Best Laptops Under $800, It’s a popular misconception that you have to spend thousands of dollars to get graphics-intensive programs and applications (i.e. games) to work on a budget laptop.
But with the newer version of operating systems like Windows 8, most budget laptops from major manufacturers can handle an easy number crunching or graphics-intensive software/applications.
One has to keep in mind that computers are a lot like people. Some behave better at one thing than another are average at everything.
When you are looking for Laptop or PC reviews, whatingadgets offers comprehensive reviews. But it depends on what you intend to do with the machine and on your budget.
People in the under $800 range will either have high-performance processors or high-performance graphics cards and may be more expensive than computers with chips across the board with no running theme behind them.
When trying to find a PC that can double as a laptop, you’re in luck because there are plenty of options. But it all depends on your budget and what you plan to use the machine for the most.
Usually, people who mostly use their machines for exporting videos or playing games need more hard drive space and higher specs so they can be gaming or editing their 4K footage once they’re away from their desktops and in the comfort of their own homes.
Best Laptops Under $800 in 2023
Table could not be displayed.For example, a graphics designer would benefit from having a dedicated GPU. These users would prefer to have the option of a laptop that contains one and might value other specs slightly less if it meant getting their hands on the right kind of computer.
Normal users probably wouldn’t face any problems using a computer containing an integrated GPU.
Many gamers still use computers with integrated GPUs at the moment in 2019, even as newer and more powerful consoles take over from time to time.
Top Best Laptops Under $800 in 2022
People who aren’t necessarily passionate about having the latest technology always will also be glad for the lower costs associated with using an integrated GPU instead, which can make your product accessible and affordable for those who may not be able to afford the top-of-the-line items.
Acer Nitro 5 – Overall Best
Best For Professionals
The Acer Nitro 5 is powered by a 10th Gen Intel Core i5-10300H processor with 8GB DDR4 memory and a 128GB SSD.
Its 15.6″ Full HD display features NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics, Dolby Audio Premium and Acer True Harmony technology so you can experience sharper visuals and richer audio while playing games or watching videos.
The laptop comes with a design inspired by the new era of gaming. The backlit keyboard and the deep-red metallic finish give it a sleek look.
The Acer Aspire Nitro 5 is part of our Gaming Series. The Acer Nitro 5 brings the performance and security you need for work or play, along with the features you expect from an Acer laptop.
Packed with the latest hardware and entertainment features, the Nitro 5 tells your story through a cinematic array of visuals, sound and touch.
The glossy red hinge helps you stand out from the crowd with a bold, powerful statement. With an immersive display and keyboard, you’ll feel like you’re inside the game, commanding every scene.
Nitro 5 features an Intel Core i5-8300H processor, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 4GB graphics card.
The 15.6″ display features a Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution and can support an optional 4K display via HDMI output. It also features a Steel Series Red backlit keyboard, dual fans and impressive Dolby Audio Premium sound.
PROS
- Impressive CPU and 1080p gaming performance for the money
- Expandable storage
- Great battery life
- Wi-Fi 6 support
CONS
- Thick display bezel
- Skimpy 256GB boot SSD
Acer Swift 3 Thin & Light Laptop – Durable
Best Thin & Light Laptop Under $800
The sleek, durable, stylish Acer Swift 3 was designed to take it all in stride. Inside and out, it’s been crafted to take on your busy life without missing a beat.
With the latest AMD Ryzen processor, discrete graphics, and plenty of storage, it offers the speed you need to get things done. The swift, responsive touchpad makes navigation easy, and the large touch display is easy on the eyes.
Whether you’re taking it to work, school, or anywhere in between, the Swift 3 notebook is a power player.
As sleek as it is powerful, the Acer Swift 3 is a very thin and lightweight laptop that still packs a punch. It’s just 0.63-inches thin, weighs a mere 2.65 pounds, and delivers a long battery life to keep you entertained and productive.
This Acer notebook features a 14-inch screen and a fast Intel Core i7 processor with 16GB of RAM so you can run the coolest programs and apps on the market.
The Acer Swift 3 also offers a wide-angle webcam that rotates to let you capture life’s memorable moments from any angle. For connectivity, there’s a USB Type-C port for super-fast data transfer, plus two USB 3.0 ports for universal compatibility.
