11 Best Laptops Under $700: (Top Value) Reviews and Buyers Guide
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Different people have different needs, and what’s best for one person might not be the perfect laptop for you. This buying guide will help you sort through your options and explain how to choose the suitable model with enough power while staying within a budget.
If you are in the market for a new laptop, it can be tough to decide which one is right. With so many different brands and models available, it can be hard to know where to start. We have put together this list of the 11 best laptops under $700.
Most laptops in this price range are either low quality or don’t have the features you need; however, in this article, we will review each laptop and explain what features to expect in a laptop costing less than 700 Dollars. We will also provide a buyer’s guide to help you make the right decision for your needs.
So, whether you are looking for a powerful gaming laptop or a lightweight machine for traveling, we have something for everyone!
Comparison of The Best Laptops for Under 700 Dollars
CLICK any image to see ratings, opinions, and reviews!
Image | Title | Buy | Empire Rating |
---|---|---|---|
Top | Lenovo Flex 5 Laptop | Buy Now | Best Overall Laptop under $700 |
HP 15.6" FHD Micro-Edge Laptop | Buy Now | Best Value Laptop under 700 Dollars | |
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 | Buy Now | Best Budget Laptop under $700 | |
ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 | Buy Now | Best Convertible Laptop under $700 | |
Acer Swift 3 | Buy Now | Best 14-inch Laptop for under $700 | |
Dell Inspiron 15 | Buy Now | Best Business Laptop under 700 | |
ASUS VivoBook 15 | Buy Now | Best Lightweight Laptop under $700 | |
MSI - GF63035 | Buy Now | Best Gaming Laptop under 700 Dollars | |
Acer Aspire 5 | Buy Now | Best Laptop for RAM under $700 | |
Samsung Electronics Galaxy Book Pro | Buy Now | Best Portable Laptop under 700 Bucks | |
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go | Buy Now | Best Touchscreen Laptop under $700 |
Best Laptops Under $700 | Reviews
1. Lenovo Flex 5
- Lenovo is a household name known for its unique laptops. It has high-end and budget products, capturing both sides of the divide. The Flex 5 is undoubtedly one of the best products if you are looking for an affordable, modern laptop, given its specifications. Let us take a look at these:
- CPU and GPU: The Lenovo IdeaPad runs on an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U Mobile processor, which works well even though it may not be as powerful as the microprocessors in their high-range devices. It comes complete with AMD Radeon graphic card, which comes in handy in different applications. At slightly below $600, these CPU and GPU specs are pretty commendable.
- RAM and Storage: The RAM specifications are equally important and should therefore guide your purchase decisions. Luckily, you get 16GB DDR4 RAM on your purchase, making this device powerful enough for various functions. The storage comes with a 256GB SSD, which is better than a primary HDD. You can rest assured that you won't have a hard time during boot up.
- Display and Keyboard: This laptops display is top-notch of all the items on our list. First, it has touch features for ease of usage. It also has a narrow bezel on its four sides, giving you a wider viewing area and an aesthetically pleasing display. The screens resolution stands at 1920× 1080, making it an IPS FHD display. Note that it also has a 360-degrees hinge, which allows use in different positions based on your comfort needs. Depending on your needs, you get tent mode, laptop mode, or stand mode. Lastly, the keyboard is wide enough and well-spaced for easier data input. Most users have reported loving it.
- Ports and Connections: The best laptops in the market have different ports and allow maximum connectivities, making them more versatile. Fortunately, this device has 2 USB-A ports, 1 USB-C with PD supporting power charging, an HDMI port, an audio jack, and a 4-in-1 card reader. As for connections, it comes equipped with an integrated 2×2 Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5. You will enjoy using it.
2. HP 15.6″ FHD Micro-edge Laptop
- Everybody knows just how amazing HP laptops are, regardless of the pricing. This second recommendation is a light, aesthetically pleasing Windows laptop that promises to help you handle your office work efficiently. Retailing at slightly less than $650, it has hardware specifications you'll love.
