Best mid-range laptop in 2024 for work, gaming and more

Looking to buy the best mid-range laptop? It’s a smart move. Why splurge over a grand on a machine if you won’t fully utilise all its premium features?

Like mid-range phones, mid-range laptops once meant compromises in performance and speed, but fortunately, technology has come a long way. Today, you can find sleek, fast notebooks for around US$700 / £700 or less, offering more than enough power to handle both work and entertainment. In other words, unless you’re after the ultimate gaming laptop or need a high-end laptop for video rendering, opting for a well-priced laptop with impressive – though not cutting-edge – specs is likely the best choice.

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That said, the sheer number of laptops on the market can be overwhelming. With so many options, choosing the right one can feel like a daunting task. That’s where we come in. We’ve sifted through countless models to bring you a curated list of the best mid-range laptops available today. And if you’re not limited by budget, be sure to check out Stuff’s guide to the best laptops as well.

Why you can trust Stuff: Our team of experts rigorously test each product and provide honest, unbiased reviews to help you make informed decisions. For more details, read how we test and rate products.

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Quick list: what’s the best mid-range laptop?

The best mid-range laptops you can buy today:

1. Acer Swift 3

Acer Swift 3 specs
Screen	14in Full HD 16:9 IPS
Processor	Intel Core i5-1135G7
RAM	16 GB
Storage	512 GB SSD
OS	Windows 11
Dimensions	32.28 x 21.22 x 1.59cm, 1.20 kg

The Acer Swift 3 is an excellent choice if you’re seeking remarkable value without compromising on performance. Powered by an 11th Generation Intel Core i7 processor, it stands out as one of the most powerful options in its price range, rivalling laptops that often come with a much higher price tag. This machine is equipped with 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, ensuring it can handle a wide variety of tasks effortlessly. Whether you’re juggling multiple apps, working on documents, editing photos, or streaming Netflix, the Swift 3 can manage it all with ease.

One of the standout features of the Acer Swift 3 is Intel’s Xe graphics, which provide a smooth experience when playing casual games. Titles like Fortnite and Rocket League run without a hitch, making this laptop a great option for light gaming as well as everyday work. Its 14-inch Full HD display strikes a perfect balance between screen real estate and portability, fitting easily into most bags for on-the-go productivity.

With Wi-Fi 6 support, the Swift 3 takes full advantage of the latest high-speed routers, giving you faster and more reliable internet connections. Additionally, being Intel Evo certified means you’re getting super-fast startup times, quick charging, and long-lasting battery life. For those who don’t need to play demanding games at ultra settings, the Acer Swift 3 offers an unbeatable combination of performance and price.

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2. Asus TUF Dash F15

Asus TUF Dash F15 specs
Screen	15.6in Full HD IPS
Processor	Intel Core i5-11400H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
RAM	8GB
Storage	512GB SSD
OS	Windows 11
Dimensions	35.9 x 25.6 x 2.47cm, 2.30 kg

If you’re after a gaming laptop that can tackle more demanding games without emptying your wallet, the Asus Tuf Dash F15 is an excellent option. While it may not feature the high-end Intel Core i7 processor found in pricier models, the 11th Generation Core i5 processor it does come with is still plenty powerful for most tasks. However, the true strength of the Tuf Dash F15 lies in its GPU. Outfitted with a dedicated Nvidia RTX 3050Ti graphics card, this laptop is the best choice on our list for gamers seeking smooth gameplay on AAA titles without breaking the bank.

The Nvidia RTX 3050Ti ensures that popular, graphically intense games run well, making the Tuf Dash F15 an ideal pick for budget-conscious gamers. Beyond gaming, it also offers great value for video editors and those who dabble in lightweight 3D rendering. Nvidia’s hardware accelerates tasks that require graphical processing, so whether you’re cutting videos or experimenting with 3D models, this laptop is up to the challenge.

For students or anyone looking for a versatile device that can handle both work and play, the Tuf Dash F15 delivers. It provides enough power to manage school projects and creative work, while still allowing you to enjoy gaming, all without needing to spend extra on a separate gaming console.

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3. HP Envy x360

HP Envy x360 specs
Screen	‎15.6in Full HD touchscreen
Processor	AMD Ryzen 5000 Series
RAM	8GB
Storage	512 GB SSD
OS	Windows 11
Dimensions	22.9 x 35.9 x 1.86 cm; 1.71 kg

If you’re in the market for a convertible Windows laptop — one with a touchscreen that can rotate 360 degrees for a tablet-like experience — you’ll often find yourself paying extra for that added versatility. However, HP’s Envy x360 strikes a balance between flexibility and affordability, making it a strong contender in the mid-range category. Despite its reasonable price, it still packs a punch with its AMD Ryzen 5 5600U processor, 8GB of RAM, and a generous 512GB of storage. This makes it powerful enough to handle daily tasks and multi-tasking with ease, without straining your budget.

The Envy x360 comes preloaded with Windows 11, ensuring you’re up to date with the latest features and user experience. Its 15.6-inch touchscreen offers plenty of space for work, creativity, or entertainment, while also allowing you to switch effortlessly to a tablet mode when needed. This flexibility makes it an ideal companion for those who want the best of both worlds — a laptop for productivity and a tablet for more casual use.

The Envy x360 is perfect for students, professionals, or anyone who values a convertible laptop without breaking the bank. Whether you’re taking notes, streaming your favourite shows, or simply browsing the web, this laptop’s versatility makes it an excellent choice for all-around use.

