Buying an all-new laptop can be pretty daunting with the variety of available laptops. It’s difficult to distinguish between a costly and budget laptop based on their appearance; however, their capabilities and performance will differ dramatically. But, a large market means you can get many high-quality laptops for low costs. There are plenty of excellent models that cost less than $500. It could be worthwhile to buy one for yourself to use at work or in games.
If you’re searching for an affordable laptop, here are the top budget laptops available today. If you’re unsure what you should look for in a budget laptop apart from price — go to our buying guide just below our suggestions. This recommendation is based on our decades of experience reviewing and testing to determine what you should look for in a laptop priced less than $500. It will let the user know which laptops to consider if they want to continue their laptop search independently.
Utilize these tips to sort through the options since there are plenty of laptops for sale that doesn’t have value. Try not to make any rash purchases in purchasing.
Table of Contents
The best laptops under $500 you can buy today
We like this: If alternatives aren’t available or exceed $500, The Acer Aspire 5 A515-45 (in either R74Z or R6PQ configurations) is a solid 15-inch Windows laptop. It’s quick enough to take on most tasks with its 15-inch resolution. Its 1920×1080 display is vivid and bright and bright, which is a feat compared to many Windows laptops priced in this range. It comes with a decent, but not outstanding, and it doesn’t have a backlit keyboard, a number pad, a responsive trackpad, or a USB-C port. This Aspire 5 also has a couple more hours of battery time than our previous Windows choices; it ran for 9 hours and 27 minutes in our tests.
Configuration
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 3 5300U or Ryzen 5 5500U
- Screen: 15-inch 1920×1080 non-touch
- Memory: 8 GB
- Weight: 3.97 pounds
- Storage: 256 GB SSD
- Tested Battery Life: 9.5 hours
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Where it falls short: It’s a big laptop. Aspire 5 is big and heavy, and even with its long battery life, it’s not the most convenient laptop to carry around on the move. As with many cheap Windows, laptops are loaded with a lot of clutter that eats the space of your laptop and slows performance. It is recommended to follow these steps to eliminate unneeded programs to help your laptop run faster and be safer. The laptop also doesn’t have fingerprint readers, and its keyboard doesn’t feel quite as pleasant as those Asus VivoBook models above.
Read Also: Hp vs Acer laptop; Which is Better And Why?
2. Asus Chromebook Detachable CM3
The Asus Chromebook Detachable CM3 cloaks it in the disguise of being bound in tweed. But remove the cover, and you’ll be able to access a flexible 2-in-1 laptop. It also comes with a stylus for when you’d like to do some journaling.
Although this Detachable CM3 may not be the most robust of Chromebooks, its vivid display and slick design make it an excellent internet browsing and content consumption device that easily fits into your bag. While it’s costly for a MediaTek processor, the CM3 is worth it with a near 12-hour battery life and a rugged chassis. It’s undoubtedly one of the top laptops for under $500.
Configuration
- CPU: MediaTek MT 8183
- GPU: Integrated Arm Mali-G72 MP3
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB eMMC
- Display: 10.5-inch, 1900×1200, touchscreen
- Weight: 1.12 lbs
REASONS TO BUY
- Excellent battery life
- Detachable 2-in-1 design
- Durable
- Built-in stylus
REASONS TO AVOID
- Weak performance for the price
Read Also: Asus vs Lenovo: Which Laptop Brand is Better And Why?
3. Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook (13″)
We like this model. If you’re looking for an inexpensive, fun laptop, we suggest using the Flex 5i Lenovo Chromebook (13 1/8″) ahead of any similar-priced Windows laptop. It is a great Chromebook with a fast speed and an excellent trackpad and keyboard. It is also compact and lightweight, and the touchscreen is bright and vivid. The Flex 5i Chromebook is much faster than Windows laptops for the tasks that most laptop users use:
- Surfing the internet (even with lots of tabs open) and taking video calls
- Working with spreadsheets and documents
- Watching films
It’s also significantly more portable than cheaper Windows alternatives and free of unnecessary bloatware that can slow the speed.