- CPU and GPU: A computers processor and graphics heavily influence how it operates. Like our last product, this device has an AMD Ryzen 5 5500 U mobile processor, allowing you to enjoy many functions. You can play games, play, work and attend or hold classes. The processor is responsible for the computers ultra-thin size for lovers of aesthetics. The laptop has AMD Radeon graphics known for its world-class performance. It will offer you near-life visuals and high-quality immersion, which you need in a laptop.
- RAM and Storage: This device has been upgraded for 16GB of RAM, which offers you much-needed versatility. You can play games and video edit applications easily while handling different programs. You also get 512GB storage for faster boot-up, easier file retrieval, and improved speeds.
- Display and Keyboard: A laptops display and keyboard are also essential features guiding your purchase, and HP understands that. Therefore, it tries as hard as possible not to fail its customer base in its creations. This device has a large 15.6 screen with anti-glare Micro-Edge display technology. The screen resolution stands at 1920 × 1080, offering excellent color and clarity for different functions. As for the keyboard, buyers get to enjoy a compact and well-spaced keyboard for improved input and functionality. You will fall in love with it.
- Ports and Connections: A laptop is as good as its ports. Fortunately, this fantastic HP device comes with one super-speed USB Type-C and two super-speed USB Type-A ports for external connections. You will also get 1 HDMI port, 1 AC smart pin, and a headphone/microphone combination port. Lastly, it comes with a Realtek Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 combo.
3. Lenovo IdeaPad 3
- It shouldn't come as a shocker seeing the number of Lenovo devices featured in our article. It is one of the most outstanding budget laptop manufacturers worldwide, and the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 packs both functionality and aesthetics. Let's explore its features.
- CPU and GPU: A laptop is only as good as its processor. This device comes with an 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 mobile processor, which allows you to multitask and work towards efficient delivery. It has Intel Iris Xe Graphics, assuring you of high quality and impressive images.
- RAM and Storage: Unlike the two products we have reviewed, this one is equipped with 12GB DDR4 RAM, which is also quite versatile. It enjoys a 256GB SSD hard drive, expandable to 512GB depending on your storage and speed needs.
- Screen and Resolution: Our third recommendation has a 15.6 FHD IPS 10-point multitouch display with a resolution of 1920 × 1080 for bright and clear images. You can comfortably perform a range of operations thanks to this large size and excellent resolution. Even though its keyboard is not as aesthetically pleasing as the last two devices, it is backlit and well-raised for easier input.
- Ports and Connections: Unfortunately, this device only comes with one USB 2.0 port. Fortunately, you get a USB-C port, unlike most computers at this price point. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.0 and 802.11ax wireless communication standards. Users also enjoy Windows 11 in S Mode.
4. ASUS Vivobook Flip 14
- ASUS doesn't receive the recognition and hype it deserves, given that it has lots of unique and well-functioning creations. The ultra-light and thin Vivobook 14 is a testament to this previous fact as it packs lots of impressive features. Let's take a look.
- CPU and GPU: At roughly $400, the Flip 14 packs an 11th generation Core i3-1115G4 microprocessor, with a 6 MB cache and speeds of up to 4.1 GHz. This is accompanied by integrated Intel UHD graphics for clear and crisp features, which you will immensely enjoy.
- RAM and Storage: At its sub-$700 range, the 4GB LPDDR4X RAM feature is understandable. You can still perform a range of functions with this laptop. It has a 128GB SSD storage for easier boot-up and a little bit of versatility.
- Display and Keyboard: ASUS outdid themselves with a budget devices 14-inch Full HD wide-view touchscreen display. This is further enhanced by a 178-degrees viewing angle that supports table, tent, stand, and laptop viewing modes. The screen also offers stylus support. The keyboard is well-spaced and raised even though it lacks the backlit property.
