The 8 Best Laptops Under $600 For 2020 Reviewed
It is unreasonable to expect a $600 laptop to excel at resource intensive software and games.
Those programs require more expensive hardware to run properly.
But if you are looking for a solid machine to zip through your daily tasks without slowing down, then you are looking in the right place.
And to help you find the perfect one we’ve sorted through the features and feedback on dozens of current model laptops in that price range.
The $600 price point is a popular target for high school and college students, as these units offer medium-level specs and performance. And since many people can fit this price into their budget, many big name manufacturers offer laptop models at this price.
In this price category – just like when you are shopping for a $400 laptop or an $800 laptop – the key is to find a computer that can run the software and perform the tasks you know you will need. Prices haven’t dropped enough yet for you to find an Intel Core i7 processor in this group, but that doesn’t mean the collection of Intel Core i5’s and similarly sized AMD processors wont deliver respectable CPU performance.
Before you start your search, it is wise to jot down the things that are most important to you in a new laptop. If you are a writer, than keyboard and processor are likely more important that the display. If you travel frequently, then battery life and low weight should be near the top of your list. Having these ideas listed out in advance will make it much easier to find a laptop that will check all the right boxes.
Don’t have time to read through all the details? Take a look at the Lenovo IdeaPad 3. It has a fantastic mix of features for a laptop at this price.
Best Laptops Under $600
There are so many different manufactures – both big and small – putting out laptops in this price range, that it is easy to get overwhelmed. That is why we took on the task of sorting through them, to separate the wheat from the chaff. From our extensive research on features and owner feedback, we came up with these choices for the best laptops under $600:
1. Lenovo IdeaPad 3
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14-inch laptop, is designed to offer powerful performance for all types of everyday tasks. From working in your home office to going to class every single day, this laptop is perfect for those that want to use functions such as Microsoft Office, video and other common day-to-day platforms.
Features
The Ideapad 3 is powered by the new Ryzen™ 5 3500U Mobile Processors and has Radeon™ Graphics, meaning you’ll be able to benefit from multi-core processing power even on a small budget. With a powerful set-up, you can be sure you’re getting more done faster, even if you’re using several applications at once.
The narrow bezel on either side of the laptop makes for both a clean design and a larger display, meaning the viewing area has much less clutter and is seamless in comparison to its counterparts. With 1920 x 1080 resolution, the screen also delivers beautiful image clarity, no matter what you’re doing. Not only that, but you’re able to enjoy crystal-clear audio through the Dolby Audio speakers.
Entertainment options are easy-to-use and with the small exterior, you’ll easily be able to take your handy, portable laptop with you and enjoy videos and music and wherever you go.
The 14” Lenovo IdeaPad 3 also has great privacy options, allowing you to keep passwords safe and using a physical shutter for your webcam when you need it.
You can switch between “Max modes” for faster performance and “battery saving mode” if you’re looking to preserve your battery. The laptop is very light and portable yet fast and powerful. And, the RAM, GPU, and CPU can easily handle that type of workload for 1080p video.
It isn’t a high-end Razer Blade gaming machine, but if you’re looking for a laptop under $600 that can handle light gaming, the Ryzen 5 3500U with Radeon Vega 8 Graphics is more than capable of doing so. The keyboard has a phenomenal feel to it, making it one of the best on the market. The 256GB NVMe SSD gives the laptop a very snappy speed. With 2 USB 3.0 ports, an external SSD/HDD is definitely a viable option if you need more storage.
- Aspect Ratio:16:9
- AMD Ryzen 5 3500U Mobile Processors with Radeon Graphics deliver powerful performance for everyday tasks
- Dopoundsy Audio delivers crystal-clear sound, while the 14-inch FHD screen and narrow side bezels give you more viewing area and less clutter
- Quick and quiet with Q-control – Effortlessly swap between fast and powerful performance and quiet battery saving mode
- Connect with ease using Bluetooth 4.1, up to 2x2 Wi-Fi 5, three USB ports, and HDMI
2. ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light
Whether you’re using it for work or play, the ASUS VivoBook 15 is a great compact laptop. With a frameless four-sided NanoEdge display and ErgoLift hinge design, this laptop is perfect for those that want to work on-the-go as it allows for comfortable timing and supremely immersive visuals. The VivoBook 15 is powered by an Intel Core i3 processor, helping you get things done with as little fuss as possible.
