Best cheap laptop deals in May 2023

Dell XPS 13 (2020, 11th Gen) review
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Memorial Day sales are here which makes now a good time to be hunting for cheap laptop deals as multiple retailers are selling powerful machines at fantastic prices. In fact, several of our favorite laptops have received significant discounts. 

Retailers including Walmart, Amazon, and HP all have some fantastic laptops deal running right now. Some of the strongest deals currently available come courtesy of Best Buy. The tech retailer is offering up to $500 off select Windows laptops. And there are great deals on Apple laptops right now such as the latest MacBook Pro at its lowest-ever price at Amazon 

Below you'll find our roundup of the best cheap laptop deals currently available (Alternatively, why not also check out our guide to the best Chromebook deals). 

Memorial Day and laptop deals

The first major retail event of the year is almost here. We're of course talking about Memorial Day. The holiday weekend is pretty much guaranteed to usher in a fresh wave of laptop deals. While there are a few deals available now, we're expecting to see bigger price drops across the board over the next few days. Make sure to follow our Memorial Day laptop sales so you don't miss an all-time low price.  

Today's best laptop deals

Laptop deals under $299

Asus Chromebook C223 11.6": was $249 now $139 @ Amazon

Asus Chromebook C223 11.6": was $249 now $139 @ Amazon
A hyper-affordable Chromebook, Asus' 11.6-inch model is currently more than $100 off, with the C223's price dropping $134 currently. But this Chromebook gives you something you won't expect from a laptop this cheap: full-functionality USB-C ports. Yes, the reversible power-charging data-transfer port comes standard on this model. 

Acer Chromebook Spin 311 11.6":  was $289 now $199 @ Amazon

Acer Chromebook Spin 311 11.6": was $289 now $199 @ Amazon
One of the more popular mid-range Chromebooks, Acer's Chromebook Spin 311 is at a massive discount here for $110 off. This convertible is rated for up to 10 hours of battery life. It also features a touchscreen, a necessity for laptops with its 360-degree hinge. 

Asus Chromebook C203XA: was $249 now $125 @ Amazon

Asus Chromebook C203XA: was $249 now $125 @ Amazon
If you need a Chromebook that's rugged and durable, look no further than the Asus Chromebook C203XA, which has a spill-proof keyboard, military-grade durability and a scratch-resistant screen. This makes it perfect for any challenging or accident-prone environment. Right now, Amazon are selling this Chromebook for just $120.

HP Chromebook 14: was $339 now $285 @ Amazon

HP Chromebook 14: was $339 now $285 @ Amazon
This HP Chromebook 14 model has a 14-inch full HD (1920 x 1080) display, an  Intel Celeron Processor, 4 GB RAM, and 32 GB of eMMC storage. The notebook also has a 720p webcam and an estimated 12 hours of battery life.

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i: was $429 now $299 @ Amazon

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i: was $429 now $299 @ Amazon
This is one of our favorite Chromebook deals happening now. The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i is a 2-in-1 laptop featuring a 13.3-inch FHD touchscreen, an 11th gen Intel Core i3 CPU, 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. As with most Chromebooks, this laptop runs on ChromeOS.

Laptop deals under $599

Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5: was $499 now $379 @ Best Buy

Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5: was $499 now $379 @ Best Buy
The original Lenovo Chromebook Duet earned a spot on our list of best Chromebooks. While we've yet to test the Duet 5, on paper this Chromebook appears to be a worthy successor. It features a detachable keyboard and fabric back cover with built-in kickstand, 13.3-inch 1080p OLED display, Snapdragon SC7180 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 128GB eMMC. 

HP Laptop 17z: was $649 now $379 @ HP

HP Laptop 17z: was $649 now $379 @ HP
This laptop is a great productivity machine thanks to its 17-inch display and comfortable keyboard. It comes with 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, and runs on Windows 11. The laptop also charges to 50% in 45 minutes.

MSI GV15: was $750 now $664 @ Amazon

MSI GV15: was $750 now $664 @ Amazon
If you need a gaming laptop on a budget, this MSI model is worth considering — especially with $117 off. Inside is an 11th gen Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD,  Wi-Fi 6 support, and Windows 11, with games playing on a 15.6-inch 144Hz FHD display. There's only a Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, so this isn't state of the art, but otherwise it's a solid machine for the more casual gamers.

