The Best Laptops Under $1,000

MacBook Air

A

$999

If it’s a new MacBook for under $1,000 you’re after, you don’t have a lot of options—but you do have one good one. At $999, the base model MacBook Air will provide all of the capabilities that most will need, assuming that doesn’t include a ton of on-device storage for photos and music.

An even better option for bargain hunters is to keep an eye out for the refurbished options that Apple regularly offers, which can net you a unit that’s like new for a couple hundred off the list price.

Microsoft Surface Laptop

AMAZON

BUY NOW

$797 (and up)

Microsoft’s Surface Pro is a great option if you want some added versatility, but the company’s more traditional Surface Laptop is no slouch either. It easily stands out from the crowd with some eye-catching color options and unique fabric covering, and it won’t disappoint with its core features either, including a high-resolution 13.5-inch touchscreen.

As most reviews have pointed out, the one significant shortcoming is the more limited Windows 10 S operating system that comes loaded on the laptop, but a simple upgrade to Windows 10 Pro can fix that.

Acer Spin 5

$509 (and up)

Acer has long been the go-to choice for many when it comes to inexpensive laptops, and the company’s current lineup continues to hold up that reputation. One standout is its Spin 5 convertible laptop, which is The Wirecutter’s top pick for the best over cheap Windows laptop and is also consistently well-reviewed elsewhere.

It’s relatively thin and light at 3.3 pounds (in the 13-inch model), and is a and available in a range of configurations, all of which include a great quality screen for its class and ample battery life.

Lenovo ThinkPad T470

$715 (and up)

Whether you’re looking for a business-minded laptop or just an all-around dependable system, it’s hard to ignore the venerable ThinkPad. While some of Lenovo’s offerings can get pricey, the ThinkPad T470 is a solid choice on the more affordable side of things.

It’s an Editor’s Choice pick from PCMag, due in no small part to the laptop’s impressive 17 hours of battery life, which is further bolstered by something of a rarity these days: a hot-swappable battery. Being a ThinkPad, you’ll also get the trademark TrackPoint pointing stick to complement the touchpad, not to mention one of the best keyboards around.