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MagyarThe Best Budget Office Notebooks
Office notebooks, cheap bargains and computers for everyday tasks: They require decent input devices, ergonomic displays and connectivity that should allow the user to easily connect to the home or workplace environment, but it does not have to be very generous. Also compare the following Top 10 lists for your purchase decision.
The following table shows an overview of the Top 10 budget office laptops (under 800 USD/Euros) reviewed by Notebookcheck in the previous 12 months. If ratings are equal, the latest review is listed first. The table can be sorted by clicking its headers and filtered by entering text in the text field above it (e.g. "matte").
- The Best Premium Business Notebooks (particularly premium office notebooks)
- The Best Portable Workstations (powerful laptops for professionals)
- The Best Ultra-Portable Notebooks (compact and portable notebooks)
- The Best Windows Convertibles (notebooks that can be converted into a tablet)
The Best Budget Office Laptops
Position | Total Rating | Date | Image | Model | Weight | Height | Size | Resolution | Screen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 85.1 % | 11/2022 |  | Lenovo ThinkBook 15 G3 ACL 21A400B2GE AMD Ryzen 5 5500U AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 8 GB Memory, 256 GB SSD | 1.7 kg | 18.9 mm | 15.60" | 1920x1080 | matte |
| 2 | 84.9 % | 01/2023 New! |  | Acer Aspire Vero AV14-51-72DL Intel Core i7-1255U Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs 16 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | 1.5 kg | 17.9 mm | 14.00" | 1920x1080 | matte |
| 3 | 84.8 % | 01/2022 |  | HP Pavilion 14-dv0357ng Intel Core i5-1135G7 Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs 15.8 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | 1.4 kg | 19 mm | 14.00" | 1920x1080 | matte |
| 4 | 84.7 % | 07/2022 |  | Dell Inspiron 15 5515-H8P8F AMD Ryzen 7 5700U AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 4000/5000) 8 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD | 1.6 kg | 18 mm | 15.60" | 1920x1080 | matte |
| 5 | 84.7 % | 01/2023 New! |  | Huawei MateBook D 14 (2021) Intel Core i5-1135G7 Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs 8 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD | 1.4 kg | 15.9 mm | 14.00" | 1920x1080 | matte |
| 6 | 84.6 % | 08/2022 |  | Dell Inspiron 14 5425 6VPKR AMD Ryzen 5 5625U AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 16 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD | 1.6 kg | 18.37 mm | 14.00" | 1920x1200 | matte |
| 7 | 83.8 % | 10/2022 |  | LG Ultra-PC 16 16U70Q-G.AR36G AMD Ryzen 3 5300U AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 4000/5000) 8 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD | 1.6 kg | 16.3 mm | 16.00" | 1280x1200 | matte |
| 8 | 82.2 % | 11/2022 |  | Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-P8NZ Intel Pentium Gold 7505 Intel UHD Graphics Xe G4 48EUs 8 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD | 1.7 kg | 17.95 mm | 15.60" | 1920x1080 | matte |
| 9 | 81.5 % | 12/2021 |  | Acer Swift 1 SF114-34-P6U1 Intel Pentium Silver N6000 Intel UHD Graphics (Jasper Lake 32 EU) 4 GB Memory, 128 GB eMMC | 1.3 kg | 14.95 mm | 14.00" | 1920x1080 | matte |
| 10 | 80.7 % | 04/2022 |  | Asus VivoBook 15 OLED M513UA-L1282W AMD Ryzen 7 5700U AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 4000/5000) 16 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD | 1.8 kg | 18.6 mm | 15.60" | 1920x1080 | glossy |
The table above contains an overview over the best budget office notebooks for less than 800 Euros reviewed by Notebookcheck over the course of the past 12 months as well as still relevant and available older products. In cases of identical score the more recent device is listed first. All prices in above table and price comparisons are updated daily and can thus differ.
Link: all devices in this class reviewed
Editors' Comments
There are many acceptable and good office devices for under 800 Euros (~$896). The best models stem from Lenovo, HP, Fujitsu, and Acer and they cost between 450 and 800 Euros (~$504 and ~$896). All cheap models have some disadvantages, for example, poor input devices or a more flexible case. IPS panels have become increasingly common in the Budget Office Top 10.
1st – Lenovo ThinkBook 15 G3
With the Lenovo ThinkBook 15 G3, the manufacturer primarily targets freelancers and small/medium businesses and thus differentiates itself from the more expensive ThinkPad series. The ThinkBook 15 G3 offers a frugal processor with the AMD Ryzen 5 5500U, which also ensures the low emissions. A good keyboard provides a pleasant typing experience and the wide range of ports are an important purchase argument.
