Best CPUs under $150 in 2026
The top-rated cpus you can buy for under $150, ranked by value for money. Specs, benchmarks, and our verdict for each.
Updated March 2026 · 4 products
Quick picks
- Ryzen 5 5500 Processor — $129 · Score 45/100
- Core i3-12100F Processor — $109 · Score 40/100
- Ryzen 5 5600X Processor — $299 · Score 58/100
AMD Ryzen 5 5500 Processor
Zen 3 · 6C/12T · AM4
$81.99
Score 45/100
Intel Core i3-12100F Processor
Alder Lake · 4C/8T · LGA 1700
$133.99
Score 40/100
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Processor
Zen 3 · 6C/12T · AM4
$147.76
Score 58/100
AMD Ryzen 5 5600 Processor
Zen 3 · 6C/12T · AM4
$147.76
Score 55/100
FAQ
What is the best cpus under $150?
The best cpus under $150 is the Ryzen 5 5500 Processor at $129, scoring 45/100 overall with Zen 3 · 6C/12T · AM4.
Is it worth spending more than $150 on a cpus?
It depends on your needs. The best cpus under $150 already delivers solid gaming and productivity performance for most users. Spending more gets you higher frame rates and more VRAM or cores, which matters most for 4K gaming or professional workloads.
What can I expect from a $150 cpus in 2026?
In 2026, a cpus under $150 can handle smooth 1080p and solid 1440p performance in most titles. The sweet spot in this range is the Ryzen 5 5500 Processor at $129.