TOP PICK 
Model
BLW's Score
96
92
90
90
89
MSRP
$749.00
$827.00
$1,059.99
$1,199.77
Price not available
More Information
Processor
Intel Core i5-8300H 2.30 GHz
Intel Core i5-7300HQ 2.5GHz
Intel i5-8265U (up to 3.9 GHz)
Intel Core i7-8550U 1.8 GHz
Intel Core i5-8250U (up to 3.4 GHz)
RAM
8GB DDR4
8GB DDR4
16GB DDR4
8GB DDR4
8GB DDR4
Hard Disk
128GB SSD + 1TB HDD
1TB HDD
512GB SSD
128GB SSD + 1TB HDD
256GB SSD
Display
15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080)
15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080)
15.6" HD 4K (4096 x 2304)
15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080)
15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080)
Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
Intel HD Graphics 620
Intel HD Graphics 620
NVIDIA GeForce MX150
OS
Windows 10
Windows 10
Windows 10
Windows 10
Windows 10
Weight
5.95 pounds
5.95 pounds
4.64 pounds
5.18 pounds
5.27 pounds
TOP PICK
BLW's Score
96
MSRP
$749.00
More Information
Processor
Intel Core i5-8300H 2.30 GHz
RAM
8GB DDR4
Hard Disk
128GB SSD + 1TB HDD
Display
15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080)
Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
OS
Windows 10
Weight
5.95 pounds
Model
BLW's Score
92
MSRP
$827.00
More Information
Processor
Intel Core i5-7300HQ 2.5GHz
RAM
8GB DDR4
Hard Disk
1TB HDD
Display
15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080)
Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
OS
Windows 10
Weight
5.95 pounds
BLW's Score
90
MSRP
$1,059.99
More Information
Processor
Intel i5-8265U (up to 3.9 GHz)
RAM
16GB DDR4
Hard Disk
512GB SSD
Display
15.6" HD 4K (4096 x 2304)
Graphics
Intel HD Graphics 620
OS
Windows 10
Weight
4.64 pounds
Model
BLW's Score
90
MSRP
$1,199.77
More Information
Processor
Intel Core i7-8550U 1.8 GHz
RAM
8GB DDR4
Hard Disk
128GB SSD + 1TB HDD
Display
15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080)
Graphics
Intel HD Graphics 620
OS
Windows 10
Weight
5.18 pounds
Model
BLW's Score
89
MSRP
Price not available
More Information
Processor
Intel Core i5-8250U (up to 3.4 GHz)
RAM
8GB DDR4
Hard Disk
256GB SSD
Display
15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080)
Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce MX150
OS
Windows 10
Weight
5.27 pounds
Our comparison table only shows our top 5 picks. You can find the other recommendations within this article.
Those days are long gone when only rich people could afford laptops. Nowadays a laptop is an essential part of any professional or student’s life. Almost everything can be done on a laptop and its portability is the best factor people choose it over a desktop.
Since the market is flooded with all kinds of notebooks from different brands, it is not an easy to task to choose a laptop with all the latest features and reliable hardware. Almost every brand claims that their machine is better than the competition.
However, you need to forget about them and look at your budget, usage, features required, etc. Many believe that they need a whole lot of money for buying a laptop but in reality, there are a lot more budget options available then the high-end machines.
According to us, $800 is a perfect budget for any kind of laptop and that’s why we have created a guide to find the best laptops under $800.
When it comes to laptops, there are two kinds of major users. First ones are professionals and they require a laptop for heavy and sophisticated tasks with powerful performance. Second ones are college students as they can get their work done with the budget device as portability matters more than performance.
However, some kinds of students might also need a powerful notebook to handle tasks like MS Word, Excel, presentations, etc. Moreover, if they want to play games or watch HD movies then you might also need a GPU.
For those we have an exclusive buying guide of best gaming laptops under $800. Currently there are many brands that are offering their best laptops for around $800 and we have listed the best ones according to our experts.
