It’s 2023, and there is little doubt about the future connectivity standard for peripheral devices. The USB-C standard offers several advantages over conventional USB-A, making it the most versatile connectivity solution.
Table of Contents
- The USB-C Advantage
- Comparison of the Best Budget Laptops with USB-C Charging
- Why are Laptops with USB-C Charging so expensive?
- USB-C Charging Laptops: What to Expect?
- 1. Lenovo ThinkBook 15 G3 – Our Choice
- 2. No products found. – Versatile
- 3. HP Pavilion Aero 13 – 16:10 Aspect Ratio
- 4. ASUS ZenBook 13 – OLED Screen
- 5. Lenovo IdeaPad 3i – 12th-Generation Intel Processor
- 6. Acer Swift 3 – Lightweight
- 7. Dell Inspiron 5625 – Wi-Fi 6E
- 8. HP ENVY x360 – 2-in-1
- Best Budget Laptops with USB-C Charging – Frequently Asked Questions
The USB-C Advantage
USB-C is increasingly becoming a sought-after feature in the latest computers because of its versatility. You’ll have fewer wires as USB-C combines many functions onto a single port. The USB-C standard has three significant advantages.
Faster Data Transfer Rate on USB-C
Depending on the USB version the manufacturers use, you get data transfer speeds starting with 480Mbps and going up to 40Gbps. The keyword here is “depending on the USB version.”
Power Delivery and USB-C Charging
Conventional USB-A has always been able to deliver data and power on a single port. However, the amount of energy has been greatly limited to charging smaller batteries on portable devices such as cameras and smartphones.
USB-C allows manufacturers to offer a maximum Power Delivery of up to 240W, enough to charge the most power-hungry laptops.
Video Alt Mode
A new addition to the USB capabilities, USB-C supports Alternate Mode allowing your computer to transfer video signals alongside power and data signals. So, you can charge your laptop while connected to a USB-C monitor and use the monitor’s built-in USB hub to connect additional devices.
Apart from several advantages, USB-C has a glaring limitation. The USB-IF (USB-Implementors Forum) doesn’t mandate a minimum set of specifications, as you get with the Thunderbolt. Thus, two USB-C ports can be dissimilar, and you’ll have to pay close attention to the USB version and the features the port supports.
For instance, while USB 3.2 Gen 2 offers 10Gbps speed, a USB-C port that conforms to USB 3.2 Gen 1 offers only 5Gbps. And since Power Delivery and Alt Mode are optional, even though you get 10Gbps data transfer speed, the port may not have both features, making it vital to check precisely what you are buying.
Comparison of the Best Budget Laptops with USB-C Charging
| Image | Product | Details | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Lenovo ThinkBook 15 G3 | Display: 15.6-inch FHD TN 1920x1080 GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5500U Storage: 1TB SSD RAM: 20GB DDR4 Ports: 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 1x HDMI 1.4b 1x RJ-45 1x Media Card Reader 1x Audio Combo Jack Battery: 45Wh Weight: 3.75 lbs (1.7 Kg.) USB-C Charger: N.A. Release Date: Jan-2023 | Buy on Amazon |
| No products found. | Display: 15.6-inch FHD IPS 1920x1080 GPU: Intel Iris Xe Integrated Graphics Processor: Intel Core i5-1135G7 Storage: 512GB SSD RAM: 16GB DDR4 Ports: 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 1x USB 2.0 1x HDMI 1.4a 1x RJ-45 1x Media Card Reader 1x Audio Combo Jack Battery: 41Wh Weight: 3.95 lbs (1.79 Kg.) USB-C Charger: No Release Date: May-2022 | No products found. | |
 | HP Pavilion Aero 13 | Display: 13-inch FHD IPS 1920x1200 GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5600U Storage: 512GB SSD RAM: 8GB DDR4 Ports: 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 1x HDMI 2.0 1x Audio Combo Jack Battery: 43Wh Weight: 2.2 lbs (1.0 Kg.) USB-C Charger: No Release Date: Oct-2021 | Buy on Amazon |
 | ASUS ZenBook 13 | Display: 13.3-inch FHD OLED 1920x1080 GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5700U Storage: 512GB SSD RAM: 8GB DDR4 Ports: 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 1x HDMI 2.1 1x Card Reader Battery: 67Wh Weight: 2.51 lbs (1.14 Kg.) USB-C Charger: Yes Release Date: Feb-2021 | Buy on Amazon |
