Laptops for the Casual Worker

Laptops are the kings of versatility. Fully-featured to handle the same tasks as full-sized computers and yet small enough to carry around.

To achieve this, several compromises had to be made. You usually get less for your money with a laptop but if you need to work out of the house, a laptop is your best bet.

Showing 1-20 of 38 items.

Asus C523NA 15-inch Chromebook (C523NA-BB02-CB)

ranked #12 among Laptops priced under $400

With an unusually large screen for a Chromebook, this model trades some of its portability to give the user additional room to work. If you find readi

Who it's For

Casual Worker

Compared Overall

Bang for the Buck	4th percentile
Versatility	49th percentile
Power	9th percentile
Storage Space	24th percentile
Portability	80th percentile
Battery Autonomy	54th percentile

Specs

Operating System

Android, Chrome OS

Screen

15", 1366×768(1366 × 768, 1MP), Multiple Monitor Support

CPU

Intel Celeron N3350

GPU

Intel HD Graphics 505

Memory

4 GB

Storage

64 GB total, Media Card Reader, eMMC Storage (slow)

Pricing

Typically sells for C$199.

C$399.95 from Best Buy C$299.99 from Best Buy

Detailed View

Asus C523NA 15.6" Chromebook (Touch) (C523NA-DH02)

ranked #11 among Laptops priced under $400

With an unusually large screen for a Chromebook, this model trades some of its portability to give the user a larger picture to work with (but not nec

Who it's For

Casual Worker

Compared Overall

Bang for the Buck	5th percentile
Versatility	63th percentile
Power	3th percentile
Storage Space	8th percentile
Portability	80th percentile
Battery Autonomy	47th percentile

Specs

Operating System

Android, Chrome OS

Screen

15", 1366×768(1366 × 768, 1MP), Multiple Monitor Support

CPU

Intel Celeron N3350

GPU

Intel HD Graphics 500

Memory

4 GB

Storage

32 GB total, Media Card Reader, eMMC Storage (slow)

Pricing

Typically sells for C$348.

C$348.00 from Visions Electronics

Detailed View

Asus L410 14-inch NetBook (L410MA-SH01-CB)

ranked #10 among Laptops priced under $400

This laptop is all about cost-effectiveness, and if you're strapped for cash, it could be a compelling option, especially if you're a patient person c

Who it's For

Multitasker
Casual Worker

Compared Overall

Bang for the Buck	7th percentile
Versatility	97th percentile
Power	7th percentile
Storage Space	24th percentile
Portability	87th percentile
Battery Autonomy	18th percentile

Specs

Operating System

Windows 10, S Edition

Screen

14", 1920×1080(FHD, 1080p, 2.1MP), Multiple Monitor Support

CPU

Intel Celeron N4020

GPU

Intel UHD Graphics 600

Memory

4 GB

Storage

64 GB total, Media Card Reader, eMMC Storage (slow)

Pricing

Typically sells for C$299.

C$299.97 from Staples

Detailed View

HP 14-inch Laptop (14-fq0008ca)

ranked #9 among Laptops priced under $400

This laptop is as modest as it gets, but if you need more versatility than a Chromebook can offer, this could be worth a look.

Luckily, this laptop

Who it's For

Casual Worker

Compared Overall

Bang for the Buck	10th percentile
Versatility	61th percentile
Power	22th percentile
Storage Space	24th percentile
Portability	86th percentile
Battery Autonomy	37th percentile

Specs

Operating System

Windows 10, S Edition

Screen

14", 1366×768(1366 × 768, 1MP), Multiple Monitor Support

CPU

AMD 3020e

GPU

AMD Radeon Vega 3 Graphics

Memory

4 GB

Storage

64 GB total, Media Card Reader, eMMC Storage (slow)

Pricing

Typically sells for C$349.

C$349.99 from Best Buy C$299.99 from Best Buy

Detailed View

Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14-inch Netbook (82GW0047CF)

ranked #8 among Laptops priced under $400

Built for price-effectiveness above all, this laptop might still be worth a look if you're happy with products from the Microsoft store. It's not a po

Who it's For

Casual Worker

Compared Overall

Bang for the Buck	11th percentile
Versatility	99th percentile
Power	22th percentile
Storage Space	24th percentile
Portability	71th percentile
Battery Autonomy	26th percentile

Specs

Operating System

Windows 10, S Edition

Screen

14", 1366×768(1366 × 768, 1MP), Multiple Monitor Support

CPU

AMD 3020e

GPU

AMD Radeon Vega 3 Graphics

Memory

4 GB

Storage

64 GB total, Media Card Reader, eMMC Storage (slow)

Pricing

Typically sells for C$249. You could save 20% right now.

