Best cheap laptop deals in October 2023

Dell XPS 13 (2020, 11th Gen) review
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Now is a good time to be hunting for a cheap laptop as October Prime Day is almost here. But it's not just Amazon selling powerful machines at fantastic prices. Several of our favorite laptops have received significant discounts at various retailers. t

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 including the MacBook Air M1 for just $749 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). 

Today's best laptop deals

Laptop deals under $299

Asus Chromebook C223 11.6": was $249 now $149 @ Amazon

Asus Chromebook C223 11.6": was $249 now $149 @ Amazon
A hyper-affordable Chromebook, Asus' 11.6-inch model is currently more than $100 off, with the C223's price dropping $149 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. 

Asus Chromebook C203XA: was $249 now $160 @ Amazon

Asus Chromebook C203XA: was $249 now $160 @ 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 $160.

HP Chromebook 14: was $339 now $280 @ Amazon

HP Chromebook 14: was $339 now $280 @ 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.

Asus VivoBook 15: was $379 now $299 @ Amazon

Asus VivoBook 15: was $379 now $299 @ Amazon
Ideal for students or basic work, the Asus VivoBook 15 is a budget machine that won't break the bank. It features a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS LCD, Core i3-1115G4 CPU, 4GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD. It's a little too underpowered for demanding work, but can pass when you just need to surf the web or watch some videos.

Laptop deals under $699

Acer Chromebook Spin 713: was $376 now $338 @ Amazon

Acer Chromebook Spin 713: was $376 now $338 @ Amazon
The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is one of the best Chromebooks we've tested. We especially loved its sharp 2256 x 1504-pixel screen that provides bright and vibrant picture output. On top of that, it lasted 11 hours and 54 minutes on our web-browsing based battery test. It features a 13.5-inch 2K touchscreen, Core i3-10110U CPU, 4GB of RAM, and a 64GB eMMC. 

Acer Swift X: was $912 now $629 @ Amazon

Acer Swift X: was $912 now $629 @ Amazon
Invite only deal! The Acer Swift X is a laptop that packs all the necessities for a work day. In our Acer Swift X review, we said its designed to please someone who wants enough oomph to get them through the work day. This config features a 14-inch 1080p LCD, AMD Ryzen 7 5825U CPU, 16GB of RAM, 512GB SSD, and an RTX 3050 Ti GPU. Note that you'll need to log into your Prime account and request an invite to buy it. (It'll go on sale during Prime Day).

Microsoft Surface Laptop 4: was $899 now $690 @ Amazon

Microsoft Surface Laptop 4: was $899 now $690 @ 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.

Laptop deals over $700

HP Pavilion 15 Laptop: was $944 now $759 @ Amazon

HP Pavilion 15 Laptop: was $944 now $759 @ Amazon
Amazon has sliced $185 off this HP Pavilion 15 laptop. It's an excellent machine for working and everyday tasks packing an 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. It's also great for watching videos and streaming thanks to its Full HD IPS micro-edge display. Plus, it sports a solid eight hours of battery life, and can be charged to 50% within just 45 minutes. 

Dell XPS 13: was $949 now $849 @ Dell

Dell XPS 13: was $949 now $849 @ 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. This config packs a 13.4-inch 1920 x 1200 60Hz display, Core i5-1230U CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. 

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14: was $1,399 now $799 @ Best Buy

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14: was $1,399 now $799 @ Best Buy
Save $600! Not all Prime Day laptop deals will come from Amazon. The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is the best overall gaming laptop you can buy and it's on sale at Best Buy only. This configuration comes sports a 14-inch 1920 x 1080 144Hz display, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU, an AMD Ryzen 7 CPU, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage. In our Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 review, we said the Editor's Choice laptop delivers great performance, incredible battery life (11 hours and 32 minutes), and unbeatable portability.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 5: was $1,299 now $999 @ Best Buy

Microsoft Surface Laptop 5: was $1,299 now $999 @ Best Buy
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 is an awesome productivity device thanks to its lightweight design and comfortable keyboard. It has a bright 13.5-inch touchscreen display, and it's quick to charge, too. This configuration of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 comes with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and 512GB storage.

