Best Laptops under $400 to Buy in January 2026
HP 15.6" Laptop with Microsoft 365-1.1TB Storage - 8GB Memory - Intel Inside | Anti-Glare Display, 128GB SSD and 1TB Cloud Storage, 4-Cores CPU, Fast Charge and 12hrs Battery, no Mouse
- BOOST CREATIVITY WITH MICROSOFT 365'S SMART ASSISTANCE TOOLS.
- ENJOY AN ULTRA-WIDE 15.6 HD DISPLAY FOR SEAMLESS MULTITASKING.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY WITH MULTIPLE USB AND HDMI PORTS INCLUDED.
HP Rose Gold Ultrabook Laptop with Microsoft Office 365, Intel 2-Core CPU, 1.1TB Storage (1TB OneDrive and 64GB SSD), 8GB RAM, Windows 11, No Mouse
- EXCEPTIONAL MULTITASKING WITH DDR4 RAM AND EMMC STORAGE!
- LONG-LASTING BATTERY LIFE: UP TO 11.5 HOURS FOR ALL-DAY USE!
- WINDOWS 11 S AND OFFICE 365 INCLUDED FOR SEAMLESS PRODUCTIVITY!
HP 14 Laptop, Intel Celeron N4020, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB Storage, 14-inch Micro-edge HD Display, Windows 11 Home, Thin & Portable, 4K Graphics, One Year of Microsoft 365 (14-dq0040nr, Snowflake White)
- ULTRA-LIGHT DESIGN FOR PORTABILITY; ENJOY MORE ON THE GO!
- STUNNING 14-INCH HD DISPLAY FOR IMMERSIVE VISUALS AND DETAIL.
- ALL-DAY POWER WITH INTEL CELERON FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE ANYTIME!
Dell 15 Laptop DC15250-15.6-inch FHD 120Hz Display, Intel Core 3 Processor 100U Processor, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD, Intel UHD Graphics, Windows 11 Home, Onsite Service - Carbon Black
-
BOOST PRODUCTIVITY WITH INTEL CORE 3 FOR QUICK TASK COMPLETION.
-
STAY FOCUSED LONGER WITH ENERGY-EFFICIENT BATTERIES AND EXPRESS CHARGE.
-
ENJOY EYE COMFORT WITH DELL COMFORTVIEW FOR EXTENDED SCREEN TIME.
Lenovo 2026 New V15 Laptop for Student & Business with Microsoft Office on the Web, AMD Ryzen 3 7320U (Beat i7-1065G7), 15.6'' FHD, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Ethernet Port RJ-45, Windows 11 Pro, No Mouse
- GET FULL PRODUCTIVITY WITH INCLUDED MICROSOFT OFFICE 365 SUBSCRIPTION!
- EXPERIENCE SMOOTH MULTITASKING WITH RYZEN 3 PROCESSOR UP TO 4.1GHZ.
- ENJOY FAST ACCESS WITH 16GB DDR5 AND UP TO 2TB SSD STORAGE CAPACITY.
HP Chromebook 14 Laptop, Intel Celeron N4120, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB eMMC, 14" HD Display, Chrome OS, Thin Design, 4K Graphics, Long Battery Life, Ash Gray Keyboard (14a-na0226nr, 2022, Mineral Silver)
- ALL-DAY BATTERY LIFE AND FAST CHARGING KEEP YOU POWERED UP ANYTIME.
- LIGHT AND PORTABLE 14-INCH HD DISPLAY FOR WORK AND ENTERTAINMENT ON-THE-GO.
- QUAD-CORE INTEL PROCESSOR FOR SEAMLESS MULTITASKING AND SMOOTH STREAMING.
ASUS Vivobook Go 15.6” FHD Slim Laptop, AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Quad Core Processor, 8GB DDR5 RAM, 128GB SSD, Windows 11 Home, Fast Charging, Webcam Sheild, Military Grade Durability, Black, E1504FA-AS33
-
STUNNING 15.6” NANOEDGE DISPLAY WITH 250-NIT BRIGHTNESS.
-
POWERFUL AMD RYZEN 3 PROCESSOR FOR SEAMLESS PRODUCTIVITY.
-
LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN AT JUST 3.59 LBS FOR ULTIMATE PORTABILITY.
HP 14 Laptop Student Business 2025 Flagship Computer, AI Copilot, 4-Core 13th Gen Intel CPU, 16GB RAM 628GB Storage (128GB UFS+500GB Ext) 1-Yr Office 365 Long Battery HubxcelAccessory Win 11S Lavender
-
POWERFUL 16GB RAM FOR SEAMLESS MULTITASKING AND GAMING!
-
FAST 13TH GEN INTEL PROCESSOR FOR TOP-NOTCH PERFORMANCE!
-
INCLUDES 6-IN-1 ACCESSORY PACK AND 1-YEAR OFFICE 365!
Finding a high-quality laptop on a budget can be a daunting task. However, with the right guidance, you can secure one of the best laptop deals under $400 without sacrificing essential features. In this guide, we'll explore what you should look for when purchasing a budget laptop, helping you to make an informed choice.
Understanding Your Needs
When searching for a laptop, it's important to first define your primary usage. Understanding your needs will guide you towards the best laptop that fits your budget:
- Basic Web Browsing and Office Work: If your primary tasks include surfing the web, checking emails, and using office applications, a laptop with modest specifications will suffice.
- Multimedia Consumption: For watching movies and listening to music, look for laptops with better displays and good quality speakers.
- Light Gaming or Casual Use: If gaming or graphic design is your interest, ensure the laptop can handle moderate graphic requirements and possesses sufficient processing power.
Key Features to Consider
When evaluating laptops under $400, focus on these features:
1. Processor
The processor is the brain of your laptop. For budget laptops, you'll typically encounter Intel Celeron, Pentium, or AMD A-series processors. While these aren't the most powerful, they are sufficient for everyday tasks. Look for laptops with at least a dual-core processor.
2. RAM (Memory)
For smooth multitasking, aim for at least 4GB of RAM. More RAM can significantly improve performance, so if you find a deal offering 8GB within budget, consider it seriously.
3. Storage
Consider whether you need more storage or faster access to your files. SSDs (Solid State Drives) offer quicker load times and better overall performance compared to traditional HDDs (Hard Disk Drives). In budget-friendly models, you may find smaller SSDs, so balance capacity with speed.
4. Display and Graphics
A sharp display enhances the overall experience. Look for a minimum of 1366x768 resolution. If you prioritize visuals, some budget laptops feature integrated graphics that can handle slightly more demanding tasks.
5. Battery Life
A laptop with decent battery life is crucial for on-the-go tasks. Aim for a laptop that offers at least 5-8 hours of usage on a single charge.
6. Build Quality and Portability
A well-built laptop can withstand the wear and tear of daily use. Consider the material quality and weight if you need a laptop that's easy to carry.
7. Connectivity
Look for laptops that support the latest Bluetooth and Wi-Fi standards for a better connection. Additional USB ports, HDMI, and SD card slots provide flexibility.
Tips for Scoring the Best Deals
- Compare Prices Online: Utilize comparison websites to assess prices from multiple retailers.
- Promotional Sales: Keep an eye out for sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and back-to-school discounts.
- Refurbished Options: Consider certified refurbished models for higher specs at lower prices.
For specific needs like coding or video editing, check out these specialized guides:
Conclusion
Purchasing a laptop under $400 doesn't mean you have to skimp on quality. By focusing on your personal needs and key features, you can find a reliable laptop that caters to your daily requirements while staying within budget. Stay informed about the latest tech reviews and deals to make the smartest purchase decision.