The Lenovo ThinkBook 15 G3 is an inexpensive work notebook for daily office use.
The device is listed on Lenovo’s website and some other retailers. For example, Amazon US offers Lenovo ThinkBook 15 G3 with Ryzen 5 5500U for around $499 (affiliate link).
Pricecompare
2nd – Acer Aspire Vero
The Acer Aspire Vero AV14 is a modern office notebook and also relies on Thunderbolt 4 in terms of connectivity, which makes the device quite interesting and offers many expansion options. Furthermore, there is an Intel Core i7-1255U with an Intel Iris Xe iGPU. The working memory of 16 GB is sufficient for everyday office use. The installed SSD is very generous with 1 TB.
The Acer Aspire Vero AV14 is a compact business notebook with very good battery runtimes and modern ports.
In the USA, users can order a variant with reviewed model's specs via Acer's online store for US$899. A cheaper variant, which is equipped with a Core i5-1235U, is available on Amazon for around $549.
Pricecompare
3rd – HP Pavilion 14
The HP Pavilion 14 comes with an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor – a perfect match – as well as a display surrounded by modern thin bezels and a high build quality. It offers plenty of storage, a bright display, and a good keyboard befitting its intended use case. It also supports Power Delivery via USB-C.
Visually intriguing with minor flaws in regard to performance and connectivity.
At the time of writing, the Core i5 SKU was not yet available in the United States. The Core i3-1125G4 SKU sold through retailers such as Amazon with prices starting at $499.
Pricecompare
4th – Dell Inspiron 15 5515
The Dell Inspiron 15 5515 is an inexpensive and fast office notebook that relies on an APU from AMD. With the Ryzen 7 5700U, the compact office device not only offers great CPU performance, because with the AMD Radeon RX Vega 8, the 3D performance is also on a good level. A solid state disk with 512 GB in M.2 format ensures a well-running system without long waiting times.
Furthermore, the office device scored with good input devices and a quiet operating noise.
The Dell Inspiron 15 5515 is a good office notebook for the desk at home. The low weight, good input devices and long battery life speak for the Inspiron 15.
The Inspiron 15 5515 (AMD Ryzen 7 5700U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8, 16 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD) is available on Amazon for $1,199.
Pricecompare
5th – Huawei MateBook D 14 (2021)
The current Huawei MateBook D 14 is based on an Intel Core i5-1135G7, which is currently no longer one of the most modern SoCs. Nevertheless, the device could secure a good result in the overall rating, which allows it to enter our top 10. The working memory of 8 GB is still sufficient and completely adequate for normal office applications. Fortunately, the manufacturer does not skimp on the SSD with 512 GB. Modern looks and a good build including high-quality materials ultimately contribute to the overall result. Furthermore, the device could also convince with long battery runtimes in the review.
The Huawei MateBook D 14 is not old-fashioned despite its comparatively old SoC.
Huawei's devices are not available in the USA market.
Pricecompare
6th – Dell Inspiron 14 5425
Based on the AMD Ryzen 5 5625U, the Dell Inspiron 14 5425 offers good performance at an attractive price. Together with the 16:10 display, the device is very well suited as a work device. It remains very cool and the long battery runtimes do not restrict use on the go.
The Dell Inspiron 14 5425 is a solid office device that also cuts a good figure as a mobile companion thanks to its good battery life.
The Dell Inspiron 15 5425 (Ryzen 7 5825U, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD) is currently available on Amazon for $899.
Pricecompare
7th – LG Ultra-PC 16
The LG Ultra-PC 16 inherits the LG gram series and is based on an AMD Ryzen 3 5300U in our tested configuration. The native 4-core offers enough reserves in the entry-level class. Furthermore, the device is still very compact and the low emissions underpin the good rating in our test. LG's Ultra-PC 16 also attracts attention with its long battery runtimes.
With a runtime of up to 17 hours, LG's Ultra-PC 16 is unrivaled in this price range.
LG UltraPC 16 with Ryzen 7 5825U, 16 GB RAM and 1TB GB SSD is currently available at LG's home page for ~$1,099.99.
