Best Budget Laptops for Students and Everyday Use (2025)
Back to the books, eh? But don’t stress, we’ve got you covered! Starting a new school year means gearing up with the right tech – and for students, a reliable laptop is as essential as a good pair of thongs (that’s flip-flops for all you non-Aussies). Whether you’re heading to uni, TAFE, or high school, choosing a budget-friendly laptop that can handle assignments, research, and video calls without breaking the bank is key. Here’s our roundup of the best budget laptops for students and everyday use in Australia for 2025.
What to Consider When Buying a Budget Laptop:
Before we dive into the laptops themselves, let’s have a quick yarn about what to look for:
- Performance: Aim for at least an AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel i5 processor for smooth multitasking. You don’t want your laptop lagging slower than a snail on a hot day.
- Battery Life: Look for laptops offering at least 8 hours of use. That’s enough juice to get you through a full day of classes, even if you’re running on Vegemite and coffee.
- Storage: A 256GB SSD is a minimum; if possible, choose 512GB for more storage. You don’t want to run out of space for all your assignments, photos, and cat videos.
- Screen Size: 13-15 inches is ideal for a balance of usability and portability. You don’t want something so small you need a magnifying glass, but you also don’t want to lug around a behemoth that weighs more than your textbooks.
The Laptops:
Acer Aspire 5 – Best All-Rounder
Price: Around $799 AUD (JB Hi-Fi, Officeworks)
Pros: This ripper of a laptop boasts fast performance with an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, meaning it can handle anything you throw at it, from writing essays to streaming the latest season of Bluey. The long battery life will keep you going all day, and the 15.6” Full HD display is perfect for both work and play.
Cons: Slightly bulky for daily travel. It’s not exactly pocket-sized, but it’s still manageable.
Best For: Uni students needing an all-purpose laptop for assignments, streaming, and light gaming.
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 – Best for Note-Taking
Price: Approx. $849 AUD (Harvey Norman, The Good Guys)
Pros: This beauty has a touchscreen with a 360° hinge, making it perfect for taking notes in class. It also packs a solid AMD Ryzen 5 processor and good battery life.
Cons: Slightly heavier than other options. It’s not going to win any weightlifting competitions, but it’s still portable enough.
Best For: TAFE students who prefer digital notes and flexible functionality.
ASUS Vivobook 15 – Best for Battery Life
Price: Approx. $699 AUD (Bing Lee, Amazon Australia)
Pros: This little legend has a long-lasting battery (up to 12 hours!), so you can leave your charger at home. It’s also lightweight and offers solid performance for everyday tasks.
Cons: Limited storage (256GB SSD). You might need to be a bit more selective about what you keep on it.
Best For: Students needing a portable and affordable option for all-day classes.
Comparison Table:
| Feature | Acer Aspire 5 | Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 | ASUS Vivobook 15 |
| Price | Around $799 AUD | Approx. $849 AUD | Approx. $699 AUD |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 | AMD Ryzen 5 | AMD Ryzen 5 |
| Display | 15.6″ Full HD | Touchscreen, 360° hinge | Long-lasting battery |
| Battery Life | Long | Good | Excellent (up to 12 hours) |
| Portability | Moderate | Moderate | High |
| Storage | (Check retailer for specific configurations) | (Check retailer for specific configurations) | 256GB SSD (check retailer for configurations) |
| Best For | Uni students | TAFE students | Students needing portability |
Final Thoughts:
These budget-friendly laptops are available at major Australian retailers and cater to different student needs. Whether you’re typing essays, attending Zoom lectures, or taking notes in class, these laptops will help you get the job done without breaking the bank. Which laptop are you considering for your study journey? Share your thoughts in the comments!
