, and lightweight units.
Laptops with Chrome OS are ideal for students or employees who use a lot of Google applications like Google Meet, Google Drive, Google Docs, and Google Sheets. It's also very user-friendly, making it a great choice for people who just want to access the internet.
If you’re having a hard time choosing the right laptop size, simply look into your studying or working habits. Convenience can be a deal breaker for a lot of people, as traveling around with a heavy laptop can be tiresome.
Laptops with a 13” display screen are more compact and lighter than other units and only weigh around 1.5 to 2kg. This is best for people who are always on the go and prefer studying or working outside. But if your job requires you to load heavy apps and you don’t travel often, then choose a 17” laptop that weighs around 3kg.
Whether you’re working on documents, creating graphics, playing video games, or studying for your preliminary examinations, you’ll need a reliable laptop that can catch up to your demands. So looking into a laptop’s CPU, RAM, and storage is essential when opting for the perfect one for you.
Having the right CPU is essential since it practically acts as the brain of your laptop. A unit with poor processing power will cause delays, which can drastically affect your overall workflow. The best and most popular CPU would be Intel processors, where you can choose either the i5 or i7 variant.
The i5 has a quad-core layout that's perfect for completing your day-to-day tasks—it can even handle light gaming! On the other hand, the i7 is a larger and more powerful processor that has an octa-core layout. It's great for video editing, motion graphics, and other heavy applications. Aside from these, you'll also find Intel Pentium, Celeron, Gemini Lake, and AMD Ryzen processors in affordable laptops.
In order to open websites, apps, and editing tools without lags, your laptop needs a certain amount of RAM. The RAM acts as temporary storage for data that your device can read almost instantly and allows for seamless transitions between software.
So if your job mainly consists of crafting documents and opening websites, then you can get by with just 4GB of RAM. But if your tasks are more on the creative side, like photo and video editing, then opting for 8-16GB of RAM would be best.
Solid-state drives or SSDs are the central storage for laptops and desktops. They store long-term data and also boot them up whenever you need them. Having low storage on your device is a hassle since you always have to worry about whether or not you have sufficient space for important files and documents.
On average, having 128GB of storage is the standard, as long as you use cloud drives to save larger documents. But if you have the extra budget, you can opt for a unit with 256-512GB of storage.
Aside from the CPU, RAM, and storage, the laptop’s battery is also an important feature to consider. For this reason, choosing a laptop that has at least 8 hours of battery life would be ideal if you prefer to work in cafés or libraries and have a hard time finding outlets to charge your laptop. You can also go for a unit with longer battery life, but prepare to shell out a bit more for that.
Ports are an essential feature for all laptops, so look into the ones that you need for your day-to-day tasks. When in the market for a new and affordable laptop, check the ports that come with each unit.
Necessary ports often include USB-C ports, which allow you to access external devices and transfer files faster, and earphone jacks to improve sound quality during meetings or movie nights. Some other ports you can consider are HDMI or VGA since you might be using your laptop to present decks during in-person meetings or school presentations.
If you’re the type to use your laptop not just for work or school but also for gaming and watching videos, then you'd need to consider the display quality as well. The best display quality for affordable laptops should be at least 1080p, which lets you enjoy your favorite shows at a reasonable resolution.
