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It is a myth that you can’t expect a laptop under $800 to run graphic-intensive games/software. Most machines in this price range are capable of running a lot of resource-intensive tasks.
Also, $800 isn’t too high or too low, so it is a challenge to find all-around laptops. However, you could find machines that excel in a particular aspect. For instance, most computers in this budget range would either have a high-end CPU or a high-end GPU or could be average at both.
With an $800 budget, it’s hard to find a desktop replacement laptop. However, the trick is, to be clear on what you need the laptop for. What you will use it most often. And then pick the resources/specs you’ll need to ensure that the machine you will get has the best specs for your particular needs.
For instance, a video editor, graphics designer, or gamer would prefer getting the laptop with a dedicated GPU. Other specs are important as well, but the focus would be on the GPU. On the other hand, normal users would not face any issues even on a computer with an integrated GPU (They would prefer a dedicated GPU, but that wouldn’t be the focus.)
Here are a few tasks that you can accomplish using an 800 dollar laptop.
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Buying Guide for Laptops under $800
Whether you need a new laptop for gaming or professional needs such as web design, content writing, or study purposes such as engineering, medical school, law school, art studies, etc.; we are confident you will find a laptop under $800 on our list below. But first, let’s see how to decide which one to get.
- Processor: & GPU Look for a laptop with at least an 8th Generation Intel Core i5 (or Ryzen 5 equivalent), 9th, 10th or 11th generation is preferable. With Intel, the first one or two digits reveal which generation a processor is. Combined with a good GPU (graphics card) can do graphics-intensive tasks, such as gaming, photo or video editing, 3D modeling, etc. However, if you aren’t into graphics-intensive tasks, then an integrated GPU will be fine.
- Storage: I always recommend choosing a laptop with SSD drive since they increase the bootup speed as compared to the HDD. Trust me on this, you will thank me later. With storage, you know better how much you need, but if you are in doubt, check out this article. Don’t go below 128GB.
- RAM: My general recommendation is to get at least 8GB RAM in your system. This will help your applications to get enough space to work without any lag or error.
- Display: You can expect a decent high-quality display in this budget. Look for FHD or better. FHD – Full High Definition with a resolution of at least 1920 x 1080. If possible get one with IPS. IPS is short for “In-Plane Switching”. These monitors take advantage of the liquid crystals to produce rich colors. All the laptops we have mentioned below have excellent displays and do fulfill your gaming or any high-end needs.
- Battery Life: For some people, battery performance is very important. For others, it may not be as crucial. We listed the expected battery life model, so you can decide what’s best for you. The laptops on our list below have at least 6 hours of battery life.
So let’s jump into our list!
Top 7 Laptops under $800
We know that, if it wasn’t for the budget (not practical), everyone would’ve preferred getting an expensive laptop with high-end specifications. However, after years of testing laptops, we feel that there is no point in spending a lot on the resources you won’t use/need.
Please note: at the time of writing this article, all laptops were below $800. Laptop prices do fluctuate and even though we update our pages regularly, in some cases certain laptops can be more expensive depending on when you see this page.
So here we present our top 7 laptops under $800:
1. Sleek Powerhouse: Acer Aspire 5
- CPU: 1.7GHz Intel Core i5-1240P
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
- GPU: 4GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050
- Battery: Up to 7 hours
The Acer Aspire 5 establishes itself as a frontrunner in the realm of budget-friendly brilliance. The laptop is driven by a 1.7GHz Intel Core i5-1240P processor, which is complemented by a generous 8GB of DDR4 RAM.
This dynamic duo ensures that multitasking remains a smooth and efficient endeavor, even in the face of demanding tasks. The laptop sports a 15.6-inch FHD display, boasting a resolution of 1920 x 1080. This vibrant display serves as your gateway to a world of rich visuals and immersive experiences.
Adding to the equation is the presence of a 4GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 GPU, which infuses your multimedia and gaming escapades with a touch of graphical excellence. Storage worries are put to rest with a capacious 512GB SSD, promising quick data access and reliable performance.
Despite its robust power, the Acer Aspire 5 weighs in at a manageable 3.97 lbs, striking a balance between portability and performance. With a battery life of up to 7 hours, this laptop ensures that your productivity doesn’t dwindle even during extended sessions.
