The 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 | 85.8 % | 04/2023 New! | ![]() | Huawei MateBook D 14 2023, 53013PKG Intel Core i5-1155G7 Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs 16 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD | 1.4 kg | 15.9 mm | 14.00" | 1920x1080 | matte |
2 | 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 |
3 | 84.9 % | 01/2023 | ![]() | 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 |
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 | ![]() | 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 % | 02/2023 | ![]() | Dell Latitude 3520 Intel Core i5-1135G7 Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs 8 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD | 1.8 kg | 18.06 mm | 15.60" | 1920x1080 | matte |
7 | 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 |
8 | 84.3 % | 02/2023 | ![]() | Huawei MateBook D 15 2021, i5-1135G7 Intel Core i5-1135G7 Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs 8 GB Memory, 256 GB SSD | 1.5 kg | 16.9 mm | 15.60" | 1920x1080 | matte |
9 | 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 |
10 | 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 |
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.
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1st – MateBook D 14 2022
The MateBook D 14 2022 offers a solid performance based on an Intel Core i5-1155G7. The rest of the equipment is also impressive, because overall it is enough for a good rating, which catapults the device directly to the first place in our Top10. The device comes in a robust and chic unibody and can convince with a high system performance. A very restrained fan also provides important points, as do the good battery runtimes, which make the device suitable for mobile use.
The MateBook D 14 2022 is a good all-rounder for everyday office use that does not make any major mistakes in the review.
Global availability of the MateBook D 14 (2022) appears to be limited at present.
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2nd – 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).
Top 10 Laptops
Multimedia, Budget Multimedia, Gaming, Budget Gaming, Lightweight Gaming, Business, Budget Office, Workstation, Subnotebooks, Ultrabooks, Chromebooks
under 300 USD/Euros, under 500 USD/Euros, 1,000 USD/Euros, for University Students, Best Displays
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Smartphones, Phablets, ≤6-inch, Camera Smartphones
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3rd – 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.
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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.
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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 Latitude 3520
The Dell Latitude 3520 is an inexpensive and fast office notebook, which is based on an Intel Core i5-1135G7. The SoC offers a solid performance and overall, the device could score with good battery runtimes due to moderate emissions in the test. A 256 GB solid state drive in M.2 format ensures a smoothly running system without long waiting times. There is also a matte IPS screen and modern USB interfaces.
Furthermore, the office device could score with good input devices and a quiet operating noise.
The Dell Latitude 3520 is a good office notebook for the desk at home. The low weight, good input devices and long battery runtimes speak for the Latitude 3520.
At the time of writing, the Core i5-1135G7 SKU sold through retailers such as Amazon with prices starting at $820.
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7th – 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.
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8th – Huawei MateBook D 15
The Huawei MateBook D 15 is a very quiet and inexpensive office device here. The SoC offers solid performance and despite the attractive pricing, the manufacturer does not skimp on high-quality materials. Overall, the device is very light and a fingerprint reader is also included. We have to make concessions in terms of expandability because the installed working memory cannot be expanded. Thus, users who cannot cope with 8 GB should rather go for the 16 GB model.
The Huawei MateBook D 15 is a very inexpensive office notebook with a good price-performance ratio.