Laptop deals over $600

Dell XPS 13: was $949 now $899 @ Dell

Dell XPS 13: was $949 now $899 @ Dell
The XPS 13 is one of our favorite overall laptops. Although we dislike that the 2022 model only has a pair of Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports, it's still a capable machine for most users. In our XPS 13 (2022) review, we called it a good laptop for everyday computing and for streaming content. It packs a 13.4-inch 1920 x 1200 60Hz display, Core i5-1230U CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD.

Lenovo Ideapad 3i Gaming Laptop: was $999 now $749 @ Amazon

Lenovo Ideapad 3i Gaming Laptop: was $999 now $749 @ Amazon
This Lenovo Ideapad 3i gaming laptop is now even more budget-friendly thanks to a $250 discount at Amazon. It comes packing an Intel Core i5 processor, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card, 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. It also boasts a 15.6-inch FHD display with ultra-thin bezels. 

MSI Sword 15.6" Gaming Laptop: was $949 now $679 @ Best Buy

MSI Sword 15.6" Gaming Laptop: was $949 now $679 @ Best Buy
Best Buy has slashed $270 off this MSI Sword gaming laptop. It sports an attractive design and solid specs at a reasonable price. It boasts an Intel Core i5 CPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPU, 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. It's also got a 15.6-inch FHD with a 144Hz refresh rate. 

Microsoft Surface Laptop 4: was $899 now $647 @ Amazon

Microsoft Surface Laptop 4: was $899 now $647 @ Amazon
This Microsoft Surface laptop is one of the best around for productivity thanks to its 11-hour battery life, comfortable keyboard, and slim design. This fourth-generation model features an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage.

Asus TUF F15 gaming laptop: was $1,099 now $949 @ Amazon

Asus TUF F15 gaming laptop: was $1,099 now $949 @ Amazon
Amazon has just slashed $150 off this Asus TUF gaming laptop, which brings it down to $949. This machine comes with an Intel Core i7 CPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU, 512GB SSD, and 16GB of RAM. It also features a 15.6-inch 144Hz HD display and weighs just over 5 pounds, making it a great portable pick. 

Asus TUF Dash 15 gaming laptop: was $1,299 now $1,149 @ Amazon

Asus TUF Dash 15 gaming laptop: was $1,299 now $1,149 @ Amazon
Amazon has reduced this Asus TUF Dash 15 gaming laptop by $150 in this solid deal. Slim bezels frame a 15.6-inch 144Hz FHD display, and underneath the slick chassis you'll find an Intel Core i7-12650H CPU, Nvidia RTX 3060 GPU, 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. 

Acer Nitro 5 w/ RTX 3050: was $839 now $739 @ Amazon

Acer Nitro 5 w/ RTX 3050: was $839 now $739 @ Amazon
The Acer Nitro 5 is a solid budget gaming laptop, featuring an Intel Core i5-10300H CPU, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB storage and a full HD 144 Hz screen. This laptop is a great choice for gamers who want to play big-budget games at moderate settings.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Gaming Laptop: was $1,649 now $999 @ Best Buy

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Gaming Laptop: was $1,649 now $999 @ Best Buy
The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Gaming Laptop has just been slashed $650 off at Best Buy, dropping it to an all-time low price of $999. Underneath its sleek casing, you'll find an AMD Ryzen 9 CPU, AMD Radeon RX 6700S GPU, 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. It also packs a 14-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It's a great pick for newcomers to the world of PC gaming and veterans alike and we rank it as the best gaming laptop you can buy.  

Dell G16 16" Gaming Laptop: was $1,599 now $1,199 @ Best Buy

Dell G16 16" Gaming Laptop: was $1,599 now $1,199 @ Best Buy
$400 off:
This Dell G16 gaming laptop has been sliced $500 off as part of Best Buy's limited-time deal. It comes packing a 12th Gen intel Core i7 CPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU, 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. It also comes with a 16-inch QHD display and a backlit keyboard. Overall, it's a great laptop for those looking to enter the world of PC gaming for the first time. 