 | Lenovo IdeaPad 3i | Display: 15.6-inch FHD IPS 1920x1080 GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics Processor: Intel Core i5-1235U Storage: 512GB SSD RAM: 8GB DDR4 Ports: 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 1x USB 2.0 1x HDMI 1.4b 1x Card Reader 1x Combo Audio Jack Battery: 45Wh Weight: 3.59 lbs (1.63 Kg.) USB-C Charger: No Release Date: Feb-2022 | Buy on Amazon |
 | Acer Swift 3 | Display: 14-inch FHD IPS 1920x1080 GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 4500U Storage: 256GB SSD RAM: 8GB DDR4 Ports: 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 1x USB 2.0 1x HDMI 2.1 1x Audio Combo Jack Battery: N.A. Weight: 2.65 lbs (1.20 Kg.) USB-C Charger: No Release Date: June-2020 | Buy on Amazon |
 | Dell Inspiron 5625 | Display: 14-inch FHD IPS 1920x1080 GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5625U Storage: 512GB SSD RAM: 16GB DDR4 Ports: 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 1x HDMI 1.4 1x Media Card Reader 1x Audio Combo Jack Battery: 54Wh Weight: 4.12 lbs (1.87 Kg.) USB-C Charger: No Release Date: Feb-2023 | Buy on Amazon |
 | HP ENVY x360 | Display: 15.6-inch FHD IPS 1920x1080 GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 4500U Storage: 256GB SSD RAM: 8GB DDR4 Ports: 1x USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 2x USB-A 3.1 Gen 1 1x HDMI 2.0 1x Card Reader 1x Audio Combo Jack Battery: 51Wh Weight: 4.41 lbs (2.0 Kg.) USB-C Charger: No Release Date: May-2020 | Buy on Amazon |
Why are Laptops with USB-C Charging so expensive?
Despite its introduction in 2014, USB-C is primarily seen as a premium feature compared to the still widely popular USB-A. Of course, when demand increases and manufacturers see returns to scale, you’ll eventually find plenty of pocket-friendly notebooks on the market.
USB-C Charging Laptops: What to Expect?
That being said, there are plenty of laptops on the market to suit most requirements. But finding one that doesn’t break the bank often means letting go of one or more critical advantages of USB-C.
So, while a laptop offers 10Gbps transfer speed, it may not provide Alt Mode, or Power Delivery would only be limited to 60W, which is inadequate to charge a heavy-duty laptop.
Moreover, typical USB-C implementations conform to the USB 3.2 Gen 2 standard, and it’s easy to find one with both Alt Mode and Power Delivery. So, if you find one that uses USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (has Power Delivery and Alt Mode) and is priced reasonably, it would be worth considering as you’ll appreciate the enhanced data transfer speeds.
Interestingly, the newest laptops use USB4 and come with the latest generation CPUs from Intel and AMD, but such devices are expensive. In comparison, budget laptops with USB-C charging offer older-generation CPUs with DDR4. Hence, you’ll miss the top-of-the-line specifications but still get a robust configuration that caters to most computing needs.
1. Lenovo ThinkBook 15 G3 – Our Choice
The Lenovo ThinkBook 15 G3 has excellent features that cater to diverse needs, making it suitable for various use cases. It has plenty of connectivity ports, a powerful processor, and is pretty light, making it easy to carry where work takes you.
The G3 has an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor (6-cores, 8MB Cache, and up to 4.0GHz clock speed). Lenovo pairs this with a generous 20GB DDR4 RAM and an equally generous 1TB SSD storage.
But you’ll love the G3 for its abundant connectivity options, including two USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports supporting Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Additionally, the laptop includes a card reader, two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, and an RJ-45 Ethernet port. And for wireless connectivity, the laptop includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth v.5.1.
However, the display will feel sub-par, as its TN screen has low brightness, and the 45% NTSC color gamut pales compared to other budget laptops with USB-C charging. AMD includes Integrated AMD Radeon graphics, and considering the thin design of the laptop, you get a functional visual display.