Configuration
- Processor: Intel Core i3-1115G4
- Screen: 13.3-inch 1920×1080 touch
- Memory: 8 GB
- Weight: 2.97 pounds
- Storage: 64 GB or 128 GB SSD
- Tested Battery Life:8 Hours
Where it falls short: Apart from the drawbacks of ChromeOS, as mentioned above, The Flex 5i is an excellent choice with few significant weaknesses. The battery can last for all day of class or work. However, during our tests, it was just a few hours behind our other Chromebook selections. It could be a struggle when you’re done with a long day, especially if you don’t have the chance to connect your laptop. Also, the lid isn’t easy to open, and I often needed to open it with two hands to open the lid of my Flex 5i.
Read Also: What printer is compatible with Lenovo laptop? Best solution
Its Acer Aspire 5 can earn its spot at the top of the top laptops under $500 due to its powerful 8th Gen Core i3 processor with a bright display of 1080p and long battery life, all at an affordable cost. Even though Aspire 5 is a bit smaller than the Aspire 5 and is much thinner than its brethren and Aspire E 15 and Aspire E 15, the Aspire 5 boasts enough room to hold a battery that can last almost 9 hours on a charge.
It’s not equipped with a DVD writer, but it has plenty of ports. The screen has two76nits of light which provides the screen with decent contrast. It also has an aluminum hood. In addition, the bezels on the screen are pretty small for a laptop of this price. This Aspire 5 is one of the most affordable laptops available.
Configuration
- CPU: Intel Core i3-8145U
- GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 620
- RAM: 4GBStorage: 128GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch, 1920 x 1080
- Size: 14.3 x 9.9 x 0.7 inches
- Weight: 3.76 pounds
REASONS TO BUY
- Strong performance
- Long battery life
- Bright, 1080p display
REASONS TO AVOID
- Middling graphics
- Questionable build quality
Read Also: Which laptop is best touch or non touch?
If you are looking for a Windows laptop with a massive 15-inch screen, we suggest using the Asus VivoBook 15 F515EA–either the F515EA AH34 or F515EA OS33 models. Both models have our top specs and are adequate for most computing needs for years. The F515EA’s screen is 1080p, and its backlit keyboard and trackpad are the same as our other options. The Vivobook has an accurate fingerprint reader located in the upper right-hand part of its trackpad, and it comes with a USB-C port, but it cannot be used to charge.
Configuration
- Processor: Intel Core i3-1115G4
- Screen: 15-inch 1920×1080 non-touch
- Memory: 8 GB
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Storage:128GB
- Tested Battery Life:7 Hours
Where it falls short: In our 2022 battery life tests 2022, the VivoBook 15 F515 lasted 6 hours and 46 minutes. Not quite enough for a whole day of school or work though it’s roughly average for this class. As with most low-cost Windows laptops, this one is heavy and bulky. We suggest following these steps before purchasing the laptop to eliminate unwanted preinstalled software. This laptop runs Windows 11 in S mode. However, you can upgrade to Windows 11 Home for free if you wish to use programs such as Zoom.
Read Also: ASUS vs MSI Gaming Laptop: Which Brand is Better and Why?
This Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook is quite a departure from the previous year’s low-cost Chromebook Duet. Although the cost could turn off some, the significant improvements to the hardware make this 2-in-1 impressive.
Duet 5 still features a back case with a fabric cover like the model before, but you can open it, and you’ll see that the 13.3-inch OLED screen will prompt you to check that price of less than $500 once more. The upgrades go further than the previous model, with an incredibly enhanced Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c
processor, while providing more than 13 hours of battery life on one charge.
Although it’s not the budget-friendly, sluggish beast that the first Chromebook Duet was, the Duet 5 has bulked up and is now ready to face some formidable rivals among the best laptops for under $500.
Configuration
- CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon SC7180
- GPU: N/ARAM: 8GB
- Storage: 64GB eMMC
- Display: 13.3-inch, 1920×1080, OLED
- Size: 12 x 7.4 x 0.28 inches
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
REASONS TO BUY
- Excellent battery life
- Detachable 2-in-1 design
- Bright, vivid OLED display
- Keyboard and cover included
REASONS TO AVOID
- Stylus not included
Read Also: How To Fix A Lenovo Laptop That Won’t Turn On? (7 Fixes)
If you’re looking to get a Chromebook with a larger screen and sharper and crisper design at reasonable prices, the best choice is HP Chromebook 15. At just $389, you’ll get the Chromebook equipped with Core i3 performance and a comfy keyboard, all packed into a fresh style. The hood made of white metal has a shiny, silver HP logo and a blacked-out Chrome logo on the upper left corner. It also has a round, circular hinge. HP Chromebook 15 has an angular circle hinge that curves upwards towards each side, giving the device a more refined, soft appearance.