- Ports and Connections: This 2-in-1 device has been lauded for its ports and connectivity options, such as the Thunderbolt USB-C port. It also has the standard USB 2.0 Type-A port and an audio jack for your headphone. It supports two wireless communication technologies- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
5. Acer Swift 3
- Our list couldn't be complete without a product from Acer, one of the oldest computer manufacturers. The Acer Swift 3 packs a range of features that you will find worthwhile. Let's delve deeper into these.
- CPU and GPU: Always make it a habit to confirm your computers processor and graphics before purchase as these two heavily affect its speed and efficiency. Luckily, this device comes with a Ryzen 7 5700u Octa-Core mobile processor to support a range of functionalities. This is further enhanced with powerful Radeon Graphics for improved productivity. You will enjoy top-notch responsiveness and efficient battery usage.
- Display and Keyboard: The Acer Swift 3 comes with a 14 Full HD widescreen LED 100% sRGB display, offering bright and super-rich visuals. The screen has an 87.5% screen-to-body ratio, narrow bezels, and a 16:9 aspect ratio, making it more appealing. The keyboard is fully backlit, even though it is not as aesthetically pleasing as most of the options we have discussed.
- RAM and Storage: Like the processor, the RAM also dictates how efficient a laptop will be. This device comes with 8GB RAM for improved versatility, and you can also get the costlier 16GB RAM version, depending on your computer needs. The storage is quite generous, at 512GB NVMe of a solid-state drive.
- Ports and Connections: This device supports a range of connections such as Bluetooth 5.2 and Dual-Band Wi-Fi, complete with MU-MIMO technology. It has USB Type-A ports which you can use to charge your devices, and other ports, including 3 USB 3.0 ports.
6. Dell Inspiron 15
- The Dell Inspiron product line has been around for some time. It is pretty commendable that Dell has consistently made excellent devices. Let's take a look at some of the features of this sixth recommendation:
- CPU and GPU: The Dell Inspiron 15 is powered by an 11th generation Intel Core I5-1135G7 Quad-Core 2.40GHz processor, which is powerful. It further has an 8MB Intel smart cache and can reach speeds of up to 4.20 GHz. As for the GPU, this laptop boasts of Intel Iris Xe Graphics, giving you a high-quality picture.
- Display and Keyboard: This device comes equipped with a 15.6 Full HD Anti-glare non-touch screen with a resolution of 1920 ×1080. You can therefore stay assured of getting high-quality and crisp images. Thanks to its backlit status, the keyboard is equally good, and you cannot, therefore, go wrong with such a purchase.
- RAM and Storage: Dell doesn't miss when it comes to their laptops RAM, as seen from this devices 16GB high bandwidth RAM, allowing you to perform a wide range of operations and functionalities. The storage is perfect since you get a 1TB hard disk drive to keep as many files as possible and guarantee fast boot up.
- Ports and Connections: Buyers get 2 USB 3.1, 1USB 2.0, and HDMI ports. Others include an audio jack for your headphone, a multi-format SD card reader, and a wireless AC+Bluetooth combo. This is definitely what you need in a laptop.
7. ASUS Vivobook 15
- This is the second ultrathin ASUS product on our list, which should tell you how good this brand is for compact and affordable laptops.
- CPU and GPU: This product is powered by an outstanding AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor with an 8M cache and up to 4.3 GHz in terms of speed, which is quite commendable at its price. This is accompanied by the lauded AMD Radeon graphics promising you clear and bright visuals. You can rest assured that you will enjoy your time using this product.
- Display and Keyboard: The fun doesn't stop at the GPU and CPU as this product further boasts of a 15.6 inch IPS full HD nano edge display, enhanced by an 83% screen-to-body ratio offering a broader and more incredible display. It has a backlit full-display keyboard which enables low-light working. It is also sturdy enough to meet all your needs.
