Purchasing an amazing laptop doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Depending on what you are using it for, you may be willing to forego a few features. If you use it for casual web-surfing and office apps, for instance, you would be fine with a lower-end CPU (computer processing unit). If you’re always on the move, your number one priority might be a lightweight, portable laptop. And if you're not inclined to work with videos or photos, do you really need a laptop full of space-consuming editing software?
Mid-range laptops give you exactly what you need at a price you're comfortable with. We did the research for you and drew up this list of options for all kinds of laptop users, based on user recommendations. The best part? They're all priced under Dh2,600.
If you're looking for even cheaper devices, check out our budget laptop picks under Dh1,600, and other laptops on sale. Enjoy your favourite pick with Amazon Prime’s free one-day delivery!
1. Best Overall: Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Laptop
Pros
- Excellent performance
- Sturdy chassis
- Integrated fingerprint scanner
- USB-C port included
- Webcam has privacy shutter
Cons
- Speakers could be better
This knockout 14-inch, full-HD Lenovo laptop comes with 8GB RAM and 256GB of space – which means it’s packed full of great specs, at a fabulous price. It’s quiet and cool, thanks to intelligent thermals, and has three modes to match your performance needs. Its processor meets all your internet and word processor requirements, without any noticeable lags, according to reviewers, who also appreciated its offering of a number of different ports, including a slot for an SD card. The power button has an integrated fingerprint scanner, which makes buying online easier, and provides an added layer of security. And it's compatible with WiFi 6, so you know you're getting a laptop that's in sync with the latest tech.
Bonus: Buy with 0% installments and pay Dh181.29 for 12 months with select banks.
2. Best for Home Office: Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Series 3511 (2022)
Pros
- Comes with the latest Windows 11
- Large, 15.6-inch HD display
- Low noise levels
- Excellent build quality
Cons
- Weak speakers
- No USB Type-C port
With a large 15.6-inch, anti-glare, full HD screen, Microsoft’s latest operating system, 16GB of RAM and 1TB of hard disk space, the latest Dell Inspiron is great for office use, whether you’re at home or in your workplace. The laptop provides crisp, clear picture quality and has plenty of storage for your pictures, videos and documents. It’s powerful and easy to use, and its carbon-black colour adds to its overall solid build. Reviewers liked the smooth trackpad and the laptop’s quiet efficiency, but do keep in mind that if you want a USB-C port, it’s something you’ll have to buy separately.
Bonus: Buy with 0% installments and pay Dh176.75 for 12 months with select banks.
3. Best 2-in-1: HP Pavilion x360 14” Touchscreen
Pros
- 4G LTE support
- Excellent audio and webcam
- Fast charging
- Three USB ports, HDMI port, and SD card slot
Cons
- On the heavier side
Make work, play and study come together with the HP Pavilion x360, that converts into a notebook when you need it to (it has a 360-degree hinge that does the trick). With crisp images and multi-touch enabled, edge-to-edge glass display, the laptop is perfect for school or work. The laptop’s audio is powered by sound system creators Bang & Olufsen, which means you will never have to lean over to listen to your Zoom conference calls, or lip-read your favourite characters in TV shows. The laptop has 8GB RAM and 512GB of space, uses the latest Windows 11 operating system, and can go from 0 to 50 per cent battery life when you leave it plugged in for 45 minutes. Reviewers appreciate the laptop's specs, which work well for daily use, with one reviewer applauding HP's WiFi 6 connectivity, as it makes a huge difference in download and buffering speeds.
Bonus: Buy with 0% installments and pay Dh203.33 for 12 months with select banks.
Warranty: The seller provides one-year warranty with free pick up and drop off service.
4. Best for Students: 2021 ASUS 14" Laptop
Pros
- Great battery life
- Lightweight and portable
- Best for basic tasks
- Budget buy
Cons
- Screen is dim
- Number pad may not appeal to everyone
Make your money go a long way with this budget laptop that’s designed for students. It’s a great option for day-to-day tasks, without breaking the bank. With a 14-inch HD display, a hard disk size of 320GB and 4GB memory, it has just the right amount of specs to get school work done, while ensuring smoothness of apps and performance efficiency. Reviewers say the speakers are excellent and it’s ideal for daily use. However, if you're looking for something with more features, at a higher price, check out our guide to the best laptop for university students.
Bonus: Buy with 0% installments and pay Dh117.82 for 12 months with select banks.
5. Best for Gaming: HP Victus 15
Pros
- Excellent entry-level gaming performance
- Uses latest Windows 11 operating software
- Affordable price point
- Clean design
Cons
- Webcam could be better
With 8GB of RAM and 512GB internal storage, this budget gaming laptop from HP uses an old but solid NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics processing unit to make all your gaming action come to life. The laptop has a lot going for it, at a very good price point, considering the fact that gaming laptops are usually quite expensive. There are some trade-offs you’ll have to make - the display can be a bit lacklustre, according to reviewers, and components like the webcam and speakers are in need of an upgrade. But the device handles most contemporary games in 1080p at high or medium settings. If you want to game without burning a hole in your pocket, this is the device to pick.
Bonus: Buy with 0% installments and pay Dh214 for 12 months with select banks.
6. Best Budget: Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook
Pros
- Lightweight, portable
- Long battery life
- Switch from laptop to tablet
Cons
- Only one USB 2.0 port
- Keyboard is small
- Charger and headphones share a single port
Is it a tablet or a laptop? Lenovo’s Chromebook is both, and offers amazing versatility backed by impressive specs. Its two-in-one design is streamlined for multitasking - you can disconnect it from the keyboard and just use it as a tablet if you prefer. It’s slim, portable and lightweight, with an incredibly long battery life - almost 10 hours - so it’s ideal to use if you’re pulling an all-nighter. Reviewers attest to its ease of use and appreciate the value they’re getting (the keyboard and kickstand are included). However, at its affordable price, a few sacrifices have to be made - the Chromebook comes with just one USB 2.0 port, and no audio jack. Still, it’s a solid contender on our list.
Bonus: Buy with 0% installments and pay Dh126.19 for 12 months with select banks.
Our recommendations are independently chosen by Gulf News editors. If you decide to shop through links on our website, we may earn an affiliate commission, as we are part of Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.
