The 10 Best Budget Macbook Of 2024, Researched By Us

Piers Anthony By, Piers Anthony
Updated
2020 Apple MacBook Air Laptop: Apple M1 Chip, 13” Retina Display, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage
Image credit: Amazon.com

When it comes to buying a new laptop, there are so many options that it can be surprisingly difficult to figure out which one is right for you. And while most people would assume that price should be the biggest factor in your purchase, there are so many other things to consider as well. Sure, the more affordable a laptop is, the better it will be in the long run — but not all budget laptops are created equal.

In fact, some of theer models end up being much less reliable than their pricier counterparts and don’t last nearly as long either. So if you’re thinking about adding a new computer to your home for school or work this year, then read on to learn about some of the best macbooks money can buy in 2024.

We think the product that comes highly recommended for best budget macbook is 2020 Apple MacBook Air Laptop: Apple M1 Chip, 13” Retina Display, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage. In case you need more alternatives and more in-depth guidance, you may explore the following.

Our Top Picks

  • All-Day Battery Life – Go longer than ever with up to 18 hours of battery life.
  • Easy to Learn – If you already have an iPhone, MacBook Air feels familiar from the moment you turn it on. And it works perfectly with all your Apple devices. Use your iPad to extend the workspace of your Mac, answer texts and phone calls directly on your Mac, and more.
  • Simply Compatible – All your existing apps work, including Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft 365, and Google Drive. Plus you can use your favorite iPhone and iPad apps directly on macOS. Altogether you’ll have access to the biggest collection of apps ever for Mac. All available on the App Store.
  • AppleCare – Every Mac comes with a one-year limited warranty and up to 90 days of complimentary technical support. Get AppleCare+ to extend your coverage and reduce the stress and cost of unexpected repairs.
  • Superfast Memory – 8GB of unified memory makes your entire system speedy and responsive. That way it can support tasks like memory-hogging multitab browsing and opening a huge graphic file quickly and easily.
  • Stunning Display – With a 13.3” Retina display, images come alive with new levels of realism. Text is sharp and clear, and colors are more vibrant.
  • Environmentally Friendly – MacBook Air is made with a 100% recycled aluminum enclosure and uses less energy for a smaller carbon footprint.
  • Why Mac – Easy to learn. Easy to set up. Astoundingly powerful. Intuitive. Packed with apps to use right out of the box. Mac is designed to let you work, play, and create like never before.
  • Powerful Performance – Take on everything from professional-quality editing to action-packed gaming with ease. The Apple M1 chip with an 8-core CPU delivers up to 3.5x faster performance than the previous generation while using way less power.
  • Fanless Design – Your MacBook Air stays cool and runs quietly even while tackling intense workloads.
  • 15.6 inches full HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen LED backlit IPS display; AMD Radeon Vega 3 Mobile Graphics
  • Windows 10 in S mode. Maximum power supply wattage: 65 Watts
  • 802.11ac Wi-Fi; Backlit Keyboard; Up to 7.5 hours battery life
  • 1 USB 3.1 Gen 1 port, 2 USB 2.0 ports & 1 HDMI port with HDCP support
  • AMD Ryzen 3 3200U Dual Core Processor (Up to 3.5GHz); 4GB DDR4 Memory; 128GB PCIe NVMe SSD
  • Internal Specifications: 4GB DDR4 on-board memory (1 slot available); 128GB NVMe solid-state drive storage (1 hard drive bay available) to store your files and media
  • Ports For All Your Accessories: USB 3.2 Type-C, 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (1 Power-off Charging), USB 2.0, HDMI 2.0 with HDCP support, headphone, speaker, line-out jack, Ethernet (RJ-45), DC-in for AC adapter
  • Powerful Productivity: 11th Generation Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor delivers unmatched speed and intelligence, enabling impressive creating, productivity, and gaming experiences. With Turbo Boost Technology, get up to 4.1GHz for your high-demand applications
  • Ergonomic Typing: Ergonomically-designed hinge lifts the keyboard for comfortable typing, improved cooling, and a better sound experience
  • What's In the Box: Acer Aspire Laptop, AC Adapter, Power Cord
  • Visibly Stunning: Experience sharp details and crisp colors on the 15.6" Full HD display with 82.58% screen-to-body, 16:9 aspect ratio and narrow bezels
  • Secure Operating System: Windows 11 Home (S Mode) comes with advanced security features built right in, like protections against phishing and malicious software so you don't have to think twice when navigating to a new webpage or downloading an app
  • Acer's Purified.Voice technology, features enhanced digital signal processing to cancel out background noise, improve speech accuracy and far-field pickup, which not only makes calls clearer, but makes talking to Alexa easier than before.
  • Using Alexa on your PC is as easy as asking a question. Just ask and Alexa can check your calendar, create lists, play music, answer questions, read the news and more.
  • Multi-ports - the CosBook Laptops got 1 x USB3.0, 1 x USB2.0, 1 x Mini HD, 1 x Headphone Jack, 1 x Micro SD, 1 x DC, will meet all your needs.
  • Slim and Lightweight Computer Laptop - Very slim lightweight ultrabook, only 2.7LB, to the thin part, only 9mm and the thickest part is only 14mm, very portable, easy to carry.
  • Large Memory and Storage Space Pc Laptops - Built-in 6GB LPDDR4 Memory for Smooth Operating and 128GB Solid State Drive Storage which can expandable to 1TB, can satisfy most people's requirements, also, it got Single Band 2.4G Wifi and Bluetooth 4.0 for wireless connection.
  • Powerful Intel Dual Core Windows Laptop- Powered by 10th Generation Intel Gemini Lake Celeron J4005 2 Cores 2 Threads, burst frequency up to 2.7GHz and built-in Intel UHD Graphics 600, support 4K@60Hz.
  • Windows 10 Pro Operating System Laptop Computer ( Support upgrade to Windows 11) and HD Clear Display - Ready to use with your familiar windows 10 OS and enjoy high definition display through the 14 inches(1366*768 pixel) Screen.