The Huawei MateBook D 15 is currently not available in North America.
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9th – 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.
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10th - 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
Test Results
Huawei MateBook D 14 2023, 53013PKG | Lenovo ThinkBook 15 G3 ACL 21A400B2GE | Acer Aspire Vero AV14-51-72DL | Dell Inspiron 15 5515-H8P8F | Huawei MateBook D 14 (2021) | Dell Latitude 3520 | Dell Inspiron 14 5425 6VPKR | Huawei MateBook D 15 2021, i5-1135G7 | LG Ultra-PC 16 16U70Q-G.AR36G | Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-P8NZ | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Display | ||||||||||
Display P3 Coverage | 43.78 | 43.8 | 68.1 | 36.58 | 42 | 40 | 39.2 | 39.5 | 36 | 37.1 |
sRGB Coverage | 64.33 | 65.5 | 98.6 | 54.37 | 63.3 | 60.2 | 57.4 | 59.4 | 55 | 55.8 |
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage | 45.23 | 45.4 | 69.4 | 37.79 | 43.4 | 41.4 | 40.5 | 40.8 | 37 | 38.3 |
Response Times | ||||||||||
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% * | 32 ? | 30 ? | 56 ? | 44 ? | 26 ? | 24 ? | 23 ? | 41 ? | 38 ? | 37 ? |
Response Time Black / White * | 14 ? | 21 ? | 30 ? | 31 ? | 17 ? | 13 ? | 15 ? | 27 ? | 28 ? | 28 ? |
PWM Frequency | 6000 ? | 1250 ? | 25000 ? | |||||||
Screen | ||||||||||
Brightness middle | 285 | 291 | 329 | 251 | 291 | 322 | 292 | 297 | 299 | 252 |
Brightness | 266 | 271 | 308 | 241 | 258 | 294 | 279 | 281 | 270 | 252 |
Brightness Distribution | 89 | 86 | 88 | 87 | 77 | 87 | 90 | 88 | 85 | 85 |
Black Level * | 0.265 | 0.375 | 0.17 | 0.23 | 0.23 | 0.445 | 0.34 | 0.43 | 0.265 | 0.14 |
Contrast | 1075 | 776 | 1935 | 1091 | 1265 | 724 | 859 | 691 | 1128 | 1800 |
Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 4.95 | 4.17 | 1.31 | 5.14 | 3.98 | 4.54 | 6.26 | 4.6 | 4.57 | 3.58 |
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 17.92 | 7.18 | 2.38 | 18.41 | 16.57 | 17.27 | 19.14 | 19.07 | 8.92 | 6.25 |
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated * | 4.21 | 0.94 | 3.59 | 4.43 | 5.02 | 4.85 | ||||
Greyscale dE 2000 * | 2.79 | 3.31 | 1.75 | 1.08 | 1.85 | 1.25 | 4.31 | 2.24 | 3.8 | 1.38 |
Gamma | 2.42 91% | 2.23 99% | 2.39 92% | 2.43 91% | 2.33 94% | 2.46 89% | 2.27 97% | 2.39 92% | 2.6 85% | 2.44 90% |
CCT | 6720 97% | 6457 101% | 6448 101% | 6534 99% | 6589 99% | 6677 97% | 6102 107% | 6720 97% | 6142 106% | 6645 98% |
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998) | 37.79 | |||||||||
Color Space (Percent of sRGB) | 54.37 | |||||||||
Noise | ||||||||||
off / environment * | 26 | 25.5 | 26 | 25.4 | 26 | 26 | 25.5 | 25.5 | 25 | 25 |
Idle Minimum * | 26 | 25.5 | 26 | 25.4 | 26 | 26 | 25.5 | 25.5 | 25 | 25 |
Idle Average * | 26 | 25.5 | 26 | 25.4 | 26 | 26 | 25.5 | 25.5 | 25 | 25 |
Idle Maximum * | 26 | 25.5 | 26 | 25.4 | 26 | 26 | 25.5 | 25.5 | 25.4 | 26.4 |
Load Average * | 40.2 | 28.5 | 44.2 | 34 | 42.9 | 31.1 | 37.7 | 31 | 36.2 | 32 |
Load Maximum * | 40.1 | 45.6 | 44.3 | 40 | 42.6 | 41.5 | 43.3 | 39.1 | 36.4 | 35.9 |
Heat | ||||||||||
Maximum Upper Side * | 40.9 | 42.2 | 43.1 | 39.4 | 39.1 | 37.5 | 39.1 | 39.9 | 39.5 | 36.9 |
Maximum Bottom * | 41.7 | 48.8 | 54 | 45.4 | 41.1 | 49.7 | 41.9 | 42 | 45 | 34.4 |
Idle Upper Side * | 25.7 | 27.8 | 29.6 | 33.2 | 33.3 | 29 | 31.2 | 26.5 | 26.7 | 28.4 |
Idle Bottom * | 26.5 | 32.3 | 35.3 | 35.1 | 34.8 | 30.1 | 30.9 | 26.8 | 28.2 | 29.1 |
Battery Runtime | ||||||||||
H.264 | 660 | 645 | ||||||||
WiFi v1.3 | 667 | 486 | 947 | 627 | 741 | 547 | 770 | 512 | 1026 | 471 |
Load | 154 | 144 | 84 | 141 | ||||||
Reader / Idle | 1937 | |||||||||
Power Consumption | ||||||||||
Idle Minimum * | 4.5 | 4.2 | 3.3 | 3.8 | 5 | 3.2 | 4 | 3.8 | 3.7 | 5 |
Idle Average * | 6.9 | 8.3 | 3.8 | 6.6 | 7 | 7.2 | 6.6 | 7.3 | 6.8 | 6.4 |
Idle Maximum * | 8.2 | 10.4 | 12.8 | 8 | 7.2 | 7.8 | 9.4 | 8.4 | 8.6 | 9 |
Load Average * | 39.5 | 49 | 32 | 33.4 | 40.5 | 34 | 37 | 38 | 30 | 26.5 |
Witcher 3 ultra * | 39.6 | 39.7 | 31 | 33.6 | 38.3 | 29.2 | 37.1 | 34.6 | 30.2 | 25 |
Load Maximum * | 65.3 | 49.3 | 66.9 | 54 | 66.1 | 65 | 53.7 | 65.8 | 45 | 34 |
* ... 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 | |
Home Score Accelerated v2 (sort by value) | |
Dell Inspiron 15 5515-H8P8F | |
Dell Inspiron 14 5425 6VPKR | |
Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-P8NZ |