Our Top Picks for Best Laptops under $800
1. Dell Gaming Laptop G3579-5941BLK-PUS
Specs:
Dell has recently introduced the 15-inch G3579-5491 into their range of G3 gaming laptops. It is powered by the latest 8th Generation Intel i5 processor and features 8GB of super-fast RAM. To top it off, it uses the NVIDIA GTX 1050 graphics card to provide stunning graphics on a Full HD 15.6-inch IPS display.
With the powerful processor allowing for multi-tasking with ease, you’re not going to be short on storage for all those apps either. You can store your larger media collections, games and data on a 1TB HDD with an additional 128GB SSD for faster processing and more reliability.
The latest Quad-core processor can be turbo boosted up to 3.9GHz and for more performance, you can extend the RAM up to 32GB.
The 56Whr battery found in this Dell can provide up to six or seven hours of backup, depending on the choice of graphics settings and what the laptop is used for, Considering the overall spec, it’s quite an impressive battery life.
In this latest gaming laptop from Dell, you’re getting a pretty decent package for under $800. The extra storage and latest CPU, mean it can be used for either gaming or productivity tasks on the go. And with that extra battery life, it will keep on going.
PROS
- New model
- Great storage
- Latest CPU
CONS
- Battery life could be better
Specs:
This latest Nitro 5 has a solid overall performance, good storage with a 7200RPM 1TB HDD and a modest amount of RAM at 8GB. The only thing that tends to let it down is a sub-par display.
We start with the bad: the 15.6-inch matte IPS display is disappointing, to say the least. Colors looked dull and lifeless when playing games, with some tests showing it only reproduced 69 percent of the sRGB gamut.
Performance wise, the Nitro 5 packs the NVIDIA GTX 1050 chipset with 4GB of dedicated VRAM that will play most graphically intense games at lower settings. Frame rates on some more recent games may struggle, but older games like Dirt 3 can hit 90 fps with no issues.
One of the best features of the Nitro 5, we found, was the cooling system. The Acer Nitro 5 uses a dual fan ventilation system with vents located to the rear of the device. These fans were pretty quiet compared to most gaming laptops and can be customized using, the built in, NitroSense software.
With a decent red backlit keyboard, powerful processor and 1TB HDD, this could have been the ideal casual gaming laptop. Unfortunately, Acer have scrimped on the display and, as such, it’s a pretty decent all-rounder for the price.
PROS
- Amazing ventilation system
- Backlit keyboard
- Very powerful processor
- Easy to use
CONS
- Poor screen quality
Specs:
The ProBook range of laptops from HP is known to be a solid budget-priced business computer, aimed at professional users. This latest series 4, the 450 G6, may not be a high-end gaming machine but the amazing display with 4K resolution more than compensates.
The beautiful anti-glare 15.6-inch display has 4096 x 2304 resolution. This results in razor sharp images and it is fantastic for streaming video or developing graphics-intensive business presentations.
This laptop also focuses on computing power. The 8th generation Core i5 CPU and 8GB of RAM will speed through any productivity multitasking you have to do. A chiclet-style of keyboard has a decent 1.4mm of travel for a comfortable typing experience.
A large trackpad offers accurate scrolling and quickly recognized Windows 10, three finger gestures.
Upgrading the machine is easy, with large trapdoors on the base of the unit. You can add RAM if you wish The fast 512GB SSD will be enough for most people, but you can also replace the hard drive if you need more data storage capacity.
The HP ProBook offers a speedy business machine with a long-lasting battery and comfortable keyboard. The latest Core i5 processor provides a solid performance although the poor display lets down this laptop for some uses.
PROS
- Long battery life
- Reliable performance
- Hard drive can be replaced
- Anti-glare screen
CONS
- Poor screen quality
Specs:
The ASUS VivoBook S is definitely one of the most beautiful laptops you will find under $800. Using the ASUS NanoEdge bezel technology, this machine features an 80 percent screen to body ratio. This latest ASUS VivoBook is thinner and lighter than ever, at just 3.7 pounds and sporting an amazing 0.7-inch profile.
ASUS have managed to fit a 15.6-inch full HD IPS display into the case of a typical 14-inch laptop, thanks to those bezels. A 178-degree viewing angle of the WideView display ensures colors stay vivid and the contrast stable, even at awkward viewing angles.
