Finding a budget-friendly laptop that doesn’t compromise on performance is a top priority for many users. With so many models flooding the market, picking the right model that fits your needs and wallet can be a real headache. Remember, not every laptop is worth your hard-earned cash. But there are still some best laptops under $500 available in the market that deliver solid everyday performance, even for light gaming. While these budget-friendly machines may not rival the premium models, they still pack a punch as dependable workhorses.
Before you go on a cheap laptop hunt, take a moment to think about what you truly need. Are you looking for a machine for creative projects, or do you want something powerful that can handle a bit of gaming on the side? Perhaps you’re just after a reliable device for browsing, streaming, and managing your emails. To make your search easier, we’ve done the research and compiled a list of our top pick laptops under $500, featuring both budget-friendly Chromebooks and Windows options. This buying guide is your best source to find a suitable notebook at a decent price that fits both your requirements and your wallet.
Acer Aspire 5 (A515-46-R3CZ) Slim
Best Laptop Under $500
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 PCs with RGB lighting and appeal, then you don’t want to miss this notebook as it has got you covered in these aspects.
Powered by a 7th generation AMD Ryzen 3720U Quad-Core Mobile processor that can reach speeds of up to 4GHz, and backed by built-in Radeon RX Vega 10 graphics, it won’t die to play games on low to medium settings without a hitch. Plus, the stunning 15.6-inch FHD display ensures your visuals are sharp and vibrant, giving you a good experience in your working and entertainment sessions.
With 8GB of DDR4 RAM, it’s more than capable of handling everyday gaming and productivity needs, and you can easily upgrade it in the future. But this laptop isn’t just a gamer’s dream; it’s also one of the best budget options for students and professionals alike to use in classrooms or for office work. And there is also the built-in HD webcam and dual microphones—ideal for video calls and online classes. In terms of ports, you get plenty of connectivity with a USB 3.2 Type-C, two or three (TBC) USB 3. This Acer gaming laptop is hands-down the best value for your money, so long as you can live with its weak battery life.
HP 14 Laptop
Best Budget Laptop Under $500
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
HP’s 14-inch model is our second recommended best-value $500 laptop if you don’t want to go with AMD specifications. It’s a strong 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 many 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. 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
Best Chromebook Under $500
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 could 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 currently. This 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 is not very compact but 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 for 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 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
Best Windows Laptop Under $500
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 to get the most value for your money. However, 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
Best 13-inch Laptop Under $500
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 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 64GB 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 SC7180 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
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 impressed me with its performance. 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 and ensures a speedy startup, but if your preference is to run multiple programs at a time then you can think of expanding 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
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 technology 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
Best Business Sub-$500 Laptop
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 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 beat 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 the 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, but 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 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 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 can find 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 many 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. Think 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
When you’re shopping for a laptop under $500, your budget will play a big role in what’s available to you. The Acer Aspire 5 Slim and the HP 14 are our top picks, and both can be found for around $500. While there are cheaper options out there, it’s important to carefully weigh the trade-offs. Investing a bit more in a good laptop now can save you money and headaches down the road. By saving up for one of these solid options, you’ll enjoy a better overall experience and avoid some common issues that come with lower-cost alternatives. Spending a little extra upfront can pay off in the long run.