- Two USB-C ports with Power Delivery and Alt Mode DisplayPort.
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 provide high-speed wireless connectivity.
- A spacious keyboard with backlighting and a Numpad enhances productivity.
- The 20GB DDR4 RAM is excellent for multitasking.
- The webcam shutter and fingerprint reader help maintain privacy and security.
- The screen has low brightness and a poor color gamut.
- Previous generation processor and RAM.
2. No products found. – Versatile
No products found.
The Dell Latitude 3520 is an excellent budget pick for anyone who prefers USB-C charging. Its well-rounded specifications suit common use cases that don’t require specialized hardware.
The 3520 has an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor with 4-cores, 8MB L3 Cache, and clock speed up to 4.20GHz. You get a modest 16GB DDR4 RAM and a functional 512GB SSD storage, making the Latitude 3520 ideal for your home office.
This Latitude 3520 has a 15.6-inch IPS panel display, a FullHD resolution of 1920x1080p, and a 60Hz refresh rate. While the specifications are pretty run-of-the-mill, remember this is a budget offering from Dell that includes the much sought-after USB-C ports.
Unlike the ThinkBook, the Latitude 3520 has just one USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port, but it supports Power Delivery and ALT Mode, so you won’t miss out on much. Also, remember that the ThinkBook offers a TN screen, whereas the Latitude provides a far better IPS panel that ensures better viewing angles and color accuracy.
Moreover, this model offers WWAN, making it the only budget pick on our list that offers this premium feature.
- The battery supports Dell’s ExpressCharge, enabling 80% charge in one hour.
- It supports WWAN, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.1 for wireless connectivity.
- Intel’s 11th-generation processor delivers excellent performance.
- The set of ports supports the latest and legacy I/O devices.
- The webcam shutter helps protect your privacy.
- No backlit keyboard means it’s challenging to use in a dimly lit environment.
- Heavier than most laptops with similar features.
3. HP Pavilion Aero 13 – 16:10 Aspect Ratio
The Aero 13 offers you additional vertical screen space. The 16:10 ensures you get more. Sure, it is suitable when you want to read long articles that require you to scroll down. But it is equally handy when you want to watch your favorite web series in high-definition.
HP offers you a 13-inch Full HD display with 1920x1200p resolution. Thus, you get the 16:10 aspect ratio with an IPS anti-glare panel that offers 400nits and a 100% sRGB color gamut. As a result, you get a versatile display screen with multiple applications.
The specifications include the AMD Ryzen 5 5600U (up to 4.2GHz, 6-core, 16MB L3 Cache). The integrated AMD Radeon graphic module handles the graphics. It also features 8GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB M.2 NVMe SSD.
As with the HP Pavilion line of laptops, you get audio from Bang and Olufsen. This, along with HP Audio Boost, gives you an audio experience you will not forget easily.
You get a decent set of expansion ports with USB-C 3.2 Gen2X2 and two USB-A 3.2 Gen 2. You also get an HDMI 2.0 and a 3.2mm combo audio jack. Surprisingly, HP does not offer an SD card reader with the Aero 13.
- At 2.2 lbs, it is one of the lightest laptops on the market.
- Fast Charging allows 0% to 50% in 30 minutes.
- Bang and Olufsen offer an excellent audio experience.
- Over 10hrs battery life will last you the entire day.
- No RJ-45 port for wired LAN connection.
- No SD Card reader to transfer photos from your camera.
4. ASUS ZenBook 13 – OLED Screen
The Asus ZenBook 13 comes with a 13.3-inch FullHD OLED display. And the screen offers a 100% DCI-P3 color gamut and an 88% screen-to-body ratio. Further, the screen is PANTONE validated and comes with TUV Rheinland certification. Thus, you get a 70% reduction in harmful blue light emissions and a stunning visual display.
The specifications include the AMD Ryzen 7 5700U (up to 4.3GHz, 8-core 16-thread, and 8MB L3 Cache). The graphics are left to the integrated AMD Radeon graphics module. And you also get 8GB DDR4 RAM but only a 256GB M.2 NVMe SSD.