A smaller case doesn’t mean less power either. They’ve managed to balance the performance of a laptop with the portability of an Ultrabook. An 8th gen Intel i7 processor is supported by 8GB of RAM for ultra smooth and speedy operation.
ASUS have even managed to cram in all the usual USB ports: type C, USB 2 and 3, HDMI, and a card reader too.
In terms of storage, the VivoBook offers a combination of super fast SSD and a large capacity 1TB HDD. For students who have larger media collections, this is a stylish laptop with more space. Just don’t expect to play more demanding games as it only features integrated Intel UHD 620 graphics.
PROS
- 1TB HDD
- Great connectivity
- Full HD IPS display
- Fast SSD
- Lighweight
CONS
- Not ideal for heavy gamers
5. Aspire E 15
Specs:
The Acer Aspire E 15 is one of the best-selling laptops in both Europe and the US. This latest version has upgraded the processor to an 8th generation Core i5 processor and the new NVIDIA MX150 chipset for an entry-level GPU.
Sometimes parts can feel cheap at this price, but the E15 feels solid, with a comfortable keyboard and quality touchpad.
The Intel Core i5 CPU can be turbo boosted to an impressive 3.4 Ghz. Throw in an NVIDIA MX150 chipset and you have a laptop which can handle software that demands more resources for graphics. As a result, the Acer tends to have a better gaming performance than other business laptops with only integrated graphics.
Using the latest solid state technology, the E15 features a 256GB SSD, which boots up in Windows 10 much quicker than an HDD. For most productivity tasks, 256GB should be adequate, but if you need to connect external drives, you’re covered with the latest USB 3.1 Type C and an array of USB 2 and 3 ports.
This latest Acer E15 variant seems destined to build on the success of its predecessors. What makes it even better is the large capacity battery (2800mAh) which is rated for 15 hours use from one charge.
PROS
- 15 hours of battery life on one charge
- Fast response rate
- Good for gamers
- Can handle demanding graphics
CONS
- Entry-level GPU
Specs:
ASUS ZenBook UX330UA-AH54 is those who are looking for an extra slim design with a solid body. With the advanced technology of Fingerprint reader and Backlit Keyboard, you can work with great convenience.
We have also listed it in our guide of best laptops under $700. You can enjoy high-quality pictures and videos on it with 13-inch of full HD display with 1920 by 1080. With anti-glare technology, you can easily protect your eyes while working on it for long hours.
There is no need to worry about the performance when Intel Core i5-7200U is inside with great processing speed of 2.5 GHz with advanced Turbo technology. For the excellent results during your work, 8GB RAM is installed and you can store all your data in its 256 GB of SSD.
For excellent connectivity HDMI/D-SUB/USB Type-C and wireless type 802.11 a/c Wi-Fi are included. You can easily transfer your data from SD card as the card reader is inbuilt. It is one of the best portable laptops with weight of just 2.6 pounds and is packed in a sleek aluminum body.
PROS
- Sleek appearance
- Great connectivity
- Weight only 2.6 pounds
- Amazing processing speed
- Anti-glare screen
CONS
- Average display
Specs:
HP Notebook is perfect for every type of users with ultra slim and lightweight body. With the perfect key spacing, professionals can easily work and student can complete their assignments.
If you’re buying it from Amazon, it’ll cost you somewhere around $700. It is full value for the money and features a 15-inch of display with full HD screen to enjoy the high-quality videos and graphical games on it.
For the better performance, it comes with 7th generation Intel Core i7-7500U Dual-Core Processor with 2.7 GHz speed. For the fast processing while playing games, Intel HD Graphics 620 is installed.
With super-powered RAM of 16GB, you can easily work on many applications at a time. You can store unimaginable multimedia data with 1TB of HDD storage device. You will experience high responsiveness with its 64-bit of Windows 10 Home edition.
You can enjoy the higher performance with Wireless networking and Bluetooth connectivity. You can transfer your data easily with card reader, one USB 3.0 port, and two USB 2.0 ports. You can also connect it with a larger screen with the help of HDMI port to enjoy videos and photos.