MSI Sword 15.6" Gaming Laptop w/ RTX 3070: was $1,599 now $1,199 @ Best Buy

MSI Sword 15.6" Gaming Laptop w/ RTX 3070: was $1,599 now $1,199 @ Best Buy
Best Buy is slashing $400 off the MSI Sword gaming laptop. It sports an attractive design and solid specs at a reasonable price. It features a 15.6-inch 1080p 144Hz LCD, Core i7-12650H CPU, 16GB of RAM, 1TB SSD, and an RTX 3070Ti GPU. You also get a 1-month Xbox GamePass trial for free. 

Acer Predator Helios 300: was $2,099 now $1,399 @ Best Buy

Acer Predator Helios 300: was $2,099 now $1,399 @ Best Buy
This Acer Predator Helios 300 gaming laptop has been sliced $700 off at Best Buy, dropping this well-specced machine down to $1,399. It packs an Intel Core i7 CPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti GPU, 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. Its 15.6-inch QHD display with a 240Hz refresh rate is also very striking. 

Acer Spin 5: was $1,379 now $1,279 @ Amazon

Acer Spin 5: was $1,379 now $1,279 @ Amazon
With a vibrant display, strong performance and 12-hour battery life, the Acer Spin 5 is a great 2-in-1 laptop for work and for creatives. This configuration comes with a 14-inch touch display, 12th gen Intel Core i7 CPU, 16GB RAM and a 1TB SSD. You also get the Acer Active Stylus included.

Razer Blade 14: was $2,799 now $2,199 @ Amazon

Razer Blade 14: was $2,799 now $2,199 @ Amazon
The Razer Blade 14 is one way to get a lot of gaming power in a small chassis. And with its GeForce RTX 3080, 8-core AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX, 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, as well as a 164Hz QHD display, this high-spec Blade 14 is a compact powerhouse. 

Razer Blade 15: was $2,999 now $2,399 @ Amazon

Razer Blade 15: was $2,999 now $2,399 @ Amazon
The 2022 model Razer Blade 15 gaming laptop has been sliced $400 off in Amazon's January sales. This configuration packs a Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti GPU, 12th Gen Intel 14-Core i7 CPU, 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. Plus, it's 15.6-inch QHD display boasts a 240Hz refresh rate for smooth gameplay and Windows 11 comes pre-installed. This is a plenty powerful gaming laptop for newcomers and experienced gamers a like. 

Laptop deals — Apple

MacBook Air (M1/256GB): was $999 now $799 @ Amazon

MacBook Air (M1/256GB): was $999 now $799 @ Amazon
The MacBook Air offers fantastic performance thanks to its Apple Silicon. The M1 CPU also helped it reach over 14 hours on our battery test. It features a 13.3-inch Retina display, Apple M1 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. It's no longer Apple's flagship, but it's a solid deal at this price.

MacBook Air (M2/256GB): was $1,199 now $999 @ Amazon

MacBook Air (M2/256GB): was $1,199 now $999 @ Amazon
Lowest price! The MacBook Air M2 boasts a load of new features. It includes a larger 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display (2560 x 1664), Apple's new M2 w/ 8-core GPU, 8GB of RAM, 256GB SSD, 1080p FaceTime camera, four-speaker system with Spatial Audio, and MagSafe charging. In our MacBook Air M2 review, we called the Editor's Choice laptop an unbeatable combo of performance, design, and battery life. By comparison, B&H Photo offers it for $1,049.

MacBook Pro 16" (M1 Pro/512GB): was $2,499 now $1,998 @ Best Buy

MacBook Pro 16" (M1 Pro/512GB): was $2,499 now $1,998 @ Best Buy
The 16-inch MacBook Pro sports Apple's new M1 Pro CPU. It features 10 core and a 16-core GPU. It also features a 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display with 3456 x 2244 resolution. Others specs include 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. You also get three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, and a MagSafe 3 port.

