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Compare Acer Laptops

Acer is a Taiwanese computer maker best known for laptops that give you a lot for the money. Its range runs from simple Chromebooks and everyday Aspire laptops to Predator gaming machines.

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29 laptops

What to know about Acer laptops

Acer’s strength is value, and that’s also where you need to look closest. The same name can cover very different laptops: we list Aspire Go 15 models with anything from a basic Intel N150 chip, fine for browsing and documents, to a Core i7 with room for heavy multitasking. Check the processor and memory of the exact model before you compare.

Aspire is the everyday range. Aspire Go is the entry point, built to a price, and the Aspire Go 15s we list use a TN screen, an older panel type whose colours wash out when you look at it from an angle. The Aspire 14 AI and Aspire 16 step up to OLED screens that look far better for films and photos, and Aspire Spin models fold back into a tablet.

Swift is the thin and light line. The Swift Go 14 AI is the one to carry all day, and the Swift X 14 AI adds an RTX graphics card to a body light enough for a bag, which makes it a good fit for 3D work or video on the move.

For gaming, Nitro is the entry point and Predator Helios Neo the step up, with faster graphics, higher-refresh screens and bigger cooling. The Helios Neo 18 weighs 3.3 kg and belongs on a desk, while the Helios Neo 14 is the one you can carry. You can line them up against other brands in our gaming laptops finder.

Acer is also one of the biggest Chromebook makers. The Chromebook 314 and the cheaper Spin models with 4 GB of memory suit school work and browsing, while Chromebook Plus models have faster processors that cope better with lots of tabs and video calls. A couple of older Spin models here are sold renewed.

Frequently asked questions

Aspire or Swift: which Acer should I choose?

Aspire if you want the most laptop for the money, Swift if you'll carry it every day. Swift models are thinner and lighter, and the ones we list all have OLED screens.

Nitro or Predator: which Acer gaming laptop?

Nitro gets you into current games at sensible settings. Predator Helios Neo adds faster graphics, higher-refresh screens and bigger cooling, so it suits high settings and fast-paced games better.

Are cheap Acer laptops any good?

For browsing, documents and streaming, yes. The catch is usually the screen and memory: the Aspire Go 15 uses a TN panel and often 8 GB of memory, so step up to an Aspire 14 AI or Aspire 16 if you keep lots of tabs open or watch a lot of video.

Are Acer Chromebooks good for school?

Yes. A Chromebook 314 or Spin 314 handles homework, browsing and Google Docs, and the Spin models fold into a tablet for notes. A Chromebook Plus gives you a faster processor and more memory if you want it to keep up with more at once.