In addition, you can also capture videos and click pictures with HD webcam with True Vision technology. The optical drive is also provided for burning your important data on DVD. On top of everything, it features 8 hours of battery life which is more than enough for all kinds of users.
PROS
- Long battery life
- Great storge
- Full HD screen
- HD WebCam
CONS
- May lag when used for long periods of time
Specs:
This ASUS VivoBook laptop comes in at well under $800 and it features specifications you just can’t ignore. Weighing only 4.9 pounds and just 0.7 inches thick, it is only very slightly larger than competitors like the MacBook Pro or the latest Dell XPS 15 Touch.
With the standard thin bezel of ASUS laptops, the 14.2-inch display offers a Full HD bright and crisp display. This model includes a feature called a ScreenPad. It's a 5.6" touch pad that's also a display that can be used with several ASUS utility applications.
Am integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 delivers stunning visuals, great for graphical applications or watching HD movies. The Intel Core i7 CPU combined with the UHD graphics provides enough power for the most demanding of productivity tasks. For storage, this model offers a speedy 512GB SSD with plenty of space for applications and data.
The ASUS VivoBook S14 is one of the most stylish, portable and powerful work and play laptops you will find at this price. Given the great battery life (more than 10 hours), we thinks it's a perfect choice for travelers and students.
PROS
- Stunning visuals
- Very aesthetically pleasing
- More than 10 hours of battery life
- Very portable
CONS
- Fiddly touchpad
Specs:
Using the latest Intel Core i7 processor, this Dell laptop features a dual graphics chipset with additional AMD Radeon R7 coprocessor.
Although it’s less than an inch thick, this latest Dell 5000 series laptop is one of the few we have seen which still features a physical DVD drive. The 17.3-inch screen is full HD and uses Dell’s True Color technology, which is perfect for watching those DVD movies.
Built-in software allows for several profiles which allow you to alter the color temperature, vibrancy and tone of the picture.
With the latest i7 processor from Intel and 8GB of RAM, multitasking and more demanding applications should not present any problems to this laptop.
However, for a laptop sold as a gaming laptop, the AMD Radeon graphics will struggle with the newer games on all but the lowest settings. The immersive quality of the larger screen can compensate for this a little.
The 17.3-inch screen makes this ideal for those looking for a desktop replacement. It’s a great computer for everyday tasks, including video editing and doing your office work.
Be warned that for gaming, the AMD Radeon graphics may leave a lot to be desired on more graphically demanding games.
PROS
- Large and clear display
- CD and DVD use available on this laptop
- Great RAM
CONS
- Poor graphics
- Heavy
Specs:
With the powerful hardware configuration, you can easily use Lenovo ThinkPad T460 anywhere. This particular laptop is best if you are looking a lightweight and powerful laptop. Just under $800, you can buy it from Amazon and you’ll certainly find the best possible price there.
To handle day to day complicated computing tasks it features latest 6th Generation Intel Core i5-6200U with powerful speed of 2.3 GHz. To handle most of the applications at a time 4 GB RAM is more than enough.
Generally, business laptops need more backup so that you can continue your work even outside of your office or home. You can easily work with Lenovo ThinkPad T460 because of its whooping 18 hours of backup.
For the vivid pictures and better quality, Intel HD Graphics 520 is installed inside. With this you can also work with great efficiency while working on the applications with heavy graphics.
You can store HD videos, files and many more things with 500 GB of HDD and fast data reading with 7200 round per minute which is the fastest one. The hard drive is designed with advanced technology to work faster.
The 14-inch display is perfect with 1366 x 768 pixels of max screen resolution. The latest technology is used while manufacturing to provide clear display and bright colors. You can add external hardware easily with two USB 3.0 ports as well as transfer data from pen drive with lightning fast speed.
Windows 7 Professional edition is pre-installed for hassle free working. You can easily carry this machine with you all the time because of its light body with just 3.8 pounds of weight.