Pricecompare
8th - Acer Aspire 5 A515
The Aspire series are inexpensive laptops from Acer. The Acer Aspire 5 A515 offers a good price-performance ratio for only 500 euro (RRP) and could thus directly be included in our Top10 list. In terms of ports, the device offers everything the heart desires. A matte display, low emissions and good battery runtimes are only part of what the notebook has to offer.
The Acer Aspire 5 A515 is a light and inexpensive office notebook and is best suited for everyday use.
The Acer Aspire 5 A515 is listed in various online stores. Amazon US offers some variants just from under $300.
Pricecompare
9th – Acer Swift 1 SF114
The Acer Swift 1 SF114 is a silent and at the same time very inexpensive office device. However, the Acer Swift 1 SF114 still lacks a bit of performance for an all-rounder. Nevertheless, the device is well suited as a mobile typewriter or streaming client. The built-in SoC - Intel Pentium Silver N6000 - offers enough computing power for this. At least Acer equips the inexpensive machine with a matte IPS screen, and they have also made an effort with the design and put everything in a shocking metal case. Very long battery runtimes and the low temperature rise are further plus points and even the purchase argument for one or the other. Furthermore, the user does not have to do without a backlit keyboard.
The Acer Swift 1 SF114-34 is a very inexpensive office notebook and a reliable companion thanks to long battery runtimes.
The Acer Swift 1 SF114-34 with Intel Pentium Silver N6000 is currently not available in North America.
Pricecompare
10th – Asus VivoBook 15 OLED
The Asus VivoBook 15 OLED is an inexpensive all-round notebook and offers a fast SoC with the AMD Ryzen 7 5700U. However, the highlight is the OLED display, which makes the device one of the few devices in this price range that rely on this technology. The high computing power is accompanied by a fast SSD. Nevertheless, the noise and heat emissions of the Asus VivoBook 15 OLED are kept within limits in our test.
The Asus VivoBook 15 OLED is a good all-rounder with a high-quality OLED display for a purchase price of well under 1,000 Euros.
The ASUS VivoBook 15 OLED K513 with Intel Core i5-1135G7 (US market) is available for $690.99 at Amazon (affiliate link).
Pricecompare
Test Results
| Lenovo ThinkBook 15 G3 ACL 21A400B2GE | Acer Aspire Vero AV14-51-72DL | HP Pavilion 14-dv0357ng | Dell Inspiron 15 5515-H8P8F | Huawei MateBook D 14 (2021) | Dell Inspiron 14 5425 6VPKR | LG Ultra-PC 16 16U70Q-G.AR36G | Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-P8NZ | Acer Swift 1 SF114-34-P6U1 | Asus VivoBook 15 OLED M513UA-L1282W | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | ||||||||||
| Display P3 Coverage | 43.8 | 68.1 | 62 | 36.58 | 42 | 39.2 | 36 | 37.1 | 41.4 | 99.9 |
| sRGB Coverage | 65.5 | 98.6 | 92 | 54.37 | 63.3 | 57.4 | 55 | 55.8 | 61.8 | 100 |
| AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage | 45.4 | 69.4 | 63 | 37.79 | 43.4 | 40.5 | 37 | 38.3 | 42.9 | 97.6 |
| Response Times | ||||||||||
| Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% * | 30 ? | 56 ? | 37 ? | 44 ? | 26 ? | 23 ? | 38 ? | 37 ? | 29 ? | 2 ? |
| Response Time Black / White * | 21 ? | 30 ? | 17 ? | 31 ? | 17 ? | 15 ? | 28 ? | 28 ? | 20 ? | 2 ? |
| PWM Frequency | 1250 ? | 25000 ? | 25000 ? | |||||||