- What We Like
- Efficient DDR4 RAM
- Capacious 512GB SSD
- Crisp FHD Display
- Smooth Multitasking
- RTX 2050 Graphics
- What We Don’t Like
- Slightly Heavy
- Average Battery Life
2. 17″ Option with Touchscreen: HP 17
- CPU: 1.7GHz Intel Core i7-1255U
- RAM: 16GB DDR4
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 17.3-inch HD+ (1600 x 900)
- GPU: Integrated Intel Iris Xe
- Battery: Up to 7 hours
The HP 17 epitomizes a seamless union of versatility and power.
Anchored by a 1.7GHz Intel Core i7-1255U processor, this laptop is more than capable of handling the diverse array of tasks that modern life demands. Backed by a substantial 16GB of DDR4 RAM, the HP 17 boasts a multitasking prowess that extends to even the most demanding applications.
The laptop’s 17.3-inch HD+ display showcases a resolution of 1600 x 900, promising an expansive canvas that accommodates both productivity and entertainment.
Integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics further enhance your visual experience. Storage concerns are alleviated by the inclusion of a 512GB SSD, ensuring that your files are readily accessible.
Weighing 5.4 lbs, the HP 17 strikes a balance between robust performance and portability. Accompanied by an extended battery life, this laptop serves as a steadfast companion throughout your day.
- What We Like
- Potent Core i7 Processor
- Abundant DDR4 RAM
- Spacious HD+ Display
- Versatile Performance
- Extended Battery Life
- What We Don’t Like
- Slightly Heavier
- Moderate Display Resolution
3. Best Business Laptop Under $800: Lenovo V15 G3
- CPU: 1.3GHz Intel Core i5-1235U
- RAM: 40GB DDR4
- Storage: 2TB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
- GPU: Integrated Intel Iris Xe
- Battery: Up to 8 hours
The Lenovo V15 G3 is a harmonious amalgamation of power and storage capacity.
Fueled by a 1.3GHz Intel Core i5-1235U processor and an impressive 40GB of DDR4 RAM, this laptop is equipped to excel in multitasking scenarios.
Its 15.6-inch FHD display, boasting a resolution of 1920 x 1080, presents your visuals with remarkable clarity. Integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics add an extra layer of finesse to your visual experience, ensuring smooth performance across applications.
However, it’s the staggering 2TB SSD storage that truly sets this laptop apart. With ample room for your files, it transforms into a repository of productivity.
Despite its powerful performance, the Lenovo V15 G3 remains lightweight at 3.71 lbs, proving that robust power and effortless portability can indeed coexist.
- What We Like
- Expansive 2TB SSD
- Impressive DDR4 RAM
- Vibrant FHD Display
- Strong Multitasking
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- What We Don’t Like
- Slightly Heavier
- Limited Battery Life
4. Excellent Gaming Value: HP Victus
- CPU: 2.5GHz Intel Core i5-12450H
- RAM: 16GB DDR4
- Storage: 1TB SDD
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
- GPU: 4GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
- Battery: Up to 5 hours
The HP Victus brings a blend of power and sleek design to the table.
Fueled by a 2.5GHz Intel Core i5-12450H processor and bolstered by 16GB of DDR4 RAM, this laptop effortlessly manages demanding tasks.
The 15.6-inch FHD display, with a resolution of 1920 x 1080, ensures vibrant visuals and sharp details. The 4GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 GPU enhances graphics for both work and play.
A spacious 1TB SSD storage caters to your data needs, while the laptop’s weight of 5.06 lbs strikes a balance between performance and portability. With a battery life of up to 5 hours, the HP Victus keeps pace with your productivity.
- What We Like
- Strong Core i5 Processor
- Abundant DDR4 RAM
- Crisp FHD Display
- Dedicated Graphics
- Spacious SSD
- What We Don’t Like
- Moderately Heavy
- Average Battery Life
5. Beautiful Display: ASUS Zenbook
- CPU: 1.7GHz Intel Core i5-1240P
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Display: 14-inch 2.8K (2880x 1800)
- GPU: Integrated Intel Iris Xe
- Battery: Up to 11 hours
The ASUS Zenbook strikes a chord between elegance and performance. Driven by a 1.7GHz Intel Core i5-1240P processor and backed by 8GB of DDR4 RAM, this laptop handles tasks with finesse.
The 14-inch 2.8K display, boasting a resolution of 2880 x 1800, offers stunning visuals. Integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics elevate your experience, while a capacious 1TB SSD caters to your storage needs.
Weighing just 3.06 lbs, the Zenbook marries power with portability. A battery life of up to 11 hours ensures that you stay productive on the go.