PROS
- Fast response time
- HD display
- Great for working from home
CONS
- Not suitable for heavy use
Conclusion
I’m sure that by now you have figured out the best laptops under $800 for you and what we’d like to tell you from your experience is that you don’t really have to look at the brand if we have listed it above.
All you need to look at is the price, size, configuration and features that you might need for your use. Rest of the things have been taken care by our reviewers and in case you’d like to check our other guides then feel free to browse around.
All in all, these are the most reliable and full value for money laptops according to us and if you still have any doubts then let us know through comments.
Laptop Buying Guide
When you are on the hunt for the best laptop for under 800 dollars, the vast array of
brilliant choices can make you lose sight of what you are really looking for in a good
laptop. Of course, price is important, but don’t presume that because you are looking
for a ‘budget’ laptop that you can’t find something that ticks all of your boxes.
Before finalizing your purchase, read through these tips for finding the perfect laptop
under $800:
1. Platform
You should pick an appropriate platform for you. Chrome OS, Windows, and Mac are
the most popular platforms for modern computers.
Chrome OS
PROS
- Secure
- Easy to use
- Comfortable to navigate
- Ability to drag around windows
CONS
- Unreliable web apps
Windows
PROS
- Very flexible
- It can be used on most laptop models
- Great for work and gaming
CONS
- High ticket price
MAC
PROS
- Useful productivity apps
- Simple and clear
- Compatible with Apple devices
CONS
- Limited app availability
- Not ideal for gamers
2. Screen Size and Clarity
Your laptop’s purpose will highly influence the screen size and screen clarity of the
device you wish to purchase. There are multiple screen sizes to choose from, starting
from about 13 inches and 18 inches wide.
There are many pros and cons for both small and larger screens. Computer
programmers that need to use codes won’t find a laptop with a small screen very
comfortable. However, if you need a compact laptop for on-the-go tasks such as
answering emails and taking notes in meetings, a small screened laptop will be the
most comfortable for you.
Usually, laptops with large screens are heavier, so if you need to travel with your
laptop, you may want to consider something thin, lightweight, and easy to transport
without damage. Think about the tasks you are going to complete on your laptop and
whether you need it for work or pleasure before finalizing your purchase.
As well as screen size, there are varying options for screen clarity. Some laptops
come with an anti-glare screen that presents eye fatigue, while others don’t. Again,
you must think about how many hours you will be spending on your laptop per day to
determine your screen clarity needs.
3. Battery Life
Is there anything more annoying than your laptop running out of battery in the middle
of something important? Laptops with around six to eight hours of battery life are
considered to have good battery life, but any less than that should be avoided.
Top Tip: Never keep your laptop in the charger if it has a full battery as this
dramatically deteriorates your battery life prematurely.
4. 2-in-1 or Regular Laptop Design
2-in-1 laptops are both laptops and tablets and can be switched from laptop mode to
tablet mode in just a few seconds. These are very different from the traditional laptop
design that only opens and folds to close.
5. Portability and Weight
Not all laptops are portable, and some weigh so much that taking them too and from
the office on public transport is a challenge. Laptops that weigh between three and
six pounds are comfortable to travel with.
Top Tip: Weight is less of an issue for ‘stationary’ laptops, so if you are a gamer or
work remotely, weight won’t be an issue for you!
6. Keypad
If you have a laptop already, take a look at the keypad layout. You will be surprised at
how changing your keypad’s layout can affect your work productivity and how easily
you navigate your laptop.
The best advice I have for you is to go to your local computer shop and to have a
play around with the laptops on display if you are unsure what keypad layout works
well for you. Some laptops also have backlit keypads that are really fun, especially if
you are a keen gamer.
7. Specifications
Techy features and unfamiliar language are very confusing as you look through any
laptop’s features and specifications. I get it; we have all been there!
Just because you are looking for the best laptops under $800 doesn’t mean you can’t
find one with great specifications. Take a look at the minimum specifications guide
below and use it as a checklist while shopping around for your next laptop.
Your New Laptop Should Have these Minimum Specifications or Higher:
- Core i5 or Ryzen 5 CPU
- 1920 x 1080 screen
- 8GB of RAM
- SSD Storage
- 8+ hours of battery life
