The Best HP Laptops for under $1,200
Searching for a new laptop? You're in luck. HP has several fast, reliable, and highly functional devices suitable for personal or professional use.
While top-end gaming rigs and data-crunching workstations can soar well above the $1,200 mark, the vast majority of us will get by just fine with something at or below the threshold.
However, the best laptops under $1,200 differ from person to person. To maximize value, it's crucial to choose a device geared toward your specific needs.
How to choose a laptop under $1,200
The laptop shopper with $1,200 in their pocket is spoiled for choice. All but the most specialized high-end machines fall within that price range, so finding a suitable option should be simple.
Sometimes, however, too much choice can complicate the process. That's why it's essential to whittle down your options according to your needs.
Think about what you'll use the device for and shop accordingly. Hardcore gamers, social media addicts, and everyday office workers will all have unique needs.
Also, consider how frequently you'll move the laptop around. If you're constantly on the go, you're better off sacrificing screen space for a small, agile laptop of 14 inches or less. Conversely, a big screen makes extended computer sessions much more manageable - it's well worth it if you don't transport your laptop often.
Battery life of laptops is a major consideration for users who work out of cafes or client worksites. There's not always a plug socket within easy reach.
If so desired, a $1,200 budget can get you a high-powered convertible or touchscreen with a gorgeous Full High Definition (FHD) display. Nonetheless, you'll get even better hardware (or a lower price) if you forgo them. Only invest in laptops with these extras if you'll get good use from the tablet-like touch screen.
Weighing up the specs
One thousand pounds will snag you some pretty impressive specs. Depending on how close you get to the upper limit, expect to obtain an 11th or 12th Generation Intel® Core™ i5 or i7 (or AMD Ryzen™ 7), 8GB to 16GB RAM, a 256GB to 512GB SSD, and an FHD screen.
Laptops at this price point will also have all the essential ports and a high-speed WiFi adapter.
Think about the type of computing you do and prioritize the specs accordingly. For example, avid multi-taskers need to ensure they've got plenty of spare RAM, while highly-demanding applications require a solid processor.
Think about the graphics card. Most gaming laptops under $1,200 come with an integrated graphics card. If you want to maximize graphics without investing in a dedicated GPU, then opt for Intel Iris® Xe Graphics. This card is more capable than any other integrated GPU out there.
Serious gamers, pro animators, and video-editing gurus will want a dedicated graphics card to render images on the fly. However, it's crucial to keep your expectations in check. A $1,200 budget is enough to snag you a well-balanced laptop featuring an NVIDIA® GeForce® or AMD Radeon™ video card with 2 to 4GB of memory.
While 4GB of graphics memory is enough to run most games on 720p (and some on 1080p), it won't handle demanding games on high settings. A late-generation, top-of-the-line gaming laptop generally has a 6GB to 12GB GPU and will cost well over $1,200 - sometimes double or triple that figure.
So, to sum up, $1,200 will get you something suitable for casual gaming or light animation and video rendering. You'll need to keep saving if you've got more demanding requirements.
The best HP laptops under $1,200
We've covered what to expect from a $1,200 and how to prioritize the specs. Now it's time to peruse the best sub-$1,200 laptops from HP.
HP 470 G9 17.3-inch: Best 17-inch laptop
Good things come in big packages. Or at least that's the case with the HP 470 G9. Boasting a crisp 17-inch FHD screen, this sizeable laptop has ample space to display several applications simultaneously. And with a whopping 16GB of RAM, you'll have no issues multi-tasking them all.
High-level integrated graphics come courtesy of Intel Iris Xe, while its roomy 512GB SSD gives you plenty of space to stow your files.
If you need more juice than the Intel Core i7, it's possible to upgrade to an i7 (that will put you over $1,200, though).
- Screen: 17.3" FHD (1920 x 1080)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-1255U (12th Generation)
- RAM: 16GB RAM
- Hard drive: 512GB SSD
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
HP Pavilion 15t-eg000: Best budget 15-inch laptop
If a 17-inch screen is a tad too cumbersome for your liking, then stepping down a size might be the perfect solution. For many users, a 15-inch screen offers an idyllic blend between portability and readability. The HP Pavilion 15t-eg000 showcases that concept in dazzling style.
Powered by a zippy 11th Generation Intel Core i5 and 8GB RAM, this device blazes through your everyday computational chores. Crisp Bang & Olufsen sound and a three-sided micro-edge display make it an excellent multimedia machine. It looks the part, too, thanks to its streamlined, premium metal design.
