Best Laptops Under $1,000 (2025) — Top Picks, Specs & Buying Guide

Best Laptops Under $1,000 (2025) — Top Picks, Specs & Buying Guide
2025

Looking for the best laptops under $1,000 in 2025?

Updated Nov 22, 2025 — honest picks for students, creators, and anyone on a budget.

Shopping for a great laptop under $1,000? In 2025 you can get surprisingly capable machines — thin-and-light workhorses, OLED display ultraportables, and even entry-level gaming rigs — without breaking the bank. Below are tested picks that balance performance, battery life, and build quality.

MacBook
Air M4
MacBook Air M4
CPU: Apple M4 · RAM: 8–16GB · Storage: 256–512GB SSD · Display: 13.6" Liquid Retina

Apple's M4 MacBook Air delivers class-leading battery life and smooth performance for productivity and light content creation. Retail prices and deals often place a base M4 model below $1,000, making it a strong all-rounder.

Why buy: reliable performance, excellent battery, premium design.
Typical price: $749–$999 (varies by config & deals)
Check current deals
Acer
Swift Go

Acer Swift Go 14 — Best Windows ultraportable

CPU: Intel/AMD latest-gen · RAM: 8–16GB · Storage: 256–512GB SSD · Display: 14" FHD / 2.8K

A thin, lightweight Windows laptop with solid battery life and good value. Great for students and road warriors who want portability and a bright screen.

Typical price: ~$699–$999
See specs & reviews
Asus
Zenbook 14

Asus Zenbook 14 OLED — Best display for the money

CPU: Ryzen/Intel · RAM: 8–16GB · Storage: 256–1TB SSD · Display: 14" OLED

OLED panels at this price feel luxurious — deep contrast, vivid colors — making the Zenbook 14 ideal for creators on a budget.

Typical price: $749–$999
Read reviews
Lenovo
ThinkPad

Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 — Best budget business laptop

CPU: Intel Core / AMD Ryzen · RAM: 8–16GB · Storage: 256–512GB SSD · Display: 14" FHD

ThinkPad keyboards remain best-in-class. The E14 gives a durable chassis and business features at an affordable price point.

Typical price: under $1,000
Compare prices
Surface
Laptop 7

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 — Sleek Windows alternative

CPU: Microsoft/Intel variants · RAM: 8–16GB · Storage: 256–512GB SSD · Display: 13.8" PixelSense

Great keyboard and display. The Surface Laptop 7 strikes a fine balance between style and performance and is often available in configurations priced below $1,000.

Typical price: $799–$999 (on sale)
Check discounts
HP
Victus

HP Victus 15 — Best entry-level gaming under $1,000

CPU: Intel Core H-series · GPU: RTX 4050 or similar · RAM: 8–16GB · Storage: 512GB SSD

If you want to game on a budget, look for a Victus or similarly spec'd laptop. On sale these rigs can slip under $1,000 and still run modern e-sports titles smoothly.

Typical price: $699–$999 (sales dependent)
View reviews

How to pick the right laptop under $1,000

  • Set your priorities: battery life & portability vs performance & GPU.
  • RAM & storage: aim for 16GB RAM or a model you can upgrade; 512GB SSD is ideal but 256GB is acceptable with external drives or cloud storage.
  • Display: OLED or high-quality IPS if you care about color/contrast; 14" is a sweet spot for portability and productivity.
  • Deals matter: seasonal sales often push higher-tier models under $1,000.
  • Warranty & support: factor in after-sales service and warranty length for peace of mind.

FAQ

Can I get a MacBook under $1,000?
Yes — discounted base models of the MacBook Air M4 have appeared under $1,000 in 2025.
Should I buy a gaming laptop under $1,000?
If you mostly play e-sports or older titles, an entry-level gaming laptop (RTX 4050 class) can be a good value under $1,000, especially on sale.

Prices and availability change frequently — always double-check current listings before you buy.

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