| Image | Title | Our Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Acer Aspire 5 Slim | Best Laptop Under $500 | See On AmazonSee On Newegg |
 | HP 14 Laptop (2023) | Best Value Laptop Under $500 | See On Amazon |
 | Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i (2022) | Best Chromebook Under $500 | See On Amazon |
 | Dell Inspiron 15 3511 (2022) | Best Windows Laptop Under $500 | See On Amazon |
 | Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook | Best Laptop Under $500 for Creativity | See on AmazonSee on Best Buy |
 | HP 14-fq1025nr | Best Portable Laptop Under $500 | See On Amazon |
 | ASUS Chromebook Detachable CM3 | Best 2-in-1 Lightweight Chromebook | See on AmazonSee on Best Buy |
 | ASUS Vivobook 15 (2023) | Best 15-inch Laptop Under $500 | See On Amazon |
Many users place a high value on finding an affordable yet capable laptop. It might be difficult to choose the perfect option for your requirements and budget when there are a lot of models but not all of them are good ones to invest in. Especially for cheap laptops, the excess supply has led to increased costs and a chip shortfall, making it difficult to locate reasonable solutions. Thankfully, there are still the best laptops under $500 available in the market which deliver excellent performance, features, and design. Even if they lack the glitz and glamour of more powerful models, these budget laptops are nevertheless formidable workhorses, equipped with speedy processors and acceptable functionality.
Whenever you want to buy a laptop, it’s always necessary to take into account your own requirements. Do you require a dependable device that can assist you to study and finish your assignments as a college student? Do you work in the creative field and need a powerful notebook for activities like a photo or video editing? May you want anything more sophisticated, or are you just searching for something to manage the daily routine activities like web surfing, watching videos, or mailing? For your help, we have curated a list of budget Chromebooks and Windows laptops, all of which are under $500. With this buying guide, you’ll be able to choose the best laptop for your needs and budget by reading about its features, performance, and design.
The Best Laptops Under $500
A good working laptop can be a great source for your daily life, no matter if you are a student, office worker, or casual user who likes to watch movies, a web surfer, or play a few light games. But, you may have enough money to spend on a high-end machine, and that’s why, we are here with a good selection of the best laptops under $500 that will be your perfect companions for the next few years. We did some serious research to find out the best budget models available right now and chose those that met our criteria for performance, durability, and price. This all-inclusive guide will help you find the suitable notebook for your requirements and budget.
Acer Aspire 5 Slim - Best Laptop Under $500
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 3700U
- GPU: AMD Radeon RX Vega 10
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD
- Weight: 3.99 pounds
- OS: Windows 11 Home
Pros
- Powerful AMD Ryzen 7 3700U processor
- Portable lightweight device
- Good for playing games
- Backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader
Cons
- 8GB memory can be insufficient for some users
- Average battery life
If you don’t want to sell your organ to buy a decent machine, then this Acer Aspire 5 is the best laptop under $500 that is equipped with some fantastic hardware specifications. Especially if you are a fan of gaming PC with RGB lighting and appeal, then you don’t want to miss this notebook because it has got you covered in these aspects.
With the inclusion of the 7th generation AMD Ryzen 7 3700U Quad-Core Mobile processor which can clock at a maximum frequency of 4GH alongside the integrated Radeon RX Vega 10 graphics card, you should be at ease that it will not survive to play video games at low to medium settings. To give you an even better experience, there is a wide 15.6-inch FHD display with crisp, clear, and bright visuals. Moreover, its 8GB of DDR4 RAM can be enough for most of your working and gaming sessions but you can expand it later as per your needs. But this notebook isn’t just good for playing games; it’s also a fantastic budget laptop for use in the classroom or the office.
Having an HD webcam and two microphones built right in means your conferences will go off without a hitch. For connectivity options, there is no shortage as you will find a USB 3.2 Type-C, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, USB 2.0, one HDMI 2.0 slot, a headphone jack, and an Ethernet socket. You can’t go wrong with the affordable Acer gaming laptop, so long as you don’t mind its average battery life.