The ZenBook 13 is a rugged laptop that can take more than its share of rough handling. It conforms to US MIL-STD 810H military-grade standards. This means that the computer is at home, whether in a controlled environment indoors or the harsh outdoors.
Asus offers you a mixed bag of ports. While most manufacturers offer only one USB-C port, Asus offers two USB-C 3.2 Gen2 ports. But before you get your hopes up, there is no 3.5mm audio jack. Instead, Asus packs in a USB-C-to-3.5mm audio adapter. The list includes a USB-A 3.2 Gen1 port, HDMI (v2.1), and an SD card reader.
- Fast Charging allows 0% to 60% in under 40 minutes.
- Over 16hrs battery life will last you the entire day.
- MIL-STD 810H military-grade standards make the laptop durable.
- Stunning OLED display with 100% DCI-P3 color gamut
- 70% reduction in blue light emissions.
- Two USB-C 3.2 Gen2 ports offer greater connectivity.
- HDMI 2.1 port to connect the latest monitors.
- No RJ-45 port for wired LAN connection.
- No 3.5mm audio jack.
5. Lenovo IdeaPad 3i – 12th-Generation Intel Processor
Although not a significant advantage, the IdeaPad 3i is perfect if you prefer a laptop with a more recent CPU. Surprisingly, it’s also one of the cheapest laptops that offer an Intel 12th-gen processor and USB-C charging.
You get a 12th-generation Intel Core i5-1235U processor with two performance cores, eight efficiency cores, 12MB Cache, and up to 4.40GHz clock speed. The DDR4 RAM is low at 8GB, so there are better options if you often have multiple applications open simultaneously. As for storage, Lenovo includes a functional 512GB SSD storage which will be enough for most functional needs.
Like the Dell Latitude 3520, the IdeaPad 3i has a 15.6-inch IPS panel display with FullHD 1920×1080 resolution. The brightness levels are low, making the colors look dull. So, while it’s okay for regular office work or as a daily-use computer, you must avoid using this laptop for image and video editing tasks.
Further, Lenovo also cut corners on the USB-C port. While most other laptop manufacturers offer 10Gbps USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port devices, the IdeaPad 3i has a 5Gbps USB-C 3.2 Gen 1. But it does support Power Delivery and ALT Mode, so connecting your high-resolution monitor is a breeze.
- The 12th-Generation Intel supports high-end performance.
- It has Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 for high-speed wireless connectivity.
- Plenty of ports to connect peripheral devices.
- It has a webcam shutter that helps maintains privacy.
- The USB-C port supports data speeds of only 5Gbps.
- Low screen brightness makes the color appear dull.
- The 8GB RAM is unsuitable for multitasking.
6. Acer Swift 3 – Lightweight
The Acer Swift 3 is among this category’s thinnest and lightest laptops. It weighs just 2.65 lbs and measures a little over half an inch in thickness at 0.63 inches. Thus, it will not occupy too much space in your bag and is light so that you can carry it around easily.
The Swift 3 follows a conventional laptop design. It has a backlit keyboard, so you will not find it difficult to type in low-light conditions. You also get a fingerprint reader to secure sensitive data and maintain privacy.
The specification of the Swift 3 includes the AMD Ryzen 5 4500U Hexa-core processor (up to 4.0GHz, 6-Core, and 12-Thread). There is 8GB DDR4 RAM and 256GB M.2 NVMe SSD. Undoubtedly, the laptop could have done with plenty more storage. Nonetheless, the budget pricing more than makes up for this.
You get a 14” FullHD display with an IPS panel that finds support from the AMD Radeon graphics module. The screen has a 0.21” bezel that gives you an 82.7% screen-to-body ratio.
Finally, the expansion ports include one USB-C 3.2 Gen2, one USB-A 3.2 Gen1, and one USB 2.0 port. You also get one HDMI and one 3.5mm audio jack. Sadly, there is no memory card reader. Hence, you will have to invest in one to be able to transfer your camera photos.
- A backlit keyboard makes it easy to use in low-light conditions.
- A fingerprint reader keeps your laptop secure.
- The thin and lightweight design means you can carry it easily while traveling.
- A variety of USB ports ensure compatibility with legacy USB devices.
