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When you’re looking for the best laptop under $1000 it can feel tough to find something with high performance, all the specs you need, as well as a battery that isn’t going to die within a couple of hours.
That’s why we’ve done the research for you, coming out the other end with a list of the best laptops in Canada within this price range.
One of the most important things for us when creating this list was to include a vast range of laptops, because we know not everyone has the same needs. No matter if you’re a gamer or in need of an upgrade for your next business trip, our list is made up of a variety of models.
From HP to Lenovo, we’ve broken down all the specs and features with in-detail reviews of the best budget laptops on the Canadian market.
What are the best budget laptops in Canada?
After our research, we found the Asus ZenBook 13 UX325EA to be the best model in this price range. It ended up being the best all-rounder in multiple categories.
With a sleek frame, it feels lightweight and is easily portable – perfect for anyone who travels regularly or just doesn’t want to carry around a brick when they have to transport their laptop. Battery life was a big standout at around 13 hours.
Overall its performance impressed us thanks to its Intel Tiger Lake chips, which also makes it a decent gaming model (obviously it’s not a gaming-specific laptop, but performs well for casual gaming). For those looking for premium without the huge price tag, this takes out top spot.
An honourable mention is certainly the HP Envy 13, with its bright 4K 1080p display, rapid performance and overall stunning design.
While these models come in on top, there are still plenty of winning candidates, so keep on reading to discover them all.
Best Budget Laptops to Buy in Canada under 1000 CAD
1. Asus Zenbook 13 UX325EA
Specs:
- Display – 13.3” 1,920 x 1,080 FHD or OLED display
- Processer – 11th generation Intel Core i3 – i7
- Memory – 8GB – 32GB
- Battery – 13 hour runtime
- Storage – Up To 1TB SSD
There’s no going past the Asus Zenbook 13 UX325EA laptop. From its gorgeous overall design to long battery life, this is an absolute steal when you consider the price and compare it to higher end models. Weighing in at 1.13kgs, it’s a great option for frequent travellers.
You can find the Tiger Lake chips here, which are fairly new from Intel and offer much more power. They’re also one of the big reasons behind the long battery life, which at 13 hours is an impressive feat.
Connectivity is a dream with HDMI, Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and even a Micro SD card reader. When it comes to the chassis, Asus doesn’t disappoint with an ErgoLift hinge for heightened durability. The keyboard is quiet and comfortable, with sturdy keys throughout.
Key Features:
- Brilliant Performance with Intel Tiger Lake Chips
- Lightweight 1.13kgs with ErgoLift Hinge & Comfortable, Backlit Keyboard
- Massive Touchpad with NumberPad 2.0 Technology
2. HP Envy 13
Specs:
- Display – 13.3” 1,920 x 1,080 WLED backlit display
- Processer – 8th generation Intel Core i7
- Memory – 8GB
- Battery – 14 hour runtime
- Storage – 256GB SSD
Let’s face it – the HP Envy 13 and Asus Zenbook 13 are both amazing laptops. If we had a double-winner, then this would also take the cake. But since we’re doing things the classic way, the HP Envy 13 takes out second spot.
It’s certainly one of the best-looking models in this price range, with a thin chassis and gorgeous screen, adding up to a lightweight 1.3kgs. The thin chassis is thanks in part to the addition of a Thunderbolt 4 port, giving the overall design a more contemporary look. Other connectivity options include one USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type C, two USB Type A, and an audio jack. With the WLED backlit display, you’ll find edge-to-edge glass that we found perfect for watching movies and shows.
Battery life is notable here at 14 hours. While not the longest, it’s a more than decent runtime for models in this price range. Audio and camera capabilities don’t disappoint with a HP Wide Vision HD Camera and built-in dual-array digital microphone. Plus you’ve got Bang & Olufsen Quad Speakers – a smart choice that means excellent audio (something we don’t typically expect for these prices).