HP 14 Laptop (2023) - Best Value Laptop Under $500
- Display: 14-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
- CPU: Intel Core i5 1135G7 up to 4.2GHz
- GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD
- Weight: 3.21 pounds
- OS: Windows 11 Home
Pros
- Strong i5 CPU gives smooth processing
- Good for light gaming and multitasking
- Very fast charging ability
- Greatly worth the value
Cons
- No backlit keyboard
- Poor speakers
The latest model of the HP 14 Laptop (2023) is our second recommended best value $500 laptop if you don’t want to go with AMD specifications. It’s a potent and productive piece of hardware thanks to its Intel Core i5-1135G7 CPU and Intel Iris Xe graphics. This configuration allows the laptop to function effectively well across a wide range of activities. This flexible notebook can be used for anything from serious work to light entertainment.
Even it’s a competent mid-range gaming laptop that can handle old classic games with ease. Moreover, you can even give a try to most latest titles at lower graphics and this device can run them smoothly for you. The inclusion of 8GB of DDR4 RAM and fast-speed SSD in the laptop guarantees a fluid experience even when using a number of programs at once. As the model name suggests, it comes with a 14-inch FHD display with 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution. The screen’s sharpness, sufficient contrast, and true-to-life color rendering make it perfect for watching movies and other content.
The sound quality isn’t great, but it’s acceptable considering the low price. To tackle this problem, buy a fine wireless speaker to enjoy the full audio experience. For the operating system, there is Windows 11 Home pre-installed which is the revamped version of Windows 10 with many new features and software support. While there are a wide variety of connections, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, USB 3.1 Type-C, USB 3.0, HDMI, and a headphone port. The lack of a backlit keypad is disappointing, but the device’s other features and price make up for it.
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i (2022) - Best Chromebook Under $500
- Display: 13.3-inch FHD Touch (1920x1080)
- CPU: Intel Core i3-1115G4
- GPU: Intel HD Graphics 520
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Weight: 4.53 pounds
- OS: Chrome OS
Pros
- 2-in-1 touch display offers versatility
- Use as a laptop or tablet mode
- Chrome OS is more reliable
- Contains USB Type-C
Cons
- Poor display brightness
- Battery doesn’t last long
- Chrome OS put software limitations
There was a time when you can get your hands on 2-in-1 laptops by spending a lot of money but that’s not the case for now as there are some budget clamshell notebooks available today. This 2022’s Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i is one of them we picked as the best $500 Chromebook if you don’t have set your mind on a Windows device. Weighing in at only 4.53 pounds, this touchscreen laptop can be quickly transformed into a lightweight tablet while its 13.3-inch screen and new hinge design make it even more durable.
Touch-enabled devices aren’t typically necessary for a routine life, but a 2-in-1 device has many advantages. The ability to convert to a tablet or tent is very useful with regard to passing on data. This well-rounded IdeaPad Flex 5i offers a bright and high-resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels) display, an 11th Generation Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor with Intel HD Graphics 520, a 256GB SSD, and 8GB of memory.
The Flex 5i’s keyboard really stands out because of the precise and satisfying feedback it offers. Additionally, the keys are set at an angle that makes typing easier than what we experience in some cheap notebooks. It’s not quite as exciting as high-end models such as the HP Spectre x360, but it still gives fair competition to other laptops in its class. Although a 2-in-1 laptop isn’t something everyone needs, the benefits it offers make it an appealing option.
Dell Inspiron 15 3511 (2022) - Best Windows Laptop Under $500
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5500U
- GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics
- RAM: 12GB DDR4
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Weight: 3.7 pounds
- OS: Windows 11 Home
Pros
- Fast processing for normal routine work
- 15.6-inch touchscreen display
- 16GB RAM is a great addition
- Contains an SD card slot and HDMI port
- 512GB fast SSD to store a lot of data
Cons
- Plastic build provides a cheap feel
- Lacks Thunderbolt port for fast data transfer
- Lacks WiFi 6 support
- Subpar audio quality
When you try to find a cheap laptop under $400 or $500, you’ll need to be prepared to make some sacrifices in order to get the most value for your money. Although, Dell’s Inspiron 3000 lineup has changed the market trends because it offers high-quality laptops at a decent cost. The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 is also no different, as it includes numerous features that are defining traits of a top-notch affordable laptop.