Additionally, it comes with a battery that can last nine hours and fifty-one mins. The device also has a good quantity of ports with two USB Type-C ports, a USB Type-A port, and a microSD card slot. Although the screen isn’t very vibrant, it offers excellent real estate and is pretty bright. It’s undoubtedly one of the most affordable laptops available.
Configuration
- CPU: Intel Core i3-8130U
- GPU: Intel UHD 620
- RAM: 4GBStorage: 128GB eMMC
- Display: 15.6-inch, 1920 x 1080
- Size: 14.11 x 9.69 x 0.7 inches
- Weight: 4 pounds
REASONS TO BUY
- Refreshing design
- Good battery life
- Strong overall performance
REASONS TO AVOID
- Warm screen
- Tiny audio
Read Also: Hp vs Samsung laptop; Which Brand Is Best?
Its Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook (reviewed at $379) is very pocket-friendly, and we’ll tell you that it doesn’t like, look or behave like a cheap device. Its Chromebook may bear “Flex “” in its title; however, its solid steel chassis is sturdy with a high-quality aluminum body. From the first look, you might think of this Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook as another clamshell laptop in grey; however, this device could also be transformed into a tablet due to its 360-degree solid hinge.
You’ll be awestruck by the Flex 5’s keyboard as it’s the most prominent feature in addition to its construction quality. The island-style keyboard that is backlit features one of the smoothest and most bouncy keys we’ve experienced the pleasure of reviewing to the present. This Flex 5 Chromebook is perfect for working in a professional environment as the keyboard will keep you speeding through word processing tasks at a rapid pace.
Configuration
- CPU: Intel Core i3-10110U
- GPU: Intel UHD
- RAM: 4GBStorage: 64GB eMMC
- Display: 13.3-inch, 1920 x 1080
- Size: 12.2 x 8.43 x 0.67 inches
- Weight: 2.98 pounds
REASONS TO BUY
- Flexible 2-in-1 design
- Touchscreen with pen support
- Exceptional keyboard
REASONS TO AVOID
- Below-average battery life
- Dim display
Read Also: How Long Does Lenovo Laptop Last; Elaborate explanation
The Acer Chromebook 317 is the world’s first 17.3-inch Chrome OS laptop. At first, when I learned of this, I thought, “Why?” Is there a market for Chromebook users begging the gods for bulky and bulky laptops? Do you think most Chromebook users desire a lightweight, easy-to-carry device that is portable? But, after experiencing a few hours of using the laptop, you’ll realize there’s a way to the Acer’s craziness.
There’s a market that would benefit from the Chromebook 317. It’s designed for people with large hands who have had enough feeling like they’re typing on thick sausage links. This laptop is for people opposed to the “go large and go home” rule. In this instance, you’ll need to choose both: go large and leave home. Indeed, the Chromebook 317 isn’t very transport-friendly, So you’d be better off keeping the laptop at home in your office.
The Chromebook 317 isn’t equipped with the most vibrant display, the most potent processor or the most extended battery lifespan; however, it’s a good choice for those willing to sacrifice these advantages for a solid financial institution and a large Chromebook with an expansive display.
Configuration
- CPU: Intel Pentium Silver N6000
- GPU: Intel UHDRAM: 8GB
- Storage: 64GB eMMC
- Display: 17.3-inch, 1920×1080
- Size: 15.8 x 10.5 x 0.89 inches
- Weight: 5.29 pounds
REASONS TO BUY
- Massive display
- Spacious keyboard and touchpad
- Decent battery life
REASONS TO AVOID
- Dim display
- Middling performance
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At first look, The Lenovo Chromebook Duet (reviewed at $214) appears to be a simple journal. But open the device, and you’ll find a laptop with a vibrant 10.1-inch display.
The device’s revolutionary capabilities aren’t the only thing that draws attention. It also has a battery that is Lenovo Chromebook Duet lasted almost 13 hours in the battery tests we conducted, which is more than the average run time of 10 hours for Chromebooks. The price is another significant benefit that is the main selling point of this Lenovo Chromebook Duet. For less than $300, you’ll have an ultra-light machine that will take on all your multitasking on the web.
