Shoppers seeking budget-friendly Windows devices below $500, high-performance gaming rigs for competitive play, or versatile convertible models for academic and professional needs will find numerous appealing options available at the moment.
For additional selections, explore PCWorld's compilation of leading laptops currently on the market.
Our recommendations draw from extensive knowledge: PCWorld has specialized in personal computing since 1983, evaluating over 80 models annually across various price ranges to guide purchases aligned with individual financial plans.
Leading recommendation: Dell Inspiron 15 at $377.99 (a $252 reduction via Best Buy). For basic functionality without high costs, this model suits well. Its Intel Core i5-1334U processor manages routine activities like web surfing, video playback, and multiple open windows efficiently. With 8GB RAM and a 512GB SSD, it supports typical demands, while the 15.6-inch Full HD touchscreen adds an element of upscale appeal.
Another standout: HP OmniBook X Flip convertible at $794 (saving $285.99 through Best Buy). This device offers premium quality relative to its cost, currently priced at $798 after a $251.99 discount. It includes a spacious 16-inch display with 1920x1200 resolution and touch capability, powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 256V chip, 16GB memory, and 1TB storage. The convertible design allows rotation to tablet orientation for flexible usage.
For gaming: HP Omen 16 at $1,249.99 (down $330 from Best Buy). This provides strong performance without excessive pricing, featuring a Ryzen 9 CPU and RTX 5060 GPU for fluid gameplay. The 16-inch screen with 1920x1200 resolution and 144Hz refresh rate delivers impressive visuals, complemented by 32GB RAM and a 1TB SSD for quick operation and ample storage.
Versatile choice: Asus Vivobook S 16 for $1,049.99 (a $550 cut at Newegg). This unit excels in diverse tasks thanks to its Intel Core Ultra 7 255H processor for responsive performance, a 16-inch OLED panel at 2880x1800 resolution for vivid imagery, 32GB RAM to handle multitasking, and 1TB SSD for extensive file capacity.
Aim for a minimum of 8GB RAM, though 16GB proves better for gaming. Steer clear of systems with less than 4GB RAM or 128GB storage, except on entry-level Chromebooks or low-cost Windows devices where such specs suffice. Refer to our guide on appropriate RAM amounts for laptops for further details.
The primary distinction between Chromebooks and Windows laptops lies in their software: Chromebooks operate on ChromeOS, while the others use Microsoft Windows.
Chromebooks serve effectively for standard online activities like internet navigation and email management, requiring fewer system resources, costing less, and skipping antivirus needs. Windows machines offer broader capabilities, including robust local applications, and support expansions in memory and storage for enhanced power.
Prime shopping events in mid-July, the post-Thanksgiving Black Friday, and the June-to-August back-to-school period typically yield the deepest laptop savings. While worthwhile promotions occur year-round, targeting major e-commerce sites during these windows maximizes discounts.
Deals appear on platforms like Newegg, Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon, but consider direct offers from brands such as Lenovo, HP, and Dell, which often feature varied specs at substantial markdowns.
Discover further choices in PCWorld's overview of premier laptops on sale today.
Ashley Biancuzzo oversees laptop and Chromebook reporting at PCWorld. A consumer technology journalist since 2016, her articles have featured in USA Today, Reviewed, Polygon, Kotaku, StarWars.com, and Nerdist. Outside work, she plays video games, reads sci-fi novels, and spends time with her adopted greyhound.