If you’re in the market for a reliable laptop that won’t break the bank like a MacBook, here are four high-quality, budget-friendly alternatives that offer performance, design, and productivity for a fraction of the price:
The Dell XPS 13 stands out with its nearly bezel-less “InfinityEdge” display, providing a similar high-end look to a MacBook. Its aluminum build and slim profile make it lightweight and portable. It’s available with Intel’s latest Core i5 or i7 processors, 8GB to 16GB of RAM, and fast SSD storage options (256GB to 1TB), making it highly capable of handling multitasking and demanding software. With a battery life of up to 12 hours, this laptop is ideal for professionals needing a powerful, stylish machine on the go.
Dell XPS 13 Specs
Display: 13.4-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) or UHD+ (3840 x 2400), InfinityEdge
Processor: Up to Intel Core i7 (11th or 12th Gen options)
Memory: 8GB or 16GB LPDDR4x RAM
Storage: 256GB to 1TB SSD
Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
Weight: Around 2.64 pounds
Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4, microSD card reader, headphone jack
2. Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 is compact and budget-friendly, great for students or everyday users. Its 12.4-inch PixelSense touchscreen provides a vibrant display, while its Intel Core i5 processor and up to 8GB of RAM keep things running smoothly. This model weighs only 2.5 pounds, making it exceptionally portable. The Surface Laptop Go 2 also includes a responsive keyboard, precision touchpad, and options for SSD storage, starting at 128GB. With up to 13 hours of battery life, it’s an excellent lightweight alternative for note-taking, video streaming, and browsing.