Best HP Laptops for Under $1,200 in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide
Searching for a new laptop? You’re in luck. HP offers a wide range of fast, reliable, and highly functional devices suitable for personal or professional use, all priced under $1,200. While top-end gaming rigs and data-crunching workstations can soar well above this price point, the vast majority of users will find excellent options within this budget.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best HP laptops under $1,200, helping you find the perfect match for your needs and preferences.
How to Choose a Laptop Under $1,200
When shopping for a laptop in this price range, you have many options to consider. To make the best choice, focus on these key factors:
- Intended use: Are you a student, professional, gamer, or casual user? Your primary activities will dictate the features you need most.
- Portability: If you’re always on the go, prioritize lightweight models with long battery life.
- Screen size: Larger screens (15-17 inches) are great for productivity and entertainment, while smaller screens (13-14 inches) offer better portability.
- Performance: Consider the processor, RAM, and storage type/capacity based on your workload.
- Graphics: Integrated graphics are fine for most users, but gamers and content creators may need dedicated GPUs.
- Connectivity: Ensure the laptop has the ports and wireless capabilities you need.
- Build quality: Look for durable materials and solid construction, especially if you travel frequently.
- Battery life: Long battery life is crucial for mobile users.
- Special features: Consider if you need a touchscreen, convertible design, or other specific features.
The Best HP Laptops Under $1,200
Now, let’s explore six top HP laptops that offer excellent value for under $1,200:
HP ENVY Laptop 17t-cw100
For those who prioritize screen real estate and powerful performance, the HP ENVY 17t-cw100 is an excellent choice.
- Windows 11 Home
- Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 125H processor
- Intel® Arc™ Graphics
- 16 GB DDR5-5600 MHz RAM
- 512 GB PCIe® NVMe™ M.2 SSD
This laptop is perfect for power users who need a large screen for multitasking or content creation. The 17.3-inch display provides ample space for work or entertainment, while the Intel Core Ultra processor and Arc Graphics deliver impressive performance for demanding tasks. With 16GB of fast DDR5 RAM and a spacious 512GB SSD, you’ll have plenty of memory and storage for all your needs.
HP Pavilion x360 2-in-1 Laptop 14t-ek1000
For versatility and portability, the HP Pavilion x360 14t-ek1000 offers the best of both worlds.
- Windows 11 Home
- Intel® Core™ i3-1315U processor
- Intel® UHD Graphics
- 8 GB onboard memory
- 256 GB PCIe® NVMe™ M.2 SSD
This 2-in-1 convertible is ideal for students or professionals who need flexibility in their computing device. The 360-degree hinge allows you to use it as a laptop, tablet, or in tent mode for presentations. While the Core i3 processor and 8GB of RAM are suitable for everyday tasks and light multitasking, the compact 14-inch design makes it highly portable for on-the-go use.
Victus by HP Gaming Laptop 16t-s100
For gamers on a budget, the HP Victus 16t-s100 offers impressive gaming performance without breaking the bank.
- Windows 11 Home
- AMD Ryzen™ 5 8645HS processor
- NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3050 Laptop GPU (6 GB)
- 16 GB DDR5-5600 SDRAM
- 512 GB PCIe® NVMe™ M.2 SSD
This gaming laptop packs a punch with its AMD Ryzen 5 processor and NVIDIA RTX 3050 GPU, capable of running modern games at good frame rates. The 16.1-inch display provides an immersive gaming experience, while 16GB of fast DDR5 RAM ensures smooth multitasking. With a 512GB SSD, you’ll have quick load times for your favorite games and applications.
HP Pavilion Plus Laptop 14z-ey000
For those seeking a balance of performance and portability, the HP Pavilion Plus 14z-ey000 is an excellent choice.
- Windows 11 Home
- AMD Ryzen™ 5 7540U processor
- AMD Radeon™ 740M Graphics
- 16 GB onboard memory
- 512 GB PCIe® NVMe™ M.2 SSD
This sleek 14-inch laptop offers a great mix of performance and portability. The AMD Ryzen 5 processor and Radeon graphics provide ample power for productivity tasks and light content creation. With 16GB of onboard memory and a 512GB SSD, you’ll have plenty of resources for multitasking and storage. The compact size makes it easy to carry, while still offering a comfortable working experience.
HP ENVY x360 2-in-1 Laptop 15t-fe100
For users who want a larger convertible option, the HP ENVY x360 15t-fe100 delivers performance and versatility.
- Windows 11 Home
- Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 125U processor
- Intel® Graphics
- 16 GB onboard memory
- 512 GB PCIe® NVMe™ M.2 SSD
This 15.6-inch convertible combines the power of an Intel Core Ultra processor with the flexibility of a 2-in-1 design. It’s perfect for creative professionals or students who need a versatile device for both work and entertainment. The larger screen provides more room for productivity, while the convertible design allows for easy note-taking or sketching in tablet mode.
HP ProBook 440 14 inch G11 Notebook PC
For business users looking for a reliable, secure, and powerful laptop, the HP ProBook 440 G11 is an excellent choice.
- Windows 11 Pro
- Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 125U processor
- Intel® Graphics
- 16 GB memory
- 512 GB SSD storage
This business-class laptop offers a perfect balance of performance, security, and portability. The Intel Core Ultra processor provides ample power for business applications, while Windows 11 Pro offers advanced security features. With 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, you’ll have plenty of resources for multitasking and storing important files. The 14-inch WUXGA display offers crisp visuals for all your work needs.
Making Your Decision
When choosing the best HP laptop under $1,200 for your needs, consider these factors:
- Performance requirements: Match the processor and RAM to your workload.
- Portability needs: Consider weight and battery life if you’re often on the move.
- Display preferences: Decide between larger screens for productivity or smaller ones for portability.
- Versatility: Determine if you need a traditional laptop or a convertible 2-in-1.
- Specific use cases: Consider specialized features for gaming, business, or creative work.
Remember, the “best” laptop is the one that fits your specific needs and budget. Whether you prioritize screen size, versatility, gaming performance, or business features, there’s an HP laptop under $1,200 that’s right for you.
Conclusion
HP offers a diverse range of laptops under $1,200 to suit various needs and preferences. From the large-screen powerhouse ENVY 17t-cw100 to the versatile Pavilion x360 14t-ek1000, the gaming-focused Victus 16t-s100, the balanced Pavilion Plus 14z-ey000, the flexible ENVY x360 15t-fe100, or the business-oriented ProBook 440 G11, there’s an option for every type of user.
By focusing on your priorities and understanding the strengths of each model, you can find the perfect HP laptop under $1,200 that will serve you well for years to come. Explore HP’s full range of laptops to find the ideal match for your needs and budget.
