The Acer Aspire 3 proves that you don’t have to overspend to get a laptop that feels dependable day to day. With a spacious 15.6″ Full HD display, a snappy 256GB SSD, and smooth multitasking powered by the AMD Ryzen 3 7320U and 8GB LPDDR5 RAM, it boots quickly and keeps up with browser tabs, office apps, and video streaming without the sluggishness that drags down many cheap laptops. For students or remote workers who want a larger screen without stepping into premium pricing, it’s a strong all-around choice.

Where the Aspire 3 holds back is in the extras. The keyboard isn’t backlit, which late-night users will notice, and the built-in 720p webcam is more “serviceable” than sharp, especially in low light. RAM is also locked in place, so what you buy is what you keep — no upgrading later. But with Wi-Fi 6, USB-C, and a clean Windows 11 setup, it still delivers one of the most balanced combinations of speed, screen size, and storage you’ll find under $400.

The HP Stream 14 is all about portability and simplicity. Weighing just over 3 lbs, it’s designed to be carried around all day without adding bulk to your bag. Inside, an Intel Celeron N4120 paired with 8GB of RAM handles light tasks like browsing, streaming, email, and documents with ease. For students or casual users, it’s a straightforward machine that comes ready for action thanks to Windows 11 in S Mode and a 1-year Microsoft Office 365 subscription included out of the box.

Of course, budget comes with trade-offs. The 64GB eMMC storage fills quickly, especially once Windows updates start stacking up, so most users will want to rely on cloud storage, a microSD card, or an external drive. The 1366 x 768 HD display isn’t as crisp as Full HD, and the plastic-heavy build feels entry-level — though that’s expected at this price point. Still, for under $400, the Stream 14 makes sense as a dependable, ultra-portable laptop for light daily use, whether you’re traveling, heading to class, or just need a secondary machine.

The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 proves that budget laptops don’t have to feel underpowered. With 12GB of RAM, it handles multitasking far more smoothly than most machines at this price, letting you jump between video calls, spreadsheets, and streaming without the usual lag. Its hybrid storage setup (128GB eMMC + 256GB PCIe SSD + bundled 64GB USB drive) gives you fast boot times and plenty of space to work with, while Wi-Fi 6 keeps connections stable on modern networks. At just 2.89 lbs, it’s lightweight enough to carry between classes or meetings, making it an accessible pick for students, remote workers, or anyone who needs a practical daily driver.

Of course, there are trade-offs. The 14″ HD display isn’t as sharp as a Full HD panel, and its colors look muted compared to higher-end laptops. The built-in speakers are fine for casual use but won’t impress for movies or music. Still, if your priority is smooth performance, dependable storage, and portability at a wallet-friendly price, the IdeaPad 1 makes a strong case as one of the better-balanced options under $400.

The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 delivers more than you’d expect from a sub-$400 machine. Its 15.6″ Full HD display offers a roomy workspace, while the 12GB of RAM and 256GB SSD give it real multitasking chops that most budget laptops can’t match. That extra memory makes switching between video calls, spreadsheets, and streaming feel smooth and frustration-free. With Wi-Fi 6 built in, it also stays reliable on modern networks, making it a practical pick for students, remote workers, or anyone who needs an everyday laptop that won’t bog down under pressure.

There are compromises, as with any budget device. The TN panel screen, while Full HD, lacks the vibrant colors and wide viewing angles you’d find on pricier models, and the speakers are only passable for casual use. Still, if you’re more focused on speed, multitasking, and storage than cinematic visuals or booming audio, the IdeaPad 1 hits a sweet spot. It’s a balanced and dependable workhorse that gets the essentials right without breaking the bank.