3 of the best cheap laptops – and 3 to steer clear of

We all know the frustration of being hobbled by a sluggish computer that takes minutes to start up and freezes when you give it more than two jobs. That’s the reality with many cheap laptops. It’s hard to find a decent one at a low price.

But few people have $2,000 to spare on a quality laptop right now.

On top of that, universal support for Windows 10 is ending on Tuesday 14 October.

You can get a 1-year extension for free to remain supported until October 2026. Nonetheless, many people will take the opportunity to trade their old Windows 10 computer for a new toy.

Luckily, we have tested a few sharply priced laptops that can do a satisfactory job.

First, here are a few examples of duds that aren’t worth the money you’d save.

3 cheap laptops to avoid

3 cheapish laptops we like