Plus, you'd need to check the refresh rate, which refers to the number of times the display can produce an image every second. A refresh rate of 75Hz would be enough to give you a satisfying experience. Also, having a non-glare screen allows you to use your laptop outside without adjusting the brightness level to the maximum every time.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Infinix INbook X1 | ![]() | An Affordable and Dependable Piece of Hardware for All Types of Users | |
2 | Acer Aspire 3|A315-35-P5N9 | ![]() | Powerful Processing Ability Mixed With Affordability | |
3 | Teclast F7 Plus 2 | ![]() | Currently unavailable | A Slim and Portable Laptop for Basic Tasks |
4 | Chuwi Gemibook Pro | ![]() | Powerful Display With Performance Unlike Any Other | |
5 | ASUS VivoBook FLIP 14|TP401MA-BZ265T | ![]() | Doubles as a Tablet for Added Function | |
6 | Dell Inspiron 15 3511 | ![]() | Get Premium Features for Only Half the Price | |
7 | Lenovo IdeaPad 3|81WH002TPH | ![]() | Sturdy to Get You Through Your Day to Day Tasks | |
8 | DERE R9 Pro | ![]() | A High-End Machine Built for Dependability | |
9 | HP 14s|14S-FQ1100AU | ![]() | Snappy and Reliable for Students and Employees Alike | |
10 | Lenovo 100e Chromebook 2nd Gen|82CD0000US | ![]() | A Lightweight Laptop That’s Great for Daily Use |
Taking the top spot on our list is the Infinix INbook X1, which is one of the best affordable laptops in the market. This is thanks to its reliable performance with an Intel Core i5-1035G1 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage, which suits busy students and working individuals.
Its battery allows you to work for up to 13 hours without charging, all while providing you with a 14" FHD display for the best working or studying experience. You can also change the viewing angle to 180 degrees in case you need to lay the laptop flat on the table. Plus, this device has USB, HDMI, and microSD ports and an audio jack for improved connectivity.
With the Acer Aspire 3's processing power, you will have the ability to open and navigate multiple windows and tabs almost seamlessly. It is, without a doubt, one of the best laptops on the market, thanks to its Intel Pentium N6000 processor that runs on 8GB of RAM and has 256GB of storage.
The combination of the 15" FHD display and built-in stereo speakers gives you the optimum viewing experience. Also, you don't need to charge it often since it has 8.5 hours of battery life. And it comes with various ports such as USB 2.0, HDMI 2.0, ethernet, DC-in jack, and audio jack for practicality.
The Teclast F7 Plus 2 is the go-to laptop for people who need a slim and portable gadget—it even looks similar to a MacBook! Though it only weighs 1.3 kg, it comes with necessary ports like USB 2.0 and 3.0, Type C, mini-HDMI, microSD, and audio jack, making it a practical device for daily use.
It also sports an Intel Gemini Lake Refresh quad-core processor, 8GB of RAM, and upgradable SSD storage, which makes multitasking a breeze. Wireless connection wouldn't be a problem either, as it supports dual-band WiFi and Bluetooth. And with its highly-responsive trackpad and full-sized keyboard, it's very user-friendly! Previous buyers use it for school work and light tasks but noticed that it overheats easily.
For those who are looking for a laptop to use both for work and leisure, then the Chuwi Gemibook Pro might be best for you. With its 14.1" 2k display, you'll experience crisp and smooth video and image quality, whether for work or for watching series.
Not only that, but it also boasts a powerful quad-core processor with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of upgradable storage, which promotes smooth and easy shifts between apps and software. If you like working at night, it is equipped with a backlit keyboard and a large touchpad for better productivity.
Going to school has never been better with ASUS' VivoBook FLIP 14! This light and highly-portable laptop can easily be carried around the campus, as it only weighs 1.5 kg. It can handle light web browsing and note-taking since it has an Intel Pentium Silver N5030 quad-core processor, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage.
But the kicker here is the 360-degree hinge that allows you to transform the laptop into a tablet for more usage. The touchscreen display is responsive and compatible with the ASUS pen. From drawing to writing down notes, the ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 gives you multiple ways to use the device, making it a great laptop to bring anywhere!
With the Dell Inspiron 15 3511, you'll be getting all your laptop needs without spending too much! Its Intel Core i5 10th Gen processor, coupled with 8GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, gives you a smooth and satisfying experience when transitioning between tasks.
Along with that, it offers a huge 15.6" screen with 1920 x 1080 display quality, making it a great choice for people who want to enjoy their leisure time gaming or watching series. Plus, it comes with helpful features like low blue light software, a lift hinge that elevates the device, and various ports for all your studying or working needs.
Nothing resonates more with the idea of a sturdy laptop than the Lenovo IdeaPad 3. It runs on an Intel Pentium N5030 processor and has 4GB of RAM and a whopping 512GB of storage. These features make handling spreadsheets or streaming your favorite TV shows a lot smoother. It also boasts a 14" HD display and Dolby Audio™ speakers for a better viewing experience.