Key Features:
- HP Wide Vision HD Camera for Great-Quality Video Calls & Photos
- Multiple Connectivity with 1 USB-C, 2 USB-A , Thunderbolt 4 port & Audio Jack
- Lightweight 1.3kgs Ideal for Travel
3. Asus Zenbook S13
Specs:
- Display – 13.9” 1,920 x 1,080 OLED
- Processer – 8th generation Intel Core i7
- Memory – 8GB – 16GB
- Battery – 13 hour runtime
- Storage – 512GB SSD
The Asus Zenbook S13 proves that great things do come in small packages. This beautiful laptop is one of our top picks for business folk or frequent travellers as it weighs in at just 1.1kgs with a slim screen and chassis. We admire the overall unique feel we get with this model, a feeling we get thanks to the distinctive silver-blue tone and eye-catching orange accents, as well as the reverse notch that leads to thin bezels and an easy-open ErgoLift feature.
For such a compact design, some might find the keyboard a little tight, but it’s something we think you could easily get used to. In terms of the display, we’ve got no complaints there. We’re talking an impressive 97% screen-to-body ratio on a FHD OLED screen. Colours and levels of contrast were fun to look at with 400 nits of brightness at its highest.
The trackpad keeps the modern-sleek theme going with a wide shape that we found comfortable to use. You’ll also find a fingerprint reader on the top right corner of the trackpad which is fast and responsive.
Key Features:
- Clean & Slim Appearance with Reverse Notch & Thin Bezels
- Highly Portable Design Weighs Just 1.1kgs
- 2 USB-C ports, 1 USB-A, 1 MicroSD card reader & Audio Jack included
4. Lenovo ThinkBook 14s Yoga
Specs:
- Display – 14” 1,920 x 1,080 FHD Touchscreen
- Processer – 11th generation Intel Core i7
- Memory – Up To 24GB
- Battery – 8 hour runtime
- Storage – 512GB SSD
Designed for business men and women with a “2-in-1 advantage” as Lenovo says, this model is undoubtedly an ideal choice for staying stylish and up-to-date while hard at work. Available in a simple Mineral Gray colour that isn’t too garish for professional settings, the ThinkBook 14s Yoga weighs in at a lightweight 1.5kgs. While not the lightest on the market, it’s still lighter than big-hitters like the Asus Vivobook Flip 14.
Holding it in our hands it feels robust and solid with an all-aluminum build. We noticed the vents are located on the bottom rather than at the rear, but it didn’t become unbearably warm during use since it has integrated Intelligent Cooling. The keyboard is pretty stock-standard and doesn’t feel too small – the keys are also really smooth to use and barely make a sound.
Rapid charge technology is accessible for the battery with 65W AC, and WiFi connectivity is fast and reliable with WiFi 6. Other notable features we have to mention include Modern Standby technology that means a 2-second wake up, a 360° hinge for easy access to the touchscreen, and a 720p webcam with a manual shutter.
Key Features:
- Won’t Weigh You Down During Travel with 1.5kg Weight
- Power Button Doubles as Fingerprint Scanner
- Bonus Garaged Stylus Included
5. Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Specs:
- Display – 12.3” 2,736 x 1,824 PixelSense 10-point Multi-Touch
- Processer – 10th generation Intel Core i5 – i7
- Memory – 8GB – 512GB
- Battery – 10.5 hour runtime
- Storage – Up To 1TB SSD
Compact and straight to the point, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is an exceptional choice for business buffs and regular users alike. The battery life is the only slight downside for this model, but we can get past it since it’s got the powerful addition of the 10th Generation CPUs. With more power the performance is certainly noticeable, and we’re more than impressed.
The overall look hasn’t been altered very much, although this newer design does have USB-C connectivity – a welcome addition. When using the kickstand it felt comfortable and smooth when changing between tablet and laptop mode (we should also note that the keyboard is sold separately).
Looking at the display is a joy with Intel Iris Plus Graphics. Everything looks sharp and colorful and the 3:2 aspect ratio makes it a great choice for designers or photo/video creators who need the space. Brightness comes in at 395 nits, which for reference is behind the iPad Pro which comes in at 484 nits. Despite that, this model’s brightness is higher than a lot of average laptops out there, and we didn’t find it a problem when using it outside.
