Amazon’s search results for “best laptop” consistently promote underperforming, outdated, or outright misleading products, despite better alternatives being readily available. This practice is driven by unknown factors within the retailer’s ranking system, but the result is that many shoppers end up with devices that severely hinder their work, education, or leisure activities.
The Problem with Cheap Windows Laptops
A significant portion of Amazon’s top-ranked laptops fall into the ultra-cheap Windows category, often priced under $300. While some may appear appealing with specs like “Quad-Core” processors and 256 GB of storage, they are frequently deceptive. One example is an outdated HP laptop listed as an “Amazon’s Choice” with a typo in its title (“Ultral” Light). This device runs on a slow Intel Celeron processor and includes only 64 GB of actual storage, supplemented by a bundled 128 GB SD card. It also ships with Windows 11 in S Mode, restricting app downloads, and features a low-resolution 1366 x 768 screen – unacceptable for modern use. Similar HP models, like the Stream 14 and a 15.6-inch variant, suffer from the same poor display quality.
Better alternatives exist: an Asus Chromebook CX15 offers a 1080p screen and proper SSD storage at a comparable price. For Windows users, the Acer Aspire Go 15 provides a 1080p display, 256 GB SSD, and a full version of Windows 11.
Misleading Deals and Outdated Hardware
Even laptops with seemingly decent specs can be misleading. An Acer Nitro V gaming laptop, listed with a 165 Hz display, 16 GB of RAM, and a terabyte of storage, is overpriced at $950. Newer models with faster RTX 5050 graphics cards are available for $750. The Lenovo LOQ 15 with an RTX 5060 is an even better value at $970.
The Samsung Galaxy Book4, while not terrible, is outperformed by the Asus Vivobook 14 (or 16), which offers superior battery life thanks to its Qualcomm Snapdragon X processor. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3X provides a similar performance at an even lower price point.
Unknown Brands and Predatory Marketing
Amazon frequently promotes laptops from obscure brands like Jumper and Nimo, often without clear product information. These devices, typically under $300, suffer from the same issues as cheap Windows laptops – slow processors, limited storage, and questionable quality control. Gaming laptops marketed by Nimo are particularly misleading, lacking discrete graphics cards despite being advertised as gaming devices.
Limited Exceptions
Despite the prevalence of low-quality options, Amazon does occasionally recommend viable products. The 13-inch M4 Apple MacBook Air is accurately ranked among the best laptops, and the Dell 15 Laptop appears to be a decent budget option with promising specs. However, these are often buried among sponsored and inferior listings.
Walmart’s laptop selection is even worse, with 24 out of 40 featured products from unknown brands or outdated HP models. Both Amazon and Walmart offer worthwhile deals, but consumers must actively search or filter to find them.
In conclusion, Amazon and other major retailers continue to surface low-quality laptops that mislead consumers. By prioritizing price over performance, these platforms undermine the shopping experience and leave buyers with devices that fail to meet modern standards.
