
Ranking: Best laptops for under 800 dollars/euros
Q2 2025 update.
Sticking to a certain budget when making a laptop purchase might just be easier with this list. Here, we list the best laptops of the relatively affordable kind tested by Notebookcheck over the last few months.Christian Hintze, ✓ Sebastian Jankowski (translated by DeepL / Ninh Duy) Published 🇩🇪 🇭🇺 ...
Notebookcheck regularly tests products from the lower price segment, subjecting them to the same extensive measurements and analyses as premium models. In the sub-800-euro range, various brands compete for the attention of bargain hunters. Customers are often drawn in by impressive-sounding specs like gigahertz and gigabytes, but this can lead to overlooking more crucial aspects of a laptop’s performance. Below, we list only Windows-based devices that have been thoroughly tested in recent months, with test reports linked in the table.
When determining price, we use the lowest street price at which the device was actually available at the time of the last article update. Given the significance of time-limited offers and promotions in this competitive price range, prices may fluctuate continuously, either increasing or decreasing.
Best affordable laptops, tested and ranked
Image | Model / Review | Price | Weight | Height | Size | Resolution | Screen |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Xiaomi RedmiBook 14 2025 Intel Core 5 220H ⎘ Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs ⎘ 32 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | Amazon: 1. $12.98 Puccy 2 Pack Touch Pad Film ... 2. $15.98 Puccy 2 Pack Film Protector,... 3. $15.99 Vaxson 2-Pack Film Protector... List Price: 880€ | 1.4 kg | 15.9 mm | 14.00" | 2880x1800 | ||
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5-15ARP G10 AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS ⎘ AMD Radeon 680M ⎘ 16 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD | Amazon: 1. $497.94 Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i, 15.6... 2. $568.00 Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5, 16" W... 3. $699.00 Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 16" WU... List Price: 649€ | 1.6 kg | 15.6 mm | 15.30" | 1920x1200 | matte | |
Lenovo Yoga Slim 6 14APU8 AMD Ryzen 5 7540U ⎘ AMD Radeon 740M ⎘ 16 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | Amazon: $356.00 List Price: 800 EUR | 1.4 kg | 15 mm | 14.00" | 1920x1200 | glossy | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 21M5002VGE AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS ⎘ AMD Radeon 660M ⎘ 32 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | Amazon: $669.99 List Price: 935€ | 1.9 kg | 21.3 mm | 16.00" | 1920x1200 | matte | |
Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 QOY 21NH0005GE Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100 ⎘ Qualcomm SD X Adreno X1-45 1.7 TFLOPS ⎘ 16 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD | Amazon: $729.59 List Price: 960 Euro | 1.9 kg | 15.2 mm | 16.00" | 1920x1200 | matte | |
Acer Aspire 14 AI N24Q14 Intel Core Ultra 5 226V ⎘ Intel Arc Graphics 130V ⎘ 16 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | Amazon: 1. $109.00 New KrystalPix LCD Display F... 2. $30.83 wangpeng New Cooling Fan for... 3. $899.99 acer Aspire 14 AI Copilot+ P... List Price: 700 USD | 1.4 kg | 17 mm | 14.00" | 1920x1200 | matte | |
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 14 AHP G10 AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS ⎘ AMD Radeon 780M ⎘ 16 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD | Amazon: 1. $619.99 Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Laptop... 2. $12.99 65W 45W AC Charger Fit for L... 3. $298.00 Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Lapto... List Price: 649€ | 1.5 kg | 17.9 mm | 14.00" | 1920x1200 | matte | |
Ninkear A16 Pro AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS ⎘ AMD Radeon 780M ⎘ 32 GB Memory, 1000 GB SSD | Amazon: 1. $12.99 Vaxson 2-Pack Protector Film... 2. $18.99 Vaxson 2-Pack Protector Film... 3. $15.99 Vaxson 2-Pack Film Protector... List Price: 799 Euro | 1.8 kg | 24 mm | 16.00" | 2560x1600 | matte | |
Acer Aspire 16 A16-51GM-77G2 Intel Core 7 150U ⎘ NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 Mobile ⎘ 16 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | Amazon: 1. $94.99 Factory Original 16GB (1x16G... List Price: 929 Euro | 1.9 kg | 21 mm | 16.00" | 1920x1200 | matte | |
Acer Aspire Spin 14 ASP14-52MTN-51V5 Intel Core Ultra 5 115U ⎘ Intel Graphics 4-Core iGPU (Arc) ⎘ 16 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD | Amazon: 1. $29.99 65W Charger for Acer Aspire ... 2. $149.99 PEHDPVS Replacement for Acer... 3. $499.99 Acer Aspire 14 Laptop | 14.0... List Price: 800 EUR | 1.6 kg | 21.1 mm | 14.00" | 1920x1200 | glossy |
The table above shows an overview of the best notebooks under 800 euros tested by Notebookcheck in the last 12 months and other (relevant) products that are still available. If several products have the same rating, the newer review will be listed higher. The prices shown in the table are automatically updated daily and can change accordingly. Link: all tested products in this class
Editorial comment
In the second quarter of 2025, we will be scrapping our old v7 list, the two remaining laptops Schenker Work 14 Base and Acer Aspire Go 15 AG15-31P-34JP are retiring.