- RAM and Storage: ASUS equipped this laptop with 8GB RAM, which some people may find inadequate. All in all, it is enough to run all the essential functions you may want. You can use this device as a personal, business, or multimedia laptop. The manufacturers decided to redeem themselves on the RAM spec by installing this laptop with 512GB SSD storage, enough for faster data transfer and boot up.
- Ports and Connections: ASUS offers comprehensive connections in their devices, and this model has USB 3.2 Type-A, USB 3.2 Type-C, USB 2.0, and HDMI ports. Other connections include lightning speed dual-band Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.2.
8. MSI GF63
- Are you looking for an affordable gaming laptop? MSI is dedicated to fulfilling your needs through its wide range of gaming laptops. Let's see if this product will fulfill your gaming needs.
- GPU and CPU: Every avid gamer understands the importance of a good processor and suitable graphics for gaming. Fortunately, MSI equipped this laptop with a fast 10th gen Intel Core i5-10300H Quad processor capable of handling several challenging games and relative graphics through the Nvidia Geforce RTX 3050 GPU. The latter guarantees you realism thanks to its real-time ray-tracing technology.
- Display and Keyboard: Gaming requires a device with an excellent display. This product comes fully equipped with a 15.6-inch diagonal Micro-Edge FHD IPS screen with anti-glare technology. Note that this screen has a 60GHz refresh rate. A backlit keyboard is equally essential, and therefore, MSI gave this gaming laptop a full backlit and well-spaced keyboard, which produces a low red light for indoor gaming and dim light functionalities.
- RAM and Storage: Even though the RAM is crucial in all computers, it is way more vital in the best gaming laptop. This device comes with a 32 GB DDR4-3200 SDRAM for fast boot-up, efficient data transfer, and fast experience. It further has 1TB PCie NVMe M.2 SSD storage for better functionality.
- Ports and Connections: This device comes with comprehensive connections, including 3 USB-A, 1 USB-C 3.2, and 1 HDMI port. You also get an RJ-45 Ethernet port and two audio jacks. It, however, lacks a DVD drive. For wireless communication, this gaming laptop supports Bluetooth.
9. Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop
- Any lover of slim laptops should consider the Acer Aspire 5, which has super impressive features. It can support several functionalities owing to its RAM and storage specifications. Let us take a deeper look into this great affordable laptop.
- CPU and GPU: The Acer Aspire 5 boasts of an 11th Generation Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor with a 6MB cache and speeds of up to 4.1GHz. It is further reinforced with Intel UHD graphics, compatible with 11th gen Intel Core processors. Whether your primary purpose is gaming or professional use, you will enjoy crisp and quality images which everyone requires.
- RAM and Storage: Users enjoy up to 20GB of RAM, which is super-impressive for a mid-priced laptop. Remember that this is a high-bandwidth RAM that allows for extreme multitasking. The hard drive can also be expanded to 1TB, depending on the number of intended applications. A 1TB Solid State Drive will offer extremely fast boot-up and data transfer.
- Display and Keyboard: This device is equipped with a 15.6-inch Full HD Display. Its thin design effortlessly accommodates an 82.56% screen to the body and 16:9 aspect ratios. It has narrow bezels to enjoy premium viewing of movies, photos, and games. It has a well-spaced keyboard with a full numeric keypad.
- Ports and Connection: This device has several ports and tech specs that every user finds worthy. These include a 1USB 3.1 Type C port, 2 USB 3.1 ports, a USB 2.0 port, and an HDMI port with HDCP support. It further allows for Bluetooth and WiFI connectivity.
10. Samsung Galaxy Book Pro
- Like most of the brands on our list, Samsung is known for some of the best creations in the laptop world, and the Samsung Electronics Galaxy Book Pro is enough testimony. This product has several features, making it a steal at its price. Let's delve deeper.
- CPU and GPU: This laptop is powered by an 11th Generation Intel Core Processor that makes operations faster and works more efficiently. You can download or stream movies fast without breaking a sweat. Watching and other operations are also made more efficient thanks to the Intel graphics used in this product. You will have a good time using it.