Acer Swift 3 SF314-42-R9YN comes with these high-level specs: AMD Ryzen 7 4700U Octa-Core Mobile Processor 2. 0GHz with Precision Boost up to 4. 1GHz (Up to 8MB L3 Cache), Windows 10 Home, 14″ Full HD Widescreen IPS LED-backlit Display 1920 x 1080 resolution; 16: 9 aspect ratio, AMD Radeon Graphics, 8GB LPDDR4 Onboard Memory, 512GB PCIe NV Me SSD, DTS Audio, featuring optimized bass response and micro-speaker distortion prevention, Two built-in front-facing stereo speakers, Acer Purified.
PROS
- Very good battery life
- Reasonably priced
- Super light thanks to its Magnesium-lithium and magnesium-aluminium alloy combination
- Thunderbolt 3 port
CONS
- Lacks an SD card reader
- Distracting humming noise
- Not very brightness and narrow color coverage – 54% of sRGB
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 – Best 2 in 1 laptop
Best 2 in 1 Laptop Under $800
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is a 2-in-1 tablet that you can use as a laptop. It runs on a powerful 8th Gen Intel Core processor, features a stunning PixelSense display, and is the most versatile laptop on the go.
Designed to help you work and create anywhere, the latest Surface is an ultra-thin, light, and durable tablet that’s powerful enough to run professional-grade software.
Powered by Windows 10 Pro, Surface Pro 7 is purpose-built for people who want a device that can replace their laptop and be their tablet with all-day battery life, stunning visuals, and a versatile, adjustable type cover.
The Surface is configured with powerful, professional-grade software,000 plus the ability to run virtually any desktop software. It’s the perfect device for getting work done or having fun.
Microsoft’s Surface built pro 7 to adapt to the way you work. With the multi-position Kickstand, the full range of Microsoft Surface accessories and the Windows 10 S operating system, you’ll find a familiar and consistent experience across all your devices.
And with a laptop-class Intel Core processor and long battery life, the Surface Pro 7 is the ultimate device for getting things done.
PROS
- Snappy Intel “Ice Lake” processor
- Robust battery life
- Sharp display
- Well-implemented Kickstand
- Includes USB-C
CONS
- Keyboard still sold separately
- Just two ports and no Thunderbolt support
Lenovo Ideapad L340 – Best for Gamers
Best Gaming Laptop Under $800
Lenovo’s Idea pad L340 gives you a new dimension of gaming performance. Power through the most demanding tasks and enjoy smooth, immersive entertainment with the 9th-generation Intel Core i5-9400H processor, featuring Turbo Boost technology up to 4.1 GHz. The 15.6-inch anti-glare display delivers a stunning full HD IPS display with 1920 x 1080 resolution to immerse yourself in all your favourite games and movies.
Available with a 128 GB SSD and 8 GB of DDR4 RAM, you’ll experience ultra-fast boot times and snappy everyday performance. Upgrade to a larger 512 GB SSD when you’re ready for more power.
The Idea pad L340 includes a long-lasting 2-cell 66 WHr lithium-ion battery, which delivers up to 8 hours of battery life.
The Lenovo Ideapad L340 Core i5 is a sound investment for anyone looking for a laptop for business and play. It features a 17.3″ HD anti-glare display and delivers bright and vibrant images and full-size video enjoyment.
With performance to spare, you’ll enjoy fast application launch times and smooth multitasking throughout the day. Go on, have fun.
PROS
- Great battery life
- Excellent Gaming Performance
- IPS FULL HD Screen
- Backlit keyboard
CONS
- Bad Click pad
- No 4K display
- No Optical Drive
HP Pavilion x360 14” Touchscreen Laptop – Unique Design
Best 2-in-1 Laptop Under $800
If you are looking for a laptop that will enable you to work on the go, then the HP Pavilion X360 14″ Touchscreen Laptop (1) is the ideal choice.
At home, the Pavilion X360 can transform from a laptop to a tablet to a stand via a 360-degree hinge. The versatile Pavilion X360 is ideal for working on documents, emails, or your next proposal. With the Pavilion X360, you can be more productive at work, wherever you are.
The Pavilion X360 features a 14″ diagonal size, perfect for viewing content on the screen. The Intel Core i5-1135G7 (1) processor provides the horsepower to work your most demanding tasks quickly.