  • UNSTOPPABLE PERFORMANCE – Get things done fast with the 11th Generation Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, which delivers instant responsiveness and best-in-class connectivity (4).
  • IMPESSIVE GRAPHICS – The Intel Iris Xe Graphics gives you a new level of performance with crisp, stunning visuals, plus the convenience of a thin and light laptop (3).
  • ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY – Stay energy-efficient and sustainable with a laptop that is Energy Star certified (14), EPEAT Silver registered (15), and built with a low halogen display (16).
  • TAKE IT ANYWHERE – With its thin and light design, 6.5 millimeter micro-edge bezel display, and 82% screen to body ratio, you can take this PC anywhere and see more of what you love (1).
  • MEMORY AND STORAGE – Get up to 15x faster performance than a traditional hard drive with 256 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage and experience improved multitasking with higher bandwidth thanks to 8 GB of RAM (5).
  • WORK ON THE GO – Get work done on the go with a long battery life of up to 7 hours and 15 minutes (6), while HP Fast Charge lets you go from 0 to 50% charge in approximately 45 minutes (7).
  • REMOTE WORK READY – Enjoy unparalleled work from home efficiency with a fully integrated keyboard, plus MU-MIMO support for multi-device homes. Plus, video chat with vibrant clarity thanks to the HP True Vision 720p HD camera with integrated dual array digital microphones (13).
  • OS AND WARRANTY – Do more with greater peace of mind thanks to the familiar feel of the Windows 11 Home operating system and the HP 1-year limited hardware warranty (8).
  • EFFORTLESSLY CONNECTED – Enjoy a smoother wireless experience with Wi-Fi 6 (2x2) (9) and Bluetooth 5.2 combo (10). All your connections are solid and up to 3x faster file transfer speeds than Wi-Fi 5, now supporting gigabit file transfer speeds (11) (12).
  • REVOLUTIONARY ENTERTAINMENT – Enjoy ultra-wide viewing angles and seamlessly perform multi-monitor set-ups with a 15.6-inch, Full HD, IPS, micro-edge, and anti-glare display (2).
  • The Lenovo Chromebook C330 is easy to use, offers built-in virus protection and keeps going with long battery life. No setup needed – Just login with a Google account so emails, maps, documents, and photos stay with you via cloud storage
  • Get high performance when you need it – The Chromebook C330 boots up in seconds and features easy-to-use Chrome OS, plenty of memory and storage, and so much more
  • Users love it; "High end features for a low price," says one happy reviewer. Another adds, "This Chromebook has far exceeded my expectations. The speed is snappy and the device responds quickly to gestures and commands."
  • Sleek, stylish, and secure, this 360⁰ convertible laptop is less than 1-inch thin and about the weight of a hardback book, with an 11-inch touchscreen display that's perfect for day-to-day computing and multimedia, on or offline
  • Built to connect, this notebook computer includes a variety of USB ports for effortless connectivity. Plus, stay in touch with the built-in camera. Bluetooth 4.2
  • Sleek & stylish design - This computer is less than 1" Thick and 3. 3 lbs. light, with a 14" HD Display Perfect for day-to-day work and multimedia, on or offline
  • Enjoy powerful processing, LPDDR3 Memory for multitasking, Fast software loading, and 100 GB of cloud storage via Google Drive (Available for 2 years)
  • For high performance on the go, the Chromebook S330 is equipped with a powerful Mediatech MT8173C processor, Chrome OS, 4 GB LPDDR3, and 32 GB em 5. 1. And keep going with up to 10 hrs. of battery life
  • The Lenovo S330 is easy to use, Offers built-in virus protection, and automatically updates. No setup is needed – just A Google account so cloud storage keeps your stuff with you
  • Stay connected with I/O support Standard on this laptop computer, Plus USB-C, Micro SD, and USB 3. 0 for effortless connectivity. It also features AC Wi-Fi with Bluetooth 4. 1, a 720P webcam, and two 2W speaker systems, All supported via a suite of collaborative apps
  • Windows 10 in S Mode with One Year of Microsoft 365 Personal
  • 11.6” HD (1366 x 768) Slim Display
  • Slim and Portable: 0.7” thin and weighs only 2.2 lbs (battery included)
  • 64GB eMMC Flash Storage and 4GB DDR4 RAM
  • Efficient Intel Celeron N4020 Processor (4M Cache, up to 2.8 GHz)
  • This 2-in-1 laptop combines a keyboard and touchscreen to make it easy to interact with everything on your display. You can also use the Lenovo digital pen (sold separately) to quickly write, click or drag files right on the screen
  • Connect with the built-in webcam, 2 USB Type-C ports, a USB Type-A port, and an audio jack. It also has the latest Intel Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 a fast, reliable connection
  • Use your Google account to easily access files, videos, music, and documents stored on the cloud from anywhere. With up to 10 hours of battery life, you'll stay productive
  • Work from home, school, or anywhere with the outstanding combination of performance, connectivity, and entertainment enabled by 10th generation InteI Core processors. The Lenovo Flex 5 offers intelligent performance features that adapt to you for a personalized, intuitive, and responsive experience
  • The 13.3-inch FHD display in this slim, light 360° convertible Chromebook offers beautiful visuals, while narrow bezels minimize distractions. Two user-facing stereo speakers keep you immersed in the experience
  • 【Display】15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS 300 nits Anti-Glare Touchscreen
  • 【Processor】Intel Core i3-1115G4 3.0 GHz (Up to 4.1GHz), 2 Cores, 6MB Cache
  • 【Operating System】 Windows 11 Home 64-bit
  • 【Connectivity and Security Features】1 x USB Type-C, 1 x USB 3.1, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Headphone+Mic Combo Jack, 1 x Multi-Format SD Media Card Reader, Finger Print Reader, Webcam with Privacy Shutter
  • 【Upgraded】RAM is upgraded to 20GB high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once; Hard Drive is upgraded to 1TB PCIe Solid State Drive to allow faster bootup and data transfer. Original Seal is opened for upgrade ONLY. If the computer has modifications (listed above), then the manufacturer box is opened for it to be tested and inspected and to install the upgrades to achieve the specifications as advertised.
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best budget macbook?