New additions are the RedmiBook 14which immediately takes first place, plus the Acer Aspire 14 AI and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 14.
Of course, three traditional laptops have to make way from our list. They are replaced by the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 2-in-1 14AHP9, the HP Pavilion 16-ag0057ng and the Lenovo V17 G4 IRU.
1st place - Xiaomi RedmiBook 14 (Core 5 220H, Xe Graphics G7)
The RedmiBook 14 gets new Raptor Lake Refresh CPUs from Intel for the 2025 model year. In addition to the high-quality aluminum casing, there is also a high-resolution IPS screen that can be used to edit images with ease.
In the test, the new RedmiBook 14 2025 proves to be a good all-rounder with a high-quality aluminum casing, sufficient performance and quiet cooling for little money.
The RedmiBook 14 2025 is currently only available as an import and can be purchased via TradingShenzen, for example, from 727 euros (16 GB, 512 GB SSD).
2nd place - Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5-15 (Ryzen 7 7735HS, Radeon 680M)
With the IdeaPad Slim 5-15, Lenovo offers an affordable everyday notebook. Priced at 649 euros, it features an AMD SoC, a matte IPS display, and impressive battery life, all within an attractive aluminum case.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5-15 is a solid everyday laptop that delivers a well-rounded package. In testing, its high-quality case and long battery life stood out.
The IdeaPad Slim 5-15 is available at Campuspoint for 649 euros, or 585 euros for those eligible for the education program. It can also be purchased directly from Lenovo at its RRP of 649 euros.
3rd place - Lenovo Yoga Slim 6 14APU8 (R5 7540U)
The Lenovo Yoga Slim 6 14APU8 is a well-rounded all-purpose notebook with no major flaws, provided GPU performance isn’t a priority. Its efficient Ryzen processor is housed in a sleek, high-quality case with good input devices and a sufficient selection of ports.
The Lenovo Yoga Slim 6 14APU8 with Ryzen 5 7540U is a high-quality, compact, and lightweight all-round laptop.
The model with a Ryzen 5 7540U, Radeon 740M, and an OLED display is available for around 800 euros on Amazon DE.
4th place - Lenovo ThinkPad E16 (R5 7535HS, Radeon 660M)
The second edition of the ThinkPad E16 now delivers solid graphics performance while maintaining the familiar ThinkPad design from higher-end models—though with a few notable compromises.
An efficient and fast system for quiet working, but with trade-offs, particularly in the display and keyboard.
The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 with a Ryzen 5 7535HS, 32 GB RAM, and 1 TB SSD is available at Campuspoint for just under 900 euros. The Intel Core Ultra 5 125U variant, with the same configuration, costs around 956 euros at Playox. However, the all-time lowest price listed on Geizhals is under 800 euros.
5th place - Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 (SD X Plus X1P-42-100)
Qualcomm and Microsoft aim to bring the efficiency of ARM architecture to the Windows segment. The Lenovo ThinkBook 16 7 QOY, featuring a large 16-inch display, is available for under 1,000 euros and offers an impressive battery life of over 24 hours.
The Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 QOY is a great choice for users seeking a durable, large-screen device at a budget-friendly price. Some compromises are necessary, but that's expected in this price range.
Amazon DE lists the Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 QOY in the tested configuration for around 773 euros.
6th place - Acer Aspire 14 AI (Core Ultra 5 226V, Arc Graphics 130V)
With its efficient processor and long battery life, the Acer Aspire 14 AI meets basic office requirements and, due to its price, students too. Basic office work, web browsing, streaming, light gaming and everyday multitasking run excellently on this affordable Acer device.
The Acer Aspire 14 AI is a good everyday laptop for everyone and meets all office requirements.
At the time of writing, the Aspire 14 AI is not yet available from most retailers. In our test country America, Costco currently has a single SKU in stock for $700.
7th place - Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 14 (Ryzen 7 8840HS, Radeon 780M)
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 14 is an inexpensive multimedia computer that is particularly impressive with its fast AMD processor, decent maintenance options and good battery life. There is even enough power for some games, but the fan is audible relatively often. The RAM can be upgraded and a second SSD slot is available.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 14 is an affordable multimedia computer with a fast AMD processor and good battery life.