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4. Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5

Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 specs
Screen	13.3in Full HD
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2
RAM	8GB
Storage	256 GB
OS	ChromeOS
Dimensions	30.59 x 18.68 x 0.72 cm, 1.2kg

If you’re after a simpler and more lightweight alternative to Windows, a Chromebook might be exactly what you need. Running on Google’s ChromeOS, Chromebooks provide a streamlined experience, with a strong emphasis on cloud-based productivity. Files are saved in the cloud, and apps like Google Docs and Sheets are at the core of the system. Plus, Chromebooks can run Android apps, giving you access to a wide range of productivity tools, entertainment, and mobile games.

One standout option in the mid-range Chromebook market is Lenovo’s IdeaPad Duet. This sleek and stylish device offers impressive performance in a compact 13.3-inch package. Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 processor and backed by 8GB of RAM, the IdeaPad Duet can handle everyday tasks with ease. Whether you’re working, streaming, or indulging in some light Android gaming, this Chromebook is up to the task.

Beyond performance, the IdeaPad Duet’s lightweight design makes it highly portable, perfect for students, professionals, or anyone who needs to work on the go. Battery life is another strong point, offering up to 15 hours of use on a single charge. This ensures that you can get through a full day of work or entertainment without constantly searching for a power outlet. Overall, the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet is an excellent mid-range Chromebook for those seeking a balance of style, performance, and long-lasting battery life.

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5. Huawei MateBook 14

Huawei MateBook 14 specs
Screen	14 inches 2K FullView Display
Processor	‎Intel Core i7-1165G7
RAM	16 GB
Storage	‎512 GB
OS	Windows 11
Dimensions	43.1 x 30.5 x 9.1 cm; 1.49 kg

Eagle-eyed readers may notice the absence of an Apple MacBook on this list, which shouldn’t be surprising given the premium price tags that accompany Apple’s products. However, if you’re seeking a sleek and powerful alternative with a more budget-friendly price, Huawei’s MateBook 14 is an excellent Windows-based option. This laptop channels the elegant design language of a MacBook while bringing the power and flexibility of Windows 11 into the mix.

The MateBook 14 in this configuration offers solid mid-range performance, featuring an 11th Generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a generous 512GB of internal storage. This combination makes it a great choice for multitasking and handling various tasks, from work to entertainment, without any performance hiccups. The 512GB of storage also ensures that you’ll have ample space for your files and media without the immediate need for external drives or cloud storage solutions.

At just 1.49kg and 15.9mm thick, the MateBook 14 is not only powerful but also incredibly portable. Its slim and lightweight design adds to its premium feel, making it a perfect companion for professionals, students, or anyone on the go. With a sophisticated aesthetic that rivals more expensive laptops, the MateBook 14 is a superb choice for those looking for performance, style, and value in one sleek package.

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6. MSI Prestige 14 Evo A12M

MSI Prestige 14 Evo A12M specs
Screen	14″ FHD ISP
Processor	Intel Core i7-1280P
RAM	16 GB
Storage	512 GB
OS	Windows 11
Dimensions	‎31.9 x 21.9 x 1.59 cm; 1.29 kg

The Prestige 14 Evo A12M packs a serious punch within a sleek and well-equipped chassis, making it a highly capable workhorse that can be yours for less than similarly specced competitors. At its core, you’ll find Intel’s powerful Core i7-1280P processor, ensuring swift performance across a range of tasks. This is complemented by 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, providing ample memory and storage to handle multitasking and large files without breaking a sweat.

One of the key advantages of the Prestige 14 Evo A12M is its portability. With slim dimensions, it’s a perfect travel companion, easy to slip into your bag and carry wherever you go. The keyboard also stands out as a high point, offering a satisfying and comfortable typing experience, which is essential for those long work sessions.

While it’s true that some competitors offer sharper, more colour-accurate displays and longer-lasting battery life, the Prestige 14 Evo A12M still holds its own as a versatile all-rounder. For those seeking a well-balanced laptop that delivers solid performance without the premium price tag of other high-end options, this model is a great choice that doesn’t compromise on the essentials.

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How to choose the best mid-range laptop?

When buying the best mid-range laptop, one of the first things to consider is the balance between performance and price. Mid-range laptops are designed to offer more power and features than the best budget laptops, without the excessive cost of premium machines.

Look for a laptop that includes a solid processor, such as an Intel Core i5 or i7, or an AMD Ryzen 5 or 7. These processors offer a great combination of speed and efficiency, making them capable of handling everything from daily tasks to more demanding applications like photo editing or light gaming. RAM is also important; 8GB should be considered a minimum, but 16GB is preferable for smoother multitasking and future-proofing your device.

Another key aspect is the display. Mid-range laptops often come with higher resolution screens, and it’s worth opting for at least a Full HD (1920×1080) display. This will provide sharper images and a more comfortable viewing experience for work, entertainment, and gaming. If you plan to use your laptop for creative work or you value vibrant colours and deeper contrast, look for a display with good colour accuracy and brightness. Touchscreens and convertible designs, while not essential for everyone, can also add versatility, making a 2-in-1 laptop an attractive option for those who want a device that can function as both a laptop and a tablet.

Storage is another crucial factor. A mid-range laptop should come equipped with a solid-state drive (SSD) rather than a traditional hard drive (HDD), as SSDs offer much faster boot times and file access. A 512GB SSD is a good sweet spot, providing ample space for most users’ files and applications while ensuring the laptop remains responsive. If you anticipate needing more storage, some laptops offer options for expansion or external drives, so it’s worth considering future needs.

Battery life is also important; aim for a laptop that can last at least 8-10 hours on a single charge to avoid being tethered to an outlet throughout the day.

Lastly, consider the build quality and portability. Mid-range laptops can vary greatly in design and weight, so think about how and where you’ll use the laptop. A lightweight, slim model is ideal for those who travel frequently or work on the go. However, don’t sacrifice durability for portability—look for solid construction materials and a design that feels robust.

• Read more: How to choose a laptop to suit you