Actually, when you decide to invest in best budget macbook for yourself, lots of things to consider! It's harder to choose since the product comes with many types, functions, and features from different manufacturers. That’s why you should find a reliable space to acquire knowledge related to the item. 

We’ve highlighted the essential features of the best budget macbook below. Along with checking out the list of best models in the list, you should also carefully read the buying guide here:

RAM

It is crucial to decide how much computer RAM you want. Your system's temporary data storage is called random-access memory (RAM). Your computer will be able to access data faster if it has more RAM. You'll also need more RAM if you have more applications running.
Apple won't allow you to change the RAM of your MacBooks after you purchase it, so make sure you choose carefully.

Storage

When it comes time to buy a laptop, storage is also important. The 16-inch MacBook Pro is the best option if you want maximum storage. It can hold up to 8TB. You can also order the 13-inch Intel-powered MacBook Pro, which has four ports and up to 4TB storage.

Graphics And Gaming

M1-based MacBooks can get either a 7-core, or an 8-core integrated GPU. We've had amazing results with the 8-core version, so upgrade if your Mac is running it. You can now play some serious games on your Mac. It's impressive.

Battery Life

The M1 MacBook Pro and MacBook Air are the best options for battery life. Apple's customized chip provides unprecedented battery life for its laptops. According to Apple's estimations, the MacBook Air can last for 18 hours and the MacBook Pro for 20 hours. Apple's Intel-powered laptops are expected to last between 10-12 hours.