Features
One of the selling points when it comes to the ASUS VivoBook is that it features a frameless four-sided NanoEdge display, keeping the bezel dimensions down to a minimum. Despite the ultra-slim bezel, however, there is still an HD camera located at the top of the laptop.
As well as the sleek design, the VivoBook is incredibly lightweight and perfect for those that have an on-the-go fast moving life. When placed in your bag or backpack, this laptop definitely won’t weigh you down, making it both compact and travel-friendly.
If you’re worried about connectivity, the VivoBook 15 is equipped with reversible USB Type C, HDMI, microSD card reader and USB 3.1 and 2.0 ports. Not only does this mean you can connect to multiple different types of display, but you can also use extra storage if needed.
The VivoBook 15” also has a precision-engineered ErgoLift hinge with dual action, meaning you can hold the display comfortably at any angle while attaching a 2-degree keyboard tile for the optimum typing position.
The sleek VivoBook 15 has a classic Slate Grey finish, giving it an understated design. The battery life keeps you going for longer as it uses a high-quality lithium-polymer battery. The Audio has a powerful delivery and deeper bass using the ASUS SonicMaster.
- Aspect Ratio:16:9
- 15.6 inch Full HD (1920x1080) 4-way NanoEdge bezel display with a stunning 88% screen-to-body ratio
- Compatible with Google Classroom; run Google Classroom on Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer 11
- Latest 10th Gen Intel Core i3-1005G1 CPU (4M Cache, up to 3.4 GHz)
- 8 GB DDR4 RAM and 128 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
3. Acer Swift 3 SF314-55-55
If you’re looking for a laptop that suits a modern on-the-go lifestyle, the Acer Swift 3 may be the perfect option. With its super-fast connection speed, extremely long battery life and handy portability, this laptop has fast become popular amongst those that want something that is both stylish and practical. Built for productivity, the Acer Swift 3 utilizes the new 8th Gen Intel Core i5 processor to create one impeccable and powerful machine.
Features
The Acer Swift is known for its slim and stylish design, as the sleek and classy aluminium body is pleasing to both your eyes and your fingers. At just 0.59 inches thin, the sleek design also means it can go absolutely anywhere with you with ease.
With a busy lifestyle, chances are you’re going to need a laptop that can run as many tabs as your mind does at once. Luckily, the 8th Generation Intel Core i5-8265U Processor and Intel UHD Graphics make for a smooth experience, no matter how many programs you need to open at once.
When it comes to display, the Acer Swift 3 does not disappoint. With a 14-inch Full HD IPS display and super-narrow bezel, you will be provided with exceptional clarity and a maximized viewing experience every single time, regardless of the application you’re using.
If you’re worried about power, the 12-hour battery life will keep you powered up long enough to accomplish all your daily tasks.
This Acer has a bright screen with vibrant colors and a great picture. The thin bezels make the screen look much bigger than it actually is. It has a good battery life for those that are always on the go. It’s very thin and lightweight, making it easier to carry. The keyboard is great as it is responsive and has good texture. It has fast boot-up times, restart times and starts up programs super fast.
- 8th Generation Intel Core i5-8265u Processor (Upto 3. 9 gramHz), 8 GB onboard DDR4 Dual Channel Memory & 256 GB Pie SSD
- 14" Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS widescreen LED-backlit Display
- Back-lit keyboard, Intel Wireless-AC 9560 802. 11AC Gigabit Wi-Fi & Bluetooth 5. 0
- 1 - USB Type-C ports USB 3. 1 Gen 2 (upto 10 Gaps) DisplayPort over USB Type-C & USB charging, 2 - USB 3. 0 port (one featuring power-off charging) & 1 - HDMI Port
- Windows 10 Home & 4-cell Li-Ion (3220 mAh) battery, Upto 12 hours Battery Life
4. ASUS VivoBook 15
If you’re looking for a new version of the ASUS VivoBook, the 2020 15” FHD 1080P laptop is a great choice. Using the NanoEdge bezel display, this laptop is designed to be sleek yet powerful, ideal for those that are looking for something that can take them from work to play in a matter of minutes. Whether you’re working from home or travelling to a meeting, this portable laptop is the perfect companion for a busy lifestyle.