MacBook Pro 14" (M1 Pro/512GB): was $1,999 now $1,599 @ Best Buy

MacBook Pro 14" (M1 Pro/512GB): was $1,999 now $1,599 @ Best Buy
The 2021 MacBook Pro remains one of the best laptops you can buy. It sports Apple's powerful M1 Pro chip with 8 more GPU cores, a better Media Engine, and more memory bandwidth than the already incredible M1 chip. It's also Apple's first 14-inch MacBook Pro featuring a 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display. Other specs include 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. You also get three Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI port, SD card slot and MagSafe charging.

MacBook Pro 14" (M2 Pro/512GB): was $1,999 now $1,749 @ Amazon

MacBook Pro 14" (M2 Pro/512GB): was $1,999 now $1,749 @ Amazon
Lowest price! The 2023 MacBook Pro 14-inch packs Apple's new M2 Pro silicon, which outperforms most of today's flagship laptops. (It can also be configured with the M2 Pro Max). In our MacBook Pro 14-inch 2023 review, we called it the world's best laptop. It offers an incredible battery life of over 14 hours. The base model includes a 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display (3024 x 1964), M2 Pro 10-core CPU w/ 16-core GPU), 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD.

Apple 14" MacBook Pro (M2 Pro/1TB): was $2,499 now $2,299 @ Amazon

Apple 14" MacBook Pro (M2 Pro/1TB): was $2,499 now $2,299 @ Amazon
The latest MacBook Pro sports Apple's epic M2 Pro chip that delivers beastly performance even under heavy workloads. It also sports a stunning mini-LED display, a generous selection of ports and an upgraded Wi-Fi 6E connection. It's one of the best laptops you can buy and has dropped to the lowest price ever at Amazon.

MacBook Pro 16" (M1 Max/1TB): was $3,499 now $2,699 @ Amazon

MacBook Pro 16" (M1 Max/1TB): was $3,499 now $2,699 @ Amazon
The 16-inch MacBook Pro sports Apple's M1 Max CPU. It features 10 core CPU and a 32-core GPU. It also features a 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display with 3456 x 2244 resolution. Other specs include 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. You also get three Thunderbolt 4 ports and HDMI port, SDXC card slot and a MagSafe 3 port.

Laptop deals — sitewide sales

MS Store laptop deals: up to $500 off @ MS Store

MS Store laptop deals: up to $500 off @ MS Store
The MS Store is taking up to $500 off a wide range of laptops including budget machines, gaming rigs, and mainstream laptops just in time for the fall. After discount, prices start at just $599 for the Surface Pro 7, which is an ideal tablet-style laptop for use on the go.  

HP laptop deals: up to $490 off select laptops

HP laptop deals: up to $490 off select laptops
HP is currently offering up to $490 off a whole range of laptops.  For instance, you can get the HP Envy 16" for $490 off. It features a 16-inch FHD display, Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. There are plenty more models in this sitewide sale. 

Best Buy laptop deals: up to $500 off Windows laptops @ Best Buy

Best Buy laptop deals: up to $500 off Windows laptops @ Best Buy
Tech retailer Best Buy is offering select Windows laptops with a sizeable discount of up to $500 in this limited-time sale. Included in the sale is the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Plus for $749 (that's $480 off). It sports a 12.3-inch touch screen display, Intel Core i5, 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD. It also comes packed with a black type cover that sports a full keyboard. 

Staples laptop sale: up to 40% off deals from $199

Staples laptop sale: up to 40% off deals from $199
Staples is taking up to 40% off select laptop during its latest sale. After discount, laptop deals start from $199. The sale includes MSI, Asus, HP, Microsoft, Lenovo, and more. It includes mainstream machines as well as a few gaming-oriented rigs. 

Cheap Laptop Retailers

Best cheap laptops of 2023

Acer Aspire 5

1. Acer Aspire 5

The best overall laptop under $500 you can buy

CPU: Intel Core i3-8145U | GPU: Intel UHD 620 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 128GB SSD | Display: 15.6-inch, 1920 x 1080 | Size: 14.3 x 9.9 x 0.7 inches | Weight: 3.76 pounds

Strong performance
Long battery life
Bright, 1080p display
Affordable
Middling graphics
Questionable build quality

The Acer Aspire 5 is one of the best laptops under $500. It features a bright, 1080p display, strong 8th Gen Core i3 processing performance, and offers 9 hours of battery life. The affordably priced Aspire 5 is much thinner than its sibling, the Aspire E 15. The Aspire 5 is the best sub-$500 laptop currently available.