- No RJ-45 port for wired LAN connection.
- No SD Card reader to transfer photos from your camera.
- A soldered RAM module means you cannot upgrade it.
7. Dell Inspiron 5625 – Wi-Fi 6E
Productivity often requires high-speed network connectivity, and the Dell Inspiron 5625 ensures you get that. It offers Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, and while you may miss an RJ-45 Ethernet port, Dell includes USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port so you can connect a USB hub.
The Inspiron 5625 has an AMD Ryzen 5 5625U processor (6-Core, 16MB Cache, and up to 4.3GHz clock speed). The laptop also has 16GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB NVMe SSD, making it ideal for mid-to-high-range tasks like gaming.
Dell also includes a 16-inch FHD+ display with a 16:10 (1920×1200) aspect ratio, making the laptop suitable for working professionals who need added vertical real estate on their display panel. It is a touchscreen, so navigating complex menus and selecting items on a list becomes easier. And the Integrated AMD Radeon Vega 7 GPU does a decent job managing the graphics the laptop needs.
- The touchscreen display makes navigation easy.
- The 16:10 aspect ratio helps display more cells when using spreadsheets.
- Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 provide high-speed connectivity.
- The 1080p webcam provides excellent video quality during video calls.
- It has a fingerprint reader for added security.
- The spacious keyboard is ideal for typing numerous lines of text.
- No privacy shutter on the webcam.
- Peak brightness levels are low.
8. HP ENVY x360 – 2-in-1
The ENVY x360’s 2-in-1 form factor has a 15.6″ FullHD IPS edge-to-edge glass display with 250nits brightness. And HP uses AMD Radeon Graphics to handle the visuals of the laptop.
The specifications include an AMD Ryzen 5 4500U processor (up to 4.0GHz, 6-core 12-thread, and 3MB L3 Cache). You also get 8GB DDR4 RAM and 256GB M.2 NVMe SSD storage.
The laptop uses an aluminum casing with an elegant sandblasted anodized finish. You get a full-size backlit keyboard that includes a numeric keypad. HP also provides the audio by Bang and Olufsen and three speakers facing upward placed on the keyboard.
The expansion ports on offer are typical of most 2-in-1 laptops. You get one USB-C 3.2 Gen2 and two USB-A 3.2 Gen1 ports. Further, there is one HDMI 2.0 port, one SD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
- A backlit keyboard makes it easy to use in low-light conditions.
- A fingerprint reader keeps your laptop secure.
- The 11hrs battery life will last you the entire day.
- Webcam shutter adds to privacy and prevents misuse.
- Bang and Olufsen offer an excellent audio experience.
- At 2Kgs, the x360 is on the heavier side.
- No fast-charging option to charge the battery quickly.
- Very low storage space with 256GB.
Best Budget Laptops with USB-C Charging – Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Thunderbolt accessories with USB-C ports?
In most cases, you can, but the device’s capabilities will depend on the version of the USB standard used in the USB-C port. For instance, if you use a Thunderbolt device with a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port, data speed will be limited to 10Gbps. Further, the USB-C port may not offer Power Delivery or ALT Mode DisplayPort, so the utility will only be limited to data transfers.
How is USB-C charging better for laptops?
There are two main reasons:
Firstly, the USB-C standard allows 100W of power transmission. Most laptops require between 65W to 80W. So, it is compatible with and faster than a conventional charger.
Secondly, laptop manufacturers are known to make chargers specific to their computers. That means, in most cases, you cannot use an HP charger with a Dell laptop. USB-C charging removes these limitations.
Can I use a power bank to charge my laptop?
Yes, you can. However, ensure you have a powerful enough power bank and that your laptop supports USB-C power delivery.
Can I use my USB-C Laptop to charge my phone?
Yes, this is because USB-C allows the power to flow both ways. Hence, when your laptop (with USB-C Power Delivery) detects a lower-powered device like your phone, it will charge via the USB-C port.
What is fast charging? Do all laptops support Fast Charging?
Fast charging uses a higher current to help charge your laptop more quicker. It is a great feature when you are short on time and need to charge your computer quickly.
No, all laptops do not support fast charging. It is advisable to check the specifications before selecting the computer you want to buy.