C$199.97 from Staples

Detailed View

Asus Chromebook Flip C434 (C434TA-DSM4T)

ranked #11 among Laptops priced $400-1000

Chromebooks can be quite versatile, but the most affordable models can come a little short for more advanced users. By investing more in a model like

Who it's For

Multitasker
Casual Worker

Compared Overall

Bang for the Buck	12th percentile
Versatility	27th percentile
Power	23th percentile
Storage Space	24th percentile
Portability	88th percentile
Battery Autonomy	82th percentile

Specs

Operating System

Android, Chrome OS

Screen

14", 1920×1080(FHD, 1080p, 2.1MP), Multiple Monitor Support, Touch Screen

CPU

Intel Core m3-8100Y

GPU

Intel UHD Graphics 615

Memory

4 GB

Storage

64 GB total, Media Card Reader

Pricing

Typically sells for C$489.

C$698.00 from Visions Electronics C$439.99 from Best Buy

Detailed View

Lenovo S345 14-inch Chromebook (81WX0012CF)

ranked #10 among Laptops priced $400-1000

This Chromebook is a bit larger than its counterparts and features a full HD screen as well, making it an even more attractive option to watch movies

Who it's For

Multitasker
Casual Worker

Compared Overall

Bang for the Buck	14th percentile
Versatility	77th percentile
Power	2th percentile
Storage Space	24th percentile
Portability	84th percentile
Battery Autonomy	25th percentile

Specs

Operating System

Android, Chrome OS

Screen

14", 1920×1080(FHD, 1080p, 2.1MP), Multiple Monitor Support

CPU

AMD A6-9220C

GPU

AMD Radeon R5 Graphics

Memory

4 GB

Storage

64 GB total, Media Card Reader, eMMC Storage (slow)

Pricing

C$399.99 from Best Buy

Detailed View

Google Pixelbook Go (GA00519-US)

ranked #9 among Laptops priced $400-1000

This premium Chromebook comes with a few extras like an FHD touchscreen, extended battery life and some additional horsepower.

Who it's For

Multitasker
Casual Worker

Compared Overall

Bang for the Buck	15th percentile
Versatility	15th percentile
Power	25th percentile
Storage Space	24th percentile
Portability	96th percentile
Battery Autonomy	95th percentile

Specs

Operating System

Android, Chrome OS

Screen

13", 1920×1080(FHD, 1080p, 2.1MP), Multiple Monitor Support, Touch Screen

CPU

Intel Core m3-8100Y

GPU

Intel UHD Graphics 615

Memory

8 GB

Storage

64 GB total

Pricing

Typically sells for C$879.

C$879.00 from Google Store

Detailed View

Lenovo S345 14-inch Chromebook (81WX000UCC)

ranked #7 among Laptops priced under $400

This Chromebook is a bit larger than its counterparts and features a full HD screen as well, making it an even more attractive option to watch movies

Who it's For

Multitasker
Casual Worker

Compared Overall

Bang for the Buck	16th percentile
Versatility	85th percentile
Power	2th percentile
Storage Space	24th percentile
Portability	84th percentile
Battery Autonomy	25th percentile

Specs

Operating System

Android, Chrome OS

Screen

14", 1920×1080(FHD, 1080p, 2.1MP), IPS Display (incl. PLS, AHVA, etc.), Multiple Monitor Support

CPU

AMD A6-9220C

GPU

AMD Radeon R5 Graphics

Memory

4 GB

Storage

64 GB total, Media Card Reader, eMMC Storage (slow)

Pricing

C$379.99 from The Source

Detailed View

HP 14in Chromebook (14a-NA0010ca)

ranked #6 among Laptops priced under $400

This Chromebook offers a pretty compelling solution if you're looking to handle everyday communication and connectivity away from your main rig.

Who it's For

Casual Worker

Compared Overall

Bang for the Buck	17th percentile
Versatility	85th percentile
Power	12th percentile
Storage Space	24th percentile
Portability	41th percentile
Battery Autonomy	56th percentile

Specs

Operating System

Android, Chrome OS

Screen

14", 1366×768(1366 × 768, 1MP), Multiple Monitor Support, VA or SVA Display

CPU

Intel Celeron N4000

GPU

Intel UHD Graphics 600

Memory

4 GB

Storage

64 GB total, eMMC Storage (slow), Micro SD Storage Expansion

Pricing

Typically sells for C$399. You could save 30% right now.

C$279.99 from Staples

Detailed View

Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 12-inch Touchscreen Laptop (THH-00001)

ranked #9 among Laptops priced $1000-1500

A Surface device designed to be (relatively) affordable, this laptop by Microsoft can handle everyday tasks in style.

