Last updated: October 22, 2026. Picks, specs and tested battery times come from Tom's Guide (last updated September 28, 2026), with RAM context from Tom's Guide's RAM explainer and buying advice from Wirecutter (updated August 13, 2026) and Engadget, all read October 22, 2026.
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Quick answer- Tom's Guide's September 2026 update picks the Apple MacBook Neo ($699, or $599 for education), the Dell XPS 13 (2026) for Windows and the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 2-in-1 Gen 10 (under $600).
- Rising memory costs have pushed laptop prices up in 2026, so 8GB of RAM is common at this budget and fine for basics but leaves little headroom.
- Choose the operating system first (macOS, Windows or ChromeOS), then compare RAM, storage, screen and battery life at current retailer prices.
Laptop prices have climbed in 2026, and shoppers with about $700 to spend face a tighter field than they did a couple of years ago. This guide explains why budget laptops cost more, which models major reviewers currently recommend at or under that price, and how to decide between a Mac, a Windows laptop and a Chromebook. It also covers the specs worth checking before you pay and how to handle prices that change from week to week. Every price below is a snapshot from the named source.
1. Why budget laptops cost more in 2026
Tom's Guide's budget laptop guide, last updated September 28, 2026, says laptop prices in 2026 have risen sharply because of the RAM crisis and that it expects the situation to keep getting worse. The guide adds that finding cheap laptops with real value is harder than it used to be, even as Apple, Dell, Lenovo and other makers release lower-priced models to hold costs down.
Tom's Guide's separate RAM explainer ties the problem to demand from AI and data centers. It notes that Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron cover around 95 percent of DRAM production, which leaves less supply for consumer products. The explainer says the effects reach laptops, phones, tablets and PC parts. Its outlook is uncertain: it links to reports that Micron believes the shortage will not ease until 2028 and that Asus expects it to start normalizing by 2027.
What this means for you: a budget near $700 buys less memory and storage than it once did. Decide which tasks matter most before you shop, and check current prices on retailer pages, because the figures in any guide, including this one, can move quickly.
2. The three picks Tom's Guide recommends
In its September 2026 update, Tom's Guide names three tested picks, each at or under about $700. Here are the prices and specs it lists.
| Model | Price per Tom's Guide | Specs listed |
|---|
| Apple MacBook Neo | $699, or $599 for education | 13-inch display, A18 Pro chip, 8GB RAM, up to 512GB storage, 2.7 lb |
| Dell XPS 13 (2026) | Just under $700 | 13.4-inch 2.5K touchscreen, Intel Core 5 320, up to 32GB RAM, up to 1TB storage, 2.2 lb |
| Lenovo Chromebook Plus 2-in-1 Gen 10 | Under $600 | 14-inch touchscreen, Intel Core 3 N355, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, 3.28 lb |
Tom's Guide calls the MacBook Neo the best budget laptop for most people, citing reliable everyday performance, a bright display and a lightweight aluminum body. It recommends the XPS 13 for Windows users and says the unit it tested, with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, handled typical workloads. It describes the Lenovo as a premium-feeling 2-in-1 with a sturdy hinge and an excellent keyboard that handles multitasking well.
3. Mac, Windows or Chromebook: pick by software first
The operating system matters more than the brand at this price. Tom's Guide says a Chromebook is better for affordable web-based work and simple everyday tasks, while a Windows laptop is the safer choice if you need broader software compatibility. It advises checking that the apps and any offline workflow you need actually work on ChromeOS before you buy.
When Windows makes sense
Tom's Guide suggests Windows if you rely on specialist desktop applications, want more flexibility with local files or expect heavier multitasking. It points out that macOS is now also an option for people already in the Apple ecosystem.
A caution about 8GB of RAM
Wirecutter's cheap laptop guide, updated August 13, 2026, says it has picks for Chromebooks and Windows laptops under $600 and recommends the MacBook Neo if you can spend more. It also says Windows 11 does not feel as responsive on limited hardware, and that the MacBook Neo and Chromebooks with 8GB of memory feel snappier than Windows PCs with the same amount. I could read only part of that page, so check the full guide for its complete list.
4. Specs to check before you buy
Tom's Guide says 8GB of RAM is enough for web browsing, documents, streaming, video calls and some light multitasking, but it leaves less headroom for demanding work. If you regularly use large spreadsheets, edit media, play games or keep many demanding apps open, it suggests looking for more memory where the budget allows.
Engadget's budget laptop guide gives a few general rules that still apply, though that page's specific picks look older, so I am using only its general advice:
- Look for at least 8GB of RAM, since less struggles with multitasking and many browser tabs.
- Aim for at least a 256GB SSD on macOS and Windows machines. Chromebooks are different.
- Prefer an SSD over a traditional hard drive for speed.
- Consider an IPS display for better viewing angles and color accuracy.
- Check the ports if you connect monitors, drives or accessories, such as USB-C, USB-A, HDMI and a headphone jack.
- A processor that is one generation behind will likely not make a noticeable difference, according to Engadget.
Tom's Guide's own battery test has each laptop browse the web over Wi-Fi at 150 nits of brightness until it runs out, which is a useful way to compare tested numbers across models.
5. Buying smart when prices keep moving
Because memory costs are pushing prices around, the same laptop can cost different amounts from one week to the next. Treat any price you read, including the ones in this article, as a snapshot, and confirm the price, configuration and return policy on the retailer's page before you buy.
Look at education and refurbished options
Tom's Guide lists the MacBook Neo at $699, or $599 for education, and notes that Touch ID and more storage cost $100 extra. Engadget recommends buying refurbished laptops directly from the manufacturer where possible and says Apple, Dell and Microsoft all run official refurbishment processes that verify machines work properly. Third-party sellers such as Amazon and Walmart also have their own programs, so read their terms.
Plan for how long you will keep it
Tom's Guide puts the average laptop lifespan at roughly 4 to 8 years and says budget models can fall on the shorter side. If you will keep the laptop for years, spending a little more on memory or storage at purchase can be worth it, so think about whether the memory and storage will still be enough in a few years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I spend on a budget laptop?
Tom's Guide says around $600 is a strong target for a laptop that handles everyday work, school and entertainment without major compromises. You can spend less if you only need browsing, documents and streaming, but check the processor, memory, storage and screen.
Is 8GB of RAM enough in 2026?
Tom's Guide says 8GB is enough for browsing, documents, streaming, video calls and light multitasking. If you work with large spreadsheets, edit media, play games or keep many demanding apps open, look for more memory.
Is a Chromebook or a Windows laptop better on a budget?
Tom's Guide says a Chromebook suits affordable web-based work, while Windows is safer if you need broader software compatibility. Check that your required apps work on ChromeOS before you commit.
Should I buy a refurbished laptop?
It can lower the price. Engadget recommends buying refurbished directly from the manufacturer, noting that Apple, Dell and Microsoft all have official refurbishment processes, and reading any third-party seller's terms carefully.
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