- Display and Keyboard: For lovers of smaller screens, this is your go-to laptop. However, it has two variations; the 13.3 or the 15.6 screens, depending on what you want. You will still get an AMOLED screen to offer vibrant-looking images and videos. Thanks to the anti-glare property that such a display offers, you can work efficiently in bright environments. The laptop keyboard is well-made, just like everything Samsung touches. It supports low light working and sits nicely on the device.
- RAM and Storage: A devices RAM and Storage is a discussion you should have with yourself before spending your hard-earned money on it. Remember, these two greatly influence how a device operates and will tell whether you get value for money or not. Luckily, this product comes with 8 GB of RAM, reinforced by 512 GB storage.
- Ports and Connection: One thing that stands out from this device is its next-generation Wi-Fi 6E feature that offers up to 3× the speed of standard Wi-Fi. It also supports Bluetooth connections and has a range of other USB ports for more effortless connectivity. You will never go wrong with such a purchase.
11. Microsoft Surface Go
- Closing our list is the Microsoft Surface Go, a clever and well-crafted laptop from Microsoft, a renowned tech giant. It boasts of several features that you will find helpful. Let's explore the Microsoft Surface laptop and determine whether it deserves your time.
- CPU and GPU: One of the first considerations that everyone in the market for a new laptop should make is its processor and graphics card. Luckily, this fantastic creation from Microsoft comes with a 10th gen Intel Core processor to power all its functions and give you fast, efficient, and commendable performance. Therefore, you can use this laptop for many functions, including photo editing and gaming. It further has an Intel UHD graphics card responsible for its stunning images and video output. You can see that this is a worthy purchase just from the CPU and GPU.
- Display and Keyboard: This device has a sleek design, chiefly brought about by its fantastic 12.4 touchscreen. The display is rectangular with rounded corners. The viewable area is, however, lesser than the 12.45 diagonal screen. Also, note that it has a touchscreen display, making input more manageable and convenient. This is definitely what you need if you are constantly working at home or binge-watching on your laptop.
- RAM and Storage: Microsoft offers you two RAM options, depending on your usage needs. You can choose the 4 or 8GB RAM laptop, similar to the Microsoft Surface Go 2. The storage is expandable to 256GB SSD, which is lower than other popular Microsoft laptops such as the Surface Laptop 3 and the Surface Book 3, which offer up to 1 TB and 2TB storage. However, such imperfections can be ignored, especially when Microsoft offers you up to 13 hours of battery life
- Ports and Connections: One of the most significant flaws of this device is its lack of enough ports. You will only get one standard USB Type-A port, a USB Type C port, an audio jack, and a dedicated SD card reader. Like with the expandable storage, Microsoft seems to have compensated on this feature with their well-built high-quality Webcam camera. You further get a Windows Hello Sign-in and a fingerprint power button which makes the lack of enough ports less painful.
Video: $700 Dell Gaming Laptop Tested!
The buying guide on choosing the best laptops under $700 in 2022
Screen Size
The first thing to consider when choosing a laptop is the screen size. Laptops range from about 11 inches to 17 inches, with the most popular sizes being 13 and 15 inches. If you plan on using your laptop for gaming or watching movies, you will want a larger screen. However, if you just need something for browsing the web and checking email, a smaller screen will do fine.
Processor
The processor is the heart of your laptop and one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a new machine. You can expect to find laptops with Intel Core I processors or AMD Ryzen processors in this price range. These are great options for general use and will provide plenty of power for most tasks.
Storage
Another essential consideration is storage. Laptops costing less than $700 usually come with either a solid-state drive (SSD) or a hard disk drive (HDD). SSDs are much faster than HDDs, but they are also more expensive. If you can afford it, an SSD is a way to go. Otherwise, an HDD will still be plenty fast for most tasks.