Who it's For

Casual Worker

Compared Overall

Bang for the Buck	18th percentile
Versatility	7th percentile
Power	41th percentile
Storage Space	27th percentile
Portability	95th percentile
Battery Autonomy	75th percentile

Specs

Operating System

Windows 10, S Edition

Screen

12", 1536×1024(1536 × 1024, 1.6MP), Touch Screen

CPU

Intel Core i5-1035G1

GPU

Intel UHD Graphics

Memory

8 GB, Dual-Channel

Storage

128 GB total, Solid State (very fast)

Pricing

Typically sells for C$759.

C$1,229.99 from Microsoft

Detailed View

HP 14-inch Laptop (14-fq0038ca)

ranked #8 among Laptops priced $400-1000

This cost-efficient laptop could be a compelling option for everyday tasks and entertainment. It's not the most powerful PC out there, but it has a qu

Who it's For

Multitasker
Casual Worker

Compared Overall

Bang for the Buck	22th percentile
Versatility	47th percentile
Power	33th percentile
Storage Space	68th percentile
Portability	86th percentile
Battery Autonomy	11th percentile

Specs

Operating System

Windows 10, Home Edition

Screen

14", 1920×1080(FHD, 1080p, 2.1MP), IPS Display (incl. PLS, AHVA, etc.), Multiple Monitor Support

CPU

AMD Ryzen 3 3250U

GPU

AMD Radeon Vega 3 Graphics

Memory

8 GB

Storage

512 GB total, Media Card Reader, Solid State (very fast)

Pricing

Typically sells for C$679. You could save 19% right now.

C$549.99 from HP

Detailed View

Acer 14-inch Chromebook 314 (CB314-1H-C1S4)

ranked #5 among Laptops priced under $400

This Chromebook has a larger screen, helping readability without compromising ease of transportation too much.

Who it's For

Casual Worker

Compared Overall

Bang for the Buck	23th percentile
Versatility	96th percentile
Power	12th percentile
Storage Space	8th percentile
Portability	72th percentile
Battery Autonomy	58th percentile

Specs

Operating System

Linux, Android, Chrome OS

Screen

14", 1366×786(1366 × 786, 1.1MP), Multiple Monitor Support

CPU

Intel Celeron N4000

GPU

Intel UHD Graphics 600

Memory

4 GB

Storage

32 GB total, Media Card Reader, eMMC Storage (slow)

Pricing

Typically sells for C$369. You could save 38% right now.

C$229.99 from Staples

Detailed View

Asus M509 Laptop (M509DA-MB52-CB)

ranked #7 among Laptops priced $400-1000

This no-frills laptop should be able to efficiently handle most homework scenarios for a reasonable price.

Who it's For

Aspiring Creative
Multitasker
Productivity-Focused User

Compared Overall

Bang for the Buck	25th percentile
Versatility	79th percentile
Power	37th percentile
Storage Space	39th percentile
Portability	53th percentile
Battery Autonomy	16th percentile

Specs

Operating System

Windows 10, Home Edition

Screen

15", 1920×1080(FHD, 1080p, 2.1MP), Multiple Monitor Support

CPU

AMD Ryzen 5 3500U

GPU

AMD Radeon Vega 8 Mobile

Memory

8 GB

Storage

256 GB total, Solid State (very fast)

Pricing

Typically sells for C$649. You could save 8% right now.

C$599.99 from Memory Express C$599.00 from Visions Electronics

Detailed View

Acer Chromebook 311 (CB311-9H-C29L)

ranked #3 among Laptops priced under $400

Chromebooks excel as easy-to-carry travel companions for those of us who need to remain connected on the go, and this model is no exception. A USB-C d

Who it's For

Multitasker
Casual Worker

Compared Overall

Bang for the Buck	27th percentile
Versatility	100th percentile
Power	12th percentile
Storage Space	8th percentile
Portability	93th percentile
Battery Autonomy	51th percentile

Specs

Operating System

Linux, Android, Chrome OS

Screen

12", 1920×1080(FHD, 1080p, 2.1MP), IPS Display (incl. PLS, AHVA, etc.), Multiple Monitor Support

CPU

Intel Celeron N4000

GPU

Intel UHD Graphics 600

Memory

4 GB

Storage

32 GB total, Media Card Reader

Pricing

Typically sells for C$199.

C$268.60 from Amazon

Detailed View

Lenovo 14-inch IdeaPad 3 Chromebook (82KN0002CF)

ranked #4 among Laptops priced under $400

Even by Chromebook standards, this netbook is a bit humble, but it's a cost-efficient solution for everyday needs.