The test device is available at Campuspoint for 649 euros or 585 euros in the Campus program.
8th place - Ninkear A16 Pro (R7 8845HS, Radeon 780M)
With the A16 Pro, Ninkear once again demonstrates that it can offer an affordable and well-built alternative to models from established brands. In testing, the A16 Pro impresses with its metal casing, good display, consistent performance even on battery power, and quiet operation—all at a relatively low price.
The Ninkear A16 Pro stands out in many ways and, thanks to its combination of quality and affordability, even outperforms some higher-priced competitors in key areas.
The Ninkear A16 Pro is available from our partner Geekmaxi for 799 euros and can also be found on TomTop for around 869 euros.
9th place - Acer Aspire 16 A16-51GM-77G2 (Core 7 150U, RTX 2050)
The 2024 Aspire 16 A16-51GM-77G2, priced at 799 euros, combines a modern, energy-efficient Core 7 150U with an older RTX 2050. This results in an affordable multimedia laptop and all-rounder. The RTX 2050 in the Aspire 16 proves that it still holds value, offering significantly better performance than even the latest integrated GPUs.
With its combination of a cutting-edge CPU and a slightly older yet capable GPU, the Aspire 16 delivers strong multimedia performance without a high price tag. However, its relatively weak IPS display is a drawback, and for 899 euros, there are several competing models that offer significantly better features.
The Aspire 16 in our tested configuration is currently available from 1,080 euros on Amazon DE.
10th place - Acer Aspire Spin 14 (Ultra 5 115U)
The 2-in-1 mechanism and touchscreen set the 14-inch Aspire Spin 14 apart from other multimedia and all-round laptops. It also offers solid connectivity, featuring four USB ports, two of which support Thunderbolt 4. Battery life is another highlight, performing well in tests.
Overall, the Aspire Spin 14 with the Core Ultra 5 115U is a solid convertible, though it would have benefited from a display with a wider color gamut and lower noise levels under load.
The tested Acer Aspire Spin 14 ASP14-52MTN-51V5, equipped with a Core Ultra 5 115U, 16 GB RAM, and a 512 GB SSD, is currently available from various online retailers starting at around 780 euros.
Best notebooks for under 800 dollars/euros: Overview
Measurements
Xiaomi RedmiBook 14 2025 | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5-15ARP G10 | Lenovo Yoga Slim 6 14APU8 | Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 21M5002VGE | Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 QOY 21NH0005GE | Acer Aspire 14 AI N24Q14 | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 14 AHP G10 | Ninkear A16 Pro | Acer Aspire 16 A16-51GM-77G2 | Acer Aspire Spin 14 ASP14-52MTN-51V5 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Display | ||||||||||
Display P3 Coverage | 72 | 70.4 | 99.9 | 39.4 | 36.8 | 39.1 | 68.7 | 42.3 | 39.1 | |
sRGB Coverage | 100 | 99.6 | 100 | 58.2 | 55.2 | 58.4 | 97.6 | 63.6 | 57.9 | |
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage | 72.9 | 72.3 | 97 | 40.7 | 38.1 | 40.4 | 71.1 | 43.7 | 40.5 | |
Response Times | ||||||||||
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% * | 33.7 ? | 39.7 ? | 1.4 ? | 23.7 ? | 27 ? | 22 ? | 31.4 ? | 16.4 ? | 31.4 ? | 28.8 ? |
Response Time Black / White * | 18.7 ? | 22.2 ? | 1.2 ? | 16.6 ? | 21.6 ? | 11.6 ? | 21.3 ? | 11.2 ? | 22 ? | 19.7 ? |
