As we approach 2026, college students need reliable, affordable laptops that can handle everything from research papers to video conferences. The good news? You don’t need to break the bank to get a quality machine. Today’s budget laptops pack impressive features that would have cost twice as much just a few years ago. Whether you’re studying computer science, liberal arts, or business, there’s a laptop under $700 that fits your needs perfectly.
Finding the right laptop means balancing performance, portability, and price. Students need machines that can last through long library sessions, handle multiple browser tabs during research, and still have enough battery life to make it through back-to-back classes. After researching current market offerings and considering what students actually need, here are five excellent laptops from trusted brands that deliver outstanding value.
1. HP Pavilion Aero 13 ($650-$699)
The Lightweight Champion
HP’s Pavilion Aero 13 stands out as an exceptional choice for students who prioritize portability without sacrificing performance. Weighing just 2.2 pounds, this ultraportable features a premium magnesium chassis that feels far more expensive than its price tag suggests. The AMD Ryzen 5 processor paired with 16GB of RAM handles multitasking effortlessly, making it perfect for students juggling multiple assignments and applications.
What makes this laptop particularly attractive is its impressive battery life, easily lasting through a full day of classes. The 13-inch display hits the sweet spot between portability and usability, while the 512GB SSD provides ample storage for documents, presentations, and media files. For students constantly on the move between classes, libraries, and study groups, the Pavilion Aero 13 delivers unmatched value.
2. Lenovo IdeaPad 3i 15 ($550-$650)
The Budget-Friendly Powerhouse
Lenovo has long been synonymous with reliability and value, and the IdeaPad 3i 15 continues that tradition. This laptop offers a full 15.6-inch Full HD display, making it ideal for students who need screen real estate for research, spreadsheets, or content creation. The inclusion of a numeric keypad is a thoughtful touch for business and STEM students working with numbers.
At around $550, this laptop saves you approximately $150 from your budget, which can go toward textbooks or other essentials. The Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM handle everyday computing tasks smoothly, from word processing to video streaming. Lenovo’s reputation for durability means this laptop should easily last throughout your college career with proper care.
3. Acer Aspire Go 15 ($500-$600)
The Value Leader
Acer continues to dominate the budget laptop market with the Aspire Go 15, offering tremendous value for money. Despite its affordable price point, this laptop doesn’t skimp on essentials. The Intel Core i3 processor, combined with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, provides specifications that were considered premium just a few years ago.
The 15.6-inch Full HD display with good viewing angles makes this laptop excellent for writing papers and streaming lectures. While it won’t win any speed contests, it handles typical student workloads—research, essay writing, web browsing, and video conferencing—without breaking a sweat. For students focused primarily on humanities or social sciences who don’t need heavy computational power, the Aspire Go 15 represents exceptional value.
4. Dell Inspiron 15 ($600-$700)
The Reliable All-Rounder
Dell’s Inspiron line has earned its reputation through years of delivering dependable laptops at reasonable prices. The Inspiron 15 brings Dell’s build quality and customer support reputation to the budget segment. This laptop features a balanced configuration with modern Intel processors and adequate RAM to handle student workloads efficiently.
What sets Dell apart is their comprehensive support network and service options, which can be invaluable when you’re dealing with technical issues during finals week. The Inspiron 15’s thoughtful design includes a comfortable keyboard for long typing sessions and a solid selection of ports for connecting peripherals. For students who value peace of mind and brand reliability, Dell delivers consistently.
5. ASUS VivoBook 15 ($550-$650)
The Stylish Performer
ASUS brings style and substance together in the VivoBook 15. This laptop stands out with its modern design and slim profile, making it an attractive option for style-conscious students. Beyond aesthetics, it delivers solid performance with AMD or Intel processor options and enough RAM to handle typical college tasks efficiently.
The VivoBook 15 features ASUS’s ErgoLift hinge design, which slightly elevates the keyboard for a more comfortable typing angle—a thoughtful ergonomic touch for students who spend hours writing papers. The laptop also includes fast charging technology, allowing you to quickly top up the battery between classes. For students who want a laptop that looks as good as it performs, the VivoBook 15 is an excellent choice.
Performance Comparison Chart
| Laptop Model | Processor | RAM | Storage | Weight | Battery Life | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP Pavilion Aero 13 | AMD Ryzen 5 | 16GB | 512GB SSD | 2.2 lbs | 10-12 hrs | $650- $699 |
| Lenovo IdeaPad 3i 15 | Intel Core i5 | 8GB | 512GB SSD | 3.6 lbs | 8-10 hrs | $550- $650 |
| Acer Aspire Go 15 | Intel Core i3 | 16GB | 512GB SSD | 3.7 lbs | 7-9 hrs | $500- $600 |
| Dell Inspiron 15 | Intel Core i5 | 8GB | 512GB SSD | 3.8 lbs | 8-10 hrs | $600- $700 |
| ASUS VivoBook 15 | AMD Ryzen 5 | 8GB | 512GB SSD | 3.5 lbs | 7-9 hrs | $550- $650 |
Making Your Decision
Choosing the right laptop depends on your specific needs and priorities. If portability is a must and you’re constantly moving between classes, the HP Pavilion Aero 13’s lightweight design makes it the clear winner. For students on the tightest budgets who still need solid performance, the Acer Aspire Go 15 offers incredible value.
Students who prioritize reliability and support should lean toward the Dell Inspiron 15, while those seeking style alongside performance will appreciate the ASUS VivoBook 15. The Lenovo IdeaPad 3i 15 strikes the best balance for students who need a larger screen and numeric keypad without exceeding their budget.
Remember that all these laptops offer solid specifications that will serve you well throughout your college years. The differences come down to form factor, specific features, and brand preferences. Whichever you choose, you’re getting a capable machine that proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to succeed in college.
Pro Tip: Check for student discounts and back-to-school promotions, which can often reduce prices by an additional 10-15%. Also consider refurbished models from manufacturer outlets for even greater savings without sacrificing quality.
Upgrading? Trade In Your Old HP Laptop
If you are looking to upgrade to one of these college-ready models, consider selling your used HP laptop to offset the cost. Gadget Salvation offers a fast, secure, and environmentally responsible way to trade in your used HP laptop for cash.
Their process is remarkably simple: answer a few questions about your HP laptop’s condition to receive an instant quote, ship your device using our free prepaid UPS label, and receive payment within 1 to 2 business days of delivery. You can choose your payment method: PayPal, Venmo, CashApp, Zelle, or traditional check—whichever works best for you.
Since 2008, Gadget Salvation has helped over 120,000 customers sell their used electronics while keeping these devices out of landfills. We take data security seriously, using NIST-compliant software to completely erase all personal information from your laptop. For college students on a budget, trading in your old HP laptop can put hundreds of dollars toward your new purchase, making these already affordable options even more accessible.