Two of its practical features are its webcam shutter for privacy and multiple ports to help you stay connected. Particularly, it comes with 3 USB ports, 1 HDMI port, 1 card reader, and 1 headphone and microphone combo jack. Moreover, it has a comfortable resting placement for your wrists, which makes it easy to use every day!
Looking for a laptop that stands out? Available in red, silver, and black, this sleek laptop from DERE is the perfect choice! Aside from its aesthetic exterior, it also performs well, thanks to its Intel Celeron N5095 processor, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. And it provides a great quality display for leisure time, with its 15.6" FHD screen and double bass front speakers.
You can count on it for school or work, too! If you work with a lot of numbers, then the full-size number keypad would be advantageous for you. And not only does it support dual-band wireless connection, but it also has an ethernet port for faster internet. It is indeed a dependable laptop for people who need to get tasks done quickly.
The HP 14- FQ1100AU is a quick and dependable machine that boasts an AMD Ryzen™ 3 5300U processor and 256GB of storage, plus, it runs on the latest Windows OS. It's perfect for people looking for a laptop that gets the job done fast and right.
Its 14" HD display, coupled with its dual speakers, makes it great for both work and leisure. It also has a headphone/microphone combo port for clearer audio. And if you need to connect your USB-powered devices to the laptop, its SuperSpeed USB-A and USB-C ports allow faster file transfer or charging.
A traditional laptop through and through, the Lenovo 100e Chromebook is great for everyday use. Whether you need a device for light browsing or note-taking, this laptop can do the job. Thanks to its reliable AMD A4-9120C processor, it allows for a seamless transition between tabs, which any student or employee would appreciate.
Though its display is relatively small at 11.6", it's extremely portable, as it only weighs 1.26 kg. For online classes and work meetings, it has a decent mic and a 720p webcam. And it runs on Chrome OS, which is advantageous for schools or offices that utilize a lot of Google applications. However, you might want to invest in a cloud drive since it only has 32GB of storage.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
When searching for a laptop for programming, it is important to consider its operating system, display quality, processing power, RAM, storage, and battery life. With the right features, you'll be able to load important applications for programming and transition between tasks without any issues at all.
The best laptop for the job that's less than PHP 30,000 would have to be the Acer Aspire 3, thanks to its powerful Intel Pentium N6000 processor paired with 8GB of upgradable RAM and 256GB of storage. It operates on a Windows 11 program and has a 15.6″ Full HD display with a backlit feature. Plus, it has 8.5 hours of battery life for the optimum experience.
Yes, you can. However, it will have to come at the cost of sacrificing some other features in order to fit your budget. For example, if you're looking for a laptop that can handle multiple tasks at once, you may have to sacrifice portability.
If you're in the market for a gaming laptop, but you don't want to break the bank, there are four things that you need to consider— a good graphics card, a reliable processor, sufficient RAM, and a high-resolution display. These features provide users with an exceptional gaming experience. Currently, the best affordable gaming laptop would have to be the Acer Predator Triton 300 SE.
The 14" model retails for less than PHP90,000 and is equipped with a full HD display that has a 1920 x 1080 resolution and 144Hz refresh rate. It is powered by an Intel i7-11375H processor as well as an NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPU. It also has an impressive 512GB of storage and 16GB of RAM for smooth and easy transitions. With this laptop, you're bound to conquer the gaming world!
Choosing the best gadgets for work or school can be tricky, especially if you're on a budget. But that doesn't always have to be the case, especially here at mybest. Check out some more affordable gadgets for your work or school life below!
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Author: Aaron Joseph L. Costes
Editor: Aprille Jarcia
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Infinix|INbook X1
No. 2: Acer|Aspire 3|A315-35-P5N9
No. 3: Teclast|F7 Plus 2
No. 4: Chuwi|Gemibook Pro
No. 5: ASUS|VivoBook FLIP 14|TP401MA-BZ265T
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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