Ports

All Apple laptops use USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports. This is the only port that you will find on an Apple MacBook. These ports charge the computers, but you will need an adapter if you want to attach anything else.
There are different MacBook models with various ports. The MacBook only has one USB-C port. Two ports are available on the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro with Touch Bar. Both the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, and 15-inch MacBook Pro have four ports.

Size

You are looking for a bigger laptop to do your work? You should consider the 16-inch MacBook Pro as your top choice. The only Apple laptop available in larger sizes than 13.5", it's your best choice if you're looking for something more desktop-like than portable.

Performance

It is important that you know what your MacBook will be used for before you decide on the right MacBook. The MacBook Pro is the better option if you require a fast machine to process images or edit video.
Apple MacBook Pro models with Intel-powered Intel processors, especially the 13-inch MacBook Pro with four ports, as well as the 16-inch MacBook Pro are upgradeable up to 32GB. The M1 MacBook Pro and Intel-powered MacBook Pro with only two ports and M1 MacBook Air can only support 16GB.

Portability

All of these computers are slim and light, however, the MacBook Air, especially the 12-inch MacBook, are significantly thinner and lighter than Pro models. They weigh just two pounds.
This tiny MacBook looks almost like an iPad when viewed from far away. If portability is your main priority, this is the MacBook you should get.

FAQs

Which Apple Laptop Is The Best?

Apple offers a variety of laptops, including the MacBook Air 13-inch and Pro 13-inch models. There are many rave reviews about the 13-inch MacBook Pro. Although it is quite expensive, many people are buying it. It has a faster processor and a longer battery life. The laptop comes equipped with the 8th Generation Quad-Core Intel i5 processor as well as a Retina screen with True Tone technology. It also has a faster SSD and two Thunderbolt ports. Its battery life is amazing at 10 hours.

Is It Really Worth Buying MacBooks?

It all depends on what you need and want from your portable computer, and if Apple is willing to sell it. It makes sense to have a well-connected computer if you are familiar with macOS and Apple's mobile operating systems. This will allow you to get the best out of all devices involved, including your MacBook. I find that this level of synchronization has been worth the effort, as have many others.

Are They Producing Lightweight Models?

The MacBook Air, which is both lightweight and affordable, is our top choice. The MacBook Air is lightweight and portable, but it can still perform exceptionally well.

Do I Choose An IPad Pro Or MacBook Air?

The MacBook Air, which is ideal for students and anyone who needs to do real work, remains the most popular choice. While the iPad Pro offers more functionality, the MacBook Air excels in all the essential elements of a computer for work. The MacBook Air offers software that is better suited to productivity than iPadOS. It also provides a superior typing experience, which makes it more useful for long battery life.

What Is The Average Life Expectancy Of Macbooks?

My personal experience is that MacBooks can last up to five years without needing replacement. Apple generally supports its older products for five years. This corresponds with how long it tends to maintain security and software updates. This is a long time, considering most finance plans will see the MacBook pay off around halfway through its lifespan. The optional Apple Care service may extend the life of the MacBook by providing more frequent maintenance attention.

Which MacBook Is Best For Students?

The MacBook Air is our favorite for students. The MacBook Air is slim, light, fast, portable, and has a fantastic trackpad. The best thing for students? It's Apple's most economical MacBook. And it now comes in multiple color options.
The MacBook Pro is a powerful and versatile computer that can be used to program or create.

Are There Large-screen Models?

You can have the most stunning display possible with the MacBook Pro 16 inch with Retina Display. This is your large and stunning workplace. This is the biggest Retina Display on a MacBook. The display produces 500 nits brightness. It produces vivid, true-to life images with the P3 color.

After knowing the suitable kinds of best budget macbook and the features you wish, it’s high time for you to start your shopping. Note that you shouldn’t run out to a particular store or start scrolling through online sales just yet. With the development of technology, especially the expansion of sale sites, you can easily find your buddy. 

Remember to check out our site weekly round-up to ensure that the current sales on best budget macbook perform well in our tests. So you can catch up with them as soon as possible. Would you please give us your feedback for better service? Many thanks!


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About Piers Anthony

Piers Anthony

Piers Anthony is a freelance writer and computer expert who enjoys helping others get the most out of their technology. He has written extensively about laptops, soundbars, and other computer-related topics, and he currently serves as the editor of The Audio Insights website. When he's not writing or tinkering with his gadgets, Piers can be found spending time with his wife and family.