Features
The 2020 ASUS VivoBook features an AMD Radeon Vega 3 and AMD Ryzen 3 3200U Processor, making it an extremely powerful device for its size.
The 256GB SSD hard drive also allows you to store huge files and important digital data without the risk of slowing down the machine.
With multiple ports for connectivity, you can connect your laptop to a number of different displays as well as adding alternative storage if needed.
Once you take the VivoBook out of the box it starts right up and is an easy setup. It’s great value for money if you’re looking for a budget laptop. The screen display is of high quality, making it perfect for those that use it for entertainment. It’s lightweight and easy to carry around.
- 15. 6 inch FHD(1920 x 1080) with four-sided wider NanoEdge bezel display, AMD Radeon Vega 3, AMD Ryzen 3 3200U Processor (2. 6 GHz base frequency up to 3. 5 GHz, 2 Cores, 1MB Cache)
- RAM is upgraded to 16GB DDR4 memory for multitasking Adequate high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once
- Hard Drive is upgraded to 256GB SSD provides massive storage space for huge files, so that you can store important digital data and work your way through it with ease. It gives you enormous space to save all of your files. Enhance the overall performance of the laptop for business, student, daily usage
- 1 x COMBO audio jack, 1 x Type-A USB 3. 0 (USB 3. 1 Gen 1), 1 x Type-C USB 3. 0 (USB 3. 1 Gen 1), 2 x USB 2. 0 port(s), 1 x HDMI
- Windows 10 Home brings back the Start Menu from Windows 7 and introduces new features, like the Edge Web browser that lets you markup Web pages on your screen. | 1-Year UpgradePro Limited * | View description and section below for more details
5. Dell Inspiron 3000
The Dell Inspiron 3000 laptop is the perfect laptop for those looking for something that can take them from work to play. With a 15.6 inch HD touchscreen and powerful Intel 10th Gen Dual Core i3-1005G1 Processor, this budget laptop can be used for practically anything. From heading out to work in the day to playing touchscreen games when you’re back at home, this laptop was definitely designed to multitask just as much as you do.
Features
One of the main selling points of the 2020 Dell Inspiron 3000 is the touchscreen, as this makes it incredibly to use when you’re out and about. Whether you’re scrolling through your emails on a busy train or checking your social media while you’re at work, having a touchscreen facility certainly makes it much easier to navigate the options on your screen. Not only that, but a touchscreen doesn’t mean you have to compromise when it comes to quality as this 15.6-inch screen is still of an HD quality. If you are considering computer artwork, but aren’t ready to get a higher-priced laptop for drawing, then this Dell might be a good introductory machine.
The 128GB SSD and 1TB HDD make it incredibly easy to store large important files on your laptop. Whether that means storing projects for work or downloading the latest games, having that space available is what makes this laptop stand out from a lot of its budget competitors.
It has a great screen size, especially if you’re going to be using it for video and entertainment. The laptop is lightweight, making it easy to carry around with you when you’re out and about. The overall performance is great thanks to the powerful processor. It’s great value for money for those looking for a touchscreen laptop under $600
6. HP 14-Inch Non-Touch Premium
When it comes to the best 2020 laptop, the newest HP 14” Non-Touch Premium Laptop is a strong contender. With an AMD Athlon Silver 3050U Processor and 2-Core Upgrade, the power and responsiveness of this budget laptop are incomparable to its competitors. The incredible smart system learns from your everyday computer movements, optimising your performance to suit your needs. As a result, everything is fast, smooth and incredibly responsive. What more could you want?
Features
As mentioned above, the AMD Athlon Silver 3050U makes for an incredibly powerful machine, especially when you consider that this is under $600. With the ability to run multiple programs at once, the processor makes this laptop perfect for those with a hectic lifestyle.
Speaking of multitasking, the RAM is upgraded to 8GB DDR4 memory to make doing more than one job at once as easy as it can possibly be. This means that you can smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once
The 256GB SSD provides you with massive storage space for huge files, meaning you can store important digital data and work your way through it without any issues at all.
The machine works very fast, allowing you to use multiple programs without sacrificing the speed of your experience.
It’s a lightweight machine, meaning you can take it just about anywhere. Once it is out of the box, the set-up is incredibly simple and straight forward.