Key Features:
- Ultralightweight Body at 0.79kgs Max
- Robust Magnesium-Alloy Build with Inclusion of USB-C Port
- 3:2 Aspect Ratio Display with Intense Graphics & Enhanced Colour
6. Acer Aspire 5
Specs:
- Display – 15.6” 1,920 x 1,080 Widescreen LED backlit display
- Processer – 10th generation Intel Core i5
- Memory – 12GB
- Battery – 7 hour runtime
- Storage – Up To 1TB SSD
At just over $850, the Acer Aspire 5 is definitely worth taking a second glance at in our opinion. Right off the bat we noticed robust performance, a vivid display, and decent build quality. For a laptop that lands in the mid-range sector, we were more than happy with its overall power and modern design.
Speaking of design, it’s not going to give you the excitement of something like the Asus Zenbook S13, but it’s a sleek, simple design nonetheless and doesn’t feel bulky. The chassis is mainly built with plastic, while the cover is sandblasted aluminum. A Windows Hello fingerprint scanner made the difference in speeding up the login process.
Connectivity to WiFi was fast and hassle-free thanks to the dual band WiFi 6 technology – a smart addition considering it boosts the network by up to three times the average speed. Battery life is great for this range at 7 hours. We found if we dimmed the display slightly and stuck to light browsing, then the runtime edged closer to 8 hours.
Key Features:
- 71kg Weight with Durable Plastic Chassis & Brushed Finish on Keyboard
- Decent Connectivity with 2 USB 2.0 ports, 1 USB 3.0, 1 USB-C & Ethernet & SD Memory Card Slot
- 61% Screen-to-Body Ratio with Full HD IPS & Enhanced Colours with Acer Colour Intelligence
7. HP Envy x360
Specs:
- Display – 13.3” 1,920 x 1,080 WLED Backlit Touchscreen
- Processer – AMD Ryzen 5 2500U Quad-Core
- Memory – 16GB
- Battery – 16 hour runtime
- Storage – 512GB SSD
While the Lenovo ThinkBook 14s Yoga is more targeted as a “business 2-in-1” model, the HP Envy x360 is more of an all-round 2-in-1 that isn’t just for business use. Boasting a bright 1920 x 1080 touchscreen display, excellent battery life, and stylish look, this is definitely one of our personal favourites.
While you might be used to the Envy line landing in the mid-range area, this time around it’s got some new improvements like the AMD Ryzen chips, a 521GB SSD, and faster connectivity with Bluetooth 5.0 and WiFi 6. The AMD Ryzen addition is meant to rival the likes of the Intel Core i5, but we think it’s even powerful enough to challenge the likes of i7. After some hefty downloads and daily use, it didn’t lag or slow our workload.
Graphics jumped out at us with this model and are even so good we managed to enjoy some casual gaming – something we weren’t fully expecting. AMD’s integrated Radeon graphics held up to the challenge. Combined with the 88% screen-to-body ratio and 13mm shaved off its bottom bezel, this laptop is an absolute treat to work with.
Key Features:
- AMD’s Radeon Graphics Suitable for Casual Gamers
- 2-in-1 Touchscreen for Tablet & Laptop Modes
- Intense HD Visuals with Impressive 88% Screen-to-Body Ratio
8. Acer Swift 3
Specs:
- Display – 14” 1,920 x 1,080 Widescreen LED Backlit
- Processer – 10th generation Intel Core i5
- Memory – 8GB
- Battery – 11 hour runtime
- Storage – 256GB SSD
Starting at around $600, the Acer Swift 3 delivers plenty of power in a sleek, portable body. For this price you’re getting incredible battery life that practically lasts you a whole day, powerful processers, and beautiful design with an aluminum chassis.
Speaking of design, let’s start off by addressing the fact that this notebook gives us serious MacBook Air vibes. A lightweight 1.2kg body, silver colouring with a chic matte finish, and ultra-comfortable keyboard. Despite being so portable, it doesn’t feel cheapy or flimsy in the slightest. Packed into this model are plenty of connectivity options with a USB-C Thunderbolt 3 port, HDMI port, USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 slots, and of course an audio jack.