PWM Frequency | 480 ? | 115.4 | ||||||||
PWM Amplitude * | 53 | |||||||||
Screen | ||||||||||
Brightness middle | 437 | 311 | 391 | 364 | 315 | 312.1 | 304 | 393.6 | 352 | 357 |
Brightness | 412 | 310 | 386 | 344 | 298 | 300 | 281 | 398 | 324 | 344 |
Brightness Distribution | 87 | 94 | 95 | 91 | 91 | 93 | 89 | 91 | 86 | 87 |
Black Level * | 0.21 | 0.14 | 0.02 | 0.25 | 0.17 | 0.3 | 0.22 | 0.44 | 0.27 | 0.26 |
Contrast | 2081 | 2221 | 19550 | 1456 | 1853 | 1040 | 1382 | 895 | 1304 | 1373 |
Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 1.4 | 2.7 | 1.89 | 6.7 | 6.5 | 5.52 | 5.9 | 2.32 | 4.41 | 6 |
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 2.4 | 6.1 | 4.43 | 21.4 | 26.5 | 19.89 | 19.2 | 3.72 | 15.04 | 22.87 |
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated * | 1 | 1 | 1.79 | 5.3 | 2.07 | 4.7 | 1.05 | 3.52 | 4.46 | |
Greyscale dE 2000 * | 1.8 | 4.3 | 1.3 | 4.9 | 4.1 | 5.2 | 4.5 | 2.69 | 3.32 | 3.5 |
Gamma | 2.22 99% | 2.31 95% | 2.204 100% | 2.2 100% | 2.33 94% | 2.24 98% | 2.21 100% | 2.38 92% | 2.44 90% | 1.992 110% |
CCT | 6392 102% | 6910 94% | 6411 101% | 6010 108% | 6064 107% | 6009 108% | 6098 107% | 6086 107% | 7122 91% | 6585 99% |
Noise | ||||||||||
off / environment * | 23.6 | 24.5 | 24 | 24.6 | 23.7 | 23.7 | 24.2 | 23 | 23 | 25 |
Idle Minimum * | 23.6 | 24.5 | 25 | 24.6 | 23.7 | 23.7 | 24.2 | 23 | 23 | 25 |
Idle Average * | 23.6 | 24.5 | 27 | 24.6 | 23.7 | 23.7 | 24.2 | 23 | 23 | 28 |
Idle Maximum * | 25.7 | 24.5 | 29 | 24.6 | 23.7 | 26.2 | 26.8 | 23 | 31 | 29 |
Load Average * | 31.9 | 35.1 | 37 | 28.2 | 33.5 | 40.8 | 37.68 | 46.57 | 37 | |
Cyberpunk 2077 ultra * | 34.4 | 33.1 | 37 | 36.3 | 31.9 | 37 | 38 | 37.68 | 50 | 47 |
Load Maximum * | 34.4 | 40.8 | 38 | 36.3 | 47.8 | 38.3 | 40.8 | 37.41 | 50 | 51 |
Heat | ||||||||||
Maximum Upper Side * | 38.6 | 38.1 | 39 | 42.6 | 41.3 | 35 | 38.3 | 43 | 47 | 41 |
Maximum Bottom * | 45.1 | 36.6 | 46 | 43.3 | 32.7 | 34.6 | 51.5 | 50 | 50 | 47 |
Idle Upper Side * | 24.4 | 24.6 | 28 | 24.1 | 24.8 | 23.6 | 25.8 | 31 | 27 | |
Idle Bottom * | 24.6 | 24.9 | 29 | 24.9 | 26 | 23.8 | 29.5 | 32 | 31 | |
Battery Runtime | ||||||||||
WiFi v1.3 | 587 | 862 | 590 | 535 | 1614 | 768 | 643 | 450 | 607 | 748 |
H.264 | 728 | 840 | 498 | |||||||
Load | 159 | 89 | 130 | |||||||
Power Consumption | ||||||||||
Idle Minimum * | 3.3 | 3.1 | 5 | 3.6 | 2.2 | 2.7 | 3.3 | 6.5 | 8.8 | 5 |
Idle Average * | 8.4 | 6.5 | 6 | 7.1 | 6.5 | 6.2 | 6.3 | 10.7 | 12.8 | 6 |
Idle Maximum * | 9.6 | 6.8 | 10 | 8.4 | 7.7 | 6.6 | 6.8 | 11.1 | 14.1 | 9 |
Load Average * | 51.9 | 46.4 | 41 | 39 | 35.2 | 45.7 | 68.5 | 80 | 32 | |
Cyberpunk 2077 ultra * | 51 | 29.6 | 42.5 | 36.6 | 21 | 44.6 | 38.2 | 72.8 | 73.5 | 34.4 |
Cyberpunk 2077 ultra external monitor * | 51 | 27.1 | 35.6 | 19.9 | 40.7 | 35.8 | 104.4 | 72 | 32 | |
Load Maximum * | 63.2 | 69.4 | 58 | 47.5 | 66.5 | 59 | 51.7 | 107 | 90.53 | 67 |
* ... smaller is better
Benchmark scores
3DMark | |
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Score (sort by value) | |
Lenovo Yoga Slim 6 14APU8 | |
Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 21M5002VGE | |
Acer Aspire 14 AI N24Q14 | |
Ninkear A16 Pro | |
Acer Aspire 16 A16-51GM-77G2 | |
Acer Aspire Spin 14 ASP14-52MTN-51V5 | |
1280x720 Ice Storm Standard Score (sort by value) | |
Lenovo Yoga Slim 6 14APU8 | |
Acer Aspire Spin 14 ASP14-52MTN-51V5 |