The Truth About Cheap Laptops: What to Watch Out For Before You Buy
Not every laptop is built to last forever. And that’s okay.
Sometimes you just need something to get through a course, handle basic admin, or serve as a child’s first computer. But if you’ve ever had a machine that felt slow after only a year or two, there’s usually a reason.
Here’s what makes some laptops age faster than others, and how to know if a budget option actually suits your needs.
Cheap doesn’t always mean bad
Budget laptops have their place. They’re ideal when money is tight or when you only need something for browsing and emails. But they’re usually designed with specific use cases in mind. Push them beyond that and things start to fall apart.
This isn’t about avoiding budget laptops. It’s about knowing what you’re getting and avoiding a headache down the line.
What you often get with cheaper machines
Slower storage
Some still use old hard drives, and even when they include SSDs, they’re often the bottom tier. That means slow startup times, lag when opening files, and a generally sluggish feel.Lower RAM
4GB is still the standard in many budget models. It’s just enough for Windows to run, but not much else. If you want to run multiple apps, 8GB should be your minimum.Basic processors
Entry-level CPUs are fine for browsing and light work, but they struggle with multitasking, video calls, and more demanding tasks. They also become obsolete faster.Weak cooling
Budget laptops often lack proper cooling. They run hot and throttle under pressure, which kills performance.
One example from my bench recently was a Teclast laptop. Looked decent on paper, but in use it was slow, ran hot, and lagged constantly. Under the hood though, the hardware had potential. I replaced the SSD, cleared out the bloatware, updated all drivers, and added a copper shim to stop the CPU from throttling.
After a bit of work, it now boots quickly, multitasks without freezing, and actually makes use of its hardware properly. Small upgrades made a huge difference.
Set your expectations
If you're buying a budget laptop for browsing and simple tasks, it might be spot on. But if you plan to use Zoom, spreadsheets, and edit photos, it’ll likely feel underpowered quickly.
A cheap laptop isn’t a bad one. It just has to fit the job.
What to look for in a cheap laptop
SSD over hard drive
8GB RAM or more
A recent-ish processor
A decent screen and keyboard
When budget laptops make sense
Kids doing schoolwork or learning the basics
Spare machine for emails or browsing
Temporary option while saving for something stronger
Final thoughts
Budget machines can do the job if you’re realistic about what they’re for. The biggest issue is expecting high-end performance from a low-cost build.
If your laptop feels slower than it should, there’s often something that can be done. A good clean, a RAM upgrade, or a bit of thermal work can bring a struggling machine back to life.
If you're unsure whether to repair or replace, I’ll give you an honest take. Sometimes it’s worth fixing. Sometimes it’s time to move on. Either way, you’ll know for sure.
