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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 include tablets from Amazon and Apple.
    Photos: Consumer Reports

    We’d all like to save a little money these days, especially when shopping for something as essential as a laptop, Chromebook, or tablet. Whether you’re handling work projects, school assignments, or just the routine tasks of day-to-day life, you need a device you can count on.

    More on Low-Cost Tech

    The good news? You don’t have to spend a fortune to get one. There are lots of low-priced options that will serve you well, particularly if you’re okay with a device that’s a generation or two old. Trust me, you don’t need a cutting-edge laptop to update spreadsheets or browse the web.

    The following picks are all about value—getting dependable performance, long battery life, and the features you need for everyday use, all at a price that makes sense for ordinary folks like you and me.

    We’ve rounded up laptops, Chromebooks, and tablets from popular brands like Apple, HP, and Lenovo. All prove you don’t have to pay top dollar to get a device you’ll use every single day.

    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 all offer good performance, which is all you need for browsing the web and using traditional productivity apps.

    Chromebooks

    Chromebooks run on ChromeOS, which means they’re best 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.