Acer Aspire Go 15 - Best Budget Laptop
The Acer Aspire Go 15 delivers essential laptop functionality at an unbeatable price point, perfect for students and basic computing needs.
- +Exceptional value under $500
- +Surprisingly good 10-hour battery life
- +Includes both USB-C and USB-A ports
- -Dim 250-nit display struggles in bright light
- -Plastic chassis feels less premium
- -Intel Core i3-N305 processor limits performance
The Acer Aspire Go 15 stands out as one of the best budget laptops available, offering remarkable value for everyday computing tasks. The 15.6-inch 1080p display provides adequate sharpness for the price, though its 250-nit brightness means it's best used indoors. Performance from the Intel Core i3-N305 processor is sufficient for web browsing, document editing, and video streaming, though demanding applications will challenge its limits. Battery life is surprisingly good at around 10 hours of light use, outperforming many more expensive laptops.
The plastic construction keeps costs down but doesn't feel cheap, with a textured finish that resists fingerprints. The keyboard offers decent travel for comfortable typing, and the touchpad is responsive if basic. Port selection is generous for the price, including USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and a headphone jack - a rarity in budget laptops. The 720p webcam delivers acceptable quality for video calls, and the speakers provide adequate volume. While not suitable for gaming or creative work, the Aspire Go 15 handles all the basics well, making it an excellent choice for students, secondary home computers, or anyone needing an affordable Windows machine for everyday tasks.