Budget-conscious shoppers should note this one retails at way below the $1,200 threshold.
- Screen: 15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080)
- Processor: Intel Core i5 1135G7 (11th Generation)
- RAM: 8GB RAM
- Hard drive: 512GB SSD
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
HP ProBook 455 15.6-inch G9 Notebook: Best 15-inch laptop
Chock full of high-end specs, the HP ProBook 455 15.6-inch G9 Notebook gives you next-level performance in a portable 15-inch case. The speedy AMD Ryzen 5 processor and a whopping 16GB of RAM work to crush complex computational tasks. Meanwhile, its AMD Radeon graphics rapidly render pixels on the fly.
To top it off, you get a roomy 512GB SSD and a crisp FHD display.
- Screen: FHD (1920 x 1080)
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5625U
- RAM: 16GB RAM
- Hard drive: 512GB SSD
- Graphics: AMD Radeon graphics
HP Chromebook x360 14ct-cc000: Best 14-inch laptop
Seeking something even more compact? The HP Chromebook 14-inch x360 14ct-cc000 laptop is your go-to 14-inch option. The slender device fits our $1,200 limit, and its specs justify the price. An 11th Generation i3, 8GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD make this a zippy, compact option for users on the go.
The icing on the cake? This sleek, compact device includes a crystal-clear FHD touch screen, with Intel UHD graphics. It's a breeze to grab and go with Chrome OS™, as well.
- Screen: 14" FHD (1920 x 1080), touch screen
- Processor: Intel Core i3-1125G4 (11th Generation)
- RAM: 8GB RAM
- Hard drive: 128GB SSD
- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics
HP Pavilion x360 Convertible 15-er1047nr: Best touch screen laptop
Touchscreen lovers on a budget could spend far less by grabbing the HP Pavilion x360 Convertible 15-er1047nr. This model comes with a 12th Generation i5, 16GB RAM, and Intel Iris Xe Graphics. All that equates to a potent device geared towards multimedia consumption and everyday computational tasks. What's more, its 256GB SSD offers ample space for storing your favorite music and movies.
The vibrant FHD screen features 178-degree wide-viewing angles and affords mobile phone-like functionality with a full touchscreen-enabled display.
- Screen: FHD (1920 x 1080), touch screen
- Processor: Intel Core i5 1235U (12th Generation)
- RAM: 16GB RAM
- Hard drive: 256GB SSD
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
OMEN by HP 16t-b100: Best Gaming Laptop
Gamers on the go can't go wrong with the OMEN, our top pick for the best gaming laptop under $1,200. This model, the OMEN by HP 16t-b100 Laptop, sports an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 GPU with 8GB of memory to render fast-paced frame rates during intensive contemporary games. Plus, a high-powered Intel Core i5-12500H processor keeps the rapid action flowing on its crisp FHD screen.
While gaming is its raison d'être, the OMEN also serves as a video editing or animation device.
- Screen: FHD (1920 x 1080)
- Processor: Intel Core i5-12500H
- RAM: 8GB RAM
- Hard drive: 512GB SSD
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX™ 1650 (4GB)
HP ENVY x360 2-in-1 13-bf0797nr: Best convertible laptop
Got a thing for convertibles? The slick HP ENVY x360 2-in-1 13-bf0797nr Laptop is among the most enticing two-in-ones in the entire HP range. This slender 13-inch device effortlessly folds over itself for both laptop and tablet functionality and comes with an MPP2.0 Tilt Pen for note-taking and sketching. Excellent specs and a sizeable 1TB SSD ensure you won't be left behind.
Its small stature, lightweight chassis, and massive 15-hour-and-30-minute battery life make it ideal for creatives and everyday professionals on the go.
- Screen: 13.3" 2.8K (2880 x 1800) touch screen
- Processor: Intel Core i7-1250U
- RAM: 16GB RAM
- Hard drive: 1TB SSD
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Choosing the right laptop under $1,200
While it won't cover a top-end workstation or elite-level gaming rig, $1,200 gives you the freedom to pick and choose a suitable laptop for you.
But it's still important to do the legwork with your research. Otherwise, you'll wind up forking out for features you don't need - or missing a few you do.
Take a close look through the critical considerations towards the top of this post. Once you've worked out what you want, you'll find the perfect sub-$1,200 laptop on our list.