The 4GB of memory in the Pavilion X360 operates at 1600 MHz, which boosts performance over its predecessors.
The 128GB solid-state drive enables your laptop to boot up rapidly. The Pavilion X360 also features integrated Intel HD Graphics 620, which delivers high-quality images and videos.
The Pavilion X360 packs a 14″ diagonal Full HD touchscreen display, ensuring your media is vibrant and bright. The HP Pavilion X360 14″ Touchscreen Laptop (1) delivers a powerful combination of functionality and performance.
Bring your presentations to life with the latest-generation HP Pavilion x360 14″ Touchscreen Laptop. Whether you’re using the integrated touchscreen or your mouse and keyboard, you’ll be able to enjoy an immersive experience that makes the difference between drab and fine.
Running Windows 10 Professional, this laptop packs an Intel® Pentium® Processor N3710 (6th Gen) at up to 2.56 GHz so that you can stream lengthy videos to your heart’s content. This 14″ laptop features powerful, built-in speakers and an audio experience provided by B&O PLAY, so you never have to disturb friends or coworkers. At the same time, you play your favorite music or enjoy your favorite movies and games.
PROS
- Attractive build quality
- The keyboard is great to type on
- Solid quad-core performance
- Strong performance with 10th Gen Intel CPUs
- Solid audio
CONS
- The screen is bland and muted
- Lacks Power Delivery
- Average Wi-Fi transfer rates
- Battery won’t last through a workday
- Slow SATA SSD
Dell Inspiron 15 5502 – Best Display
Best Laptop for Business
The Dell Inspiron 15 5570 makes it easy to stay productive, connected and entertained thanks to the latest 8th gen Intel® Core™ processors.
With up to 15.6″ FHD (1920 x 1080) Anti-Glare LED Backlight display, it delivers vivid colors and crisp images. Available in your choice of black or red, the sleek design is complemented by the narrow border display for a premium feel.
Industry-leading security features, including Windows Hello, the Dell BIO-Sphere, Guard-Pro, and Dell Data-Safe Local support and manageability, meet all your security needs. The Dell Inspiron 15 5570 gives you the power to keep up with your pace and unleash your creativity.
Score big with Dell Inspiron 15 i5552-5269SLV-PUS. This laptop is in good condition. It has some normal surface scratches on the bezel around the screen.
This laptop has been professionally inspected, tested, and cleaned. It is fully functional. It has some light wear and tears appropriate for its age (pictured).
It has a new battery (not original). This Dell Inspiron 15 i5552-5269SLV-PUS laptop has 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2. It features a 15.6-inch display with a 1920×1080 resolution.
PROS
- 5th gen Intel Core i3 processor
- 4 GB of RAM
- 500 GB of internal storage.
- low price (check to the price here)
CONS
- Hard drive instead of an SSD.
- Integrated GPU (shared graphics).
MSI GF63 THIN 9SCX-005 – Lightweight
Best MSI Laptop Under 800
The Dell Inspiron 15 5579 is a portable gaming laptop with a thin and light design. Combining a 6th Generation Intel Core i5-9300H processor and an NVIDIA GeForce 1050 Ti graphics card with 4GB dedicated memory, along with a 15.6″ display, this laptop can run your favourite Windows 10 games without a hitch.
Not only can this gaming laptop dual boot into the Windows 10 or Mac OS platform, but it can also convert it into a tablet for easy portability.
With up to 9.5 hours of battery life in a single charge, the Dell Inspiron 15 5579 is perfect for long gaming sessions on the road.
Equipped with an 8th Generation Intel Core i5-9300H processor and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card with 8GB of dedicated GDDR5 video memory, the Inspiron 15 Gaming laptop offers ultra-fast performance for gaming and multimedia.
Using the HDMI port, you can stream movies, videos, and TV shows to any compatible smart TV, monitor, or projector-no more wires, no more fuss.
Powered by a 39.6Wh battery, this Dell laptop features a 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) anti-glare display. The system also includes a 256GB M.2 PCIe NV Me solid-state drive, a DVD ± RW drive, and 16GB of 2666 MHz DDR4 memory.
PROS
- Slick, lightweight design.
