Cheap laptops like Asus Vivobook 14 and HP OmniBook 5 compete with Apple MacBook Neo by offering more storage, memory, and strong value.
Apple has stepped into the budget laptop segment with the launch of the MacBook Neo, priced at $599. On paper, the device appears promising and could become one of the most attractive entry-level laptops in Apple’s lineup. While real-world tests of performance, battery life, and display quality are still pending, its specifications suggest strong value for the price.
However, the arrival of the MacBook Neo has also highlighted how competitive the budget laptop market has become. Several cheap laptops powered by modern chips are already offering more storage and memory at even lower prices. Among them, the Asus Vivobook 14 and the HP OmniBook 5 stand out as serious alternatives that could appeal to budget-conscious buyers.
Asus Vivobook 14 Offers Strong Specs for the Price
The Asus Vivobook 14 has quietly built a reputation as one of the most dependable cheap laptops available today. It shares a similar philosophy with the MacBook Neo, focusing on efficient performance and portability rather than high-end features.
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X processor, the Vivobook 14 delivers solid performance for everyday tasks while maintaining impressive battery efficiency. Although it is slightly thicker and heavier than Apple’s new laptop, it still remains portable enough for students and professionals on the move.
Where the Vivobook 14 truly stands out is in its configuration. The laptop includes 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage, which is double the memory and storage offered in the MacBook Neo’s base model. Even more appealing is its current price of around $539, making it cheaper than Apple’s budget offering while providing more internal capacity.
Connectivity is another advantage. The Vivobook 14 features a wider selection of ports, including HDMI, two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and a headphone jack. This setup also allows the laptop to support two external displays, something the MacBook Neo currently cannot match.
Where the MacBook Neo May Still Shine
Despite the Vivobook 14’s strong value proposition, the MacBook Neo is expected to hold an edge in certain areas. Display quality is likely one of them.
The Vivobook 14’s screen stretches across a larger panel but offers lower sharpness and modest color accuracy. Its brightness reaches around 280 nits, which is significantly lower than Apple’s claimed 500 nits for the MacBook Neo display. As a result, Apple’s laptop could deliver a noticeably brighter and more vibrant viewing experience.
Another potential difference lies in the touchpad. Budget Windows laptops often struggle to deliver a smooth trackpad experience, and the Vivobook 14 is no exception. Apple, on the other hand, has built a reputation for producing some of the best laptop trackpads, even on entry-level models.
HP OmniBook 5 Brings OLED to Cheap Laptops
For buyers seeking a better screen within the cheap laptops category, the HP OmniBook 5 provides another compelling option. Currently priced around $500, it also runs on the Snapdragon X chip and promises similar efficiency and battery life.
While the OmniBook 5 includes only 256 GB of storage, it compensates with a major display upgrade. The laptop features an OLED screen, delivering richer colors and deeper contrast compared with the Vivobook 14’s standard display. Although its brightness is similar, the visual quality is expected to feel more immersive.
The OmniBook 5 is also designed with portability in mind. At just 0.50 inches thick, it matches the slim profile of the MacBook Neo, making it easy to carry during daily travel.
A Growing Battle in the Budget Laptop Market
Apple’s MacBook Neo introduces an intriguing option for buyers seeking an affordable Mac. Its performance will largely depend on how the A18 Pro chip, originally designed for iPhones, performs in a laptop environment.
Yet the broader picture reveals a highly competitive landscape. Cheap laptops from manufacturers like Asus and HP are already offering more memory, larger storage options, and attractive prices powered by efficient ARM processors.
For now, the MacBook Neo looks promising, but buyers exploring budget laptops have multiple strong choices. With models like the Asus Vivobook 14 and HP OmniBook 5 delivering impressive value, Apple will face genuine competition in the entry-level laptop market.