- What We Like
- Sleek and Elegant Design
- DDR4 RAM Abundance
- Stunning 2.8K Display
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- Spacious SSD
- What We Don’t Like
- Slightly Smaller Screen
- Limited Dedicated Graphics
6. Reliable Gaming Choice: Acer Nitro 5
- CPU: 2.5 GHz Intel Core i5-12500H
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
- GPU: 4GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
- Battery: Up to 6 Hours
The Acer Nitro 5 proves that budget-friendly laptops can deliver gaming prowess. Driven by a 2.5GHz Intel Core i5-12500H processor and complemented by 8GB of DDR4 RAM, this laptop stands ready for multitasking challenges.
The 15.6-inch FHD display, boasting a resolution of 1920 x 1080, immerses you in your gaming and content creation endeavors. The 4GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU ensures smooth graphics rendering.
With a 512GB SSD storage and a weight of 5.51 lbs, the Nitro 5 offers a balance of storage and portability. An extended battery life of up to 6 hours keeps you in the action.
Watch our Acer Nitro 5 Review
This YouTube review was created by the Not Just Laptops team. The specs may slightly differ from the laptop in the article.
- What We Like
- Gaming-Ready Performance
- DDR4 RAM Abundance
- Immersive FHD Display
- Dedicated Graphics
- SSD Swiftness
- What We Don’t Like
- Slightly Heavy
- Average Battery Life
7. Stylish 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop: Dell Inspiron 7425
- CPU: 2.3GHz AMD Ryzen 5 5625U
- RAM: 16GB DDR4
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 14-inch FHD Touch (1920 x 1080)
- GPU: Integrated AMD Radeon Vega 7 Graphics
- Battery: Up to 7 hours
The Dell Inspiron 7425 embodies versatility and creativity. Driven by a 2.3GHz AMD Ryzen 5 5625U processor and supported by 16GB of DDR4 RAM, this laptop is primed for multitasking and creative endeavors.
The 14-inch FHD touch display, with a resolution of 1920 x 1080, adds an interactive dimension to your tasks. Integrated AMD Radeon Vega 7 Graphics enhance visuals, while a 512GB SSD storage ensures rapid data access.
With a weight of 3.71 lbs, the Inspiron 7425 is both powerful and portable. A battery life of up to 7 hours keeps your creativity flowing.
- What We Like
- Versatile Performance
- Ample DDR4 RAM
- Interactive Touch Display
- AMD Radeon Vega Graphics
- Swift SSD
- What We Don’t Like
- Moderate Battery Life
- Slightly Heavier
FAQs about Laptops Under $800
Are i7 laptops better than i5 in terms of performance?
While both i5 and i7 CPUs use Turbo Boost, i7 processors generally achieve higher clock speeds. Intel didn’t make it too easy to compare their processors, so the real answer is, it depends.
For example, a recent generation i5 can outperform an older i7. If you want to compare processors we’d recommend checking out benchmarking sites such as www.cpubenchmark.net
How do I choose the right laptop under $800?
Start with clarifying what you will use the laptop for and what components you need for that purpose. Once it’s clear, look for a specific OS, good RAM, Storage, Display, Battery Power, and whether it is lightweight or not. In addition, you can also search our website. We have hundreds of best-of lists for almost every purpose imaginable.
How much RAM should a laptop have?
At this price range, we recommend going for at least 8GB RAM. Anything beyond is incredibly good but below that may not be the best thing even if the price is lower. Since you have a budget of around $800 you can easily get laptops with at least 8GB RAM.
Which processor is better for non-gaming use?
Well, we mostly prefer to go for Intel processors either be it i5 or i7 whichever comes under the budget easily. Some laptops might also support AMD processors which are great as well. We have listed most of the laptops with Intel processors since they’re reliable and powerful for non-gaming use.
Can SSD enhance the gaming experience?
Yes, Indeed they do. As compared to the HDD drive, SSD drives are known to increase the bootup speed over a great deal and even help to launch the games a lot faster. They even increase the processing speed in the best manner no matter whatever size of the storage capacity you have in your system.
Verdict
I hope this page helped you choose your next best laptop for under 800 dollars.
We tried to select laptops for different needs. Whether you are into gaming, programming, designing, writing, or want it for general use. Here are some quick recommendations:
- If you want an affordable gaming laptop under 800 bucks, go for Acer Nitro 5 or HP Victus since both of them have a dedicated graphics card that can aid during gaming sessions.
- For students, I would suggest ASUS Zenbook. It has a good battery life which can help you study and attend classes for long hours at a stretch.
- While if you want good-looking computer, I recommend Dell Inspiron 7425.