- Super graphic card
- Aggressive pricing
CONS
- Lackluster battery life
MSI GF63 Thin 9SC-068 – Best Processor
Overall Best laptop under $800
MSI’s Gaming Laptop is back with a whole new look and an upgraded system! The latest 5th generation Intel Core i5-9300H quad-core processor delivers processing power and an intelligent performance to complete heavy-duty tasks with ease.
The GeForce® GTX 1650 graphics card with 4GB of GDDR5 VRAM enhances your visual experience with more realistic visuals and smooth gameplay.
The Nahimic 3 audio system and two speakers enhance the audio experience and truly bring you into the game.
The MSI GT73S Thin has a VR Ready -powered by NVIDIA 10- series graphics for lightning-fast performance and incredibly immersive VR experiences.
The display comes in a wide-view panel and has a 144Hz refresh rate, 3ms response time, and supports NVIDIA G-SYNC technology for a smooth and fast gaming experience.
The MSI GF63 THIN 9SC-068 is a powerful 15.6″ thin bezel laptop with a 9S7-068 model number, Silver-Black finish, and an Intel Core i5-9300h. It has a 3.5GHz, 8MB cache and 8GB of DDR4 RAM. The GF63 has a 15.6″ FHD display and a 15.6″ thin bezel.
It also comes with a 256GB solid-state drive. The GF63 has an NVIDIA GeForce GTX1650 graphics card with 4G GDDR5 of dedicated video memory.
It has a built-in fingerprint reader and a webcam. For connectivity, it has a Gigabit Ethernet port and 802.11ac Wi-Fi. The MS-GF63-3SC-048 laptop also comes with a 65 WHr battery and Windows 10.
PROS
- Doubles Well as a Work Laptop
- All the Ports You’ll Ever Need
- 1080P Full HD Gaming
CONS
- Battery Isn’t the Greatest
HP Pavilion 17.3-inch IPS FHD Laptop (2022 Model) – Best for Multi-Tasking
Best Value For Money
The HP Pavilion 17.3″ Laptop is packed with the latest technology to give you a truly immersive multimedia experience.
The laptop’s Full-HD display allows you to enjoy your photos, videos, and games in stunning detail. The large 17.3″ screen displays 16.77 million colours and is backlit in vibrant hues.
The laptop’s IPS screen offers wide-viewing angles, allowing you to experience crisp, clear views from a different angle.
The laptop features an Intel® 8th generation processor and 1 TB HDD that work together to give you ultimate performance.
The preloaded Windows 10 Home operating system runs smoothly on the HP Pavilion, allowing you to enjoy your favourite apps.
The laptop features high-bandwidth RAM to allow faster multitasking and Intel® UHD graphics to provide smooth graphics to play games and watch movies.
The HP Pavilion 17.3″ Laptop lets you enjoy the superior sound quality. The laptop comes with stereo speakers powered by DTS Studio Sound™ for a crisp and clear audio experience.
The HP 17x laptop series is the ultimate in stylish performance and flexibility. This HP Pavilion Laptop is a powerful 2-in-1 laptop that offers a revolutionary design ready for the future.
The fully rotating touchscreen display allows you to capture, create and share in new ways. It’s perfect for editing photos or creating a digital scrapbook for the latest family vacation.
The HP Pavilion laptop is powered by a 6th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, which gives you the power to take on the most demanding applications.
The IPS display makes movies more vivid and lifelike and offers more vivid colours and wider viewing angles. Get the tools you need to edit, create and share your story.
PROS
- Attractive build quality
- The keyboard is great to type on
- Solid quad-core performance
- Strong performance with 10th Gen Intel CPUs
- Solid audio
CONS
- The screen is bland and muted
- Lacks Power Delivery
- Average Wi-Fi transfer rates
- Battery won’t last through a workday
- Slow SATA SSD
Things to Consider While Buying A Laptop Under $800
A computer can be useful for so many things. You can use it at work when meeting with clients, you can use it to communicate with friends and family, or you could play the latest games online. Regardless of what you plan on using your computer for, many options are available for purchase.
Above, we have put together a list of some of the best computers that are less than $800 but still great in quality and value.
Processor: 8th Generation Intel Core i5 (or Ryzen 5 equivalent) and GPU: 9th, 10th or 11th generation The first one or two digits reveal which generation a processor is. Combined with a good GPU (graphics card), it can do graphics-intensive tasks, such as gaming, photo or video editing, 3D modelling, etc. However, if you aren’t into graphics-intensive tasks at all, then an integrated GPU will be fine.