7. Dell Inspiron 14 5481
The Dell Inspiron 14 5841 is a 2 in 1 convertible touchscreen that is designed to make your life a lot easier when it comes to getting things done. With a sleek and professional design, this laptop is loved by those that want a stylish exterior for a budget price, making it perfect for working professionals and students alike. The powerful processor and ample storage mean this little device can handle just about anything.
Features
The best thing about the Dell Inspiron 14 5481 is that there is a myriad of modes for you to use when using the laptop. Whether you want to use the laptop for typing, the tablet for drawing or the media modes for easy entertainment, you will be able to switch and change depending on what your end goal is.
With an 8th Gen Intel® Quad Core™ processor and 8GB DDR4 memory, you can be sure you have enough power and storage for your projects, entertainment and more.
If it’s a connection you’re worried about, you’re never out of options with the Dell Inspiron 14 5481, as it has a full-size HDMI port and SD slots to upload your photos in a flash.
For those that want a smart device, you will find a built-in Amazon Alexa in your device. Whether you’re at home and on the go, you can ask Alexa absolutely anything and she will be able to answer for you. From checking your calendar to playing a specific song, it can definitely come in handy.
Having multiple ways in which you can use the 2 in 1 device means that it’s suitable for absolutely everyone, from designers to writers. It’s a lightweight device, meaning you can carry it around with you when you’re out and about. For a small machine, it has a lot of power and storage behind it. The quality of the screen makes watching and creating videos easy and enjoyable.
- Fun and functional 2 in 1 laptop
- Windows 10 S Home operating System.Dell Mobile Connect is not available on Windows 10 in S mode
- 14.0-Inch HD (1366 x 768) LED-backlit Touch Display
- 8th Generation Intel Core i3-8145u Processor (4MB Cache, up to 3.9 GHz)
- 4GB (4Gx1) DDR4, 2666MHz
8. Microsoft Surface Go
One of the best laptops under $600 is always going to be the Microsoft Surface Go. Not only is it a huge brand name, but the Surface Go is the perfect machine for all your day-to-day tasks as it’s got a strong battery life, an easy-to-use touchscreen and extreme portability. As the smallest and lightest Surface on the market, it will easily fit in your bag for those times when you need to work (or play) on the go.
Features
Designed for making everyday tasks a luxury, the sleek and slim design of the Surface Go has a stunning 10” PixelSense Display. The added bonus of the touch screen also makes it perfect for working, browsing, light gaming and binge-watching your favorite shows.
The Surface Pro Go is also an incredibly versatile, adjustable, and ultra-portable device. With a weight of just 1.3lbs, it’s incredibly small and will fit in just about any bag with absolute ease. If you’re constantly on the go and worried about carrying a lot of weight around with you, this is the perfect solution.
The powerful Intel processor and incredible graphics make this budget laptop a fast, efficient tool for those that need an easy-to-use touchscreen option. The 9-hour battery life means that no matter where you are, you can stay connected for as long as possible.
As standard, the Surface Go also runs the latest Windows laptop operating system and Office 365. If needed, you can use the Surface Pen to write and draw naturally on the screen, making both note-taking and design an easy task.
As a laptop/tablet hybrid, the Surface Pro Go is a great way to get the best of both worlds. If you want to detach the keyboard, you can use it as a tablet on its own. It’s just so versatile and there is definitely a premium feel to it. It’s incredibly lightweight and perfect for those that travel.
- High res 10 inch PixelSense Display designed to be viewed, touched, and written on
- Lightest Surface yet, starting at just 1.15 pounds. Aspect ratio: 3:2
- All day battery life, with up to 9 hours of unplugged power. LTE Advanced Up to 8.5 hours of battery life for local video playback
- Comes with Windows 10 in S mode, to do the things you want with performance that lasts, including Microsoft verified security, Windows Defender, parental controls, and world class support
- Includes multi tasking USB C, fast charging Surface Connect, and headphone jack
Gaming On A $600 Laptop
Just because computers at this price point don’t have the latest high-powered CPU and graphics processors does not mean they won’t play games. You may be pleasantly surprised how well these devices perform in a variety of gaming scenarios. Here is a YouTube video demonstrating gaming with the same CPU used in our editor’s choice: