A high-quality laptop can make it easy to watch videos, work online, perform schoolwork, send emails, stay connected socially on social media, and read blogs, news articles, or online magazines.
Laptops are highly portable ways to access the Internet and work well as Internet options for those on the go. If you want a great laptop but have a strict $700 budget, then we have the perfect laptop choices for you.
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Expectations At This Price Point
At the $700 and under price point, customers can get a high-quality laptop that can work well for work, play, and entertainment. The laptops in the $500 to $700 range are the perfect choice for users who need a high-quality machine but at a more affordable price.
At this price point, speakers, storage capacity, processing time, and weight are the areas where users will have to compromise. Speakers tend to be quieter and less precise compared to more expensive models. Storage capacity is lower, and the processing time is slower. Laptops in this price range also tend to weigh more than more expensive laptop models.
However, this range is perfect for users who want an affordable laptop but still want strong features. Laptops between $500 and $700 are faster, more powerful, offer more storage, and come with additional features compared to those laptops in the $200 to $500 range.
Laptops Under $700 Compared
Image | Model | Screen Display Size | Processor | RAM | Resolution | Battery Life | Check Price |
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15.6” | 10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G1 (1.00 GHz) | 8 GB | 1366 x 768 pixels | 8 Hours approx | |||
15.6” | Intel Core i6-9300H | 8 GB | 1920 x 1080 pixels | 4 Hours approx | |||
15.6” | Intel Quad-Core i5-8250U | 16 GB | 1920 x 1080 pixels | 6 Hours approx | |||
13.5” | Intel Core i5 and i7 | 8 GB | 2256 x 1504 pixels | 8 Hours approx | |||
15.6” | Ryzen 5 R5-3550H | 8 GB | 1920 x 1080 pixels | 8 Hours approx | |||
14” | Intel Quad-Core i7-8565U | 16 GB | 1920 x 1080 pixels | 12 Hours approx |
What You Should Look For in a Laptop Under $700
Screen Size & Display/Graphics
Most laptops under $700 offer screen sizes in the 12-inch, 13-inch, and 15-inch realm. If you want a 17-inch screen size, we recommend increasing your budget for the best options. When it comes to graphics cards, we recommend NVidia Graphics. Intel UHD Graphics 620 card is another great option.
Storage Space
Laptops under $700 come with fewer storage options compared to more expensive laptops. We recommend choosing a laptop with 256 GB storage space if you are a traditional laptop user. For those who intend to primarily use the cloud, you can select 128 GB. For power users who plan to store a lot of larger files on their hard drive, we recommend 512 GB.
Processor Performance
Processor performance contributes significantly to the speed of your machine, and we recommend choosing a laptop with a processor of 1.5 GHz or higher. These processors offer the greatest performance at this price range and can make gaming or watching movies a seamless process.
Battery Life
Battery life on laptops under $700 varies greatly, but most models offer between 10 hours to 20 hours of battery life. If you plan to use your laptop away from your home and while on the go, then we recommend choosing a laptop with a battery life of at least 12 hours.
Design
The design of your laptop is a personal preference. Do you like black keys and a black exterior or black keys against a chrome or silver exterior? Review the design elements present in these laptop choices and choose a laptop that you will enjoy using daily.
Size/Portability/Weight
Laptops are generally purchased for their portability, so it makes sense to consider both the size and weight. Most laptops are around 2.8 lbs. to 5 lbs. in this price range. Screen size ranges from 12" to 15" in most models. Most users will not notice a significant difference in weight, but if you plan to use your laptop while on the move, a lighter weight model is best.
Extra Features
Extra features at this price point include a screen that doubles as a tablet, backlit keys, and a higher sensitivity touchpad. If you plan to move your laptop often, you may want to use the laptop screen as a tablet and choose a 2-in-1 laptop model. Backlit keys are best for those who frequently type and can make it easier to type in low light environments.
Warranty
Amazon refurbished laptop models are pre-owned but have been restored to like-new condition. Purchasing a refurbished laptop model from Amazon is a great way to save on your laptop purchase while still getting a great machine.
Amazon offers a minimum 90-day warranty on all laptop models, but each supplier offers its own custom warranty (which may be as much as 1-year, 2-year, or 5-years).
6 Best Laptops Under $700 Reviewed
1. HP 15.6" Touchscreen
- CPU: The latest 11th Generation Intel Core...
- 15.6" diagonal, FHD (1920 x 1080), touch,...
- 4GB DDR4 Memory; 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD;...
- Realtek RTL8821CE-M 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (1x1)...
best laptop under 700 (Top Pick!)
Screen Display Size | 15.6 inches |
Processor | 10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G1 (1.00 GHz) |
RAM | 8 GB |
Resolution | 1366 x 768 pixels |
Battery Life | 8 Hours approx |
Warranty | Yes, 30-day Amazon warranty |
The HP 15.6” touch screen is the best laptop under 700 on our list. It has a reliable 10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G1 processor and possesses one of the largest screen options for laptops under $700.
This model is also lightweight at 3.86 lbs and can easily be transported from area to area. A lithium-ion battery is powerful and durable, leading to 8 hours of battery life. Users will also enjoy the 256/512 GB (depending on your choice) that comes with this model and its SSD.
An HDMI output makes it possible to connect the laptop to a high-def monitor or TV. The touchscreen provides added functionality, is fun to use, and makes it easy to navigate the Internet. This model has a classic silver and black design for a sleek profile. This model also comes with an external DVD player.
Rick wrote on Best Buy, “Lightweight, so very portable for our on-the-go business.”
However, this laptop does not have a backlit keyboard, and several users noted that they would have preferred a backlit keyboard for typing in low light environments.
This computer also does not come equipped with Microsoft Office, and those programs will need to be purchased separately. If you want a lightweight laptop with a touchscreen, beautiful graphics, and a large 15.6” screen, then you want this HP laptop model.
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2. MSI GF63 Thin 9SC-614
- Display: 15. 6 inches FHD (1920 x 1080),...
- Processor: intel core i5-9300h 2. 4 - 4. 1ghz
- Graphics: NVidia GeForce GTX 1650 [max-q] 4g...
- Memory: 8gb (8g x 1) ddr4 2666mhz, 2 sockets;...
best gaming laptop under $700
Screen Display Size | 15.6 inches |
Processor | Intel Core i6-9300H |
RAM | 8 GB |
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
Battery Life | 4 Hours approx |
Warranty | Yes, one-year manufacturer’s warranty |
The MSI GF63 Thin 9SC-614 is the best gaming laptop under $700. This laptop is best for gamers who need a strong processor for running processing-heavy games and showcasing beautiful graphics.
The 15.6" display screen makes it easy to view gameplay or video and photography images. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 4G GDD5R graphics card is state-of-the-art and delivers crisp, clear, clean images for users. This laptop model comes with a base 512GB, which is a lot of storage for a laptop in this range.
To add more space, an SD card can be purchased and used in conjunction with the laptop. The single-lit keyboard is backlit in red for a robust and modern design. This laptop is built with all black components for a professional aesthetic.
This laptop model also has a great cooling design built-in, which helps keep the laptop from overheating and allows it to process at full capacity.
Alejandro wrote on Best Buy, “I used my laptop for gaming, video production, and photography. This laptop is amazing for all of those. I have not found a game that I cannot play, rendering movies, and 3D objects are surprisingly fast.”
This laptop, however, does not have a touch screen, and customers who want to be able to navigate web pages with their fingers should look elsewhere. This laptop model also has a poor battery life and lasts around 4 hours on average.
For those with easy access to outlets, this shouldn't be a problem. We recommend this laptop for gamers and photography enthusiasts who need an affordable laptop with a fast processor and high-quality graphics.
Also recommended: Best 2-in1 Gaming Laptops
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3. Dell Inspiron 15 5000 5570
- 16GB DDR4 RAM; Storage: 512GB M. 2 SSD + 1TB...
- 8th Generation Intel Quad Core i5-8250U (1. 6...
- 15. 6 Inch Touchscreen FHD (1920x1080)...
- Waves MaxxAudio | HDMI | USB type-A 3. 1 Gen...
Value for money Option
Screen Display Size | 15.6” inches |
Processor | Intel Quad-Core i5-8250U |
RAM | 16 GB |
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
Battery Life | 6 Hours approx |
Warranty | Yes, 30-day Amazon warranty |
The Dell Inspiron 15 500 5570 is the best value for money buy on our laptop list. It has a 15.6” touch screen display, perfect for online shopping and browsing the web. A 256 or 512 GB SSD is a great storage option (choose between two options), but this model also includes a 1 TB HDD as well for maximum storage potential.
This laptop model has a sleek design that mimics popular Mac computers with the aluminum silver keyboard with black keys and a black outline around the screen display. The keyboard is a full keyboard, which is helpful for typists and those who frequently write on their computer.
This model also has three USB-type A ports and an ethernet port for connectivity. The Intel Quad-Core processor is fast and includes Intel Turbo Boost technology. This model also has a built-in HD 720p webcam.
Rick wrote on Dell, “I was shopping refurbished computers and landed on this model after some research. It has the latest generation processor and enough ram to run about anything.”
This model, however, does not have great speakers, and the overall sound quality is poor. If you need powerful audio, we would recommend connecting this laptop to a home surround system or purchasing an additional speaker component.
Customers have also reported that this laptop tends to overheat. To avoid this, we recommend purchasing a cooling pad to ensure there is proper ventilation. This laptop is an affordable option for customers who want a full keyboard and lots of storage space.
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4. Microsoft Surface Laptop
- Microsoft Surface Laptop features 7th...
- 256GB Solid State Drive, 8GB RAM.
- Thin, light, and powerful, it fits easily in...
- Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi: 802.11AC Wireless LAN,...
best student laptop under $700
Screen Display Size | 13.5 inches |
Processor | Intel Core i5 and i7 |
RAM | 8 GB |
Resolution | 2256 x 1504 pixels |
Battery Life | 8 Hours approx |
Warranty | Yes, 90-day limited Amazon warranty |
The Microsoft Surface laptop is the best student laptop under $700 on our list. This laptop model has everything that a student could need from a touch screen display to a luxe fabric-covered keyboard that is comfortable for hours of typing up papers and working on school projects.
The 13.5” display screen is smaller than the other models on our list and contributes to the compact, lightweight, and portable nature of this laptop. Students can easily carry this laptop around and plug it in anywhere.
This laptop comes with 256 GB SSD and an Intel HD Graphics 620 card. The 2.5 GHz or 1.2 GHz (your choice) Cortex A8 processor is fast and powerful. Port options include a USB 3.0, mini display port, and an SD card slot.
Jay wrote on Walmart, "I love this computer, mini laptop! I bought it for my mom, but I'm thinking of buying one for myself!"
This model does not have a strong battery life, and students have noted that the laptop battery couldn't hold the same amount of charge after a few months of use. This model also does not have an HDMI port. This laptop model is an excellent choice for students who want a compact, lightweight, and portable laptop machine with a comfortable keyboard.
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5. Asus TUF FX505DT
- Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 4GB graphics (base:...
- Quad-core AMD Ryzen 5 r5-3550h processor
- 15.6” 120Hz full HD (1920x1080) IPS-type...
- 256GB NVMe SSD | 8GB DDR4 RAM | Windows 10...
best laptop for video editing under $700
Screen Display Size | 15.6 inches |
Processor | Ryzen 5 R5-3550H |
RAM | 8 GB |
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
Battery Life | 8 Hours approx |
Warranty | Yes, 30-day Amazon warranty |
The best laptop for video editing under $700 is the ASUS TUF FX505DT. This laptop model is an incredible option for consumers who need powerful processing and sharp graphics for video editing.
This model is also a great choice for gamers and photography editors as the best Asus laptop under $700. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card offers clean, detailed, high-quality images perfect for watching videos, looking at photos, or playing highly detailed visual games. The full HD 15.6” screen has a thin bezel and adds more vibrant color.
This model is lightweight and portable but is built with military standard construction components. Battery life is approximately 8 hours.
This device is all black and has a sturdy feel, which is great for both video editing and gaming. The keyboard comes with an RGB feature, which allows users to change the color to fit their aesthetic needs.
The backlit keyboard is also responsive and easy to use. The lack of an SD card reader may be a concern for photographers who frequently store their images on SD cards. However, if you have other file storage methods, then this won't be a concern.
This laptop also has overheating potential, but a cooling pad can prevent this issue as well as providing adequate ventilation. If you want a powerful laptop with durable processing power and clean graphics at an affordable price, then we recommend this laptop.
Also recommended: 6 Best Graphics Cards for Video Editing
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6. Acer Spin 3
- 8th Generation Intel Core i7 8565U Processor...
- 14 inches Full HD (1920 x 1080) Widescreen...
