5 Best Cheap Travel Laptops to Buy in 2026

At a Glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Acer Aspire 3	Excellent balance of performance and value
Best value	Acer Aspire Go 15	Impressive features under $500
Best for ultra-portability	Dell XPS 13	Premium compact design at a reasonable price
Best Chromebook	Asus Chromebook Plus CX14	Affordable ChromeOS simplicity
Best for Apple users	MacBook Air	Reliable macOS experience
Also recommended	Lenovo IdeaPad	A solid, portable budget pick for basics
Also recommended	Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Gen 7	More screen and power for the budget-conscious traveler

How we chose and tested

We evaluated laptops based on travel-specific needs: weight and dimensions for easy packing, battery life for long flights or cafe work sessions, durability for life on the road, and performance for basic productivity tasks. Price was a primary consideration, with all picks offering strong value for their capabilities.

The best cheap travel laptops right now

Acer Aspire 3 - Best overall

This Windows laptop hits the sweet spot for travelers who need reliable performance without the premium price tag. It handles everyday tasks smoothly while keeping weight and cost manageable.

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Key highlights

Snappy processing for web browsing and productivity apps
Wi-Fi 6 support for better connectivity in hotels and cafes
Long-lasting battery that can power through a full travel day
Under $500 price point with solid build quality
15.6-inch display that's large enough for work but still portable

Pros

Excellent value for the performance offered
Good battery life for extended use away from outlets
Modern connectivity options including USB-C
Reliable build that can handle travel wear and tear

Cons

Display quality is adequate but not exceptional
Can feel slightly bulky compared to ultraportables
Storage options may be limited at base configurations

Who it is for: Travelers who need a reliable Windows laptop for basic work, entertainment, and communication without spending a fortune.

Skip if

You need premium build materials, exceptional display quality, or gaming capabilities.

Acer Aspire Go 15 - Best value

When every dollar counts, this laptop delivers surprising capability for its price. It proves you don't need to compromise on essential features just because you're on a tight budget.

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Key highlights

Surprisingly decent 15.6-inch 1920×1080 display
USB-C charging instead of older barrel-style connectors
1080p webcam that performs well for video calls
Twice as much memory as most laptops in this price range
Solid battery life that gets through a work or class day

Pros

Exceptional value with features usually found in more expensive models
Good display quality for the price range
Modern USB-C charging convenience
Better-than-expected webcam for staying connected

Cons

Performance is adequate but not powerful
Build quality reflects the budget price point
May feel sluggish with multiple applications open

Who it is for: Budget-conscious travelers, students, and anyone who needs basic computing without frills.

Skip if

You regularly run demanding applications or need premium construction.

Dell XPS 13 - Best for ultra-portability

While not the absolute cheapest option, the XPS 13 offers premium portability in a compact design. The Dell XPS 13 (9345) model provides excellent battery life and thin-and-light construction suitable for travelers who prioritize space and weight savings.

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Key highlights

Exceptionally compact and lightweight design
Premium build quality that withstands travel
Good performance in a small footprint
Excellent battery life for all-day use
High-quality display in a portable package

Pros

One of the most portable Windows laptops available
Premium construction that feels durable
Strong performance for its size
Good thermal management in compact form

Cons

Higher price than basic budget laptops
Limited upgrade options due to compact design
Smaller keyboard may take adjustment

Who it is for: Frequent travelers who value compact size and premium build over absolute lowest price.

Skip if

You need maximum screen real estate or have a very tight budget.

Asus Chromebook Plus CX14 - Best Chromebook

For travelers who live in the browser, this Chromebook offers simplicity and value. ChromeOS has matured enough to handle most travel computing needs while keeping costs low.

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Key highlights

ChromeOS simplicity with offline capability
Lightweight and portable design
Long battery life ideal for travel days
Affordable price with decent performance
Access to Android apps for additional functionality

Pros

Extremely simple setup and maintenance
Excellent battery efficiency
Lightweight and easy to carry
Good value for basic computing needs

Cons

Limited to web-based and Android applications
Not suitable for Windows or macOS specific software
Storage may be limited for offline content

Who it is for: Travelers who primarily use web applications, Google services, and need simple, reliable computing.

Skip if

You need specific Windows or macOS applications or work extensively offline.

MacBook Air - Best for Apple users

While Apple laptops rarely qualify as "cheap," the MacBook Air represents the best value in the macOS ecosystem. Its reliability and performance make it worth considering for travelers already invested in Apple's ecosystem.

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Key highlights

M-series chip performance with excellent efficiency
Exceptional battery life that lasts through travel days
Premium build quality that withstands travel
Seamless integration with other Apple devices
Lightweight and portable design

Pros

Outstanding battery life for extended use
Excellent performance for everyday tasks
Premium construction that feels durable
Great integration with iPhone and iPad

Cons

Higher price than Windows or Chromebook options
Limited port selection may require adapters
Less upgradeable than some Windows laptops

Who it is for: Travelers already using Apple devices who want reliable performance and ecosystem integration.

Skip if

You're on a tight budget or need specific Windows applications.

Also Good

Lenovo IdeaPad - a solid, portable budget pick for basics.
Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 - more screen and power for the budget-conscious traveler.

How to Choose

Consider these factors when selecting your travel laptop:

Weight and size: For frequent travelers, every pound matters. Look for laptops under 3.5 pounds if you'll be carrying it daily. Screen size between 13-15 inches offers the best balance of usability and portability.

Battery life: Aim for at least 8 hours of real-world use. This covers most flight durations and cafe work sessions without needing an outlet hunt.

Durability: Travel laptops face more bumps and shakes. Look for solid construction, and consider a protective case regardless of build quality.

Performance needs: Be honest about what you'll actually do. Basic web browsing, document editing, and video streaming require far less power than photo editing or gaming.

Operating system: Choose based on your comfort and needs. Windows offers the most flexibility, ChromeOS is simplest, and macOS integrates best with Apple devices.

FAQ

What's the ideal screen size for travel?

Most travelers find 13-14 inches ideal. It's large enough for comfortable work but small enough to fit on airplane trays and in crowded spaces.

Can I really get a good travel laptop under $500?

Yes, several options now offer solid performance, decent battery life, and portable designs under $500. You'll compromise on premium materials and some features, but core functionality remains.

How important is battery life for travel?

Very important. Look for laptops that can last through a long flight plus transit time. Battery life claims often overstate real-world performance, so check independent reviews.

Should I consider a Chromebook for travel?

If you primarily use web applications and Google services, Chromebooks offer excellent value, simplicity, and battery life. They're less suitable if you need specific Windows or macOS software.

What about gaming on travel laptops?

Most budget travel laptops aren't designed for gaming. If gaming is important, you'll need to increase your budget significantly for dedicated graphics and better cooling systems.