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet sports a 10.1-inch screen with a 1920 x 1200 pixels resolution. Stunningly vibrant display. However, the screen is surrounded by thick bezels, which may make you uncomfortable if you seek a modern design. However, the Duet is an affordable Chromebook which means we’ll admit the absence of slim bezels as an acceptable alternative.
Configuration
- CPU: MediaTek Helio P60T
- GPU: ARM G72 MP3RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB eMMC
- Display: 10.1-inch, 1920 x 1200
- Size: 9.44 x 6.29 x 0.29 inches
- Weight: 0.99 pounds
REASONS TO BUY
- +Lasts long on a charge
- +Comes with keyboard/kickstand
- +Colorful display
- +Decent performance
REASONS TO AVOID
- -Cramped keyboard
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For the model you choose at less than $250, you can’t find a more accessible Windows notebook than this one. HP Stream 11. The Stream has a compact 11-inch chassis that weighs just 2.37 pounds and measures 0.7 millimeters thick. Although our model is sporting an unappealing black finish, the HP Stream 11 is still charming despite its tiny dimensions.
At this price, the Stream 11 isn’t a lot from the Stream 11, but its Intel Celeron N4000 processor, with 4GB of RAM, could manage the 10 Microsoft Edge tabs and a 1080p YouTube clip. It also ran for an impressive 9 18 minutes and 20 hours in the battery tests we conducted. Although its keyboard is slightly constricting, it has decent travel for keys. If you’re working on a budget, this HP Stream 11 is one of the most affordable laptops to consider.
Configuration
- CPU: Intel Celeron N4000
- GPU: Intel UHD 600RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 32GB eMMC
- Display: 11-inch, 1366 x 768
- Size: 11.08 x 7.58 x 0.66 inches
- Weight: 2.37 pounds
- Battery Life: 9 Hours 19 Minutes
REASONS TO BUY
- +Long battery life
- +Better performance than competitors
- +Insanely cheap
REASONS TO AVOID
- -Washed out low-res display
- -Awful webcam
Read Also: Asus VS Hp Laptop; Which Is Better And Why
How to choose the best laptops under $500 for you
Selecting the ideal laptop that is that costs less than $500 are dependent on where you’re at in terms of your budget. Our top choices are those like the Acer The Aspire E 15 and the Acer Aspire 5 generally cost between $300 and $400, so you don’t have to increase your budget by $500. Even if these laptops are over budget, You should consider saving money if you can because they feature Intel Core i3 processors, which aren’t found in many laptops that cost less than $500.
If you’re comfortable with the ChromeOS option, it may be better to use the Chromebook. This is what I’m talking about. It’s affordable, and since the operating system has been stripped down, it’ll outperform your standard Windows 10 laptop for the same amount. Laptops such as those from HP Chromebook 15, HP Chromebook x2 and Samsung Chromebook 4 are examples of top Chromebooks that you could purchase for less than $500.
How we test the best laptops under $500
Each laptop is put through rigorous benchmark tests that are both real and synthetic before placing them at the disposal of our panel of reviewers. We test every element of the notebook, such as its performance and the battery’s life span, its display, and the management of heat.
We employ the Klein K10 colorimeter in our benchmarking tests to determine the laptop’s display’s brightness and sRGB color spectrum. To test performance, we put the laptop through a series of tests, including Geekbench 4.3 and 5.0 and 3DMark professionally-grade graphics testing.
For a real-world test of performance to determine the real-world performance, we ask the laptop to convert the 4K video into 1080 p and to copy the 4.97GB media file. The test we use in the real world will be an example of the Dirt 3 benchmark with medium settings and 1080p resolution.
We also conduct heat tests by running a fifteen-minute full-screen video and testing the temperature in different parts of the laptop. Last, our battery test consists of constant web browsing over Wi-Fi at 150 nits brightness. For MacBooks and top Windows 10 laptops, a duration of 9 hours or more is considered to be an excellent performance, while Gaming laptops or workstations which last longer than 5 hours merit praise.
The tests are supplemented by thorough hands-on tests from our reviewers, who review all aspects of laptops, from their materials to the tactile experience of its touchpad.
Arun is a self-published author and blogger with a passion for sharing his knowledge and expertise on Tech with people who are looking to find the perfect content for their needs. He tries to furnish you with genuine content about gadgets & tech that can assist you with deciding whether a gadget is appropriate according to your requirements or not.