The large 15.6-inch screen and reasonable price are two of its best features. And it already has the latest Windows 11 OS pre-installed which offers some unique and nice features to enhance productivity. Under the hood, the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 boasts a strong Intel Core i5-1035G1 processor, a large 512GB of SSD storage, and integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics. Despite its subpar graphics, the 16GB of RAM is a great inclusion to this notebook and its processor is also a nice improvement over the Celeron chipsets found in many budget notebooks.
Regarding the laptop screen, there is a full HD 15.6-inch anti-glare panel to provide you with the best possible viewing experience while the panel also has a touchscreen feature which is not common in the models of this price point. Since the keys have a squishy touch, the response they provide is smoother and softer than usual. It’s a viable option if you prefer Windows over Chrome OS but are still interested in a lightweight laptop.
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook
- Display: 13.3-inch OLED (1920x1080)
- CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7cG2
- GPU: Integrated Graphics
- RAM: 4GB or 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 64GB or 128GB SSD
- Weight: 4.05 pounds
- OS: Chrome OS
Pros
- Excellent OLED display
- Good price-to-performance ratio
- Detachable keyboard
- Battery lasts for many hours
Cons
- No 3.5mm headphone jack
- Low-quality audio
Although it isn’t the most potent Chromebook on the market, the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 still provides an excellent price-to-performance ratio. Its battery life is remarkable, its display is top-notch, and its design has been modernized to be more convenient compared to the previous model. However, it’s worth noting that this device leans more towards being a laptop than a tablet. Even though the integrated chipset isn’t among the most powerful ones available, it still provides sufficient speed for most common uses.
One of its most notable qualities is its long battery life, this laptop battery lasts around 8 hours, which means you can use it for longer periods of time without worrying about running out of juice. Also, don’t overlook the remarkable display of this Lenovo Chromebook, the 1080p OLED display is its huge selling point, as it features vivid colors and crisp details that are perfect for watching movies and working on creative projects.
There is only 128GB of SSD storage but that’s what you usually can get with a Chromebook and that’s not a problem nowadays owing to the presence of a lot of cloud storage services. When compared to its more affordable forerunner, the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook is a significant upgrade to the lineup. Its upgraded features and functionality make it competitive with the market’s big hitters. The Snapdragon 7cG2 chipset is another major improvement that can give a better performance than the old Duet model. Remember, don’t expect a 3.5mm headphone jack in this laptop which disappoints all hands-free users.
HP 14 (14-fq1025nr) - Best Portable Laptop Under $500
- Display: 14-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5500U
- GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 256GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
- Weight: 3.2 pounds
- OS: Windows 11 Home
Pros:
- Best price-to-performance ratio
- Strong AMD Ryzen 5500U processor
- Clear and crisp 14-inch FHD display
- Lightweight and quick loading time
Cons
- No dedicated GPU
- Gets hot during heavy workload
It’s not easy to find a laptop that meets your needs and is priced somewhere in the midpoint. Usually, you’d locate a system that satisfies your requirements without forcing you to go into serious debt. Thankfully, this HP 14 laptop which comes with AMD Ryzen 5 5500U, built-in Radeon Graphics, and 8GB of RAM has really impressed me with its performance. For anyone who is used to high-end models in this modern era can be pleased with its multitasking capabilities and fast processing speed.
The powerful AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor allows for effortless multitasking and lightning-fast processing speeds. Unless you don’t put too much stress on it, the chipset will perform well without any heating issues and delays. Moreover, the 8GB of memory is enough for day-to-day tasks simple and ensures a speedy startup, but if your preference is to run multiple programs at a time then you can think to expand it. There is only 256GB of SSD which is on the negative side for this notebook, but you can overcome this problem by using an external storage device or you can even upload your important data to online cloud storage.
In terms of aesthetics, the HP 14 is a strong contender. Even though it’s a mid-range laptop, the chassis’ tinted silver finish adds a touch of class. The other attractive feature is its portability because it only weighs 3.2 pounds which is perfect to carry anywhere in the classroom or office. The HP 14 seems like a good laptop for under $500 for those seeking a computer that can serve dual purposes in both the home and office.
