Introduction

As students head back to school, having the right Affordable 2-in-1 laptops can make all the difference in managing coursework, research, and online classes. However, finding a laptop that fits both your budget and your needs can be a daunting task. Fortunately, there are best budget laptops for student under $800 excellent budget-friendly options available for students that don’t compromise on performance. Here’s a rundown of Laptops for online classes under $800 in 2024, ideal for students seeking affordability without sacrificing quality.

Here is the list of budget laptops under $800

1. Acer Aspire 5

The Acer Aspire 5 has established itself as a reliable choice for students thanks to its blend of performance and value.

• Specifications: Powered by the latest Intel Core i5 processor and equipped with 8 GB of RAM, the Aspire 5 handles multitasking with ease. Its 512 GB SSD provides ample storage for documents, presentations, and media files.
• Display: Featuring a 15.6-inch Full HD display, this laptop offers crisp visuals, making it suitable for watching videos and working on projects.
• Battery Life: With up to 10 hours of battery life, the Aspire 5 keeps you productive throughout the day without the need for frequent recharging.
• Entry-Level Models: Starting around $499, these come with Intel i3 or i5 processors, 8GB of RAM, and up to 512GB SSD storage.
• Mid-Range Models: Priced around $699–$799, with Intel i5 or i7 processors, 16GB RAM, and 512GB–1TB SSD storage.
• High-End Models: Featuring Intel i7 processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics, these are priced between $899 and $1,099 for advanced users needing high performance​

Pros:

• Good performance for its price
• Sleek design and lightweight
• Backlit keyboard for comfortable typing in low light

Cons:

• Limited upgrade options for RAM

2. HP Pavilion x360

For students who value versatility, the HP Pavilion x360 is a 2-in-1 convertible laptop that doubles as a tablet.

• Specifications: Equipped with an Intel Core i3 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a 256 GB SSD, the Pavilion x360 provides sufficient power for everyday tasks.
• Display: The 14-inch Full HD touchscreen allows for an intuitive experience, whether you’re taking notes in tablet mode or working on assignments in laptop mode.
• Battery Life: With a battery life of around 8 hours, it’s perfect for students who are often on the go.
• Basic Models: Around $499–$699, these come with Intel i3 processors, 8GB RAM, and 128–256GB SSD, suitable for everyday tasks.
• Mid-Range Models: Priced between $799–$899, often featuring Intel i5 processors, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD, ideal for multitasking and moderate use.
• Premium Models: Starting around $999+, these models include Intel i7 processors, 16GB RAM, 512GB or 1TB SSD, with touchscreen and 2-in-1 versatility for more intensive use.

Pros:

• 2-in-1 functionality offers flexibility
• Responsive touchscreen
• Solid build quality

Cons:

• Performance may lag with demanding applications

3. Lenovo IdeaPad 3

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is an excellent all-around laptop that combines solid performance with an affordable price.

• Specifications: Featuring an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a 512 GB SSD, it delivers impressive performance for both work and play.
• Display: Its 15.6-inch Full HD display provides vibrant visuals, making it ideal for streaming videos and browsing the web.
• Battery Life: Lasting up to 7.5 hours, it provides enough power to get through a full day of classes and study sessions.
• Basic Models: Around $399–$499, typically featuring AMD Ryzen 3 or Intel i3 processors, 4GB–8GB RAM, and 128GB–256GB SSD, designed for basic tasks.
• Mid-Range Models: Priced between $549–$699, these include AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel i5 processors, 8GB–12GB RAM, and 256GB–512GB SSD for more demanding multitasking.
• Higher-End Models: Starting from $749+, with AMD Ryzen 7 or Intel i7 processors, 12GB–16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD or higher for users needing more performance.

Pros:

• Good performance for multitasking
• Dolby Audio for enhanced sound quality
• Comfortable keyboard for typing

Cons:

• A bit heavier compared to other models

4. Dell Inspiron 15 3000

The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 series offers a great balance of performance and affordability, making it a solid choice for students.

• Specifications: With an Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a 256 GB SSD, this laptop is capable of handling various tasks, from essays to research projects.
• Display: The 15.6-inch HD display provides decent clarity, although it’s not as sharp as Full HD models.
• Battery Life: Offering up to 8 hours of Laptops with long battery life for students, it keeps you powered throughout your academic day.
• Basic Models: Priced around $350–$500, typically include Intel i3 processors, 4GB–8GB RAM, and 128GB–256GB SSDs, ideal for basic computing needs.
• Mid-Range Models: Between $550–$700, offering Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processors, 8GB RAM, and 256GB–512GB SSDs, suitable for everyday multitasking.
• High-End Models: Starting at $750+, featuring Intel i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processors, 12GB–16GB RAM, and 512GB+ SSDs, geared for more intensive tasks and performance.

Pros:

• Sturdy build quality
• Variety of ports for connectivity
• Easy to upgrade components like RAM and storage

Cons:

• Slightly bulkier than other laptops

5. ASUS VivoBook 15

The ASUS VivoBook 15 stands out with its sleek design and solid performance, making it a popular choice among students.

• Specifications: Featuring an Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a 512 GB SSD, it’s capable of handling everyday tasks without issues.
• Display: Its 15.6-inch Full HD display ensures a sharp viewing experience, perfect for both work and entertainment.
• Battery Life: Up to 10 hours of Laptops with long battery life for students, it’s well-suited for long days on campus.
• Entry-Level Models: Starting around $350–$450, these models often feature Intel i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processors, 4GB–8GB RAM, and 128GB–256GB SSDs, suitable for basic tasks.
• Mid-Range Models: Priced at $500–$700, offering Intel i5 or Ryzen 5 processors, 8GB RAM, and 256GB–512GB SSDs, ideal for daily multitasking.
• Higher-End Models: Starting around $750+, with Intel i7 or Ryzen 7 processors, 12GB–16GB RAM, and 512GB–1TB SSDs, built for more demanding workloads.

Pros:

• Stylish design and lightweight
• Fingerprint sensor for enhanced security
• Good performance for multimedia tasks

Cons:

• Speakers could be better

Conclusion

Affordable laptops for students with good performance under $800 that meets your academic needs is entirely possible in 2024. Whether you need a reliable machine for writing papers, conducting research, or streaming videos, there are excellent options available.

• The Acer Aspire 5 offers a fantastic blend of performance and battery life.
• The HP Pavilion x360 is ideal for those who want the versatility of a 2-in-1.
• The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 provides great value for power users.
• The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is a solid all-around laptop with good build quality.
• Finally, the ASUS VivoBook 15 impresses with its sleek design and performance.

By evaluating your specific needs and preferences, you can choose the best budget laptop that will enhance your productivity and help you succeed in your studies.