Alienware x14 Gaming Laptop: was $1,499 now $999 @ Dell

Alienware x14 Gaming Laptop: was $1,499 now $999 @ Dell
The Alienware x14 is an ultra-thin gaming rig that packs style and substance in a travel friendly design. In our Alienware x14 review, we called it a more-than-competent portable gaming rig that delivers solid performance thanks to its RTX 30 series GPU and advanced cooling features. This config features a 14-inch 1080p LCD with 144Hz refresh rate, Core i5-12500 CPU, 16GB  of RAM, 512GB SSD, and RTX 3050 GPU. It's a reminder that not all good laptop deals will come from Amazon on Prime Day. 

Samsung Galaxy Book3 13.3" Laptop: was $1,249 now $999 @ Best Buy

Samsung Galaxy Book3 13.3" Laptop: was $1,249 now $999 @ Best Buy
If you're after a powerful laptop for larger work tasks and intensive multitasking, this Samsung Galaxy Book3 is an excellent pick. It packs a vibrant 13.3-inch AMOLED touchscreen display and can be flipped to reassemble a tablet-style device. Underneath the graphite casing, you'll find an Intel 13th Gen Evo Core i7-1360P CPU, 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. This powerful laptop is currently $250 off in Best Buy's back to school sale. 

Asus TUF F15 gaming laptop: was $1,099 now $918 @ Amazon

Asus TUF F15 gaming laptop: was $1,099 now $918 @ Amazon
Amazon has just slashed $180 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 $1,199 @ Amazon

Asus TUF Dash 15 gaming laptop: was $1,299 now $1,199 @ Amazon
Amazon has reduced this Asus TUF Dash 15 gaming laptop by $100 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. 

Dell G15 Gaming Laptop: was $1,549 now $1,299 @ Dell

Dell G15 Gaming Laptop: was $1,549 now $1,299 @ Dell
Save $250:
This sleek and attractive G15 Gaming Laptop has been reduced by $250 in Dell's summer sales. This configuration packs a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 CPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card, 16GB of RAM and a respectable 1TB SSD. It also boasts a 15.6-inch FHD display with a 360Hz refresh rate. It's a suitable machine for both newcomers and veterans of PC gaming. 

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.

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. 

Dell XPS 15: was $1,999 now $1,699 @ Dell

Dell XPS 15: was $1,999 now $1,699 @ Dell
We named the Dell XPS 15 one of the best laptops you can buy. It's svelte and powerful enough for day-to-day school work with thin bezels that help the display shine. It's also packed to the gills with raw horsepower. The config on sale features a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1200 LCD, Core i7-13700H CPU, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB SSD. It's one of the biggest dollar-off discounts we've seen for this machine.

Acer Predator Helios 300: was $2,099 now $1,299 @ Best Buy

Acer Predator Helios 300: was $2,099 now $1,299 @ Best Buy
This Acer Predator Helios 300 gaming laptop has been sliced $800 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. 

Razer Blade 14: was $2,799 now $1,899 @ Amazon

Razer Blade 14: was $2,799 now $1,899 @ 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 $2,103 @ Amazon

Razer Blade 15: was $2,999 now $2,103 @ Amazon
The 2022 model Razer Blade 15 gaming laptop has been sliced $800 off in Amazon's January sales. This configuration packs an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti GPU, 12th Gen Intel 14-Core i7 CPU, 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. Plus, its 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 alike. 