ASUS Chromebook Detachable CM3 - Best 2-in-1 Lightweight Chromebook
- Display: 10.5-inch (1900x1200) Touchscreen
- CPU: MediaTek MT8183 2GHz
- GPU: ARM G72 MP3 Graphics
- RAM: 4GB DDR4
- Storage: 64GB eMMC SSD
- Weight: 1.12 pounds
- OS: Chrome OS
Pros
- Portable and versatile
- Sharp and clear display visuals
- Includes stylus
- Amazing battery life
Cons
- Processor is weak
- Limited storage
The Asus Chromebook Detachable CM3 is a versatile and compact device that provides a good combination of portability and functionality. With its detachable design, you can easily switch between a laptop and tablet mode, making it an ideal choice for those who are always on the go. This convertible model is an impressive technological masterpiece that can pass for a flexible 2-in-1 laptop thanks to its unique design. The inclusion of a stylus pen makes it ideal for those who need to jot down quick thoughts or take notes while out and about.
One of the key features of this Asus Chromebook is its 10.5-inch touchscreen display, which provides clear and vibrant visuals. The touchscreen will not satisfy you but it’s enough to have it in this cheap laptop. It’s a perfect choice if you need a portable device because of its small size and lightweight (only 1.12 pounds), making it convenient to carry in a bag, briefcase, or knapsack. The MediaTek MTK 8183 processor is not very strong but enough to carry on your normal chores. The reason to pick up this table device is its 12 hours of long-lasting battery while for refilling it quickly, there is a 45W charging adapter included in the pack.
ASUS Vivobook 15 (2023) - Best 15-inch Laptop Under $500
- Display: 15.6-inch Touchsreen (1920x1080)
- CPU: Intel Core i3-1115G4 up to 3.9Ghz
- GPU: Intel HD Graphics 5000
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
- Weight: 3.97 pounds
- OS: Windows 11 (S Mode)
Pros
- Good specs for the price
- 15-inch wide 1080p display
- Contains backlit keyboard
- 512 large SSD storage
Cons
- Average battery life
Let’s have a look at the 2023’s brand new edition of the Asus VivoBook 15 which definitely doesn’t disappoint with its build and productivity. It’s somewhat unbelievable that this machine is available for under $500, considering that it has a powerful Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor (can beats i5 10th Gen CPU), 8GB of memory, and a massive 512GB of SSD storage on its board. The amount of storage it’s offering is one of the plus points of this notebook which makes it superior to other listed laptops here if storage is your top priority.
This VivoBook boasts a respectable 1080p full HD LED display, making it great for watching or streaming videos or dealing with graphics-intensive tasks. The keyboard is convenient for long work sessions while backlit allows you to even type in dark, and the inclusion of a complete numeric keypad is an amazing addition for those who routinely enter large amounts of numerical data. In addition to this, there is also a secure fingerprint scanner embedded within the trackpad.
The absence of a USB-C port can be a problem for some users, this portable computer still has more than enough connectivity options to meet most normal requirements. The Asus VivoBook 15 (2023) is a sturdy and reasonably priced Windows laptop that provides good power and durability for regular use. It’s great for the long run because of how well it’s built to withstand the test of time.
What to Consider When Buying a Budget Laptop
There are a lot of laptops out there, so finding one that doesn’t cost more than $500 can be difficult. Unless you know what you actually need, it’s not a huge task to find a suitable budget laptop that can deliver exactly what you are looking for. Here, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to pick out the best notebook for less than $500.
Purpose of Purchasing a Laptop
The reason for your purchase of a laptop computer should be your first and primary consideration. Are you a student who requires a notebook for classwork and research? Or perhaps you’re a professional worker who relies on a PC or laptop for activities like preparing reports and maintaining documents. By first identifying your specific requirements, you can more easily zero in on the device that will serve you best.
Processor
The CPU is the heart and soul of a computer; make sure you get one powerful enough that can offer you enough productivity for your tasks. When it comes to processors, Intel and AMD are your primary choices. A laptop with an Intel i3 or AMD 3rd Gen chipset is adequate for online browsing and video streaming. For more intensive uses like video editing or gaming, you should look for a laptop with at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor. All the models listed here can get you through these types of chores.