A few characteristics could impe

Who it's For

Casual Worker

Compared Overall

Bang for the Buck	26th percentile
Versatility	87th percentile
Power	18th percentile
Storage Space	8th percentile
Portability	74th percentile
Battery Autonomy	86th percentile

Specs

Operating System

Linux, Android, Chrome OS

Screen

14", 1366×768(1366 × 768, 1MP), Multiple Monitor Support

CPU

MediaTek MT8183

GPU

ARM Mali-G72

Memory

4 GB

Storage

32 GB total, Media Card Reader, eMMC Storage (slow)

Pricing

Typically sells for C$299. You could save 10% right now.

C$269.97 from Best Buy C$249.99 from Best Buy

Detailed View

Asus ExpertBook P1 15-inch professional laptop (P1510CJA-C51P-CA)

ranked #8 among Laptops priced $1000-1500

This laptop is a compelling solution for productivity and has a few enterprise-class features.

Under the hood, I have a few notes: a bit of RAM is

Who it's For

Aspiring Creative
Multitasker
Productivity-Focused User

Compared Overall

Bang for the Buck	30th percentile
Versatility	17th percentile
Power	43th percentile
Storage Space	68th percentile
Portability	52th percentile
Battery Autonomy	35th percentile

Specs

Operating System

Windows 10, Pro Edition

Screen

15", 1920×1080(FHD, 1080p, 2.1MP), Multiple Monitor Support

CPU

Intel Core i5-1035G1

GPU

Intel Iris Plus Graphics

Memory

8 GB, Dual-Channel

Storage

512 GB total, Media Card Reader, Solid State (very fast)

Pricing

C$1,199.99 from Staples

Detailed View

HP 14-inch Laptop (14-dq2088ca)

ranked #6 among Laptops priced $400-1000

If you need a laptop to handle simple homework efficiently without breaking the bank, this model could be the answer.

Who it's For

Casual Nomad
Casual Worker

Compared Overall

Bang for the Buck	34th percentile
Versatility	64th percentile
Power	38th percentile
Storage Space	68th percentile
Portability	82th percentile
Battery Autonomy	79th percentile

Specs

Operating System

Windows 10, Home Edition

Screen

14", 1366×768(1366 × 768, 1MP), Multiple Monitor Support

CPU

Intel Core i3-1115G4

GPU

Intel UHD Graphics

Memory

8 GB

Storage

512 GB total, Media Card Reader, Solid State (very fast)

Pricing

Typically sells for C$549. You could save 14% right now.

C$469.99 from Best Buy

Detailed View

Asus ExpertBook P1 15-inch professional laptop (P1510CJA-C71P-CA)

ranked #5 among Laptops priced $400-1000

This laptop is a pretty compelling solution for productivity and has a few enterprise-class features.

A few things are missing to make me happy: a

Who it's For

Serious Multitasker
Graphic Designer
Productivity-Focused User

Compared Overall

Bang for the Buck	36th percentile
Versatility	60th percentile
Power	45th percentile
Storage Space	68th percentile
Portability	52th percentile
Battery Autonomy	30th percentile

Specs

Operating System

Windows 10, Pro Edition

Screen

15", 1920×1080(FHD, 1080p, 2.1MP), Multiple Monitor Support

CPU

Intel Core i7-1065G7

GPU

Intel Iris Plus Graphics

Memory

12 GB

Storage

512 GB total, Media Card Reader, Solid State (very fast)

Pricing

Typically sells for C$969.

C$1,299.99 from Staples C$1,029.00 from Amazon C$969.99 from Costco

Detailed View

MSI Stealth GS66 12UHS-216CA 15-inch Gaming Laptop (GS66 12UHS216CA)

ranked #7 among Laptops priced over $1500

If you need a gaming PC you can take on the road with you and can afford to iron out most compromises, this could be the laptop you need.

Who it's For

Serious Video Editor
Serious Gamer
Hardcore Graphic Designer
Serious Multitasker

And more!

Compared Overall

Bang for the Buck	38th percentile
Versatility	8th percentile
Power	100th percentile
Storage Space	91th percentile
Portability	55th percentile

Specs

Operating System

Windows 11, Pro Edition

Screen

15", 3840×2160(4K, UHD, 8.3MP), IPS Display (incl. PLS, AHVA, etc.), Multiple Monitor Support

CPU

Intel Core i9-12900H

GPU

Nvidia Geforce RTX 3080 Ti, 16 GB

Memory

32 GB, Dual-Channel

Storage

1 TB total, Solid State (very fast)

Pricing

Typically sells for C$4,399.

C$4,399.99 from Staples C$4,408.99 from Newegg C$4,399.99 from The Source

Detailed View