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    Best Low-Priced Laptops, Chromebooks, and Tablets Rated by Our Testers

    Need another workstation in your home? These devices offer a compelling blend of value and performance.

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    Apple iPad (64GB)-2022 Tablet, HP Chromebook 14A-NA0020NR, and Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14ALC7
    Our budget picks are models from Apple, HP, and other major brands.
    Photos: Consumer Reports

    We’d all like to save a little money, especially on something as essential as a laptop, Chromebook, or tablet. Whether you’re tackling work projects, school assignments, or just the routines of everyday life, you need a device you can count on.

    More on Low-Cost Tech

    With the school year starting, there are plenty of deals out there. But you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good computer.

    Many lower-priced models, including last year’s versions, deliver exactly what most people are looking for. You don’t need cutting-edge specs to write papers, manage spreadsheets, attend video classes, or browse the web.

    The laptops, Chromebooks, and tablets below focus on value: dependable performance, long battery life, and the features that matter day to day. They come from popular brands like Apple, HP, and Lenovo.

    Where there are trade-offs to hit a lower price, like smaller storage or a dimmer display, we’ll point them out so there are no surprises.

    Laptops

    Budget laptops generally trade premium features for affordability. You may not get the sharpest display, the fastest processor, or tons of storage, but the models we selected offer all the performance you need for browsing the web and using traditional productivity apps.

    Chromebooks

    Chromebooks run on ChromeOS, which means they’re designed for web-based tasks like browsing, email, and Google Docs. They don’t run traditional Windows or Mac software, and the storage is usually limited, but they can be a great choice for schoolwork and light office work.

    Tablets

    You may not want to use a tablet as your primary “computer,” but with a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard, you certainly could. Worst case? You find yourself with a screen that lets you watch YouTube a lot easier in bed.


    Nicholas De Leon

    Nicholas De Leon is a senior reporter for Consumer Reports, covering laptops, wireless routers, tablets, and more. He has been at CR since 2017. He previously covered tech for Vice, News Corp, and TechCrunch. He lives in Tucson, Ariz. Follow him on X for all things tech and soccer @nicholasadeleon.