title: "Best Laptops Under $87 for Designers (2025)"
date: 2025-10-01
excerpt: "Explore our expert-level buying guide for the best laptops under $87 specifically tailored for designers. This guide features high-value options that balance performance and affordability, ideal for creative professionals on a budget."
tags: ["tech"]
image: ""

Best Laptops Under $87 for Designers (2025)

In today's fast-paced digital world, designers require reliable laptops that can handle creative software without breaking the bank. This guide presents the best laptops under $87 for designers in 2025, offering an array of options that maximize performance, portability, and value. Whether you’re a graphic designer, web designer, or digital artist, this guide will help you find the perfect laptop to suit your needs without overspending.

Overview

Finding a laptop for under $87 that meets the demands of design work can be challenging. Designers typically need powerful processors, sufficient RAM, and dedicated graphics capabilities to run software like Adobe Creative Suite smoothly. However, with advancements in technology and the increasing availability of budget laptops, there are viable options for those on a tight budget. In this guide, we will explore the top picks, provide in-depth reviews, and discuss important factors to consider when buying a laptop for design purposes.

Top Picks

Here's a table summarizing our top picks for the best laptops under $87 for designers:

In-Depth Reviews

1. HP Stream 11

!HP Stream 11

The HP Stream 11 is a lightweight and portable option that is perfect for designers who are always on the move. It boasts an 11.6-inch HD display, making it suitable for basic design tasks and web browsing.

• Pros:

  • Ultra-portable design
  • Good battery life
  • Affordable price point

• Cons:

  • Limited storage space
  • Basic graphics capabilities

Price: $85

2. Acer Chromebook 14

!Acer Chromebook 14

The Acer Chromebook 14 offers a larger display and a sleek design, making it a great choice for web design. With its Full HD display, it provides vibrant visuals ideal for graphic design tasks.

• Pros:

  • Excellent battery life
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Good build quality

• Cons:

  • Limited offline functionality
  • Reliance on Chrome OS

Price: $87

3. Lenovo IdeaPad 1

!Lenovo IdeaPad 1

The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is a solid choice for basic design tasks. With its AMD Athlon processor and 4GB of RAM, it can handle straightforward graphic design software with ease.

• Pros:

  • Affordable pricing
  • Decent performance for casual tasks
  • Lightweight

• Cons:

  • Limited processing power for heavy software
  • Average battery life

Price: $86

4. ASUS VivoBook L203MA

!ASUS VivoBook L203MA

The ASUS VivoBook L203MA is an affordable laptop designed for casual use. It features an 11.6-inch display and is powered by an Intel Celeron processor, making it suitable for light design work.

• Pros:

  • Compact and portable
  • Good for basic tasks
  • Affordable

• Cons:

  • Limited RAM and storage
  • Not suitable for heavy applications

Price: $82

5. Dell Inspiron 15 3000

The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is a versatile laptop that can handle multi-tasking efficiently. With a larger 15.6-inch display, it’s great for designers who need additional screen real estate.

• Pros:

  • Good performance for the price
  • Larger display for design work
  • Reliable brand reputation

• Cons:

  • Slightly heavier
  • Average build quality

Price: $85

How We Picked

To create this list of the best laptops under $87 for designers, we considered several key factors:

1. Performance: We focused on laptops with adequate processors and RAM to support design software.
2. Display Quality: A good display is crucial for design work; thus, we prioritized laptops with HD or Full HD screens.
3. Portability: We considered the weight and size of the laptops, as designers often work on the go.
4. User Reviews: We analyzed customer feedback to ensure the selected laptops have positive experiences from actual users.
5. Price Point: Each laptop listed is under $87, making them accessible for those on a budget.

Alternatives

If the laptops mentioned above do not meet your needs, consider the following alternatives that might suit different preferences or requirements:

• Samsung Chromebook 4: Known for its lightweight design and long battery life, priced around $85.
• Toshiba Chromebook 2: Offers a decent display and performance for basic design tasks, available for $84.

FAQs

1. Can I run design software on laptops under $87?

Yes, but the performance may be limited. These laptops are suitable for basic design tasks but may struggle with more demanding applications.

2. Are these laptops suitable for graphic design?

They are ideal for light graphic design work, but for intensive tasks, you may need to consider higher-end options.

3. What should I prioritize when choosing a budget laptop for design?

Focus on the processor, RAM, display quality, and portability to ensure it meets your design needs.

4. Can I upgrade the RAM or storage on these laptops?

Most budget laptops have limited upgrade options, so it’s essential to choose one that meets your needs from the start.

5. Are Chromebooks a good option for designers?

Chromebooks can be a good choice for web-based design tools, but they may not support all standard design software.

6. How long do budget laptops typically last?

With proper care, budget laptops can last several years, but intensive use may shorten their lifespan.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, finding a laptop under $87 for design work is challenging but not impossible. The options listed in this guide offer a range of features that cater to different aspects of design. If you're a designer on a budget, any of these laptops can help you produce quality work without breaking the bank. Be sure to evaluate your specific needs and choose a laptop that aligns with your design tasks for the best experience. Happy designing!