Why this made the list
The Acer Aspire 5 Slim above covers the absolute cheapest laptop on this list. This one covers the same budget tier for someone who wants a smaller, lighter machine and is willing to give up a little processing power to get it.
What it actually does
A 14-inch display, an entry-level Ryzen 3 chip, and a lighter chassis than the Aspire 5 Slim's 15.6-inch footprint. Several configurations include a touchscreen, a genuine bonus most budget laptops skip. It handles browsing, email, and office work without issue, the same ceiling as the Aspire 5 Slim.
Who this is actually for
Someone who prioritizes portability over screen size at the budget tier, students carrying a laptop between classes, or anyone who wants a touchscreen without paying a premium for it. It's not the pick for anyone who wants a bigger screen for the same money, the Aspire 5 Slim covers that case.
What to weigh before buying
- The Ryzen 3 5300U chip is a step behind the Aspire 5 Slim's processor in most benchmarks, a real tradeoff for the smaller size.
- HP sells several near-identical 14-inch configurations under the same model name, confirm the exact chip, RAM, and touchscreen spec before buying.
- Build quality matches the price, expect plastic construction and a basic hinge.
The verdict
The right budget pick for someone who wants smaller and lighter over a bigger screen. Confirm the exact configuration before buying, since HP's naming overlaps across several similar models.