See Laptop Mag's review of the Acer Aspire 5

Acer Aspire E 15

2. Acer Aspire E 15

The laptop with the most ports

CPU: Intel Core i3-8130U | GPU: Intel UHD 620 | RAM: 6GB | Storage: 1TB 5,400-rpm HDD | Display: 15.6-inch, 1920 x 1080 | Size: 15 x 10.2 x 1.2 inches | Weight: 5 pounds

Strong performance
Lots of ports
Good battery life
Very affordable
Bulky design
Filled with bloatware

Normally priced under $400, the Acer Aspire E 15 features an 8th Gen Core i3 processor, an ample number of ports and a minimalist, yet premium design. It has a DVD writer, USB Type-C port, 9 hour battery and springy, well-spaced, comfortable keys. Simply put, it's as premium as an affordable laptop can get. 

See our full review of the Acer Aspire E 15 

HP Stream 11

(Image credit: Future)

3. HP Stream 11

The cheapest Windows laptop you can buy

CPU: Intel Celeron N4000 | GPU: Intel UHD 600 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 32GB eMMC | Display: 11-inch, 1366 x 768 | Size: 11.8 x 8.1 x 0.7 inches | Weight: 2.5 pounds

Long battery life
Better performance than competitors
Insanely cheap
Washed out low-res display
Awful webcam

Don't let its cute, candy-hued exterior fool you. The $200 HP Stream 11 delivers long battery life, great audio, and strong performance for the price. HP cuts some corners by using a dim display and the laptop's bottom gets uncomfortably warm, but the lightweight Stream 11 is one of the best sub-$200 Windows laptops on the market. It's also a solid choice for kids. 

HP Chromebook x2

4. HP Chromebook x2

The best 2-in-1 laptop

CPU: Intel Core m3-7Y30 | GPU: Intel HD 615 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 32GB eMMC | Display: 12.3-inch, 2400 x 1600 | Size: 11.5 x 8.3 x 0.3 inches | Weight: 3.1 pounds

Bright, high-res display
All-day battery life
Comfortable typing experience
Solid sound
A bit heavier than other convertibles
Thick bezels
Core m3 CPU isn't the fastest

The HP Chromebook x2 packs features that most cheap laptops don't like a color rich 2400 x 1600 display and solid stereo speakers. What's more, the Chromebook x2's keyboard is comfortable to use and its battery lasts up to 9 hours between charges. For creatives, It includes HP's Active Pen, making it one of the best value Chromebooks you can buy. 

See Laptop Mag's full review of the HP Chromebook x2

Acer Swift 1

5. Acer Swift 1

The best lightweight laptop

CPU: Intel Pentium Silver N5000 | GPU: Intel UHD 605 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 64GB eMMC | Display: 14-inch, 1920 x 1080 | Size: 12.7 x 9.0 x 0.6 inches | Weight: 2.9 pounds

Lightweight aluminum chassis
Long battery life
Wide range of ports
Decent webcam
Excellent value
Dim, dull display
A few build-quality quirks

If you're looking for a sleek and lightweight portable laptop under $500, the Acer Swift 1 is a solid choice. This 14-inch 1080p laptop has an all aluminum exterior, ample ports, and 10 hours of battery life for under $400. Its Intel Pentium Silver N5000 and 4GB of RAM hardware is enough for multitasking.  Overall, the Acer Swift 1 is a solid choice for a lightweight sub-$500 laptop.

See Laptop Mag's review of the Acer Swift 1.

Best cheap laptop deals retailers

Rory Mellon
Deals Editor

Rory is a Deals Editor at Tom’s Guide based in the UK. He covers a wide range of topics but with a particular focus on deals, gaming and streaming. When he’s not scouring retailers for PS5 restock or writing hot takes on the latest gaming hardware and streaming shows, he can be found attending music festivals and being thoroughly disappointed by his terrible football team.