Storage: SSDs can usually cope with more tasks at any one time than a standard hard disk drive (HDD). In our experience, they boot and load files up to 10 times faster than HDDs. It is something to consider when choosing a laptop. If you’re not sure what you need when choosing a laptop with SSD, visit this article. You don’t necessarily need all the storage in the world. 128GB should be fine for most people’s needs.
RAM: My general recommendation is to get at least 8GB add-in cards of RAM that your system can support. It will help your applications to run smoothly and avoid lag or issues.
Display: You can expect a decent-quality display with this budget. Look for FHD or better. FHD – Full High Definition with a resolution of at least 1920 x 1080. If possible, get one with IPS.
IPS is short for “In-Plane Switching”. These monitors take advantage of the liquid crystals to produce rich colours. All the laptops we have mentioned below have excellent displays, and they satisfy your gaming or any high-end needs.
Battery life is a feature for laptop shoppers looking for a little extra juice who want to go the distance without being tethered to an electrical outlet.
We’re talking about a few hours more than your standard battery here, so you can get some work done or some school work done without worrying. The computers on our list have at least 4-6 hours’ worth of battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are i7 laptops better than i5 in terms of performance?
While both i5 and i7 CPUs use Turbo Boost, i7 processors generally achieve higher clock speeds. Intel didn’t make it too easy to compare their processors, so the real answer is, it depends. For example, a recent generation i5 can outperform an older i7.
How do I choose the right laptop under $800?
Start with first deciding what you will use your laptop for and then consider the best components based upon this purpose. Once you know that, you can look for specific OS, RAM, hard drive space, battery life and a quality display.
You may also want to look at our website, which has a lot of lists on various topics to help you find the right components for your needs.
How much RAM should a laptop have?
For $800, we recommend purchasing a laptop with at least eight gigabytes of RAM. Anything beyond eight will be great, but under the recommended amount might not be worth it, even if the price is lower.
We know it can be tempting to go for less but bear in mind that laptops with high RAM are often more expensive.
That’s why they’re not included in the $800 price range, but anything beyond eight would be really helpful if you need a laptop that can run more than one process at once or simply deal with heavy software.
Which processor is better for non-gaming use?
Well, we mostly prefer to go for Intel processors and AMD for our laptops. We know that both processors can be equally powerful and efficient in a laptop setting, so it depends upon your budget, which you’re able to set aside for yourself.
However, if you were seeking a notebook product that would be used predominantly by someone who isn’t particularly involved in hardcore gaming, then perhaps an Intel-based system would be beneficial since they are also reliable, so is their processing power. At the same time, It also won’t become bogged down thanks to heat being kept under control better with Intel’s processor technology.
Can SSD enhance the gaming experience?
Indeed they do. Compared to traditional hard disk drives, solid-state drives are known to increase bootup speed over a great deal and even help games launch faster. Solid-state drives also increase processing speed in the best manner, no matter your capacity size, regardless of its size.
Conclusion
Hope you found what you were looking for in our review, which should help you choose your next best laptop.
To make sure that you can do everything you need to do on the go, we wanted to select laptops for different needs. Whether it’s to game, program, design, write an article like this one, or just use it for something more general – this will help make your life a bit easier:
If you’re looking for a gaming machine that won’t break the bank, take the MSI GE63 or the Lenovo Ideapad 320. They both boast an Nvidia GeForce GTX card which will give you a tremendous edge towards great performances during your gaming sessions.
For college students, I would recommend Microsoft Surface Pro 7 and Lenovo IdeaPad 5. Both have good battery lives that can last nearly all day on a single charge, so you can get more out of your studying time than you could if between classes you needed to recharge your computer multiple times.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a laptop that will keep you cool — check out the Dell Inspiron 15 5502.
Finding the right laptop under a tight budget can be difficult. If you still haven’t found the right model, feel free to check out our Laptop finder.
You can enter the specifications such as brand, CPU, RAM, OS, budget, and it will help you find the models that match your filters. Feel free to leave a comment, and we will respond shortly.
Hello, My name is Shari & I am a writer for the ‘Outlook AppIns’ blog. I’m a CSIT graduate & I’ve been working in the IT industry for 3 years.