| Screen | ||||||||||
| Brightness middle | 291 | 329 | 387 | 251 | 291 | 292 | 299 | 252 | 295 | 366 |
| Brightness | 271 | 308 | 359 | 241 | 258 | 279 | 270 | 252 | 265 | 371 |
| Brightness Distribution | 86 | 88 | 84 | 87 | 77 | 90 | 85 | 85 | 85 | 96 |
| Black Level * | 0.375 | 0.17 | 0.55 | 0.23 | 0.23 | 0.34 | 0.265 | 0.14 | 0.31 | 0.01 |
| Contrast | 776 | 1935 | 704 | 1091 | 1265 | 859 | 1128 | 1800 | 952 | 36600 |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 4.17 | 1.31 | 4.04 | 5.14 | 3.98 | 6.26 | 4.57 | 3.58 | 5.43 | 1.9 |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 7.18 | 2.38 | 8.28 | 18.41 | 16.57 | 19.14 | 8.92 | 6.25 | 9.51 | 4.26 |
| Greyscale dE 2000 * | 3.31 | 1.75 | 5 | 1.08 | 1.85 | 4.31 | 3.8 | 1.38 | 4.19 | 1.27 |
| Gamma | 2.23 99% | 2.39 92% | 2.62 84% | 2.43 91% | 2.33 94% | 2.27 97% | 2.6 85% | 2.44 90% | 2.11 104% | 2.44 90% |
| CCT | 6457 101% | 6448 101% | 7123 91% | 6534 99% | 6589 99% | 6102 107% | 6142 106% | 6645 98% | 7084 92% | 6338 103% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated * | 0.94 | 1 | 3.59 | 5.02 | 4.85 | 2.3 | ||||
| Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998) | 37.79 | |||||||||
| Color Space (Percent of sRGB) | 54.37 | |||||||||
| Noise | ||||||||||
| off / environment * | 25.5 | 26 | 25.4 | 25.4 | 26 | 25.5 | 25 | 25 | 26 | |
| Idle Minimum * | 25.5 | 26 | 25.4 | 25.4 | 26 | 25.5 | 25 | 25 | 26 | |
| Idle Average * | 25.5 | 26 | 25.4 | 25.4 | 26 | 25.5 | 25 | 25 | 26 | |
| Idle Maximum * | 25.5 | 26 | 25.4 | 25.4 | 26 | 25.5 | 25.4 | 26.4 | 26.2 | |
| Load Average * | 28.5 | 44.2 | 35.4 | 34 | 42.9 | 37.7 | 36.2 | 32 | 41.4 | |
| Load Maximum * | 45.6 | 44.3 | 35.5 | 40 | 42.6 | 43.3 | 36.4 | 35.9 | 41.4 | |
| Heat | ||||||||||
| Maximum Upper Side * | 42.2 | 43.1 | 40.5 | 39.4 | 39.1 | 39.1 | 39.5 | 36.9 | 38.9 | 39.6 |
| Maximum Bottom * | 48.8 | 54 | 39.9 | 45.4 | 41.1 | 41.9 | 45 | 34.4 | 43.3 | 48.4 |
| Idle Upper Side * | 27.8 | 29.6 | 31.3 | 33.2 | 33.3 | 31.2 | 26.7 | 28.4 | 28.5 | 30.9 |
| Idle Bottom * | 32.3 | 35.3 | 31.1 | 35.1 | 34.8 | 30.9 | 28.2 | 29.1 | 29.6 | 32.3 |
| Battery Runtime | ||||||||||
| WiFi v1.3 | 486 | 947 | 360 | 627 | 741 | 770 | 1026 | 471 | 693 | 388 |
| H.264 | 356 | 645 | 981 | |||||||
| Witcher 3 ultra | 121 | |||||||||
| Load | 144 | 141 | 285 | |||||||
| Reader / Idle | 1937 | 1771 | ||||||||
| Power Consumption | ||||||||||
| Idle Minimum * | 4.2 | 3.3 | 4.8 | 3.8 | 5 | 4 | 3.7 | 5 | 2.4 | 4.1 |
| Idle Average * | 8.3 | 3.8 | 8.5 | 6.6 | 7 | 6.6 | 6.8 | 6.4 | 4.1 | 5 |
| Idle Maximum * | 10.4 | 12.8 | 12.4 | 8 | 7.2 | 9.4 | 8.6 | 9 | 4.7 | 4.8 |
| Load Average * | 49 | 32 | 37.7 | 33.4 | 40.5 | 37 | 30 | 26.5 | 13.6 | 38 |
| Witcher 3 ultra * | 39.7 | 31 | 35.4 | 33.6 | 38.3 | 37.1 | 30.2 | 25 | 14.3 | 34.8 |
| Load Maximum * | 49.3 | 66.9 | 45.3 | 54 | 66.1 | 53.7 | 45 | 34 | 12.1 | 52 |
* ... smaller is better
Benchmarks
| PCMark 8 | |
| Work Score Accelerated v2 (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 5515-H8P8F | |
| Dell Inspiron 14 5425 6VPKR | |
| Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-P8NZ | |
| Acer Swift 1 SF114-34-P6U1 | |
| Home Score Accelerated v2 (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 5515-H8P8F | |
| Dell Inspiron 14 5425 6VPKR | |
| Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-P8NZ | |
| Acer Swift 1 SF114-34-P6U1 | |