The FHD display is great for everything from general browsing, streaming shows and movies, and writing or reading. That said it certainly isn’t a gaming model, but then again it’s not claiming to be.
Key Features:
- Minimalist Aluminum & Lightweight 1.2kg Silver-Matte Body
- Wide Connectivity with Thunderbolt 3 Port, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, HDMI & Audio Jack
- Convenient Backlit Keyboard & Acer Bio-Protection Fingerprint Scanner
9. Dell G5 15 SE
Specs:
- Display – 15.6” 1,920 x 1,080 LED Backlit FHD
- Processer – 10th generation Intel Core i5
- Memory – 8GB
- Battery – 7 hour runtime
- Storage – 512GB SSD – 2TB
The Dell G5 15 SE is one for the budget-conscious gamers with some of the best graphics we’ve seen when compared to some other affordable laptops. While it’s not considered the snazziest gaming model out there, there’s no doubt it packs a punch with a vivid 144Hz display and powerful CPU performance.
At 2.49kgs this isn’t the lightest nor heaviest model in the game, so it sits around the midrange in that regard. Ports are abundant with a USB 3.1 slot, USB-C port, two USB 2.0, audio jack, HDMI 2.0 port, SD card slot, and an RJ45 Ethernet port. We found the keyboard to be well-spaced and easy to use – you also get a number pad on the right side.
Colours are bright and sharp with a 108% rating of the sRGB colour gamut. To put that into perspective, this model tops the 99% rating for the Legion T545. Brightness level comes in at 301 nits, surpassing the baseline of 290 nits for other models in the same range.
Key Features:
- Fast & Powerful 144Hz Refresh Rate
- Abundant Connectivity with 1 USB-C, 1 USB 3.1, 2 USB 2.0, SD Slot, HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort, RJ45 Ethernet & Audio Jack
- HD Audio with Realtek Nahimic 3D Audio Side Speakers
10. Acer Chromebook Spin 713
Specs:
- Display – 13.5” 2,256 x 1,504
- Processer – 10th generation Intel Core i3
- Memory – 8GB – 32GB RAM
- Battery – 10 hour runtime
- Storage – 128GB SSD
We couldn’t finish off this list without including the best (and our personal favourite) Chromebook in this price range – the Acer Chromebook Spin 713. This convertible laptop is cheaper than both the Hp Envy x360 and Lenovo Thinkbook 14s Yoga models, but still makes a statement with a gorgeous 3:2 aspect ratio display, appealing design, and more lightweight body at 1.37kgs.
The VertiView feature by Acer integrated into this model helps to keep the display crisp, even when there is miniscule text or media. This definitely made a difference for us. The touchscreen is highly responsive and easily accessible thanks to the smooth 360° hinge.
Connectivity options are fairly widespread with three different USB ports, HDMI support, a MicroSD card slot, and a jack for headphones. These ports do make the chassis a little chunky in this area, but nothing that we consider a dealbreaker.
Key Features:
- 2-in-1 with Vivid Touchscreen 3:2 Aspect Ratio Display
- 720p Webcam, Backlit Keyboard & Robust Aluminum Build
- USB-C 3.2 Port, USB-A, USB-C, HDMI Port, MicroSD slot & Headphone Jack
Verdict
There you have it – our picks for the best laptops under $1000 in Canada. While the Asus ZenBook 13 UX325EA takes out top spot, all the other models on our list have been handpicked, by us, based on their impressive performance and versatility. Gamers can go for the HP Envy x360 or Dell G5 15 SE, while the Asus Zenbook S13 and ThinkBook 14s Yoga are excellent picks for business pros.
Although this list falls under a certain price range, it’s important to think about your budget all the same. If you go for something around $600, is it going to give you the power and longevity you need? Other things to consider include the overall specs, whether you want a convertible or regular model, and the battery life length.