- 16GB DDR4 Memory & 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
- Rechargeable Active Stylus; Thin 0.38 inches...
best thin and light laptop under 700
Screen Display Size | 14 inches |
Processor | Intel Quad-Core i7-8565U |
RAM | 16 GB |
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
Battery Life | 12 Hours approx |
Warranty | Yes, 90-day Amazon warranty |
The Acer Spin 3 is the best thin and light laptop under 700. This model is a lightweight 3.75 lb. convertible laptop. For users who want the feel of a Macbook at an affordable price, this is our recommendation. High-quality build parts with a strong Intel Quad Core i7 processor make this a smart purchase.
Customers can use this laptop as a standard laptop or rotate the screen to use it as a tablet. The laptop can also be set in a “tent” configuration to watch movies or review a presentation.
A rechargeable active stylus is also included. The backlit keyboard is convenient; however, users have noted that the half-height keys on Home/Page Up, and arrow keys, take time to fully adjust when typing. This laptop comes with a large 512 SSD, fingerprint reader, USB-C port, HDMI port, and a headphone jack.
Users have noted that the speakers on this laptop are not loud and have muffled sound quality. This can be solved with a portable Bluetooth speaker or by connecting your laptop to a surround sound system.
The long battery life on this model, up to 12 hours, makes it one of the best portable options on our list. This laptop model is our best convertible laptop under $700 and the best 2 in 1 laptop under $700 from our research.
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Extra Laptop Features/Specs to Look Into
Basic Laptop Troubleshooting
New laptops are exciting to use and can be a blast to set-up; however, sometimes, problems arise. These problems are more likely to occur over time but can occur soon after bringing a laptop home. We recommend first trying home troubleshooting options to save money before bringing your laptop into a store.
One of the most common problems that a laptop owner can experience is a laptop that will not start. This laptop typically shows a blank, black screen and no amount of pushing the "start" button will turn it on.
Start by removing the laptop battery and attempting to run the laptop on AC power (must be plugged in to try this method). If this works, then the battery is the problem, and simply replacing it will return your laptop to normal working conditions. If not, you may have a hardware problem, and we recommend a technician.
Another common laptop problem is when the display appears dimmer than usual and is difficult to read. This usually happens when the backlight breaks down, creating a fuzzy and blurry screen.
This can typically be fixed by changing LCD display configurations or replacing the screen. First, try various settings and resolution options to try to restore the screen before replacing it entirely.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
How long do these laptops last?
Most laptops last between three to six years, depending on the model, make, and design. Technology is continuously advancing, and laptops begin to show significant signs of age after five to six years. Laptops under $700 should typically last between three to six years.
What type of maintenance is needed for this type of computer?
Most laptops under $700 do not require ongoing maintenance. Simply taking care of your computer by continually cleaning the screen, cleaning the keyboard and ports, and deleting old files on your hard drive, is all the general ongoing maintenance required.
Does faster RAM boost system performance?
Adding RAM to your computer is a great way to improve your computer system's performance. This is because RAM focuses on the drive performance in your system. Low memory can also force the computer to slow down.
Reviewing RAM and memory is a great way to determine how fast the computer will operate, and boosting these two areas will immediately boost your computer’s overall performance.
Is Lenovo better than HP?
Lenovo and HP are both high-quality laptop brands and great options in the below $700 range. However, HP has better graphics compared to Lenovo in most models. That said, these better graphics typically come at a higher price point and most Lenovo laptop models offer more competitive pricing.
Is Asus better than HP?
HP and Asus are both high-quality laptop brands specializing in different elements. HP tends to have better graphics, but Asus offers better GPU and processors. Review the specs on each laptop model before making a final choice.
How is Dell compared to other laptop brands?
Dell is a high-quality laptop brand but has a few models that lack the same specs as competitors. Dell tends to offer more variations for consumers at a lower price point, including touch screen options and tablet options.
Conclusion
Buying a laptop is a big decision and should not be taken lightly. Choose the laptop that best fits your needs from our list. Our top recommendation is HP 15.6” touch screen because it is lightweight and powerful, has a large screen with touch screen capabilities, and offers strong storage capabilities.
If you are a gamer and want a laptop under $700 more geared towards gaming, we recommend the MSI GF63 Thin 9SC-614. For a budget laptop option that includes great features, we recommend the Dell Inspiron 15 500 5570.

Holly Curell is a US-based freelance writer & editor extraordinaire. With over a decade of writing technical manuals, blog articles, & even company communications, Holly has a passion for providing value to readers on everything she knows about tech-related topics. When she’s not writing, Holly enjoys reading, hiking, wine, & wandering the aisles of Trader Joe’s. Holly is currently based out of North Carolina, where she lives with her husband Ken & their three children.