Laptop deals — Apple

MacBook Air 13 (M1/256GB): was $999 now $749 @ Amazon

MacBook Air 13 (M1/256GB): was $999 now $749 @ Amazon
Lowest price! It's no longer Apple's flagship, but the MacBook Air M1 offers fantastic performance and value. The M1 CPU never stuttered in our tests and also helped it reach over 14 hours of battery life. It features a 13.3-inch Retina display, Apple M1 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. In our MacBook Air M1 review, we said it offers amazing endurance and shockingly good speed. This is the lowest price ever for the MacBook Air M1.
Price check: $999 @ B&H Photo | $749 @ Best Buy

MacBook Air 13 (M2/256GB): was $1,099 now $949 @ Best Buy

MacBook Air 13 (M2/256GB): was $1,099 now $949 @ Best Buy
The MacBook Air M2 boasts a load of great features. It includes a larger 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display (2560 x 1664), Apple's M2 CPU 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.
Price check: $1,099 @ B&H Photo | sold out @ Amazon

MacBook Air 15 (M2/256GB): was $1,299 now $1,229 @ Amazon

MacBook Air 15 (M2/256GB): was $1,299 now $1,229 @ Amazon
There's a new MacBook Air in town. Apple's biggest MacBook Air features a large 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display (2880 x 1864), Apple's M2 chip w/ 10-core GPU, 8GB of RAM, 256GB SSD, 1080p FaceTime camera, four-speaker system with Spatial Audio, and MagSafe charging. In our MacBook Air 15 review, we called the Editor's Choice laptop a super-sized version of the 13-inch model with excellent performance, epic battery life (15 hours in our testing), and a gorgeous display. It was $100 off earlier, which makes this the second-lowest price we've seen for it.
Price check: $1,299 @ B&H Photo | $1,299 @ Best Buy

MacBook Pro 13" (M2/256GB): was $1,299 now $1,099 @ Amazon

MacBook Pro 13" (M2/256GB): was $1,299 now $1,099 @ Amazon
The 2022 MacBook Pro sports a 13.3-inch Retina display (2560 x 1600), Apple's new M2 CPU w/ 10 core GPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. In our MacBook Pro 13-inch M2 review, we said it delivers mind-blowing performance and an epic 18:20 battery life. It's only $50 off, so we recommend waiting till it's at least $100 off. (It's dropped to $1,049 in the past).
Price check: $1,299 @ B&H Photo | $1,099 @ Best Buy

MacBook Pro 14" (M2 Pro/512GB): was $1,999 now $1,799 @ B&H Photo

MacBook Pro 14" (M2 Pro/512GB): was $1,999 now $1,799 @ B&H Photo
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.

MacBook Pro 16" (M2 Pro/512GB): was $2,499 now $2,249 @ Amazon

MacBook Pro 16" (M2 Pro/512GB): was $2,499 now $2,249 @ Amazon
Apple's new premier laptop is the most powerful Mac laptop we've tested. In our MacBook Pro 16-inch 2023 review, we said its 16-inch mini-LED display is one of the best laptop displays we've tested. If you own an older Intel-powered MacBook Pro and need a new mobile powerhouse, this is the Mac you want. It features a 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display (3456 x 2234), M2 Pro 12-core CPU (w/ 19-core GPU), 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD.
Price check: $2,499 @ B&H Photo | $2,499 @ Best Buy

MacBook Pro 16" (M2 Pro/512GB): was $2,499 now $2,249 @ Amazon

MacBook Pro 16" (M2 Pro/512GB): was $2,499 now $2,249 @ Amazon
Apple's new premier laptop is the most powerful Mac laptop we've tested. In our MacBook Pro 16-inch 2023 review, we said its 16-inch mini-LED display is one of the best laptop displays we've tested. If you own an older Intel-powered MacBook Pro and need a new mobile powerhouse, this is the Mac you want. It features a 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display (3456 x 2234), M2 Pro 12-core CPU (w/ 19-core GPU), 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD.
Price check: $2,499 @ B&H Photo | $2,499 @ Best Buy

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. 

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. 

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.