Memory
The amount of RAM, or random access memory, is another important feature to look for in a notebook. It is in charge of holding and retrieving information that is presently being used by your laptop. With only 4GB of RAM, you can still do things like perusing the web and writing documents. However, 8GB of RAM is most suitable especially if you want to run games on your laptop or you have to perform a heavy workload.
Storage
Everything you create, edit, or use will eventually end up in storage. Hard Disk Drives (HDD) and Solid State Drives (SSD) are the two common types of storage drives that you found on any PC or laptop. When it comes to disk space, HDDs are sluggish but more plentiful, while SSDs are quicker although more limited. However, it’s always recommended to choose a system with SSD because these are far more quickly than SATA hard drives. A notebook with 128GB SSD storage should be adequate for normal routine usage. You should get a laptop with at least a 256GB solid-state drive (SSD) if you intend to store a lot of data or programs.
Display
Laptops come in different screen sizes, ranging from 13 inches to 17 inches. Whether you go big or small depends on what you’re looking for. A bigger screen may be more convenient for long periods of use on a laptop while a smaller display is best suitable for all those users who need a lightweight device that they can easily carry anywhere. Moreover, if you want to work with rich illustrations, you should need a full HD display with 1080p resolution.
Touchscreen displays have currently become more common on low-priced computers, but they come at an additional cost and aren’t always essential. Thankfully, you will find the touch functionality on some laptops we have mentioned above. But remember, you may need to make some sacrifices, such as in screen resolution or panel type when shopping for a notebook that costs less than $500.
Battery Life
Nothing beats a long-lasting battery life when it comes to portability for your notebook. What good is a laptop if it can’t be used for hours at a time without being recharged? You should value battery life more than any other feature when buying a new laptop if you want to get the most out of it. The runtime of a laptop is influenced by a number of factors, such as its CPU, screen resolution, and the battery’s capacity. Fortunately, there are some models available which we have listed above that offer remarkable longevity of battery even if money is tight. These sub-$500 laptops can work around for eight hours or more on a single battery.
How to Choose the Best Laptop Under $500
It can be difficult to strike an equilibrium between price and features when looking for a laptop that costs less than $500. It’s not necessary to compromise for a machine that feels cheap, even if it doesn’t have top-tier speed or appearance. Rather, you’re hunting for a notebook that’s within your financial reach while still being functional.
With a limited amount under your wallet, just forget about the Apple Macbook because you can’t even afford the years-old Macbook Air 2020. So the only remaining option for you is whether to go with Windows or Chrome OS. Thinks about your purpose of getting a new system and then pick an operating system according to your preference.
Chrome OS was developed to be as minimally intrusive as possible so that it could operate on inexpensive devices. It has low hardware requirements but provides users with a wealth of web-based apps and advanced features to meet their everyday demands. Chrome OS is optimized for speed and efficiency, which makes it an excellent pick when you have a tight deadline. In addition, the new support for Android apps has dramatically increased the system’s functionality, giving Chrome OS people a broad selection of programs that were previously unavailable.
Windows needs a little extra juice to run at optimum efficiency. The trade-off, however, is access to a much larger library of apps than Chrome OS offers. Windows 11 is the most recent version of Windows, and it adds even more cutting-edge features and bolstered security than Windows 10, while both versions receive regular updates and modifications from Microsoft. Now that some sub-$500 laptops come pre-installed with even Windows 11, thus users have access to a more cutting-edge OS.
Bottom Line
Your financial constraints will determine which best laptop under $500 is available to you. However, both the Acer Aspire 5 Slim and the HP 14 (2023), which are our first and second top picks respectively, are available for around 500 USD. There are likely to be alternatives available under limited cost, but you should closely examine the trade-offs involved. That’s why you should try to put away enough money to buy one of these excellent alternatives. As a result, you can have a more satisfying experience overall and eliminate potential pitfalls. Spending more money upfront on a decent laptop will end up saving you cash over the course of time.
