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Budget Laptops Under $600: Which Should You Buy?

9/24/2025 · Laptops · 7 min

Budget Laptops Under $600: Which Should You Buy?

TL;DR

  • Under $600 you mostly find thin and light laptops with entry to midrange processors like Intel Core i3/i5 U series or AMD Ryzen 3/5 U series.
  • Best for students and light work: 8GB RAM, 256GB NVMe, 1080p IPS, 11 to 14 inch for portability.
  • If you need light gaming or editing: look for integrated Radeon or Iris Xe, or models with entry discrete GPUs on sale.
  • Battery and keyboard matter: prioritize battery life and a comfortable keyboard over slightly faster CPU in this price range.

Who should buy a budget laptop under 600

  • Students, freelancers, web browsing, streaming, office work and general productivity.
  • Avoid if you need heavy video editing, large 3D workflows, or long term high framerate gaming.

CPU and performance

  • Common chips include Intel Core i3 and i5 U series, AMD Ryzen 3 and 5 U series, plus lower power Pentium or Celeron options.
  • For snappier everyday use choose at least a 4 core 8 thread CPU, preferably Ryzen 5 or Core i5.
  • Thermals and cooling matter more than nominal clock speed. Thin designs can throttle under sustained load.

RAM and storage

  • Aim for 8GB RAM minimum. Dual channel RAM helps integrated GPU performance.
  • 16GB is ideal if you multitask heavily; look for models with user upgradable RAM.
  • NVMe SSDs are common and much faster than eMMC. Choose at least 256GB NVMe when possible.

Screen and resolution

  • 1080p IPS is the standard sweet spot. Avoid 1366x768 unless price is the only consideration.
  • 13 to 14 inch 1080p balances portability and legibility; 15.6 inch gives more workspace but is bulkier.
  • Look for 250 to 300 nits of brightness and an IPS or VA panel for better viewing angles.

Battery life and charging

  • Expect 7 to 11 hours with light use on many models. Manufacturer claims can be optimistic.
  • Fast charging via USB C is a plus. Check charger wattage and whether a USB C charger is included.

Build quality and keyboard

  • Metal or sturdy plastic chassis improves longevity. Pay attention to hinge quality and flex.
  • Comfortable keyboard and responsive trackpad matter more than a slightly faster CPU for daily use.

Ports and connectivity

  • Prefer at least one USB C with data or charging support, two USB A, HDMI and a headphone jack.
  • Wi Fi 6 is a useful bonus but not essential. Ethernet is rare on thin models.

GPU and light gaming

  • Integrated Radeon or Intel Iris Xe can run esports titles at playable settings.
  • Discrete MX or entry NVIDIA GPUs appear on deals and help with light creative work.
  • For serious gaming plan to spend more than 600 or look for refurbished higher tier machines.

Upgradability and repairability

  • Check if RAM is soldered. Replaceable M 2 NVMe SSDs are common and useful for future upgrades.
  • Higher repairability helps extend the laptop lifespan and save money over time.

Which laptop should you buy

  • Choose models with 8GB RAM and 256GB NVMe as the baseline.
  • Prefer Ryzen 5 or Core i5 where possible for balanced performance and efficiency.
  • Pick 13 to 14 inch if mobility is a priority; 15.6 inch if screen real estate and thermal headroom matter.

Buying checklist

  • RAM 8GB minimum, 16GB if budget allows.
  • Storage 256GB NVMe minimum.
  • 1080p IPS display.
  • Battery life around 8 hours realistic target.
  • At least one USB C and HDMI.
  • User upgradable storage or RAM preferred.

Bottom line

Under 600 you can get a solid everyday laptop for study, office work, and light media. Focus on real world factors like RAM, SSD, display quality and battery life rather than chasing benchmark numbers. If you need heavier workloads or dedicated gaming plan to increase your budget or wait for strong sales.

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