Finding the right laptop under $800 means balancing performance, build quality, and battery life while watching for seasonal promotions. We tracked Windows laptops, Chromebooks, and 2-in-1s released between mid-2023 and late 2024 that frequently sell for $800 or less at major retailers. Prices in this guide reflect typical street pricing; they can jump during shortages or drop during back-to-school and holiday sales.
Quick Comparison
| Model | CPU / RAM / Storage | Display | Weight | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14 | AMD Ryzen 7 7730U • 16 GB • 512 GB SSD | 14" 1920×1200 IPS touchscreen | 3.3 lb | Students who want pen input |
| Asus Zenbook 14 (UM3406) | AMD Ryzen 7 7735U • 16 GB • 512 GB SSD | 14" 2880×1800 OLED | 2.8 lb | Frequent travelers |
| Acer Swift Go 14 | Intel Core Ultra 5 125H • 16 GB • 512 GB SSD | 14" 1920×1200 IPS, 400 nits | 2.9 lb | Everyday productivity |
| HP Pavilion Plus 14 | Intel Core i5-13500H • 16 GB • 512 GB SSD | 14" 2240×1400 IPS | 3.1 lb | Light creative work |
| Framework Laptop (11th gen refurb) | Intel Core i5-1135G7 • 16 GB • 512 GB SSD | 13.5" 2256×1504 IPS | 2.9 lb | Tinkerers and upgraders |
Top Picks Under $800
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14 (2024)
Lenovo’s Flex 5 bundles a responsive 16:10 touchscreen with a Ryzen 7 7730U processor that can handle office work and light video editing. It includes Wi-Fi 6E, a sturdy 360-degree hinge, and a bundled Lenovo Digital Pen in most retail configurations.
- Why it stands out: Comfortable keyboard, dedicated privacy shutter, and support for fast USB-C charging.
- Best configuration: Look for the 16 GB RAM model—soldered memory means you cannot upgrade later.
- Shop it: Check current price
Asus Zenbook 14 (UM3406)
The Zenbook 14 punches far above its price with an OLED display that covers the full DCI-P3 color space, making it excellent for photo review and streaming. The 75 Wh battery consistently runs 10–12 hours in mixed productivity tests.
- Why it stands out: Premium magnesium-aluminum build, quiet cooling, and a large glass touchpad with NumberPad.
- Watch for: OLED panels can exhibit image retention if left on a static image at full brightness—enable Asus’s screen care utilities.
- Shop it: Check current price
Acer Swift Go 14
Acer’s refreshed Swift Go adds Intel’s Core Ultra chips (Meteor Lake) with built-in neural processing, handy if you plan to experiment with on-device AI workloads. It includes twin USB4 ports, HDMI 2.1, and a microSD slot.
- Why it stands out: Great port selection in a sub-3-pound chassis, fast 1440p webcam, and surprisingly good speakers.
- Watch for: Fan ramping under heavy loads—switch to the Silent profile in AcerSense when writing or browsing.
- Shop it: Check current price
HP Pavilion Plus 14
The Pavilion Plus line brings HP’s high-resolution screens and aluminum build to a still-affordable tier. The 14-inch model with Intel Core i5-13500H averages 9 hours of office work per charge and can handle Lightroom exports in a pinch.
- Why it stands out: 5-megapixel webcam with physical shutter, modern design, and Thunderbolt 4 charging.
- Watch for: Fans get audible under sustained loads—use a cooling pad when batch-editing photos.
- Shop it: Check current price
Framework Laptop (Certified Refurbished)
Framework’s modular laptop program sells refurbished 11th-gen Intel configurations that often dip to $679–$799. You can swap ports, storage, RAM, and even the mainboard as newer generations arrive.
- Why it stands out: Unmatched repairability and community support, plus a vibrant 3:2 display.
- Watch for: Battery life is good but not excellent (6–7 hours average); consider carrying a 65 W USB-C charger.
- Shop it: Check current price
Other Worthy Contenders
- Lenovo ThinkBook 13x Gen 4: Sleek 13-inch ultraportable with Intel Core Ultra processors; goes on sale for $799 during Lenovo doorbusters.
- Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1: Upgraded in 2024 with Dolby Vision support and a roomy touchpad—expect to see it discounted during major holidays.
- Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE: For ChromeOS fans, this 16-inch model pairs a 120 Hz screen with Intel Core i5-1240P and 8 GB RAM, ideal for cloud gaming and Android apps.
Shopping Checklist
- Confirm the panel: Retail listings sometimes mix 250-nit TN panels with nicer IPS or OLED options—check the exact SKU.
- Target 16 GB RAM: Most laptops in this bracket use soldered memory, so choose at least 16 GB for longevity.
- Prefer dual-storage slots: If you plan to store large media libraries, look for two M.2 slots or easy access to the SSD.
- Check webcam quality: A 1080p or better sensor improves remote work and reduces noise in dim rooms.
- Mind return windows: Retailers often limit returns to 14–30 days; unbox and test right away.
Performance Expectations
Ryzen 7000-series U-class chips and Intel Core i5/i7 H-series in this price tier handle productivity, browser multitasking, and light creative workloads (1080p video edits, RAW photo exports). Pair them with 16 GB RAM for smoother performance. If you are gaming, look for discrete GPUs like RTX 2050 or RTX 3050 models—their prices occasionally dip below $800, but battery life will take a hit.
Care and Longevity
- Keep firmware and BIOS up to date to maintain battery health and resolve sleep issues.
- Use a surge-protected USB-C charger rated for the laptop’s wattage; underpowered chargers limit performance.
- Clean cooling vents every six months with compressed air to avoid thermal throttling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $800 enough for content creation? Yes, for photography and 1080p video. For 4K video edits or 3D rendering, step up to $1,000+ gaming or creator machines with discrete GPUs.
Should I buy now or wait? If you see your chosen configuration on sale with free returns, grab it. New CPU launches usually drop older models’ prices, but inventory can disappear fast.
What about MacBooks? Apple’s entry point is higher than $800 unless you find a used or refurbished M1/M2 model. For the same money, Windows laptops offer more storage and ports.