Memory
When it comes to memory, more is always better. You should look for a laptop with at least eight GB of RAM in this price bracket. This will ensure that your machine can handle multiple tasks simultaneously and help prevent slowdown over time.
Graphics
If you plan on doing any gaming or video editing, you will need to pay close attention to the graphics. You will find laptops with either integrated graphics or dedicated graphics cards here. Integrated graphics are fine for basic tasks, but dedicated cards are required for more demanding applications and must be used for that type. You may have to sacrifice another feature to get a dedicated GPU or spend slightly more.
Ports and Connections
Another important consideration is the ports and connections available on your laptop. You can expect to find laptops with multiple USB ports, HDMI ports, and even Thunderbolt ports in this price range. Ensure what types of devices you need to connect to your laptop and ensure that it has the correct ports for them.
Battery Life
You will want to consider your laptop’s battery life because it sets them apart from the desktop computer. You can expect to find laptops with anywhere from six to twelve hours of battery life, the standard length regardless of the cost. If you plan on using your laptop for long periods without being plugged in, make sure to choose one with good battery life.
Portable
The size and overall weight of the laptop will determine how easy it is to carry around. If you plan on using your laptop for travel, you will want to choose one that is lightweight and easy to carry. However, if portability is not a concern, you can choose a larger model with a bigger screen. Most modern laptops weigh under 5 pounds and are thin and compact, easily be carried around.
Operating System
Finally, you will need to decide which operating system you want on your laptop. You can find models with Windows, macOS, or even Chrome OS reviewed here. Please choose the right one for your needs and check that any software you need is compatible with it. Windows is the most popular choice and features heavily on our list, but it’s not for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions for The Best Laptops Under 700
Which processor is suitable for a laptop under 700?
The processor is the heart of your laptop and one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a new machine. You can expect to find laptops with Intel Core I5 processors or AMD Ryzen 5 processors in this price range. These are great options for general use and will provide plenty of power for most tasks. Because of the budget, you will find the chipset is slightly dated and won’t be the latest releases, but it is still decent for most general computing tasks.
Which gaming laptop is best for under 700?
MSI is proud to present the GF63, the best gaming laptop that gives you the best of both worlds. You get a powerful 9th Gen Intel Core processor and graphics card that can handle any game you throw at it, all in a thin and lightweight package to take with you on the go. Plus, it comes with a 256GB SSD to store all your games and other files and 8GB of DDR4 RAM so you can run more applications at once. All for under $700!
How to select the best business laptop under 700?
Picking the best business laptop under $700 can be challenging because many different options are available. However, it would be best if you kept a few key factors in mind to help narrow down your choices:
1. Think about your type of business and what tasks you need your laptop to perform.
2. Consider features like portability, touchscreen capability, security, and durability.
3. Choose a laptop with an operating system compatible with your business’s software.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can be sure to find the best laptop for your business needs and budget.
What type of things will I be able to do on a laptop at this price point?
For the most part, you can expect to do any type of task on a laptop in this price range. This includes tasks like browsing the internet, streaming videos, working on documents, and even light gaming. However, if you plan on doing more demanding tasks like video editing or gaming, you may want to consider spending more money to get a more powerful machine.
Best Laptops Under 700 | Conclusion
There you have it! Our list of the 11 best laptops is under $700. We hope this article has helped you narrow down your choices and find the perfect laptop for your needs and budget.
So, whether you’re a student who needs a powerful laptop for taking notes and doing research or a busy professional who needs something that can keep up with your hectic work schedule, we have the perfect option. And if you’re looking for a laptop that can handle some light gaming or entertainment, we’ve reviewed those.
When deciding, consider factors like portability, battery life, and operating system.
Thanks again for reading our list of the best laptops under $700. We hope this helps you find the perfect computer for your needs!
Do you have any questions about picking the best laptop under $700? Let us know in the comments below!
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